‘Licking their lips’ – Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson sends promotion warning as Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s side take aim at League One

The Red Dragons have shown that they can hold their nerve at the business end of a gruelling campaign, with the threat of Notts County fended off last season when landing the National League title in record-breaking style. Wrexham are now enjoying life back in the EFL, with collective sights being set on securing a place in League One.

Parkinson has said of that bid, with Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney and Co having 11 games left to take in: “It is all to play for and you can see the lads really licking their lips and ready for the run-in. We have got a group of players who enjoy this time of the season. They showed it last year and even during my first season at the club, we did well in the run-in and chased Stockport down. I just sense that the whole club is ready for the last 11 games. That is what a football season is all about, being involved at the cutting edge of the division come the last quarter of the season. That's where we wanted to be and that's where we are. Now we will give it everything in terms of our preparation, our training standards and everything we can to give ourselves the best chance in each and every game.”

Wrexham only had to contend with County last season, but are part of a top-five pack in League Two that are separated by just five points. Parkinson added on a thrilling race to the finish: “Once we'd shaken Chesterfield off last year, it became a two-horse race and we didn't have to look at too many other results apart from Notts County. It's a slightly difference dynamic this season because you are looking at more teams but it's we are really enjoying being part of a very competitive division and it's a very exciting run-in ahead.”

Wrexham sit third in the table as things stand, three points adrift of leaders Mansfield, and will be back in action on Saturday when taking in a trip to Morecambe – with Parkinson aware of the need to improve away form at a crucial stage of the campaign.