IT’S one down and two to go and Phil Parkinson is especially looking forward to Wrexham’s next friendly in America.
The Reds have returned to the States for the third time, and first since 2024, for three games against Premier League sides.
Wrexham kicked off the pre-season tour in Florida with Saturday’s clash against Leeds United at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa ending in a thrilling 3-2 win for the Reds.
Parkinson’s men now travel to New York to face Liverpool at The Yankee Stadium in the early hours of Thursday morning before returning to Philadelphia’s Subaru Park - where Wrexham faced Philadelphia Union in 2023 - to take on Sunderland on Sunday August 2.
The Reds’ boss, who has revealed he hopes to announce a first signing this week, admits it will be “incredible” playing a match in New York against Premier League giants Liverpool.
“Obviously going to New York to play Liverpool at an iconic stadium is going to be something special,” he said.
“Let’s be honest with you, that’s just incredible playing in New York, it’s an absolute dream.”
The fixture in Philadelphia will have added significance for Wrexham co-owner Rob Mac who was born and raised in the city, while Parkinson had a short stint in charge of Sunderland where his current right hand man Steve Parkin was his assistant.
“Philadelphia is Rob Mac’s hometown,” he added. “To go there and play Sunderland, another club who have done brilliant the last few years.
“It’s a stadium we’ve been to before, a really good arena for football and playing against Sunderland, obviously me and Steve were there as manager and assistant manager for a short period.
“That’s kind of irrelevant really. It’s going to Rob’s hometown and putting on a show for him and his family as well.”
Wrexham, who toured Australia and New Zealand 12 months ago, are preparing for the new Championship season.
Parkinson believes being asked to return to America by promoters to face three top-flight sides is a sign of the progress made by Wrexham who secured a record-breaking three successive promotions before finishing seventh in the second-tier last term, only missing out on the play-offs by two points.
“If you look over the last few pre-seasons, particularly the American trips, we’ve had some really high-profile games,” he added.
“Those games - Chelsea, Bournemouth and Man United when we played them in San Diego - they’ve all been decent games.
“It’s a real privilege for us to be invited back there and be invited to play three Premier League clubs is quite amazing for us.”