Phil Parkinson: Wrexham ‘special’ set for US comeback

Wrexham, preparing for a second successive season in the Championship, meet Leeds in Tampa on Sunday 26 July before facing Liverpool in New York four days later.

Their final pre-season game is against Parkinson’s former club Sunderland in Philadelphia on Sunday, August 2, with Wrexham co-owner Rob Mack.

Wrexham toured the US in 2023 and 2024 with opponents including Manchester United and Chelsea, and they return this year after spending the 2025 pre-season in Australia and New Zealand.

“Our three tours were absolutely incredible,” added Parkinson.

“The memories made on that trip and the games and the places we visited and the reception the club got in the US was absolutely amazing.

“We’re looking forward to going there again

“There was an air of anticipation going into this trip because of the stadium we’re playing in and obviously the opponents we’re playing against.

“Obviously we haven’t been there in two years, but the last time we went there, the attendance was right there.

“The atmosphere and the kind of support we had was great and it was good to take a player from another team with us.

“I know a lot of the players’ families are coming out to America, which is brilliant for them because their kids and parents and families are coming out and to have this experience with them is great.

“But obviously the boys know when we’re out there, there’s a real focus on what we need to do on the training pitch and in the games.”

Forward Ryan Hardie will miss the trip with a thigh strain, but Ryan Longman is set to resume full training during the trip to the States.

Elliott Lee, who missed last week’s 1-0 win over Manchester United in Helsinki, will also travel to the United States.

“He’s going to come on the tour because we think he should be in contention for the second match,” Parkinson said.

“But equally we want to keep Elliott with us because, physically, he’s in good shape.

“Even if he doesn’t get a lot of minutes there, it’s important to continue his training to maintain his fitness.”