PHIL PARKINSON says the League Two promotion challenge is more enjoyable than last season’s title race because there was so much pressure on Wrexham to end the non-league nightmare.
The Reds were pushed all the way by Notts County in 2022-23 in the battle for the one automatic promotion place but were eventually crowned champions following a record-breaking campaign.
Back in the Football League after a 15-year absence, Wrexham have gone from strength to strength and are well-placed in the quest for a top-three finish in the fourth tier.
Saturday’s brilliant 3-1 win at Grimsby leaves the Reds three points behind leaders Mansfield who visit The Racecourse on Friday for a top of the table clash.
Stockport are second and one point ahead of the Reds with a game in hand and fourth placed MK Dons are three adrift of Parkinson’s side having played a match more, while Crewe Alexandra and Barrow are also in the mix.
It’s tight at the top but Parkinson, whose side have seven games left, says everyone is thriving on being involved in another promotion push.
“The pressure last season was immense because another failure for the club to get out of the National League would have been so difficult to take,” said the Reds’ boss.
“There is no less desire this season to achieve but last season you could feel the tension.
“You could cut the tension with a knife towards the end of the season because of what had gone on in the past and the near passes so we put that to bed with the promotion.
“This year is more enjoyable and we really have got to enjoy this because we are in a new division, we have coped really well and we are in a great position.
“The lads are thriving on it and as you saw against Grimsby, I don’t think there was any element where the lads looked pressured.
“There was a nice calmness about us when we got in and around the opposition box which we needed.
“It was a great win and we have just got to keep enjoying each and every game, and we are.
“It is a buzz to be in and around the top of this division.”
