In front of co-chairmen Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the Reds opened the 2024–25 season with a 3-2 victory over the Chairboys, securing their first post–promotion in 19 years.
Parkinson’s team started well and lead 2-0 after 29 minutes, courtesy of goals from Jack Marriott’s spectacular shot and Max Cleworth’s early goal.
Wycombe cut the deficit after the half, but with seven minutes left, replacement Steven Fletcher restored the two-goal lead, and Wrexham held on for the win even though the visitors—who were tenth in the division previous season—scored their second goal in the closing moments.
However, the Reds’ manager was just happy to record a victory on his first try.
Parkinson exclaimed, “I’m so happy. I thought it was a great football game.”
I thought we were excellent for the first thirty to thirty-five minutes; we accomplished everything we set out to do against their shape.
“We scored the goals and were in some excellent positions. They had a brief period of play prior to the break, but was that because they are a good side or because we were letting up a little?
We missed opportunities to expand the lead in the second half, but the third goal was crucial.
They were quite straightforward and careless, but did they really give us a lot of trouble? Not really.
It was a close game since they scored a few goals, but I don’t think we should be too picky.
“It’s a great effort from the lads and I am so pleased to get the first three points on the board.”
Wrexham, who are expected to challenge for an unprecedented third successive promotion under their Hollywood owners, won three points in front of more than 13,200 spectators on the big kickoff, and Parkinson thought his players handled the situation well.
“I think all-round there were a lot of good performances,” he stated.
With our first game back in this league in 19 years and the club’s high profile, there was always going to be a build-up.
“I’m really happy that we were able to concentrate on what needed to be done.
We practiced how to work against their system, and we occasionally took full advantage of it.
“A terrific atmosphere and three points on the board. You become numb to the reality; the summer has been long.
“To be standing on that touchline with the ground bouncing around.” The fans were excellent, and they have a big part to play for us.”
On the first day of the 2023–24 League Two season, MK Dons defeated Wrexham 5–3 in North Wales, bringing the National League champions back to earth. However, Parkinson believes his team is more prepared this time around.
“I think we’ve had a lot better pre-season first of all,” he stated.
We demonstrated it today, which is fantastic, and you could tell that we are in a better place.
“It was a tough start last year, we didn’t get too down about it because we kind of knew the reasons, and we are not going to get too high from this one.”
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