Wrexham Football Club is gearing up for a renewed push for promotion to the Premier League after narrowly missing out on the Championship play-offs last season. The Red Dragons finished seventh, just two points shy of securing a play-off place, marking a pause in their rapid ascent from non-League football through the divisions under manager Phil Parkinson.

Key to Wrexham’s challenge remains attacking midfielder Josh Windass, who scored 16 goals in the Championship last season, a tally surpassed by just three players, two of whom have since moved to Premier League clubs. Windass, 32, missed Wrexham’s pre-season activities due to a calf injury sustained at the start of the summer break, but he is expected to return as a vital component of the team’s ambitions.

Windass expressed confidence that Wrexham can maintain their upward trajectory. “The aim is top two and if you can’t get there then it’s the next best spot. We expect to be in and around those positions,” he said. He added that the club has demonstrated it is now viewed as a serious contender in the Championship, citing the team’s quality and the experience gained during the previous campaign.

Last season, Wrexham invested significantly in their squad with 13 new signings, assembling a team that Windass described as “Championship-ready” from the start. From mid-season onwards, the club ranked among the top three or four Championship teams statistically, suggesting strong form that could be built upon in the coming months.

Windass also spoke candidly about his role and mindset, claiming a deep-seated belief in his abilities that has been a constant throughout his career. He acknowledged the inconsistency often associated with his position but highlighted his goal-scoring record as evidence of his impact. Comparatively, only Finn Azaz of Southampton has come close to matching his goal output from the No.10 role over the past two or three seasons.

With the core of last season’s squad retained and further adjustments expected before the campaign begins, Wrexham’s focus is firmly on securing automatic promotion or a play-off spot in their bid to reach the Premier League for the first time. Manager Phil Parkinson’s side will look to build on their strong finish last term to continue the club’s remarkable rise through the English football pyramid.