The Leader:

NEW recruit Luke Summerfield admits it was a "big surprise" and a "massive bonus" when he found out Wrexham were going to Portugal for a pre-season tour.

The 30-year-old midfielder penned a one-year deal at The Racecourse and last night he arrived with the Reds' party at their base in Villamoura in the Algarve.

Summerfield boasts a wealth of experience having played in for the Football League for Plymouth Argyle, Bournemouth, Leyton Orient, Cheltenham Town, Shrewsbury Town, York City, and Grimsby Town, who he left at the end of last season after rejecting a contract offer.

However, training breaks abroad have not been a feature of Summerfield's career and he is delighted to get the chance with Wrexham.

"I couldn't believe it when a few of the boys told me and the gaffer mentioned it to me," said Summerfield. "It is a big surprise.

"The clubs I have been at, it has been a standard pre-season; you get your local games and maybe opposition higher up. For me personally, it is a massive bonus going to Portugal.

"Obviously clubs in this league or the league above don't have the facilities or the backing to go abroad and I think it is a big thing for the club, get everybody together.

"It is a big bonus with a few new bodies coming in to try and bed us in early. I have heard it is a great group of lads, hopefully I can add to it and settle in really well.

"I have heard amazing stories about the fans going over there so that is a big bonus and hopefully as a squad we will bond together and really strive for success."

Summerfield and his team-mates will be put through their paces in an open training session being held at Vale do Lobo this afternoon.

Sam Ricketts' men will face Portuguese third tier side Louletano Desportes Club in a friendly at the 30,305 seat capacity Estádio Algarve, located near the town of Almancil, tomorrow evening.

It is the second year in a row that Wrexham have spent time in the region during pre-season and Summerfield has heard positive stories about the trip 12 months ago.

"I spoke to a lot of staff members and they can't speak highly enough of the trip last year," said Summerfield.

"Everybody is looking forward to it and I am really looking forward to it as well. It will be a good experience for me.

"I heard last year was a big success and hopefully this year can be an even bigger one."

Although he has a loan spell at Macclesfeld in 2017, Summerfield has spent the majority of his career playing in the Football League.

Eager to make a big impression when Wrexham kick-off an 11th season in non-league, Summerfield says he will give everything to try and make it a successful campaign for the club.

"The majority of my career has been in the Football League but I am really eager to do what I can for Wrexham," said Summerfield.

"It's not about me, it is about the football club and hopefully we have a successful season.

"Obviously our aim is to get back in the league and everybody will strive to that.

"Whatever I can do to make this club successful, I will try my utmost."

Even though he turns 31 in December, Summerfield insists his game can still improve and he is looking forward to working with Reds' boss Sam Ricketts.

"I am not a midfielder who puts a bracket on myself; I can do this, I can do that," added Summerfield.

"I would like to think I have been brought up with great coaches throughout my career and I have tried to improve under every coach.

"Even talking to the gaffer here, I know I can improve as a player under him and I will try my best at everything.

"Whatever role he sees me in, I will do my best to help the club succeed."

Don't miss our exclusive coverage of Wrexham AFC in Portugal all this week, in the Leader and online.

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