THE Wrexham players will undergo tests today before reporting back for pre-season training next week.

It's only five weeks ago that the Reds' promotion challenge came to an end after losing 5-4 to Grimsby Town in the National League play-off semi-final.

Manager Phil Parkinson, who celebrates his one-year anniversary in The Racecourse hotseat tomorrow, revealed that his sports science team gave all the players individual fitness programmes to carry out during the close season.

Training ahead of a 15th campaign in non-league is due to start on Monday and Parkinson, who released eight players earlier in the summer and is looking to add new signings to an already strong squad, can't wait to get going.

"The players are in for testing at the university on Thursday and Friday, and pre-season starts in earnest at the start of next week," said Parkinson.

"It will be good to see the lads again.

"Hopefully they have all had the opportunity to have a break with their families and we will look forward to going again early next week."

Wrexham will have just a month to prepare for the first game of the season on Saturday August 6, with the National League fixtures due to be released on Wednesday.

A number of friendlies have already been arranged as part of the build-up to the 2022-23 campaign and two matches will be held when Parkinson takes his players and staff to Alicante, Spain for a training camp.

The games will be played on Tuesday July 19 and Saturday July 23, with full details – including opposition, venues and kick-off times – due be confirmed.

Parkinson believes spending time away together will be hugely beneficial for his squad.

"Pre-season is so important as everybody knows," said Parkinson.

"Our trip away to a training base we are going to, which has got excellent facilities, will be a huge benefit for us.

"It is always good to get the squad away together in pre-season. It is important to have some intensive work with the players and obviously a couple of games.

"Hopefully by then there will be a few new additions and it will help the new players; it will give them time to integrate with the existing squad.

"It may also be an opportunity for a few of the youngsters to make that trip depending on how they look in pre-season."

Two domestic pre-season friendlies have also been confirmed.

The first will take place on Saturday July 16 against Nantwich Town, with kick-off at the Swansway Stadium scheduled for 3pm.

Wrexham are committed to the friendly as a thank you to the Northern Premier League side outfit for hosting last season’s FA Cup fourth qualifying round replay against Marine because work was being carried out on The Racecourse pitch.

The Reds have also lined-up a game against Macclesfield FC at The Racecourse on Saturday July 30, with a 3pm kick-off.