LUKE YOUNG didn’t score during Phil Parkinson’s first season in The Racecourse hotseat but the Reds’ boss does not doubt the midfielder’s shooting ability.

“Luke was frustrated one of those shots he had didn’t end up in the back of the net,” said Parkinson, who saw his skipper net from the spot as Wrexham rounded off their pre-season tour in Spain with a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest Under 21s.

“But he is a very good striker of the ball, I am sure that will come but he played his role.”

Young might not have scored, and there was no promotion to celebrate, but Wrexham finished the season as the top scorers in the division with 91 goals in 44 matches.

The Reds’ topped the century mark with goals in cup competitions and Parkinson is looking for more of the same in 2022-23 with a tight defence.

“We were free-scoring and we hope to be the same this year,” added Parkinson, whose final pre-season encounter before the start of the National League season will be at home to Macclesfield on Saturday.

“Obviously the aim is to be a real threat going one way and make sure that we are strong defensively.

“Getting the balance right in any team in any division is the key to success.”

Star striker Paul Mullin will be key to Wrexham’s goalscoring exploits this season.

Exactly one year after signing for Wrexham, Mullin spoke to the club’s official website about his love for the club.

Mullin ended up as the National League’s top goalscorer, while also picked up the club’s player and goal of the season awards respectively and he said: “I’ve loved my first year here.

“As I mentioned when I signed, this isn’t a National League club. It should be much higher up the pyramid and that’s what we’re all aiming for.

“I’m still as excited now as I was on the day I arrived. To see the club moving forward, to see the crowds we’re attracting, it’s magnificent. We want to repay that support this season.”

“The support I’ve had has been unbelievable, but it’s not about me, it’s about everyone,” he added.

“At the same time, it’s not something you get to experience everywhere, so it’s something I always cherish.

“The support is something I love my little boy and my family to witness, so I can’t thank the fans enough for the support they’ve given me. It’s lifted me every single week.”

Mullin didn’t feature in Saturday’s game against Forest that was played at the club’s Hotel Golf Campoamor base in Alicante but there was a 25-minute run-out for central defender Harry Lennon, as he made his return from a long injury lay-off.

Lennon was replaced by Jordan Tunnicliffe who featured for the first time after his summer move to The Racecourse.

Parkinson, who has also signed keeper Mark Howard and attacker Elliot Lee, is keen to add more quality before the Reds kick off the National League season at home to Eastleigh on August 6.