STEVE PARKIN is not feeling the burden of pressure just because expectations are high at The Racecourse.

Phil Parkinson's side kick-off a 15th campaign in non-league with tomorrow's home game against Eastleigh.

It was just over two months ago that Wrexham's promotion challenge came to an end following a play-off semi-final defeat to Grimsby after taking the title race down to the wire.

Runners-up in 2021-22, bookmakers have installed the Reds as big favourites for automatic promotion this term after Parkinson retained the services of his key players and made six new signings over the summer.

But assistant manager Parkin insists Wrexham said: "I think that we have to embrace the fact that we are a big club in the division that we are in.

"We get terrific support both home and away, should that be a pressure?

"Not really, not for me.

"It should be something to be embraced that the fans get right behind us and they can be our 12th man on a Saturday, both home and away."

Jordan Tunnicliffe, Mark Howard, Elliot Lee, Anthony Forde, Sam Dalby and Jacob Mendy have all arrived at The Racecourse and Parkin added: "The new boys are only just settling in but they are really looking forward to the challenge just like the rest of the group who have made them really welcome.

"We are really looking forward to it and the expectations are always going to be there at every club to start with.

"Every single supporter wants and expects their club to do well, whether it is a small club or a big club, so the expectations we have got are no different to anybody else.

"Let's embrace them and hopefully have a successful season."

Midfielder James Jones wants to make up for last season's disappointment by going one step further this term and end the club's Football League exile.

"Obviously everyone expects us to do well with what is going in with the club," said Jones.

"Everyone is fully aware of that but we are not shying away from it.

"It is up to us to take that pressure on, go one step further and do what we all want to do."