PHIL PARKINSON says a combination of hard work and quality in the squad is the key to success as Wrexham aim to live-up to their billing as automatic promotion favourites.

The Reds kick-off a 15th campaign in non-league against Eastleigh at The Racecourse tomorrow with a full-house expected.

Bookmakers believe Wrexham, who finished runners-up to Stockport last term before losing to Grimsby in the play-off semi-final, are the team to beat this season with Parkinson adding six new signings over the summer and retaining the services of his key players.

The Reds boss is looking forward to the challenge, stating: "We know there are expectations but we are ready to deal with that.

"The lads are in good shape, we have had a decent pre-season and we are ready for action.

"It is the start of the season, it was a decent performance against Macclesfield and we are looking to take that performance into the Eastleigh game.

"But we have got no divine to win any game, we have got to be right at the races like we were against Macclesfield.

"Every game we have got to earn the right to get a result by sheer honesty and endeavour first and foremost, and then hopefully the quality we have got on the pitch will win us the game."

Parkinson is setting his sights high but knows other teams will also be gunning for the title, with the likes of Notts County, Chesterfield, Solihull and Dagenham expected to be Wrexham's main rivals for top spot.

"A few other teams have got the ambition to be top of the league," said Parkinson.

"Obviously that has got to be our ambition, that has got to be the drive and determination.

"But we have got to make sure that we don't get too carried away with ourselves.

"We are pleased with the squad we have pieced together, we have got to integrate the new players which we will do as we go along but the lads are ready."

Parkinson has signed goalkeeper Rory Watson as a short-term back-up on a non-contract basis, after Christian Dibble sustained a serious knee injury.

Already without Rob Lainton, Parkinson saw Dibble forced off in Tuesday's final pre-season friendly against Caenarfon Town.

Watson, who was most recently at Scunthorpe United, started his career at Hull City and has also had loan spells with Gainsborough Trinity and North Ferriby.

The 26-year-old will be in the squad against Eastleigh with Dibble now facing a spell on the sidelines.