TOM O'CONNOR is looking forward to another trip across the pond but he knows there will be a lot of hard work before the Reds embark on the Wrex Coast Tour.

Wrexham, who finished runners-up in League Two last term to secure back-to-back promotions for the first time in the club's history, report back for pre-season training today to begin preparing for the new League One campaign which kicks off on Saturday August 10 with a home game against Wycombe Wanderers.

Phil Parkinson's players can expect some tough sessions ahead of the opening friendly against Northern Premier League Division One West outfit Hanley Town at Potteries Park on Saturday July 13.

The Reds then head to America to play two games against AFC Bournemouth in Santa Barbara (July 20) and Chelsea in Santa Clara (July 24) before moving on to Canada for the first time to face Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place (July 27).

Last year's tour to America, which included high profile friendlies against Premier League giants Manchester United and Chelsea, was a huge hit and although O'Connor is excited by Wrexham's latest venture, he knows the players will be pushed to the limit in training over the coming weeks.

"I think it is about two weeks into pre-season training that we go to America," said O'Connor, who has featured at centre-back and in midfield since arriving at The Racecourse from Burton Albion in January 2022.

"It was a great trip last year and some brilliant experiences.

"We played the friendlies against Manchester United and Chelsea which gave us a lot of coverage, and the American teams, and there are some good fixtures this year as well as the trip to Vancouver which I am sure will be a good game too.

"I am looking forward to the tour, it will be nice, but I am not really looking at it too much.

"We have probably got a good few tough sessions to get through before then!"

It's back to business today for O'Connor and his team-mates following an enjoyable off-season.

Going straight up to the third tier, and avoiding the play-offs, meant the players got an extended break but the 25-year-old can't wait to get back into the swing of things following two months off.

"We all knew that would come with winning automatic promotion so it was nice to get that little extra break," said O'Connor.

"It is a long season and it does take it out of you. You need to switch off for a few weeks.

"It is nice to have a little break and go home or spend time with family and friends.

"But you get to the stage where you are looking forward to getting back into a bit of a routine again and getting back for pre-season training."