PHIL PARKINSON expects his players to be "buzzing" when they report back for pre-season training today and excited by the challenge that lies ahead.

On the day that he celebrates his third anniversary as Wrexham manager, it's back to business for the Reds' players and staff.

Wrexham finished second in League Two last term, securing back-to-back promotions for the first time in the club's history, and going straight up gave everyone a longer summer break.

But Parkinson has been busy planning for the Reds' first campaign in League One for 19 years and he says spirits will be high in the camp as preparations begin for the opening day clash with Wycombe Wanderers at The Racecourse on Saturday August 10.

"We had three days of testing last week but pre-season starts officially today," said Parkinson.

"The lads have had a good break, the benefit of getting promoted early is you get longer time off.

"It is a long season and all the players and staff deserve some time in the summer to recharge physically and mentally, and get away and spend time with their families.

"That is really important because as everybody knows, once the season starts it is full-on and the games come thick and fast but we will be ready for it come August.

"They have all been working hard in the off-season and everybody is really eager to get started again now.

"There's great excitement when you have gone into a new division. We had it last year with the first season back in the Football League and the next step is League One.

"There's going to be a real buzz about the place because it is great - it has been 19 years since the club was last in League One.

"That's a heck of a long time for a club of this stature."