BRYAN HUGHES believes the pre-season training camp in Portugal will be a key part of Wrexham's build up to the 2019-20 campaign.

Wrexham are planning for a 12th season in non-league and the Reds will head to the Algarve from July 7-10 where a match will be held against local opposition.

It is the third year in a row that Wrexham will embark on the venture and Hughes, who played in the Premier League for Birmingham, Charlton and Hull, welcomed the trip.

"It is something I became accustomed to as a player," added Hughes.

"A couple of teams that I played for, it was part of the tradition to go away on pre-season tours.

"I think it is a really good thing for the club's point of view. I know Wrexham have done it the last couple of seasons now, it will be my first time with the club doing it and I am really looking forward to it.

"I think it brings out good team bonding elements for the players.

"New signings will be coming in and it is picking spirits up; obviously it was a disappointing end to the season so I think it is a really good thing to do."

Hughes has announced five friendlies as part of preparations for the new season which kicks off on Saturday August 3.

Pre-season begins with a friendly at Cefn Druids on Saturday June 29 before the Reds head to the training camp in Portugal.

Hughes takes his side to Telford United on Saturday July 13 while Wrexham have a home friendly against Stoke City on Wednesday July 17.

Wrexham are back on the road at Curzon Ashton on Saturday July 20 before completing their schedule with a home game against Crewe Alex on Saturday July 27.

"I have been trying to plan pre-season since I came in and took the job," said Hughes, appointed manager in February.

"I am looking for about six games in total. Hopefully that will get us firing and ready for next year's campaign."

The club hope to add another fixture at The Racecourse - no music concerts taking place at the stadium this summer means Wrexham can plan home friendlies - and Hughes, who will already pit his wits against Championship side Stoke, would love another high profile game.

"We all want big games at home," added Hughes. "You want to get some of the big clubs - Premier League clubs or ex-Premier League clubs with Premier League players in it.

"One or two would be good where we can get a good attendance in and give the fans a decent game to watch, and more importantly give us a test against some of them teams who have got them quality players and get us ready for the start of the season."

n Striker Scott Quigley, who was on loan at Wrexham during the 2017-18 season, has signed a three year deal at Barrow following his release by Blackpool.