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07/08 04:02 CDT Wrexham lands Down Under for preseason tour and welcomed as a
'hot ticket' in world soccer
Wrexham lands Down Under for preseason tour and welcomed as a 'hot ticket' in
world soccer
By STEVE DOUGLAS
AP Sports Writer
Wrexham, the Welsh soccer team co-owned by "Deadpool" actor Ryan Reynolds, has
arrived Down Under for its latest preseason tour overseas --- and where more
apt to start than Marvel Stadium.
The Wrexham squad has landed in Melbourne for the first of three tour games to
get ready for a first season in 43 years in English soccer's second tier,
having just secured a third straight promotion.
Playing in Australia and New Zealand --- after recent preseason tours to the
United States --- is part of an effort to spread Wrexham's global footprint
that has been supercharged by the popular "Welcome to Wrexham" fly-on-the-wall
documentary.
"We want the lads to enjoy these games and the experience," Wrexham manager
Phil Parkinson said after arriving in Melbourne.
"Everyone has to raise their game in all areas," he added about Wrexham's
recent growth, "and that's what it is all about. There's a huge passion from
our supporters in Wrexham and I can imagine there'll be a lot of bleary-eyed
supporters staying up through the night to watch the games."
After playing Melbourne Victory at Marvel Stadium on Friday, Wrexham takes on
Sydney FC on Tuesday and Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand on July 19.
"We're not here on a holiday," Wrexham captain James McClean said. "It's great
to come and see new things, new experiences but we're here to work, we're here
to prepare for the new season. It's going to be the toughest challenge yet, by
far."
Melbourne Victory coach Arthur Diles said playing the team owned by Reynolds
and fellow Hollywood star Rob McElhenney is a chance for his own club "to grow
our brand and the football market of Australia internationally."
"Wrexham's a hot ticket at the moment in world football," he told News Corp.
Australia.
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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
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