Phil Parkinson Speaks Out on League One Fixture Following Wrexham and Birmingham USA Proposal Controversy

The countdown to the 2024/25 domestic season has begun for Wrexham AFC. In just over a month, the Red Dragons will kick off with their fresh League One campaign. In the meantime, the official schedule calendar has been released, giving a heads-up to the Welsh side for making preparations accordingly. Speaking of fixtures, while Ryan Reynolds and Co. stirred controversy by proposing a game against Tom Brady’s Birmingham City in the US, Phil Parkinson is instead ‘looking forward’ to playing in the home stadiums of his upcoming League One rivals.

The Las Vegas vacation that Wrexham enjoyed as a reward for securing their second promotion has ended as now they are back to work for the new season. “Things become real when the fixtures are out,” said Parkinson in an interview and as compiled by The Leader. “It’s the first time in 19 years we are back in League One and it is amazing,” added the English boss, expressing delight over his side ending their 15-year exile from the Football League and now setting their sights on a third promotion.

But what remains the most compelling and privileged part is to play in the uncharted venues. “Now there’s the excitement of some of the grounds we are going to go to next season for our supporters,” he added. From traveling to stadiums of teams like Aldershot and Boreham Wood to finally playing at the home grounds of Birmingham and Bolton, Parkinson acknowledges Wrexham has come quite a long way.

“Some great stadiums to go and play at and it is going to be so exciting for everybody. We are really looking forward to it,” he concluded. Despite this excitement, why did Reynolds and Co. want to play one of their fixtures in the US?

Everything to know about the Wrexham vs Birmingham City face-off in the US

While Wrexham arrives fresh in League One, Tom Brady-owned Birmingham City is coming as a relegated side from the Championship. This would see both actors’ teams face each other in the new season. Subsequently, the Mirror reported that Reynolds and Brady had allegedly proposed that one of the fixtures between Wrexham and Birmingham be played in the US to capitalize on ‘increased commercial opportunities.’

However, the Daily Mail reported that the English Football League (EFL) officials ultimately rejected their proposal, citing numerous obstacles and potential backlash. This proposal did indeed stir controversy, as the Hollywood owners were questioned about their guiding principles. This forced Reynolds to clarify the situation, stating, “There have been no talks” about such a proposal in the first place.

With the picture regarding a potential Wrexham match to be held overseas cleared, Phil Parkinson can finally prepare for the new season in full swing.