Forget Hardie, one Wrexham star has shown Phil Parkinson he is Championship level after brilliant display

Wrexham’s comfortable victory over Melbourne Victory saw one player show incredible promise that Phil Parkinson will love.

Wrexham beat Melbourne Victory in the first pre-season game for the first team, with Phil Parkinson’s side running out as comfortable victors.

The Red Dragons got off to a slow start in the first half, understandably, with it being the first 90 minutes of action of pre-season for the team, but they still managed to go into the break with a one-goal advantage.

Wrexham then took full control in the second stanza after Parkinson made wholesale changes to the squad. Ryan Hardie notably bagged his first goal for the club after instinctively getting on the end of a cross, something that left Wrexham fans impressed.

However, aside from Hardie, there was one man who showed particular promise during his stint.

Wrexham winger Ryan Longman shows his class in brilliant performance vs Melbourne Victory

The first 45 minutes saw Ryan Longman start on the right flank for Wrexham, where he showed brilliant pace and energy throughout his appearance.

With it being the first game of pre-season, there are always expectations that players will look jagged and off the pace, but Longman showed signs of a player who has not had any time off.

On top of his fast pace, where he was able to consistently get the better of Melbourne Victory full-back Adama Traore, his crossing was pinpoint, often finding Ollie Palmer in space.

Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Ryan Longman’s Championship experience will be crucial this season

Wrexham are in need of further recruits ahead of the 2025/26 Championship season, particularly due to concerns around the lack of experience at the top level.

As a result, any experience they do currently have in the squad will be crucial for the Red Dragons, including Ryan Longman.

Longman has notched Championship experience for both Hull City and Millwall, and will likely play a crucial role in Parkinson’s side this season as he returns to the familiar territory of the second tier.

If Wrexham are going to endure success this season, Longman is one player who needs to be on top form. After his showing against Melbourne, Parkinson will now be more optimistic that Longman can hit the heights this season.