LUKE BOLTON believes the winning mentality in the group helped Wrexham get over the line and secure a second promotion in a row for the first time in the club’s history.

The competition for a top-three finish in League Two was fierce but Phil Parkinson’s men stepped up to the plate when it mattered most in the run-in, securing automatic promotion with two games to spare.

Wrexham thrashed Forest Green Rovers 6-0 on April 13 to guarantee League One football next season and the Reds refused to take the foot off the gas when the pressure was off, ending the season with five successive wins.

The Reds found form when they needed to and Bolton, who arrived at The Racecourse from Salford City during the January transfer window, says that speaks volumes about the mindset of the players and staff.

“There were a few games which were close and we were thinking ‘should we have taken the three points there?’” said the wing-back.

“But we then kicked on, went on a run and got ourselves promoted.

“We have got a winning mentality in the group and it really helped. You get a few wins under your belt and it is the momentum.

“Especially when we play at The Racecourse, the fans get behind us and they push us over the line.

“Some games are tough and you might need to get a late winner but that’s what winners do.

“They don’t stop and they will always find a way so it is testament to the group and the staff that we have got that winning mentality.”

Bolton began his career at Manchester City and had loan spells with Wycombe Wanderers, Luton Town and Dundee United before joining Salford.

The 24-year-old has previous experience of League One and be believes Wrexham can handle the step-up.

“I am buzzing to be back in League One,” added Bolton, who signed a contract with the Reds until the end of the 2025-26 season.

“I had a loan spell in the division with Wycombe and I feel like we can go on and achieve what we want.

“It will be difficult next season but I am sure we will adapt and I am sure we will find ourselves pushing.”

Bolton, battling it out with Ryan Barnett for a starting place on the right wing, made more substitute appearances than starts.

But although he’d love to play more regularly, you won’t find Bolton sulking and he has nothing but praise for his team-mate.

“The boys have been great since I joined,” added Bolton. “I have really enjoyed it here.

“Maybe I haven’t played as much as I wanted but testament to Barney, he has been class.

“In the two games before Crewe, he scored two goals. I can’t argue with that.

“Barney and I have a good relationship and there’s a good, competitive edge between us both.

“He has been good and I feel like when I have come in, I have done well.

“There’s good competition on that right side.”