WREXHAM have the tour to North America to look forward to but Eoghan O'Connell is pleased the Reds will be in action before heading over the pond.
Phil Parkinson's men, preparing for the new League One campaign which kicks-off with a home game against Wycombe Wanderers on August 10, begin their pre-season programme against Hanley Town tomorrow.
Around 1,000 fans will be present at Potteries Park for the clash with the Northern Premier League Division One West side and centre-back O'Connell, who helped the Reds finish runners-up in League Two last term to secure a second promotion in a row for the first time in the club's history, can't wait to get back on the pitch playing.
"All the lads have enjoyed the first couple of weeks of pre-season," said O'Connell.
"It has been tough but we had a long enough break so I think everyone was excited to be back and we are all looking forward to the first game on Saturday.
"The best part of pre-season is when the games start because you know most of the running is likely to stop.
"I think there is going to be a good crowd at Hanley.
"It should be a good day for both clubs. We are looking forward to it and I am sure they are as well.
"It is nice to get the first friendly and kick off the games."
Wrexham play two friendlies in America against AFC Bournemouth and Chelsea before heading to Canada for the first time to face Vancouver Whitecaps.
Hanley away in Stoke on Trent may be less glamorous but O'Connell is glad Reds' fans not going on the US tour will see their side play a friendly.
"It is nice for us to have a game before we go to America and it is nice for the fans to be able to get to one," he said.
"It will be good to have the fans there and I sure they are looking forward to it too."
Midfielder George Dobson, who spent the last three seasons at Charlton Athletic, is is line to get his first Wrexham run-out tomorrow after penning a three-year deal at The Racecourse.
O'Connell was a former team-mate at The Valley and says Wrexham supporters will "grow to love" the 26-year-old.
"I have played with him twice because we were on loan together at Walsall in 2017 as well so I have known him years," added O'Connell.
"We have kept in touch since then and played together again at Charlton so we are good friends.
"When he rang me and said it looked like he was coming to Wrexham I was delighted and he will be a brilliant addition on and off the pitch.
"The gaffer has worked with him before so he knows that and I think he is a player the fans will grow to love just from the way he is and the way he plays on the pitch.
"It is a superb signing, to get one of the best midfielders in the league like that is great for us so we are delighted to have him."
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