WREXHAM have become global sensations under their Hollywood owners and Ryan Barnett is just enjoying the moment.
The club's profile has exploded since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney completed their takeover at The Racecourse in February 2021, and the impact of the “Welcome to Wrexham” documentary has earned a new legion of fans in America where the Reds have arrived for a pre-season tour.
Wrexham, preparing for the new League One campaign after clinching back-to-back promotions for the first time in the club's history, will play two games in the Sates - against AFC Bournemouth in Santa Barbara tomorrow and Chelsea in Santa Clara next Wednesday - before heading to Canada for the first time to face Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place on July 27.
As last year's tour proved, the Americans can't get enough of Wrexham and Barnett still can't believe some of the experiences he has had since arriving at The Racecourse from Solihull Moors in February 2023, but the 24-year-old has dealt with being thrust into the limelight.
"It is weird because it has kind of become the norm," said the wing-back.
"When you take yourself out of it, you can't believe that it is all happening.
"You have got to take it in your stride and realise what an opportunity you've got here.
"For a club of our size to be doing the things that we are doing, it is an opportunity that I am sure nobody would ever turn down.
"Seeing the American fans again and playing the big teams we are coming up against will be great.
"It will be brilliant going to Canada and nice to see how many fans are over there as well.
"But even back at home, the fanbase has gone absolutely crazy, ridiculous.
"For the standard that we are at and to have the fanbase that we have got, it can only help the club going forward with revenue and things like that."
Barnett was taken aback by the level of support on Wrexham's first pre-season tour to America 12 months ago when Parkinson's men played high-profile friendlies against Manchester United and Chelsea.
"It did surprise me," he said.
"I couldn't believe how many fans were in the stadium, especially against Chelsea.
"I would say there were more Wrexham fans than Chelsea fans which is something I don't think anyone would have been able to say a few years ago!"
Wrexham began their pre-season programme with a 5-1 win against Hanley Town at Potteries Park last Saturday when Parkinson named a different team for each half.
A difference challenge awaits the Reds tomorrow when Barnett and his team-mates face Bournemouth who finished 12th in the Premier League last term but it is one that he is relishing.
"It is always a great experience to play against players of the quality that we are coming up against," he added.
"It is a challenge but it can only make you better having those experiences and we will relish the challenge."
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