Wrexham are over hurt of last season

Callum Doyle joined Wrexham from Manchester City in 2025 [Getty Images]

Defender Callum Doyle says Wrexham have got over the hurt of missing out on promotion to the Premier League last season.

The Red Dragons narrowly missed out on the Championship play-offs after failing to beat Middlesbrough on the final day of the 2025-26 campaign.

Wrexham finished seventh, two points behind eventual play-off winners Hull City, but Doyle believes they can go one better next year and at least finish in the top six.

"On a personal level, it does hurt a lot when you miss out like we did," said Doyle, who is preparing to face Premier League giants Liverpool in Wrexham's next pre-season game.

"We worked so hard to try to get in the play-off places so losing out on the final day was really gutting.

"But we're over it now and we're ready for the new season. Hopefully we can get the job done this time."

Wrexham AFC

Wrexham close in on Palace defender Imray

Wrexham are yet to strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign, though they are close to signing Crystal Palace defender Danny Imray .

Doyle, who joined Wrexham in the summer of 2025 from Manchester City, believes the squad is good enough to challenge for automatic promotion, even in a Championship containing the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Ham United and Burnley.

"I don't think the lads feel any certain pressure - it wouldn't be a failure if we missed out," said the 22-year-old.

"But we want to get into the play-offs, or push for the top two.

"I don't see why we can't think like that."

Wrexham's preparations for the new season continue with a glamorous friendly against Liverpool at the Yankee Stadium in New York.

Phil Parkinson's team are hoping for a hat-trick of Premier League scalps, having beaten Manchester United in Helsinki and Leeds United in the opening game of their US tour, in Tampa, Florida.

"I'm buzzing. I think all the lads are really excited about this Liverpool game," said Doyle.

"I've actually played at the stadium before (on a pre-season tour with Manchester City), but obviously some of our boys won't have experienced it before.

"For most, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play at such a good stadium against such a good team."

Wrexham will again be without Josh Windass, the forward still struggling with a calf problem that ruled him out of the 3-2 win over Leeds.

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →