Wrexham not in Championship 'to make up numbers'

George Thomason was a youngster at Blackpool

Wrexham midfielder George Thomason says the club can be competitive in the Championship this season.

The Dragons are in English football's second tier for the first time in 43 years after securing a third successive automatic promotion last season.

Thomason joined Wrexham from Bolton Wanderers on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee in July.

"We're not just here to make numbers up - we're here to win football matches," Thomason told BBC Sport Wales as Wrexham looked forward to opening their campaign at Southampton next Saturday (12:30 BST).

"We want to have a real good crack at it. Who says you can't go and have a real good go at it?

"Each time they've been promoted they've had questions asked of them, can they go again? And they have.

"It's a team and group and culture of knowing how to win, so it's exciting.

"From the fixtures that they've probably been away in the National League just a couple of years ago to now playing the likes of Southampton, West Brom, Leicester in this division, it's a credit to everyone involved at the football club,

"I believe the fans absolutely deserve it as well."

Thomason, who scored 13 goals in 169 appearances for Bolton, is one of seven new signings manager Phil Parkinson has made so far during the close season.

The 24-year-old said that he did not need much persuasion by Parkinson to join the north Wales club, owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

"He's a manager that's been around the game for many, many years, and as I keep alluding to he's been very successful," Thomason added.

"He didn't have to sell me too much on what the club's all about.

"He told me massively about the culture and the ambition of where we want to stride towards and that's something I really want to be a part of.

"From the outside looking in and stuff it's been a real successful club on and off the pitch and they've shown real ambition.

"So, it's exciting to join right now - it's an exciting time to be part of the football club."