IT was a case of no pain, no gain for Ollie Palmer in the second half of last season but the striker hopes the summer break has worked wonders for a niggling injury
The striker, who joined Wrexham from AFC Wimbledon for a club record fee of £300,000 in January 2022, struggled with a pelvis problem which flared up following the 2-1 win at Solihull Moors in the first game of 2023.
Despite being hampered by the issue, Palmer took medication to ensure he was available to play his part in the title race and he only missed one National League match throughout the campaign
Wrexham clinched automatic promotion and a return to the Football League following a 15-year absence, and Palmer recharged the batteries before returning for pre-season at the end of June.
Palmer, who was second top scorer last term behind Paul Mullin with 17 goals in all competitions, has reported no ill effects.
“It was good to get away with the family and let your hair down a little bit, and look back at the season and everything that we achieved,” said Palmer, who is expected to lead the line in Saturday’s opener against MK Dons at The Racecourse.
“You need a bit of downtime, freshen up and shake off any injuries that people may have had.
“I struggled with my pelvis from after the New Year game.
“I had to deal with that in the second half of the season; I still played a lot of games but that is what a lot of medication does for you!
“You always want to make yourself available and do everything you can to get out there to try and help the team, no-one is ever going to feel 100 per cent.
“It was something I had to endure but it wasn’t just me, other lads had to get along with injuries.
“I had more injections in the off-season which will hopefully help it to settle down and it has been fine so far in pre-season, it is feeling good.”
The players were put through their paces before heading off to America for a four-game pre-season tour as part of the preparations for the new League Two campaign.
“Pre-season has been good,” said Palmer. “It’s obviously been tough with double sessions but a lot of work has been put in to get as fit as possible and everyone has come back in great shape.”
Palmer enjoyed the America trip, where Wrexham played high profile friendlies against Chelsea, Manchester United, LA Galaxy II and Philadelphia Union II.
“It is good to have a pre-season like that, getting back out in front of big crowds as soon as possible and playing highly competitive games,” he added.
“Obviously the travelling was tiring but it is a great occasion for the football club.”
