Midfielder James Jones is relishing the big occasions at Wrexham, having already made an impression on supporters since arriving at the Racecourse Ground.
Jones, who signed from Lincoln City in the transfer window, hailed the impact of supporters in the two recent 1-0 home wins against Woking and Dagenham & Redbridge – both of which were played in front of crowds of more than 8,000.
Jones wants Wrexham to turn the Racecourse Ground into a fortress but insists the Red Dragons’ travelling support will have a big role to play when Wrexham visit Stockport at the weekend too.
Speaking after the Dagenham win, Jones said: “I think it’s important that we make the Racecourse a fortress, especially having more than 8,000 fans again backing the lads, it makes a real difference.
“We wanted to show a reaction from the disappointment against Grimsby and I thought first half we played some really good football and dominated it.
“Second half it became a bit scrappy, and we had to dig deep and hold on and that’s where the supporters came into their own and got us over the line.
“I want to be involved in those games with big atmospheres and that’s what you get with Wrexham.”
Paul Mullin’s 25-yard wonder strike proved to be the difference between the two sides and secured the three points as his curled effort nestled itself into the top corner.
Saturday’s victory wasn’t without its nervy moments; Rob Lainton once again provided a match-winning save, denying Dagenham’s joint top scorer Paul McCallum from point blank range, and Jones believes moments like those will propel you up the league.
“That’s what we’re going to need this season and Paul and Rob both had two moments of real quality that got us over the line in the end,” he said.
“It’s going to need players to step up in big moments and I thought Max Cleworth was excellent when he came on putting in some really important tackles and blocks to keep us in front.
“It’s not just those that are in the starting eleven that are making a difference but the whole squad is going in the same direction and we’re all stepping up in crucial moments.”
Jones was one of ten summer signings by Phil Parkinson and most of his experience lies within the Football League.
Progressing through the academy at Crewe Alexandra, making 167 appearances before moving onto former National League winners Lincoln City in League One, Jones revealed it was the draw of the ‘special story’ which brought him to the club.
“For a lot of us players including myself, this project is why I joined the club; to be a part of that journey,” he said.
“Obviously we are aware of the things that are happening around us but once we get out onto the training ground it’s just business as usual and we prepare as best we can to get three points every matchday.
“The wealth of experience that Phil Parkinson has was another factor for me joining the club.
“I’ve really enjoyed playing for him and the Club so far and he’s brought in coaches that have that level of experience as well.
“The training has been enjoyable and hopefully we can keep our performances going in the league and winning football matches.”
Ahead of this weekend’s trip to Stockport, Wrexham sit just outside the play-off places in eighth position, four points clear of the hosts who sit in 11th.
Among the title favourites, County’s start has been far from expected and Jones expects that they will be looking for a quick reaction from last weekend’s defeat to Halifax when the two clubs meet at Edgeley Park.
“I don’t think Stockport have had the start they would have wanted, losing a few games, but it’s going to be a really tough game and we’ll need our fantastic away support once again,” he said.
“They’ll want a reaction from their defeat against Halifax and I’d be surprised if they aren’t in the top few places at the end of the season, so we know we’re going to be in for a tough game.
“We were all disappointed to lose against Grimsby and we used that as ammunition today to win last weekend and I know Stockport will do that against us.”
The match will pit Jones against former Wrexham man John Rooney in the middle of the park. The game, at Edgeley Park, takes place on Saturday September 25 and kicks off at 3pm.