Wrexham lost 2-1 away against Southampton in their opening Championship game of the 2025/26 season.
After winning promotion from League One last season, Wrexham opened their account in the Championship on Saturday afternoon, and with what was billed as a quite unwinnable game away at Southampton.
In the last few weeks, Wrexham have made a number of signings with eight having arrived at the Racecourse so far this summer, and four of those started the game against the Saints.
And come half-time, Phil Parkinson found his side with an unexpected lead thanks to a debut goal from one of the new boys Josh Windass, who scored from the spot.
And Wrexham more than held their own until the 90th minute when Southampton’s Ryan Manning curled an unstoppable free-kick into the back of the net. But that wasn’t the end of it.
Minutes before the final whistle, Saints captain Jack Stephens bundled one home as the game ended Southampton 2-1 Wrexham.
- READ MORE: Southampton manager hails ‘incredibly successful’ Wrexham and names one thing they do ‘really’ well
Conor Coady makes Wrexham debut vs Southampton
One player who made his debut for Wrexham on Saturday was Conor Coady. Experienced defender Coady signed for Wrexham from Leicester City and started in the heart of defence, with Max Cleworth and Lewis Brunt either side of him, and straight away it was clear that Coady was a commanding presence at the back for Wrexham.
He got his head on everything and one particular moment at the end of the second half caught the eye with Coady clearing one off the line and then blocking the follow-up shot from Southampton.
The 32-year-old looked solid throughout and Wrexham fans were quick to point out just how good he was on social media.
- READ MORE: Wrexham boss responds when asked if he’s set to sign Liverpool’s Lewis Koumas or Wolves’ Pedro Lima
Wrexham fans hail ‘immense’ Conor Coady after Southampton
After that first half incident, Wrexham fans jumped to social media to sing their praises of Coady. One Wrexham fan posted: “Unbelievable defending from Coady there.”
Others quickly weighed in, highlighting his overall performance on his Wrexham debut. “Conor Coady is an absolute Rolls Royce,” said one Wrexham supporter, as another added: “Coady could be the signing of the season, rock solid.”
Other Dragons fans quickly weighed in with comments such as, “What a signing Coady is,” and a similar comment read: “Conor Coady looks like he could be a crucial signing.”
Meanwhile, this Wrexham supporter posted: “Conor Coady looks excellent so far. He’s a great fit for this specific role in this specific team.”
Wrexham’s next game is in the EFL Cup first round on Tuesday at home to Championship rivals Hull City.