The 2025/26 Championship season is officially back, with Wrexham set to play out their first game in 43 years on Saturday.
Wrexham travel to Southampton at 12:30pm UK time on August 9 as they look to cause an upset against a former Premier League side.
One former Birmingham City star has predicted a win for the Red Dragons, but most have suggested throughout the week it will be a win for the Saints.
Before Wrexham’s early kick-off on Saturday, however, the Championship returned on Friday evening, and the game was of interest to the Welsh club for a couple of reasons.
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Wrexham target Tommy Doyle makes debut for Birmingham City
The opening-day clash saw Birmingham play host to Ipswich Town on August 8.
The Blues won promotion from League One throughout the season and continue to be heavily linked this summer.
As well as their owners often exchanging words in interviews and on social media, Wrexham and Birmingham have been competing for several of the same players this term.
Both teams missed out on Harry Darling, who has signed for Norwich City.
Elsewhere, Wrexham wanted to sign Tommy Doyle from Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer, but he instead chose Birmingham.
Doyle featured on Friday in the Ipswich tie, coming off the bench in the 77th minute.
It was not the most exciting display from the Wolves loanee, and Birmingham Live have now shared their verdict on his display.
They gave Doyle a 6/10 rating and wrote: “Slotted into midfield just in front of Iwata and Paik but struggled to get on the ball with Ipswich in the ascendancy.”
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Wrexham target Nathan Broadhead features for Ipswich vs Birmingham
The second reason Friday’s opener was of interest to Wrexham was the involvement of Nathan Broadhead.
The Red Dragons have been trying to secure a £7.5m move for Broadhead, but manager Kieran McKenna has been reluctant to let the player leave.
McKenna’s desire to keep the winger around was made more evident against Birmingham when he was named on the bench and came on in the 68th minute when the Tractor Boys were a goal down.
The Ipswich boss did not comment on Broadhead post-match.