Wrexham’s Championship kick-off is now just days away as Phil Parkinson looks for an opening-day victory at Southampton.
Wrexham beat Charlton Athletic to secure promotion over three months ago, and the big Championship kick-off is almost here.
After months of anticipation, Wrexham head to Southampton on Saturday afternoon and will look to spring a surprise on the opening day.
Southampton have suffered relegation from the Premier League and will look to make an instant return to the top flight.
Wrexham would love to come up with a big performance and result on the South Coast, with Phil Parkinson returning to where his football career started.
Parkinson has made plenty of additions to his squad ahead of this game, including two more signings this week.
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Phil Parkinson on Conor Coady
Wrexham snapped up Conor Coady last week, bringing the former England defender to the STōK Cae Ras in a £2million swoop.
Coady has spent the last two years with Leicester City, helping them win promotion to the Premier League in 2024.
Now back in the Championship again, Coady is looking to make a big impact with Wrexham.
Speaking on BBC Radio Solent, Parkinson praised Coady’s leadership and believes that he can really help Wrexham in the Championship.
Parkinson highlighted that Coady knows how to handle playing in front of big crowds away from home, both in the Championship and the Premier League.
That know-how could prove vital for Wrexham this season, with Parkinson praising Coady’s mentality and character.
Parkinson also hailed Coady for wanting to be a part of the Wrexham project, with his desire to make the move ultimately impressing.
“You look at Conor, he’s a player who’s got 10 England caps, he’s played a lot of Premiership football,” said Parkinson.
“He was really keen to come on board with us, which I liked. That leadership quality, the nous of playing in front of packed stadiums and being able to handle those situations, is key,” he added.
Conor Coady’s perfect role in Wrexham defence
Coady featured against Groningen last weekend and will be knocking on the door for a start against Southampton.
Parkinson has some tough decisions to make, especially as Eoghan O’Connell and Dan Scarr both impressed in parts last season.
Coady surely comes in with some promise of first-team football, though, and playing in the heart of the back three is his ideal role.
That is exactly where Coady excelled for Wolverhampton Wanderers, playing a key role in the middle of Nuno Espirito Santo’s back three.
Coady can walk into a similar role under Parkinson, and while he will face competition from O’Connell and Scarr, we would expect him to play regularly this season.