Wrexham fans can start making plans for their first Championship campaign in 43 years.
Wrexham’s Championship fixtures have been released and Phil Parkinson can now start preparing his players for the reality that is the second tier of English football.
A mix of excitement and nerves will be flowing through every football fan in the country and Wrexham’s key dates and fixtures will have already been added to diaries across North Wales.
Wrexham face Southampton in a tough season opener at St Mary’s and Wrexham Insider has made an early prediction as to the eleven men that will take on Will Still’s side.
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Early Wrexham predicted XI v Southampton in 2025-26 Championship season opener
Facing a recently relegated Premier League side has meant the Red Dragons have been thrown straight into the deep end in the Championship and it will be up to them to either sink or swim.
Parkinson admitted departures from Wrexham would take place this summer and having already let go of Steven Fletcher and Paul Mullin, it is likely the side to face Southampton will have some new faces.
It will no doubt be a different side to the one that faced Lincoln in their final League One clash of the season but Parkinson will not want to completely dismantle the winning momentum built.
Wrexham have offered a contract to Craig Dawson and the experienced Premier League defender fits the profile perfectly that Parkinson is looking for to slot in alongside Max Cleworth and Lewis Brunt.
It would be disappointing for Matty James and George Dobson but central midfield is an area Parkinson wants to strengthen and holds interest in Lewis Travis, whilst Ryan Teague could become Wrexham’s first overseas signing.
Up top, Wrexham have signed Ryan Hardie from Plymouth Argyle and after having struck ten goals in the division last season, he seems a perfect partner for Sam Smith to hit the ground running.
Phil Parkinson’s final Wrexham team of the 2024-25 season
Parkinson wants continuity next season and will hope that the winning momentum created from the last three seasons will carry his team to further progression.
There is no doubt that Wrexham will face their most difficult test yet but it would be no surprise if Parkinson stuck with the majority of the side that earned the club promotion.
Arthur Okonkwo will be the club’s undisputed number one following his tremendous end to the season and the energy provided by James McClean and Ryan Longman was a big factor in winning games in League One.
Getting the blend of new signings and keeping the team spirit and cohesion will be key to Wrexham’s start to the season. Get off to a flyer and who knows where the season could take them.