Wrexham are just days away from their first Championship campaign since 1982.
It has been 43 long years for Wrexham fans but they can finally witness their side back in the second tier after dropping as low as the National League between 2008 and 2023.
Phil Parkinson will be hoping that his side can give a good account of themselves against Southampton – recently relegated from the Premier League.
Wrexham will be without Jay Rodriguez for the clash due to injury but are likely to include several of their new signings made over the summer. They will be hoping for a repeat of the last match they played at this level back in May 1982.
Wrexham were victorious in their last second tier match thanks to hat trick hero Mick Vinter
Wrexham’s last visit to the second tier of English football ultimately ended in relegation during the 1981-82 season but it was still a memorable campaign for the Red Dragons fans.
Bobby Roberts took charge for most of the campaign and saw his team compete against the likes of Newcastle United and Chelsea.
However, Dixie McNeil was appointed manager for the final game of the season against Rotherham United at the Racecourse Ground.
A crowd of 3350 saw Wrexham win the game 3-2, thanks to a hat trick from striker Mick Vinter as per Wrexham Archive.
The victory couldn’t prevent Wrexham from finishing second from bottom and were relegated alongside Leyton Orient and Cardiff City, two points adrift from safety.
Wrexham strikers will want to score as early as possible this season
Goals are ultimately going to be key for Wrexham this season and if they stand any chance of competing well in the Championship, their strikers will need to hit form early.
New signing Ryan Hardie has proven already he is good enough to score goals at this level having notched ten for Plymouth Argyle last campaign.
Sam Smith has a point to prove this season after his heroics in the League One promotion campaign and Wrexham are on the verge of signing Kieffer Moore.
Goals bring confidence and although replicating Vinter’s hat trick may be a stretch on the opening day, Parkinson will still be keen for his forwards to get off the mark as quickly as possible.