Wrexham fans cannot contain their excitement as the dawn of their first Championship campaign in 43 years is upon us.
Phil Parkinson’s side face an extremely tough start to life in the second tier as they travel to Southampton on the opening day – the Saints last two home matches were against Manchester City and Arsenal in the Premier League.
Wrexham have a number of injury concerns heading into the match but with over thirty players currently on the books, Parkinson still has plenty of options to choose from.
There is optimism around the Red Dragons given that they have already acquired eight new signings this summer and the Wrexham Insider writers have given their predictions for the upcoming campaign.
Wrexham experts give Championship prediction
The writers at Wrexham Insider have given their predictions as to where the Red Dragons will finish in their first crack at the Championship since 1982.
Josh Barker – prediction: 12th
“Wrexham have recruited well over the summer so far, adding much-needed Championship experience to their squad. I still think they’re some way off competing at the very top of he division, which I’m sure the owners won’t mind right now, given their plan is to reach the Premier League by 2027.
“They should have enough to avoid relegation fairly easily, but even if they do struggle in the coming months, we know Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac will be more than willing to spend in January to ensure relegation is avoided.”
Jack Gallagher – prediction: 15th
“Wrexham have been incredibly busy in the transfer window, doing business with promotion – likely via the play-offs – in mind.
“Have they done enough to make it back-to-back-to-back-to-back promotions? Probably not, but they have done enough business to consolidate – a word Rob Mac hates – their position as a Championship football club.
“In their first season back in the Championship, I expect Wrexham to finish 15th and settle in to life in the second tier quite well without the fear of relegation back to the third.”
Olly Dawes – prediction: 12th
“Wrexham head into the new season with dreams of a fourth promotion in a row, but that may be a step too far for Phil Parkinson’s side, even after a strong summer transfer window. I’ll back Wrexham for a mid-table finish, with 12th place a solid foundation to kick on again in the future.”
George Light – prediction: 13th
“Had I been asked this question following the club’s pre-season tour down under, I may have only had a struggling Sheffield Wednesday side below Wrexham this season.
“However, I think the recruitment has kicked into another level this summer and I really like the blend of signings the club have made.
“The Championship this season as a whole is wide open and I think it will be incredibly tight as always, Wrexham may struggle to find their feet initially but I think they will pull well clear of any relegation danger and finish the season strongly with a mid-table position.”
Luke Phelps – prediction: 12th
“I really want to say Wrexham will challenge for the top six, but I don’t think they will. The teams coming down from the Premier League have too much and likewise do teams like Coventry City, West Brom and the others who have been about for much longer in the second tier.
“In reality, a comfortable midtable finish would be as much of a success as any of the last three seasons for the Dragons. I think that’s where they’ll end up. Let’s say 12th.”
Jakob Barnes – prediction: 14th
“I think Wrexham have recruited incredibly well this summer and any fears of relegation should be banished now. However, it will take time for those signings to settle and Phil Parkinson’s lack of tactical fluidity does worry me a little.
“I’d be very surprised if Wrexham can breach the top half this season, and a respectable 14th place finish would be a huge achievement.”
Lewis Railton – prediction: 10th
“Wrexham have the opportunity to be one of the surprise packages in the upcoming Championship season. Several new signings, the majority of whom boast vast Championship quality and experience.
“Whilst notching a play-off place should not be ruled out, it is more likely that we see Phil Parkinson’s side finish in the lower echelons of the top half as a result of the brilliant signings that have been made.”
Wrexham experts predict the player of the season
Josh Barker – Josh Windass
“I expect the likes of Ollie Rathbone and Max Cleworth to step up to the Championship with relative ease, but Josh Windass has proven for many years that he excels at this level.
“He’s already shown promise in pre-season and will hopefully provide that creative spark that was missing from Wrexham’s attack at times last season.”
Jack Gallagher – Josh Windass
“During 2025/26, I’m backing new signing Josh Windass to be both the best bit of business the club did in the summer, but also be the club’s best player of the season.
“The former Sheffield Wednesday star is a proven commodity at the Championship level, and his flair for the spectacular – like the halfway line goal he scored in 2024/25 – will make him a fan favourite at the Racecourse.”
Olly Dawes – Lewis O’Brien
“The Player of the Season contest could be a close affair, but I’ll go for Lewis O’Brien to sneak it ahead of Josh Windass and, potentially, Nathan Broadhead.”
George Light – Max Cleworth
“Max Cleworth is a player destined for the Premier League in my opinion and I think this will be the season where heads are really turned over his performances.
“New signing Conor Coady will be a great influence for him and Cleworth will go from strength to strength and be Wrexham’s stand-out performer once again.”
Luke Phelps – James McClean
“For me, it has to be James McClean. I think he’ll play such an underrated role next season and I think he’ll come into his element, knowing it’s his final contracted year and being a player with such experience in the Championship.
“He’s also got Liberato Cacace to keep him on his toes this season, so I think we’ll really see the best of McClean this season.”
Jakob Barnes – Max Cleworth
“After continually proving himself at every level so far in the Wrexham journey, I just can’t look past Max Cleworth as being the top performer once again for the Red Dragons in 2025/26.
“He’s got the talent to go all the way to the top and should thrive in the Championship. If he can deliver some goals again, then he’ll be absolutely crucial for Wrexham.”
Lewis Railton – Max Cleworth
“It makes sense to point towards last season’s shining light, Max Cleworth, who continues to improve under Phil Parkinson. He has become Wrexham’s go-to trusty centre-half, and at such a young age, he has the potential to become an established Championship player this season.
“After the signing of Conor Coady, Cleworth’s relationship with the former England international can be expected to be like clockwork – and the former Leicester City defender will no doubt help raise the young Wrexham defender’s level even further.”
Wrexham experts predict the signing of the season
Josh Barker – Josh Windass
“Again, it’s hard to look past Windass. Wrexham have strengthened well in key areas, and players like Lewis O’Brien and Conor Coady seem like solid additions.
“But getting Windass in on a free transfer is insane business. Most clubs in the Championship, barring perhaps a few at the very top end, would bite your hand off to sign a player like him on a free, and I’m sure he had plenty of suitors before deciding on Wrexham.”
Olly Dawes – Lewis O’Brien
“O’Brien and Windass will certainly be in the running as the Signing of the Season as well, and if I’m backing O’Brien for Player of the Season, I have to back him here as well! I just love his all-round game and proven quality at this level, so I’m expecting big things from him.”
George Light – Ryan Hardie
“I think Conor Coady will be an outstanding addition to the side and silence any critics he has following a couple of unconvincing seasons at Everton and Leicester.
“However, I really like the signing of Ryan Hardie, he has looked incredibly sharp in pre-season and his movement is so intelligent that I think he will thrive and score the goals needed for Parkinson’s side.”
Luke Phelps – Josh Windass
“There’s certainly a few contenders for this one. But I’ve got a sneaky feeling that Josh Windass is really going to perform for Phil Parkinson next season.
“He’s among the really experienced Championship players in the team and he’s coming off the back of a great season at Sheffield Wednesday. if he stays fit and if the system proves to suit him, I think he’ll flourish.”
Jakob Barnes – Josh Windass
“Transfer fees mean very little when you can sign a player like Josh Windass for nothing. In terms of value for money, Wrexham will not make a better signing than this and I fancy him to have a huge impact this season.
“Windass will provide goals, assists, a bit of bite on the pitch, and an experienced head in the dressing room. He is the perfect signing for Wrexham.”
Lewis Railton – Liberato Cacace
“One of the more unknown players who have arrived at the Racecourse Ground, Liberato Cacace. The New Zealand international pits an exciting record in the Serie A and with his country.
“Providing that Phil Parkinson sticks with his trusty system, Cacace will play a crucial role on the left. There is every chance that his performances could even keep James McClean out of the side this season.”