In December 2019, Wrexham A.F.C. hit rock bottom — sitting at the very bottom of the National League standings, apologising to fans for the worst league position in their 155-year history. That low point was followed by a midweek trip to Eastleigh, symbolising how far the club had fallen.
Fast forward to August 2025, and Wrexham AFC returned to the same part of southern England under completely different circumstances. Just five miles from Eastleigh’s ground, at Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium, the club played its first Wrexham AFC Championship game in more than four decades.
In 2019, just 56 loyal supporters made the long journey. This time, more than 3,000 travelling fans filled the away end, creating a carnival atmosphere and showing just how much the club’s fortunes have changed.
Main Points of Wrexham:
– In 2019, Wrexham were bottom of the National League standings.
– Three consecutive promotions have taken them to the Championship.
– Over 3,000 travelling fans attended the opener at Southampton.
– Southampton played in the Premier League last season, highlighting the step up.
– Wrexham’s summer net spend is the highest in the Championship.
– Six of the club’s eight new signings started the match.
– Manager Phil Parkinson praised both new and existing players for their efforts.
Only two years ago, Southampton were four divisions above Wrexham A.F.C. But after the Saints’ relegation from the Premier League and Wrexham’s Hollywood-backed rise, they are now Championship rivals. Owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney may have brought global attention, but it was the dedication of local fans back in 2011 that rescued the club from extinction.
Phil Parkinson took in the moment: “When the lads ran out for the warm-up, I reflected on where we’ve come from. Playing on a stage like this today was very special. The support was outstanding.”
Wrexham’s recruitment has been ambitious — eight new players, many for record fees, joining a squad that dominated League One last season. The defeat to Southampton served as a reminder of the challenges ahead, with the Saints able to bring on substitutes worth £30–40 million. Ryan Manning, one of those subs, scored and set up the winner.
Parkinson stayed optimistic: “It’s important we keep playing the way we have over the last four years. The honesty and endeavour out there was different class. We can take a lot of positives from today.”
From battling in non-league obscurity to competing with Premier League-quality sides, Wrexham AFC’s games in the Championship will be their toughest yet — but their journey shows they are ready for the fight. The defeat at Southampton may just be the first step in another remarkable chapter for Wrexham standings in English football.