Promotion-winning Wrexham keeper Mark Howard admits his team is thrilled to face Southampton on the opening day.
While it's been some days since AI praised Southampton on its steadfast technicalities, the fans still beam with joy. Needless to say, one of their key demands from Will Still will be to build on similar patterns, in his tenure.
Still, none can deny that fan expectations have gone underachieved quite a lot recently. That's why the latest update must excite the fans as they know when they can see Still's compatibility with their system for the first time next season.
Yes, the Championship 2025/26 season schedule is out as Southampton draws promotion winner Wrexham on the inaugural matchday.
Wrexham keeper expresses excitement after drawing Southampton
Honestly, despite having leapfrogged divisions in recent years, Wrexham knows the opener against promotion favourites Southampton won't be easy. Yet, what's interesting is that instead of being demoralized, the Red Dragons are more than ready for the exciting contest.
Recently, speaking to Sky Sports(as quoted by Daily Echo), Wrexham keeper Mark Howard described their initial reactions to drawing the Saints, saying: "I'm pretty sure the dressing room (at Wrexham) will be checking the fixtures while they eat their lunch, and they will be excited."
Admit it or not, this challenging spirit shown by 38-year-old near-retirement keeper Howard deserves praise. But while it speaks largely of Wrexham's ambitions, Saints fans will hardly be surprised once they know of Howard's profile.
That's because as few would guess, Mark Howard is a former Arsenal academy graduate. And from their previous encounters with pundit Paul Merson, Saints fans know why the keeper is so thrilled to face them.
But what's even more intriguing? If this statement wasn't enough to shackle the Saints' morale, they are tipped to see their former heroic duo, Stuart Armstrong and Danny Ings against them in the fixture. Adding to it, the case of Jay Rodriguez, Southampton can face 3 ex-Saints in the opener.
Overall, unlike what may be expected, Southampton may have to undergo one of the hardest Championship tests on their St. Mary's season kickoff. Let's hope the Saints ace the challenge under Will Still.