PHIL PARKINSON says it would be a special occasion if Wrexham ended a 15-year absence from the Football League with a home game opener.

The Reds clinched the National League title following a record-breaking 2022-23 promotion campaign and are planning for the new League Two season which kicks off on August 5.

The fixtures will be released at 9am today and Parkinson would love the first match at a packed-out Racecourse.

"Obviously you have got to play every team twice so I haven't got much preference in which team we would like first," said the Reds' boss.

"But ideally, on the wish list is a home game.

"That is purely because with the club getting back into the Football League for the first time in 15 years, it is almost like a special occasion and it would be nice to celebrate that with our supporters at home."

Wrexham will take on Port Vale, Crewe Alexandra and one Under-21 team in the EFL Trophy group stage next season.

The Reds, who won the competition in 2005, have been placed in Northern Section Group B, with the third opponent revealed when the draw takes place live on Sky Sports at 11:30am today.

All EFL clubs will play two of their three matches at home in the group stages, with U21 teams away from home in all three fixtures.

Parkinson welcomed the decision to pre-determine the three EFL clubs in each group, ensuring they get local matches.

"Having local games and it being regionalised is key because they are midweek games," he said.

"We can't complain about the draw with Port Vale and Crewe, they will be two good games for us."

Wrexham will also discover their Carabao Cup opponents when the first round draw takes place live on Sky Sports today at 2.30pm.

The Reds, who are ball number 38 in the northern section, are taking part in the competition for the first time since the 2007-8 campaign and Parkinson says being involved in the draw is something for the club to embrace.

"It has been a 15-year absence from what was the League Cup and all these kind of little landmarks - being involved in the draw - is what getting back into the Football League is all about," he added.

"It brings it home to you."