PHIL PARKINSON says a home fixture against MK Dons is the perfect way to start a new chapter in Wrexham’s history.

The Reds were promoted as National League champions following a record-breaking 2022-23 campaign and return to the Football League following a 15-year absence.

The new League Two season kicks-off on Saturday August 5 and Wrexham will face MK Dons at The Racecourse on the opening day.

Parkinson wanted to start off with a home match, saying it would be a “special occasion” after ending the non-league nightmare, and he got his wish with MK Dons - relegated from League One last term - heading to north Wales.

“We were hoping to be at home for the first game of the season and we can’t complain about that,” said the Reds’ boss.

“I am pleased with the fixture, I think it is a great way to start this chapter in Wrexham’s history.

“MK Dons will be disappointed with last season, the previous year they were in the League One play-offs.

“They are a club which will be very ambitious themselves and will want to bounce back at the first time of asking.

“A lot of teams in the division will have the same aims as us which is to have a successful season, and I’m sure MK Dons will be the same.”

Three of the first five games are at home - Wrexham also host Walsall and Swindon Town - and Parkinson is happy with the schedule in the opening month which also includes trips to AFC Wimbledon and Barrow.

“I don’t think we can argue with that at all,” he said. “There are some good fixtures for us.”

Wrexham, who finish the campaign with another home clash against Stockport County on Saturday April 27, are taking part in the Carabao Cup - also known as the League Cup - for the first time since the 2007-8 season.

The Reds will face Wigan Athletic at The Racecourse in the first round, with the tie scheduled to take place the week commencing Monday August 7.

All 72 EFL clubs were in the hat for the opening round, with teams drawn in northern and southern sections, and Wrexham were drawn at home to Wigan who were relegated to League One last term after finishing bottom of the Championship.

The 12 Premier League clubs not competing in Europe enter the competition in round two, with the other eight Premier League clubs starting in round three.

Meanwhile, Parkinson’s men will take on Port Vale, Crewe Alexandra and Newcastle United Under-21s in the EFL Trophy group stage.

The Reds, who won the competition in 2005 after beating Southend United 2-0 in the final at The Millennium Stadium, have been placed in Northern Section Group B.

The 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.

The first group games take place the week commencing Monday September 4.