St Mary's opener a reminder of financial challenges facing the Dragons

WREXHAM have received a stark reminder of the challenges they will face in the Championship after their fixture list for next season was confirmed.

- By LIAM RANDALL

Phil Parkinson's side face a tough test in their opening game as they travel away to Southampton, who were relegated from the Premier League in April.

Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have indicated that the manager will be well-backed this summer as he looks to build a team which can compete in the second tier.

The two Hollywood stars boast a combined net worth estimated at around £291million ($400m) thanks to their acting income and smart business investments.

However, in their first fixture on August 9, they face a club which will be in receipt of Premier League parachute payments.

Teams who drop out of the top flight continue to receive a share of revenues for at least a further two years as they adapt to life in the Championship.

During their first season after relegation, Southampton are expected to receive around £49m.

That figure is equal to around five-times the sum that normal second tier sides get via solidarity payments and TV broadcast deals.