WREXHAM boss Phil Parkinson has recalled his time in Southampton's youth system ahead of facing Saints on the opening weekend.
Parkinson will return to the south coast on Saturday when his recently promoted Wrexham take on Saints in a midday kick-off.
The 57 year old has taken charge of games at St Mary's previously, but this match is highly anticipated following Wrexham's back-to-back-to-back promotions.
Parkinson admitted he was pleased when he discovered that a trip to his old stomping ground was first up in the 2025/26 season.
"When the fixtures came out, it was a great one for me and my wife, who was born in Southampton. I've got many great memories," he told BBC Radio Solent.
"Watching games at the packed Dell, and people forget some of the star names in the team. The day I signed schoolboy terms, it was Middlesbrough vs Southampton.
"Lawrie McMenemy invited me to the team hotel for pre-match, which was amazing as a young 14 year old. Kevin Keegan scored, they won 1-0 and went top of the league.
"Southampton were a top club. They were competing at the top end and had an academy that was producing players in the background.
"It was really exciting to be a part of the club at that time, even though I didn't play for the first team."
Parkinson was coached by Saints hero Dave Merrington while in the youth system, as was fellow successful coach Chris Wilder.
Having already passed on a set of core values to Parkinson, and the other youngsters he developed at Saints, Merrington remained a mentor for the Wrexham boss.
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"Dave taught us values as professional sports people as well as people. He was huge on how to conduct yourself as a player and a person," Parkinson continued.
"I'd like to think I've continued that all the way through. In terms of Dave's football knowledge, it was second to none.
"The great thing about Dave, and what people forget, is that he has been an assistant manager at the top level.
"To have him as a youth coach and pass on all that experience to a young football, was unique for players at that age."
He concluded: "Without a doubt (I'll take time to reflect). I've got amazing memories, and a lot of the lads have had different journeys along the way," he concluded.
"Southampton was a big part of my life. I met my wife there. I lived in digs in Bitterne with a great family for four years.
"I've got a lot of great memories (of the city) and I always look forward to coming back. I've not had many opportunities as a manager, but this is a good one."
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