In 1981, the landscape looked quite different: a pint cost 50p, Prince Charles wed Lady Diana, and “Only Fools and Horses” premiered on television.
During that same year, Cardiff City, Swansea City, and Wrexham vied against each other in what was then referred to as Division Two of the Football League – a rivalry that lasted until May.
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Since then, Wales’ three major clubs have not found themselves competing in the English football second tier together, but that is about to change.
Wrexham secured their spot in the Championship for the 2024-25 season, while Cardiff faced relegation to League One. However, after Cardiff made a quick return to the Championship, coupled with Wrexham’s near play-off miss and Swansea’s stable mid-table finish, the stage is set for the 2026-27 season with all three Welsh clubs set to compete for the chance to reach the Premier League.
Reuniting in the Second Tier After 45 Years
Historically, Cardiff, Swansea, and Wrexham have shared a division only six times before.
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The last was in 1994-95, when both Swansea and Wrexham finished mid-table in what is now League One, but Cardiff faced relegation.
The Welsh trio last played in the second tier during the seasons of 1979-80 and 1980-81.
During that era, Cardiff were a mainstay in Division Two, having spent nearly all seasons there after dropping from the top flight in 1962.
Wrexham had ascended to the second tier for the first time in their history during the 1977-78 season, while Swansea was enjoying a surge in performance following John Toshack’s appointment as player-manager in 1978.
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After gaining promotion from the fourth tier in 1977-78 and Division Three the subsequent season, Swansea finished as the top Welsh team in 1979-80. In their first campaign in the second tier since 1965, Toshack’s squad secured a 12th-place finish, while Cardiff ended 15th and Wrexham took 16th.
The following year proved historic for Swansea, as a last-minute victory at Preston sealed their place in the top flight for the first time.
Swansea celebrated their First Division promotion in 1981-81, the last season they shared the second tier with Cardiff and Wrexham [Getty Images]
Richie Morgan’s Cardiff team managed to survive relegation by a mere goal difference, finishing 19th in a 22-team league. In what was the last season of two points per win in the Football League, Arfon Griffiths’ Wrexham secured a 16th-place finish, just two points above Cardiff.
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Despite battling relegation, Cardiff excelled in their Welsh derby matches during the 1980-81 season, achieving two victories over Wrexham and drawing with Swansea twice.
Wrexham managed a draw with Swansea but suffered a 3-1 loss at Vetch Field in March as Toshack’s team inched closer to the First Division.
Swansea’s remarkable rise continued the following season as they looked like contenders for the title until a late-season slump saw them finish sixth, their best-ever placement.
A sharp decline followed in 1982-83, marking the start of three relegations within four seasons for Swansea.
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Cardiff and Wrexham faced their own struggles, both being relegated from the second tier in 1981-82. While Wrexham fell to yet another division the following year, Cardiff quickly rebounded with promotion, only to endure successive relegations in 1985 and 1986.
This turmoil resulted in the three Welsh clubs reuniting in the lowest division by 1986-87.
The Quest for Welsh Supremacy
Cardiff and Wrexham faced off in the EFL Cup last season, but their league matchups have been absent since the 2001-02 season [Huw Evans Picture Agency]
Following their time together at the lowest levels, Cardiff, Swansea, and Wrexham reunited again in the third tier during the mid-1990s.
Now, after over 30 years, they find themselves back together once more.
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“Having three Welsh teams in the Championship is huge for the country,” remarked Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson. “It’s like a mini-league emerging in Wales.”
Wrexham finished ahead of Swansea last season, ending in 11th place, four spots higher.
Bookmakers have tipped Parkinson’s squad to be the top Welsh team again, aiming for a playoff spot, while Swansea is projected to sit mid-table and Cardiff faces long odds for promotion.
Brian Barry-Murphy, the Cardiff head coach, believes his team has the potential to defy the critics, although he downplayed the significance of competing for Welsh supremacy ahead of the exciting opener against Wrexham.
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“Our focus is on performing well this season and making a strong start on Monday,” he stated.
However, he was reminded of his earlier claim about Cardiff being the biggest club in Wales. He replied, “Cardiff feels like the biggest club in the world to me.”
“When I’m here, the energy from the supporters is incredible. I hope Monday brings an atmosphere fitting for the club, and we’ll do our part to provide a performance that leads to victory.”
In three weeks, Wrexham will make the journey down to face Swansea once more.
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Swansea head coach Vitor Matos is preparing for his first encounter with Cardiff, having faced Wrexham twice last season, with each team claiming one victory.
Matos describes the upcoming match against Cardiff as “really special,” recognizing the importance of these matches for the community and families involved.
“These games hold significant meaning for the town and its fans, and that’s something we as a club and team need to respect… it promises to be an exciting season ahead.”
In the Championship, it’s typical for clubs to carry aspirations of promotion, with the upcoming season shaping up to be even more competitive as play-off spots extend to the eighth position for the first time.
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Consistency over the 46 games will be vital for all clubs, but for the three Welsh teams, there are four matches that will stand out above the rest.