Wrexham fans have been longing for life in the upper echelons of the football pyramid for several decades.
A rapid surge up from the National League to the second tier has ensured their wishes have well and truly come true of late.
But the brutal beast that is the Championship is now lurking with real intent as Phil Parkinson's side prepare to play seven matches in the space of just 22 days before the last international break of the calendar year.
Each of Wrexham's 13 summer signings have played some part for the club since moving to north Wales, while Ollie Rathbone, Liberato Cacace and George Thomason - the latter two who joined from Empoli and Bolton respectively during the close season - are all set to bolster Parkinson's ranks even further by returning from injury in the very near future.
Prior to the October international break, Parkinson spoke about the need for internal 11 v 11 matches to get some members of his squad up to full speed.
And ahead of Saturday's Championship clash with promotion-chasing Stoke City, assistant manager Steve Parkin opened up on the benefits of having had more time on the training ground.
"We mixed it up, we got some good training into the lads," he said.
"We thought there were three or four that needed a bit of catch-up training, so we're pleased with that.
"Then we gave them a good breather as well, so we're ready to pick up our tools and start all over again.
"We could certainly get some hard training into them, and I think it's been beneficial."
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The former defender, 59, spent six years with the Potters during the 1980s and was visibly excited when quizzed about the prospect of heading to the bet365 Stadium this weekend.
With a beaming smile on his face while facing a small group of assembled Welsh media at the Stok Cae Ras' media room, Parkin said: "I'm sure Mark [Stoke boss Mark Robins] has been really pleased with the way they've started.
"They're a dynamic team going forward. It's up to us to capitalise on the situation defensively if we can.
"I think we've been used to playing this kind of team, certainly away from home, with the Norwich and Leicester games.
“It's just a great game for us to go to a good stadium, I'm sure there'll be a good crowd and we'll have a great following and we're looking forward to the game."
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Saturday's contest certainly represents a significant test for Wrexham - with the Potters losing just twice in 11 league matches so far this season to sit fifth ahead of the meeting between the sides.
But Parkin was quick to note the strides his side have made of late, particularly given that the Red Dragons head to Staffordshire having not lost in any of their last five matches across all competitions.
"It's taken a little while for us to find our feet in the division," he added.
"The speed is quicker, the quality is better, the forwards are more dangerous and it does take time to settle down.
"But I think we really feel as though we're getting there, from a tactical point of view, getting people fit and getting ready to take on the challenge of some really big teams that we'll play over the next few weeks."
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Despite being a necessity given their quick fire charge up to the Championship, Wrexham's summer spend understandably drew widespread attention.
Now is the time that Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney will truly hope to see the fruits of their 2025 summer labour as Wrexham are pushed to their limits in a brutal spell.
Parkin and Parkinson will know that could go a long way to showing how capable they are of truly competing at this level.
