Released Wrexham player finally breaks his silence with emotional video message to fans

A released Wrexham player has broken his silence after being released by the club.

Earlier this month, upon securing promotion to League One, Wrexham announced the departure of eight senior players from the Racecourse Ground.

Goalkeeper Rob Lainton, who made 132 appearances for the Red Dragons, was among those having been released after six years at the Welsh club.

Meanwhile, Aaron Hayden, who joined Wrexham from Carlisle United in 2021 and made 17 appearances in all competitions this season, is leaving upon the expiry of his contract.

Wrexham have also released defenders Callum McFadzean, Jordan Tunnicliffe, and Ben Tozer, along with midfielder Luke Young and youngsters Owen Cushion and Dan Davies.

And almost two weeks since the announcement, Hayden released an emotional video thanking Wrexham for his time at the club.

Hayden said: “I just wanted to record this video because I wanted to address the Wrexham family properly. I was going to do a social media post as everyone does, but I wanted to say it, and speak it without rambling on. I wrote a few notes here to express myself and express my gratitude towards the club.

“It’s been a very memorable three years and I can now move onto my next chapter not in sadness but in pride and happiness of what i’ve achieved over the last few years at the club.

“I achieved my personal goal from when I joined the club. I’ve had my own personal struggles, low moments and also high moments, but I feel like all [those experiences] have made me learn about myself and grow.

“I’ve met some top people while being at the club and had the opportunity to play with some great players to. Too many to mention everyone.

“Some of those have also helped me to become a better version of myself on, and most importantly, off the pitch.

“I has been a pleasure to have played a part in making history with Wrexham and I want to thank Phil Parkinson for bringing me to the club back in August 2021.

“However, I feel people like Steve Parkin, Aidan Davidson, Iwan Pugh [and] ‘Butts’ have all been the key driving force of the team behind the scenes and they don’t get as much praise as they deserve.

“Not to mention the medical staff, numerous chefs, cleaners, club shop workers and admin staff, who are all people I hold in very high regard.

“I want to personally thank Rob [McElhenney] and Ryan [Reynolds] for being such top owners I feel they’ve revolutionised football club ownership. I feel like they’ve revolutionised football club ownership and I also want to thank them for being such genuine and ambitious owners who have driven the club forward and who genuinely care about the people of Wrexham.

“The football club and the people are what matters so I’m so that the club’s had it’s success in the last two years and to see it go from the National League to League One is an amazing achievement. I just want to wish the club all the best for the future and I’m looking forward to my next chapter and kicking on.

“Thank you all for your support and I wish you all health and happiness.”