First Wrexham player to leave club after promotion breaks silence after being released by team
A first Wrexham player has confirmed he is leaving the club after being released from the club following an unprecedented third promotion on the trot.
The Red Dragons, backed by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, secured the historic achievement with a 3-0 win over Charlton Athletic at the end of April and will now play in the second tier of English football next year - just two years on from returning to the Football League.
Manager Phil Parkinson had hinted there would need to be changes aplenty in the squad and just days after the team celebrated with yet another Las Vegas trip, goalkeeper Mark Howard has confirmed his departure.
Howard, Eoghan O'Connell, Bradley Foster, Josh Adam, Liam Hall and Steven Fletcher are all out of contract in June - though the latter is expected to get a new deal.
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But the 38-year-old, who has been there for every step of Wrexham's journey under their Hollywood owners, has issued a statement announcing he will be moving on.
After paying tribute to his teammates, the fans and the owners the former Blackpool shotstopper did confirm that he still intends to play on for a little longer and so is not hanging his gloves up just yet.
"From the moment I pulled on the Wrexham shirt, I have tried to bring professionalism, passion, and personality to the club," Howard wrote on Instagram on Thursday morning.
As I reflect on what an incredible journey it’s been, I consider myself fortunate to have shared a dressing room with the best teammates. Everyday I have left with a smile on my face wanting to come back and do it all over again. Love you boys.
"Being able to say I’m the only goalkeeper ever to do the 3peat. Back2Back2Back. I say tongue in cheek.
"I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here. Working alongside some of the most amazing staff on and off the pitch, giving me the encouragement to do more, I cannot thank you enough.
"The connection with the fans was tough at times but now I feel part of the family, I would like to think you’ve all grown to love me.
"At this stage I still feel like I have more football in me, so it’s not retirement yet, I still want to dive around while my body lets me.
"Finally a huge thank you to these two amazing people @robmcelhenney @vancityreynolds."
Howard's post received a slew of comments from teammates past and present thanking him for his service and wishing him well for the future.
The ex Arsenal man made a total of 60 appearances for Wrexham, including 39 in the 2022/23 National League triumph.
Topics: Wrexham, Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, EFL Championship, League One
Josh Lawless