Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson explains decision to release 11 players, gives big Ben Foster update

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has opened up about the club's decision to release 11 players ahead of their highly-anticipated campaign in League Two.

The Dragons announced their release and retained list on Monday afternoon following their promotion to the Football League.

They confirmed that top scorer Paul Mullin, who netted 38 goals throughout the National League season, has had his deal extended – along with Mark Howard and Anthony Forde.

In addition to the above, Liam McAlinden will receive a fresh offer, while Phil Parkison provided an important update on the situation of Ben Foster, who has become a fan-favourite in North Wales.

"I will sit down with Ben in the next day or two and have a really good chat, and see what his thoughts are," Parkinson said.

"We have got some good goalkeepers under contract as well so we will speak with Ben and make a decision which is right for him and right for us going forward."

Wrexham will also exercise the option to extend the contracts of Scott Butler and Aaron James but a total of 11 players will depart The Raceground Ground, including Ryan Austin and Australian goalkeeper Kai Calderbank-Park.

Here is the released list in full:

• Ryan Austin
• Kai Calderbank-Park
• Malik Dijksteel
• Reece Hall-Johnson
• Jake Hyde
• Harry Lennon
• Rory Watson
• Tom Jenkins
• Dan Jones
• Louis Lloyd
• Will Mountfield

Parkinson has since come out and explained the decisions.

“Jake [Hyde] wasn’t with us this season and his contract is up so it is time for him to find another club,” he said.

“Reece [Hall-Johnson] is the same. He has been a good pro around the training ground all season, always conducted himself well, but he wants to go somewhere where he has got more chance of playing. We wish them both all the best."

Parkinson added: “It is a real shame for Harry [Lennon]. One injury too many has just caught up with him and he’s taken the decision to retire from football.

“Harry is a really good lad and we wish him all the best.”

Jake Bickerstaff (C) and Kai Calderbank-Park (L) of Wrexham before the FA Cup match against Sheffield United. Image credit: Alamy

He went on: “Rory [Watson] and Kai [Calderbank-Park] have maintained their standards on the training pitch throughout the season but the time is right for both of them to try and be a number one keeper somewhere else.

Ryan Austin, Malik Dijksteel, Tom Jenkins, Dan Jones, Louis Lloyd and Will Mountfield, meanwhile, are also looking for a new challenge after they were released.

“We looked at it and if we didn’t feel those lads would be pushing towards the first team squad then it was right for them to move on for their own careers.

“When you get to 19 or 20, you have got to start knocking on the door of someone’s first team.”