WREXHAM fan-favourite Mark Howard has announced his exit from the Welsh club after helping them climb the Football League.
Howard, 38, confirmed his exit from the Racecourse in an emotional statement on social media – thanking Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney for bringing him to the club.
Howard joined Wrexham in 2022, helping the club secure promotion into the Football League as the first choice goalkeeper alongside former Premier League star Ben Foster.
While he has had a smaller role in recent seasons, losing his starting spot to Arthur Okonkwo as Wrexham have earned another two successive promotions from League Two and League One.
Howard, who is nicknamed Chomp, featured just 11 times in League One last season and will depart ahead of the Red Dragon’s return to the Championship.
In a statement revealing that he isn’t planning on retiring just yet, he wrote: “From the moment I pulled on the Wrexham shirt, I have tried to bring professionalism, passion, and personality to the club.
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“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 three-peat. Back-to-back-to-back. I say tongue in cheek.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here.
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“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. Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.”
Wrexham stars were quick to pass on their well-wishes to the experienced shot-stopper.
Elliot Lee wrote: “The oldest goalkeeper there ever was. I will miss you old man”.
While Andy Cannon added: “One of the best. What a man”.
Steven Fletcher posted: “Chompy, what a fella. Friend for life big man.”
And Wrexham director and comedian Humphrey Ker wrote: “Farewell to a man who never let us down and always lifted us up. One of the greats. The Chomp.”
Howard, who previously played for the likes of Sheffield United and Blackpool, leaves Wrexham having made 58 appearances and kept 19 clean sheets for the club.
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He could be the first of many to leave on the expiration of their current deals at Wrexham as the club look to bring in more talent to compete in the Championship next season.
Wrexham are yet to release their retained list, however a number of players are set to run out of contract – including former Scotland international Steven Fletcher.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
