Ryan Reynolds has thanked goalkeeper Mark Howard after the veteran announced his exit from Wrexham.
The 38-year-old made 11 appearances this season as the Red Dragons secured automatic promotion to the Championship.
But with his contract set to expire at the end of next month, Howard has opted to call time on his Wrexham career, three years after joining the Welsh club.
Howard will leave Wrexham with fond memories after helping the club’s incredible rise from the National League to the Championship with an unprecedented three consecutive promotions.
The shot-stopper played 37 times during his first campaign as Wrexham secured safe passage back to the football league after 15 years away.
He made a further ten appearances during the club’s successful rise from League Two in the 2023/24 season.
Howard, who enjoyed spells with Sheffield United, Bolton and Blackpool, announced his departure in a social media post on Wednesday and reserved some words of appreciation for the club’s Hollywood owners.
“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.
“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.
GettyHoward made 11 appearances as the Red Dragons secured promotion to the Championship[/caption] Howard reserved some words of praise for owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, with Reynolds sending a message backGetty“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.”
After he and Rob McElhenney received thanks from Howard, Reynolds sent a message back to his goalkeeper.
Posting on Instagram, he wrote: “Mark Howard, how on earth do we put into words the clutch work you do as a keeper.
“You have the hardest job in football. And you can’t have that ability without being a clutch person in life.
“You have a beautiful family and you have a second family in Wrexham now and always.
“You’re the big beating heart of this team and the reason we have the best locker room in sports.”
Howard has struggled to hold down the No.1 spot thanks to the excellent form of first-choice goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo.
Competition has been rife for game time with Callum Burton, Luke McNicholas, Brad Foster and Liam Hall also vying for action.
Howard isn’t the only name exiting the club this summer as they prepare for life in the Championship next season.
Ex-Scotland striker Steven Fletcher has departed and Reynolds mentioned him in his Instagram post too.
The Deadpool actor wrote: “Mr Steve Fletcher: words aren’t agile enough to capture what you’ve brought to Wrexham, the sport, and the lives of myself and this whole town.
Fletcher is also leaving Wrexham this summerGetty“You aren’t a PART of greatness. You ARE greatness. I don’t really know what a co-chairmen is supposed to do or say in these moments and I don’t much care. I’m gonna miss you.
“I’ll miss your your leadership and wit and the way you remind everyone — including me — that this is also FUN.
“Like the first day we met, I’m here for you any time and any place. Always.”
He finished by paying tribute to Fletcher and Howard, ending with: “Fletch and Chomp, you’ve authored some of the greatest moments of my life. And so many others. All I can do is thank you.”
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