Wrexham confirm EIGHT players leaving after promotion to Championship including star who rejected new deal

The Welsh outfit have achieved a remarkable three promotions consecutively under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

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Wrexham have been promoted to the ChampionshipCredit: Rex

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Steven Fletcher is one of eight players who have left the clubCredit: GettyHowever, their season in the Championship will not include a number of stars that helped them climb up the English football ladder.

Wrexham has now confirmed that eight players have will leave the club upon the expiry of their contracts.

This includes former Premier League star Steven Fletcher, who has previously stated that it was not his choice to leave.

The striker formerly played for the likes of Sunderland, Burnley, Stoke City and even on loan at Marseille in France.

He joined Wrexham back in 2023 and made 77 appearances, scoring 16 goals.

Fan favourite goalkeeper Mark Howard has also been released and he penned a touching tribute to the club.

He wrote on Instagram: “From the moment I pulled on the Wrexham shirt, I have tried to bring professionalism, passion, and personality to the club.

“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.

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“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.

Wrexham squad update

Here is a full rundown of players with updated roles at Wrexham…

Released:

• Steven Fletcher
• Mark Howard
• Sam Dalby
• Jordan Davies
• Harry Dean
• Brad Foster
• Liam Hall
• Josh Adam

Offered new deal:

• Callum Edwards

Automatic extension:

• Aaron James

Decision pending:

• James Rainbird

“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.”

Jordan Davies, Harry Dean, Brad Foster, Josh Adam and Liam Hall have all also been released.

The club also revealed that Sam Dalby as offered a new deal to stay but was turned down.

He spent last season out on loan at Dundee United and netted 14 goals in 34 appearances in the Scottish Premiership.

Meanwhile, Wrexham players were treated to a £500k party trip to Las Vegas after gaining another promotion.

Owners’ tribute to two stars

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney shared a kind message to Steven Fletcher and Mark Howard after it was announced they would be leaving…

Reynolds wrote: “Mr Steven 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.

“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 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.

“And 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.

“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.”

McElhenney added: “This is truly the worst part.

“I cannot say enough about these two men. Mark Howard and Steven Fletcher are not just players on the team.

“They are my friends and people I admire. They are men of ability and principle and commitment and compassion.

“They are men of character and fortitude who have achieved something beyond anyone’s imagination.

“I greatly admire everything about them and have so thoroughly enjoyed every moment I’ve had to see them play, or to just spend time with them. Godspeed men.

“I hope our paths cross again very soon. All I can say to these great men is THANK YOU.”