With the 2023-24 campaign over, Wrexham is making some huge changes around. Among the baby steps taken by the Red Dragons to gear up for life in League One is addressing the contract situations of their players. While some failed to get a new deal, others, like Mark Howard, received the green light to remain at STōK Cae Ras. In fact, the excitement surrounding his contract renewal even prompted the player to assert that he still has ‘two or three more years left’ to continue playing for Wrexham.

Despite only making seven appearances in League Two this season, the 37-year-old got another year to keep his place in the team. As compiled by The Leader, he said, “Everyone knows about the club’s story but you ask any of the lads who joined the club in the National League, none of us wanted to drop down to that level.” Even though Howard and other new signings ‘played a lot higher,’ everyone wanted to be a part of Wrexham’s journey. 

“To say we helped the club win one promotion and then another, we are history-makers. You can’t take that away from us. I wanted to join a progressive club, it’s been beyond my wildest expectations. At 37 I feel I have two or three more years left in me and I just want to continue this journey at Wrexham,” concluded Howard. 

Notably, the goalkeeper arrived at the Welsh club in the summer of 2022, before playing for the likes of Sheffield United, Bolton Wanderers, and Blackpool. While he remains, on-loan signing and regular starter Arthur Okonkwo returned to his parent club Arsenal. Speaking of departures, what does Phil Parkinson have to say about the mass release of players? 

Phil Parkinson opens up on Wrexham AFC’s decision to release eight players

Skipper Luke Young, Ben Tozer, Rob Lainton, Jordan Tunnicliffe, Aaron Hayden, Callum McFadzean, Owen Cushion, and Dan Davies were not offered extensions. Interestingly, Phil Parkinson had an explanation for the media, insisting that the club’s aim has always been to ‘improve‘ in every transfer window. 

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But the key has always been to retain key players as well. Despite some players moving on, Parkinson expressed, “I feel we have recruited players who can carry on with us and keep taking the club forward.” The 56-year-old also stressed the importance of recruiting individuals with long-term potential, aiming for stability and progress. 

It appears that there may be more changes on the horizon at the Racecourse Ground. Let’s see who else Wrexham signs, especially players like Mark Howard, who are keen to play for them beyond their 40s.