**Wrexham Announce Release of 14 Players in Sweeping Post‑Promotion Shake‑Up**
Wrexham AFC, the club co-owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, has confirmed that 14 players are set to depart as part of a major restructuring of the squad ahead of their debut Championship campaign. This announcement comes on the heels of an extraordinary rise through the English football pyramid, with consecutive promotions under the stewardship of their prominent owners.
The transition from League One to the Championship presents new challenges, necessitating fresh investment and a thorough review of existing personnel. Club officials, in a statement released on Friday, cited the need to adapt to the rigours and demands of second-tier football as the primary motivator behind these difficult decisions.
Among the high‑profile departures are veteran forward Steven Fletcher and well‑respected goalkeeper Mark Howard, both of whom played key roles in Wrexham’s victories and promotion-winning runs. The exits mark the end of an era for these experienced professionals who brought leadership and consistency to the Red Dragons’ dressing room.
Local boy Jordan Davies, a product of the Wrexham youth system and someone who enjoyed a stint at Premier League side Brighton, is another noteworthy name on the list of those leaving. In an emotional social media message to fans and owners, Davies reflected on his time at the club: “It’s been a remarkable journey at my hometown club. I could never have imagined leaving after five seasons with Wrexham now a Championship side. My thanks to every player, coach and supporter who’s been part of it – and especially to Ryan and Rob, who have transformed not just the club but the entire community. Here’s to the continuation of the Wrexham story.”
The club’s released list also features a mix of senior and academy players, signalling an intent to recalibrate the squad both in quality and youth development. Josh Adam, Harry Dean, Brad Foster, and Liam Hall have all been confirmed as departures. Additionally, Sam Dalby, who recently spent time on loan with Dundee United in Scotland, decided to reject a new contract offer and move on.
It is not all farewells at the club, however. Callum Edwards has been offered fresh terms to remain at the Racecourse Ground, while a one-year extension has been triggered for promising defender Aaron James. For James Rainbird, whose season was curtailed by injury, a decision on his future will be deferred, with the club continuing his rehabilitation under contract.
Wrexham’s youth setup also underwent significant changes, with six further players released from the ranks of young professionals. Keane Hazeldine, Reagan Nicholas, Bryn Owen, Harri Roberts, and Anton Tierney are all moving on, whilst Elliot Jones turned down a contract to pursue opportunities outside football.
Both Reynolds and McElhenney took to social media to share their thoughts, with Reynolds penning heartfelt tributes to the outgoing stalwarts. Describing Steven Fletcher as “greatness itself,” and Mark Howard as “the heartbeat of the dressing room,” Reynolds emphasised the value these individuals brought, not only to the team but to the sense of camaraderie and positive culture within the club.
Reynolds’ comments underline the difficult nature of decisions in football, balancing emotional attachment with the unforgiving practicalities of squad planning: “You aren’t just part of greatness – you are greatness. I’ll miss everything you brought to us,” he wrote in a message to Fletcher, while saluting Howard’s leadership both on and off the field.
This significant round of player changes signals a new chapter for Wrexham, as the club’s hierarchy looks to blend ambition with pragmatism. Supporters, while saddened by the loss of familiar faces, will be eagerly awaiting the recruitment and reshaping set to take place over the summer, with one eye firmly on the club’s continued rise and potential Premier League dreams.
As Wrexham prepare for life in the Championship, the coming weeks promise to be a period of transition, as both the board and recruitment team work to construct a squad capable of not just surviving, but thriving, at the next level of English football. The city and its fans remain united behind their club, braced for what promises to be another compelling season in Wrexham’s recent history.