Wrexham are saying goodbye to Mark Howard this summer as the goalkeeper departs the STōK Cae Ras.
The end of the season always brings departures, but Wrexham’s goodbyes have been very difficult.
Ben Tozer and Luke Young departed last summer as Wrexham showed a ruthless streak after promotion to League One.
Young was Rob McElhenney’s favourite player, but the midfielder was let go at the end of his contract.
It’s a similar story this summer, with Steven Fletcher let go despite some huge contributions off the bench in League One.
Mark Howard is also leaving Wrexham, with the goalkeeper departing despite stepping into the starting XI for a stretch this past season.
Mark Howard on Wrexham departure
Parkinson pounced to sign Howard in 2022 as he departed Carlisle United.
Parkinson and Howard previously worked together at Bolton Wanderers and they have now spent three years together at Wrexham.
Howard has been a superb veteran presence in the goalkeeping department, especially with a relatively youngster between the sticks in Arthur Okonkwo.
Now a free agent, Howard has spoken to BBC Radio Lancashire about his Wrexham departure.
Howard admitted that joining Wrexham was quite simply one of the best decisions he made in his long career.
The veteran goalkeeper noted that Wrexham still want him to be involved in the club, leaving Howard to feel that he still has so much to offer in the long term.
That could be a coaching role down the line, with Howard honoured by Wrexham’s desire to keep him around the club in the future.
“It was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my career,” said Howard.
“The people that I’ve met, not just in the dressing room, but some of the staff and going forward, for my own career at 38 and still wanting to play, the fact that they want me involved in the club in some capacity is obviously a huge credit to what I’ve achieved for them and it obviously goes to show I’ve got other things to offer long-term, but I’ve loved every minute of being at Wrexham and I hold no regrets,” he added.
Mark Howard still eyeing a first-choice role
Howard was third-choice for Wrexham this past season, but stepped up after injuries to Arthur Okonkwo and Callum Burton.
The experienced stopper equipped himself well in that role but is now looking for more action.
Howard believes that he could ‘easily’ play 50 games as a first-choice goalkeeper in League Two next season.
Howard also feels that he can feature in League One, believing he would be well-suited to supporting a younger goalkeeper.
Championship football is even in Howard’s mind, with the goalkeeper believing that he has the experience and know-how to make a difference in the second tier.
“I think if a League Two club came into me and said ‘yes, we want you to be our number one’, I think that’s well within the realms [of possibility],” said Howard. “I could easily play 50 games next year, that’s not a problem, I think my body would let me and I can still kick a ball an absolute mile.
“I think in League One, I would be a number one of two, where, if you have a younger goalkeeper that needs an experienced head to help him through the tougher times, but then you might need me to come in and play – I think that’s probably a good place to pitch myself.
“Even Championship level, I could still play Championship level now, with the experience I’ve got and the know-how, but it would probably be limited game time,” he added.
Parkinson explained Howard’s exit by suggesting that he wants first-team football again and any Wrexham fan would surely back him to be a popular and impactful figure with his next club.