Wrexham are expecting to have to deal with a number of emotional departures from the club this summer.
Rob McElhenney’s heartfelt message to Steven Fletcher upon his release from the club showed the unity that surrounds the Wrexham squad.
Humphrey Ker was sad to see Mark Howard depart as the veteran goalkeeper now seeks a new opportunity, meanwhile Jordan Davies also left the Racecourse Ground.
Wrexham’s ‘family’ feel to the club is exactly what Phil Parkinson has worked hard to build during his tenure and the manager has been speaking fondly about two former stars.
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Phil Parkinson shares emotional verdict on former Wrexham duo
Speaking to the Leader, Parkinson has shared his thoughts on former players James Jones and Anthony Forde after both left the Red Dragons for Burton Albion this season.
Parkinson stated: “These lads are part of the Wrexham family and they mean a lot to us because of what James [Jones] and Fordy [Anthony] have been through with their families.”
Ryan Reynolds backed Parkinson over his strategy of only signing players that he feels would be good characters to have in the dressing room and Jones and Forde certainly fitted that criteria.
Parkinson explained: “James was excellent. He’s another player who unfortunately this year had a couple of injuries; every time he’s got going again, he’s had a bit of a setback which is unusual for him because he’s not a player who’s picked up injuries before.
“It’s been tough for Fordy because he had the back injury and it took him a while to come back, and his opportunities were limited, but he’s been brilliant for us. Even when he’s been out the team, he’s been such a great lad.”
James Jones and Anthony Forde were big parts of the Wrexham rise
Both Jones and Forde played huge parts in the club’s rise from the National League into the Championship and will forever be remembered fondly in North Wales.
The duo were loved by fans for their commitment on the pitch and shared some incredible memories during their time.
| Wrexham record | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Jones | 126 | 14 | 2 |
| Forde | 58 | 4 | 3 |
Reynolds sent a message to Forde when the midfielder returned towards the end of the season with his current club Burton and showed his love for the former Red Dragon.
Although it is set to be a busy summer for Wrexham, players who do depart the club will do so on exceptional terms and this is proof they will always be welcome at the club with open arms.