Wrexham fans will be delighted to see one of their former stars giving it his all in a bid to avoid relegation.
As Wrexham continues to grow as a club, more and more players are beginning to be let go after previously being key assets.
In the most recent transfer window, Anthony Forde left for Burton Albion on deadline day.
The versatile star was following two former players to Burton, including James Jones, who received a heartfelt message from Rob McElhenney upon his exit.
Prior to said exits, Wrexham released a number of players in the summer of 2024.
Rob Lainton joined a new club in late February 2025 after spending nearly eight months without a team.
Elsewhere, Aaron Hayden moved back to his former club, Carlisle United, in the summer of 2024 after his Wrexham contract was not renewed.
Wrexham promotion winner Aaron Hayden scores for Carlisle again
Wrexham co-owner McElhenney reacted to Hayden’s exit at the time, urging Carlisle to ‘get him in the air and watch a man fly’.
It’s easy to see why Rob sent that message, given the centre-back scored a staggering 12 goals in 26 matches during the Reds’ promotion-winning season of 2022/23.
Wrexham were in the National League at the time, and Hayden is now in a battle to avoid returning to the fifth tier with his current club.
Hayden scored a late winner earlier this month to finish off a 3-2 comeback versus Newport County.
The Wrexham hero then shone in a 2-0 victory against Morecambe on April 12, and was once again in top form over the Easter weekend.
Carlisle beat League Two leaders Port Vale 3-2 on April 18, with Hayden scoring his second goal in the space of three games.
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Will Aaron Hayden avoid relegation back to the National League
It has been a simply remarkable turnaround for Hayden’s club, which looked dead and buried just a few weeks ago.
But even after a victory over the soon-to-be League One club, relegation still looks somewhat likely.
Carlsile are 23rd in the fourth tier with three games of the 2024/25 season left to play out.
They sit four points from 22nd, meaning they will have to win at least two of their remaining fixtures to have any real chance of staying up.
| Team | Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals for | Goals against | Goal difference | Points |
| 22. Tranmere Rovers | 43 | 10 | 14 | 19 | 39 | 64 | -25 | 44 |
| 23. Carlisle United | 43 | 10 | 10 | 23 | 39 | 65 | -26 | 40 |
| 24. Morecambe | 43 | 10 | 6 | 27 | 37 | 63 | -26 | 36 |
It’s not impossible, however, and Wrexham fans are no doubt eager to see Hayden continue impressing in the fight for survival.