Former Wrexham goalkeeper Chris Maxwell has announced his retirement having been advised to step away on medical grounds.
Wrexham now have a goalkeeper who could be between the sticks for a long, long time.
Arthur Okonkwo has been exceptional again this season, having also dazzled on loan from Arsenal last term.
Wrexham pulled off an enormous coup by signing Okonkwo permanently last summer, and he has battled through some post-injury struggles to hit top form once again.
Phil Parkinson has hailed Okonkwo and the stopper will be a prime contender for Wrexham’s Player of the Season award.
Wrexham will hope to keep hold of Okonkwo for a long time, especially having seen a couple of talented stoppers leave long before Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds’ takeover.
Former Wrexham stopper Chris Maxwell announces retirement
Danny Ward emerged through the Wrexham ranks and was sold to Liverpool at just 18, before he even made a league appearances for the club.
Chris Maxwell at least broke into the first-team picture but still decided to leave Wrexham at the age of just 21.
Maxwell is another product of the Wrexham academy and showed big potential after a loan spell with Connah’s Quay Nomads.
Maxwell made 76 appearances for Wrexham but decided to join the Fleetwood Town rise in 2012 – weeks after they beat Wrexham to promotion.
Progress was slow and Maxwell returned to Wrexham on loan in 2013, helping the club clinch the FA Trophy at Wembley.
Maxwell eventually excelled for Fleetwood, earning himself moves to Preston North End, Charlton Athletic, Hibernian and Blackpool.
Now 34, Maxwell is with Huddersfield Town right now but will hang up his gloves at the end of the season.
Huddersfield have confirmed that Maxwell will be retiring on medical grounds, as a hip injury continues to limit him in terms of playing and training.
Maxwell shared an emotional message, thanking all of his former clubs – including Wrexham – for their part in his football journey.
“Football has been my dream for as long as I can remember,” said Maxwell.
“To have lived that dream – from coming through at Wrexham, to promotions with Fleetwood Town and Blackpool, where I had the honour of captaining the side, and earning a place in the Wales national squad – is something I’ll always be proud of.
“Thank you to everyone who’s been part of my journey – the coaches, teammates, clubs and supporters who’ve shaped my career, and most importantly, my family, whose support has been unwavering throughout,” he added.
Wrexham send Chris Maxwell message
We would have loved to see Maxwell finish his career with Wrexham, even if only as a backup goalkeeper.
That won’t be happening now, but Wrexham’s official X account have sent a message to the stopper.
‘All the best, Maxi, and congratulations on a great career. Thanks for the memories!’ they wrote.
Maxwell is set to continue his community work with Huddersfield, with the Terriers adding that he has been completing a number of courses to set himself up for his post-playing career.
Maxwell will always be welcomed back at Wrexham and he certainly deserves the praise coming his way for a fine career.