Since the Hollywood takeover a balance of youth and experience has been key to the success in North Wales.
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have supported Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson in the market with a strong backing in transfer windows with big names like Steven Fletcher, James McClean, and Ben Foster all featuring in Wrexham’s rise to League One.
Parkinson has frequently turned to the more experienced players of his squad to help guide and mentor the younger members of the squad who will be the future of the Red Dragons.
Previously Luke Young played a key role in this mentorship, but with the former Wrexham captain signing for Cheltenham Town after leaving the Racecourse as a free agent this summer, Parkinson will be looking to other senior members to step up in the dressing room.
One of the key senior members of the squad is 37-year-old goalkeeper Mark Howard.
It was announced on Tuesday afternoon that the English goalkeeper had signed a one-year contract extension.
What Mark Howard’s extension means for Wrexham target Arthur Ononkwo
Last season Arthur Okonkwo was on loan from Arsenal and quickly became Parkinson’s number-one choice in goal.
Throughout the season Okonkwo’s form and confidence grew stronger and the 22-year-old became a fan favourite.
It is expected that Wrexham will continue their pursuit of free agent Okonkwo after he was released by Arsenal this summer.
Howard’s contract extension is important for Parkinson as Howard plays a crucial role in mentoring younger goalkeepers, such as Luke McNicholas and Liam Hall.
Speaking to The Leader, Parkinson said: “He has always done well for us when he has been selected but more importantly, he is a great lad to have in the building.”
If Wrexham does sign their key target in Okonkwo it is certain Howard will play a huge part in mentoring the young goalkeeper but also being able to offer competition in the goalkeeping department at the StoK Cae Ras.
Former Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster was full of praise for the young goalkeeper last season.
Foster intended to be the number one shot-stopper for the Red Dragons last season but decided to retire after a poor start to the season.
Speaking on The Fozcast, the 41-year-old revealed he was impressed with how Okonkwo adjusted to life as a League Two goalkeeper.
“When you’re an academy goalkeeper at a Premier League club, then you are taught to play football a certain way; it’s playing out from the back, it’s nice, tippy tappy and it’s lovely.
“It’s not necessarily balls into the box or physical football – League Two is that. And for him to step out of his comfort zone and go and do that, he’s been absolutely fantastic.”
Both Howard and Okonkwo played a big part in Wrexham’s promotion to League One last season and the Wrexham faithful would be delighted if Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney can complete a deal to see Okonkwo return to North Wales and reunite with Howard.