19 June 2024 , 22:06
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Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds didn't just renew goalkeeper Mark Howard's contract; he also fulfilled his promise to appear on the shot-stopper's podcast.
The gesture solidified Howard's place in the team and demonstrated Reynolds' commitment to engaging with his players and the city personally and meaningfully. Now, he's given the back-up goalkeeper, a popular member of the Reds' squad, a chance to extend his stay.
Wrexham has announced Howard has signed a new contract, remaining with the club for an additional season. While the financial terms were not disclosed, Howard expressed his happiness and excitement about continuing with the club, emphasising his commitment to the team's future success.
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“I’m delighted. To be part of the Club on the journey it’s on is a great honour for myself towards the back end of my career, and I’m still loving my football," said Howard. “I know I’ve got a different role to play going forward, but I absolutely love it. I’d obviously love to play week-in and week-out, but I have to accept that at 37, I can’t physically do that.
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“Last year, I really enjoyed pushing the other keepers and working in that goalkeeping unit," he continued. "And going forward I’ll continue to do that and hopefully get a few games along the way.”
The 37-year-old goalkeeper joined Wrexham after leaving Carlisle United following the 2022 season. He helped Wrexham to promotion from the National League, despite his place being taken by former Premier League goalkeeper Ben Foster after his signing midway through the campaign.
The following season, Howard made six appearances in League Two and play in two cup matches, keeping three clean sheets and playing a part in another promotion, this time to League One.
In addition to the new contract, Reynolds honored his promise to appear on Howard's podcast, "Yours, Mine, Away." The podcast, which typically features weekly guests who are fellow goalkeepers, welcomed Reynolds last February for a special episode, further demonstrating his commitment to the club.
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Ryan Reynolds appeared on Howard's podcast (YouTube)During the episode, Reynolds shared his experiences as Wrexham AFC co-owner and his adventures in Hollywood, including his iconic role as Deadpool. He also talked about his performances in "Free Guy" (2021) and as the voice of Pikachu in "Detective Pikachu" (2019).
Reynolds participated in a fun segment called "Goalie or No Goalie," where he offered insights into various Wrexham goalkeepers' abilities, character, and potential. Additionally, he spoke about the significant upgrades to Wrexham's training grounds, fulfilling another promise to the fanbase.
Reynolds and co-owner Rob McElhenney had committed to building new stands by the start of the next season. Despite facing licensing challenges, they delivered their promise by redesigning the new Kop stands to accommodate around 3,000 seats. Their goal is to make the stadium a year-round destination, not just a match-day venue, thereby boosting the local economy.
The Hollywood duo has even more ambitious plans for the future. They aim to one day construct a 50,000-seated arena further to solidify Wrexham's place on the football map, making their grounds a larger attraction than notable teams in the Premier League.