Departing goalkeeper gets heartfelt messages from Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, and teammates after remarkable rise with the Red Dragons
After three whirlwind years filled with promotion parades, packed terraces, and unforgettable moments, veteran goalkeeper Mark Howard has bid an emotional farewell to Wrexham. The 38-year-old stopper, affectionately known as “Chompy” among teammates, appears to have confirmed his exit via a heartfelt Instagram post that has sparked an outpouring of tributes from players and fans alike—including stars James McClean and Steven Fletcher.
From the National League to the Championship, Howard has been a steady presence during one of the most transformational eras in Wrexham AFC’s long history. And while he may not have been the headline act every week, he was, as his colleagues made clear, a figure whose leadership, humour, and experience helped build the culture that’s propelled this club up the pyramid.
Three promotions, one legacy
It’s not every day a player gets to say they’ve been part of three successive promotions. It’s rarer still for a goalkeeper, often used as a backup, to be so widely respected for his off-pitch contributions. But that’s exactly what makes Howard’s departure feel like the end of a significant chapter at the Racecourse Ground.
“From the moment I pulled on the Wrexham shirt, I have tried to bring professionalism, passion, and personality to the club,” Howard wrote in his farewell message. “As I reflect on what an incredible journey it’s been, I consider myself fortunate to have shared a dressing room with the best teammates.”
Howard’s message was laced with gratitude—not only for the footballing milestones, but for the camaraderie, support, and emotional investment that has marked his time at the club. He reserved special thanks for Wrexham’s Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, whose ambitious stewardship has helped turn the once-struggling Welsh side into one of the most talked-about clubs in the world.
“Finally, a huge thank you to these two amazing people,” he added, tagging the duo. “Diolch.”
Dressing room tributes: ‘Chomp, you’re some man’
As news of Howard’s departure spread, the tributes came thick and fast. It was clear that the goalkeeper, known for his sense of humour and unshakeable professionalism, had left a deep impression on those around him.
Republic of Ireland international James McClean commented: “ChompRex, it’s been an absolute pleasure to share a dressing room with you mate, some man for one.”
Veteran striker Steven Fletcher echoed the sentiment on his Instagram story, writing: “Chompy, what a fella. Friend for life, big man,” complete with a love heart and two dinosaur emojis—a nod, perhaps, to Howard’s status as the squad’s elder statesman.
There was plenty of good-natured ribbing too. Midfielder Elliot Lee joked: “The oldest goalkeeper there ever was. I will miss you, old man.” While forward Ollie Palmer offered a mix of banter and admiration: “What a legend… absolute GOAT. Love you man. B2B2B2.”
Defender Max Cleworth summed it up simply: “An absolute legend Chomper, thanks for everything mate.”
Wrexham rise and Howard’s role in it
While Howard may not have been the first name on the teamsheet in recent seasons, particularly as Wrexham climbed the leagues, his contribution during the club’s resurgence from the National League remains pivotal.
In his first season, Howard featured more prominently between the sticks as Wrexham ended a 15-year absence from the English Football League. As younger goalkeepers arrived, his role shifted, but his influence never waned.
Howard became a vital figure behind the scenes—mentoring emerging talents, setting standards in training, and bringing a sense of calm to a club in the middle of a high-profile rebuild. And while others might have faded into the background, he remained front and centre in the dressing room dynamic.
Now, with the Red Dragons preparing for life in the Championship following automatic promotion from League One, Howard has decided to step away—but he made it clear he’s not hanging up his gloves just yet.
“At this stage, I still feel like I have more football in me, so it’s not retirement yet,” he insisted. “I still want to dive around while my body lets me.”
A journey powered by passion—and Hollywood stardust
Howard’s departure also highlights the emotional depth of this Wrexham project. Under Reynolds and McElhenney, the club has been more than just a football team—it’s become a cultural story, one of redemption, community, and belief.
The co-owners, to their credit, have fostered a family atmosphere that goes beyond contracts and results. Howard’s gratitude toward them was clear: “Working alongside some of the most amazing staff on and off the pitch, giving me the encouragement to do more, I cannot thank you enough.”
And for all the glamour that surrounds Wrexham these days, it’s gestures like Howard’s farewell and the heartfelt responses it generated that show why this club still feels so grounded.
What next—for Howard and for Wrexham?
As Howard begins to assess his next steps, speculation will no doubt grow about where the veteran might land. Whether it’s a playing role at a League One or League Two club, or a move into coaching, it’s evident he’s not ready to stop yet.
For Wrexham, the focus now turns to bolstering their squad for the demands of Championship football. A replacement in the goalkeeping department will likely be on the agenda, but whoever comes in will have big boots to fill—both on the pitch and in the dressing room.
Farewell, Chomp
In an era of short memories and quick turnarounds, Mark Howard leaves Wrexham with something far more lasting than stats or clean sheets. He leaves with the affection of a club that has risen from obscurity to national attention—and with the gratitude of teammates who clearly saw him as much more than just a backup.
From National League battlegrounds to Championship dreams, Chomp was there for the ride. And by all accounts, he made it one hell of a journey.
