[themaclad]

Midfielder Matty James has signed a contract extension keeping him at Wrexham until the end of the 2025-26 season.

James joined the Dragons on a short-term contract in October having been released by Bristol City in the summer.

The 33-year-old has made seven appearances for Wrexham.

"It's really good to be settled and I'm looking forward to playing as many games as I can and help try to take the club to the next level," James said.

"I've got that focus and desire to keep progressing with the club and I'm really happy to be staying."

James, a product of the Manchester United academy, has also had spells with Leicester City and Bristol City.

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said: "He has done well in his short time at the club so far and we look forward to working with him going forwards."

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Wexham goalkeeper Brad Foster has signed a deal to stay at the Stok Racecourse until the end of the season.

And his stay at the League Two club could yet be extended, with an option for a further year included in the new agreement.

Foster, 23, was brought in as short-term cover after injuries to first-choice keeper Arthur Okonkwo and back-up Callum Burton.

The former Derby County and West Brom youngster has deputised for Mark Howard, playing once – and earning a clean sheet – in the EFL Trophy win over Crewe.

Okonkwo has recovered from a broken wrist, returning to the starting XI at the start of the month, but Foster has done enough to earn the new contract.

"My target is just to keep improving in training, get my head down and earn my place here," Foster said.

Manager Phil Parkinson added: "Brad's trained really well and he's a good addition for us, and we look forward to continuing to work with him."

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Wrexham have signed Hull City winger Ryan Longman for an undisclosed fee.

Longman has signed a deal until the end of the 2026-27 season with the option of an additional year.

He watched his new club draw 1-1 at home to Birmingham City on Thursday evening.

"I'm really looking forward to being a part of this journey. I came to watch the game last night and the atmosphere was incredible," Longman said.

Longman came through the ranks at Brighton & Hove Albion before joining Hull City on a permanent deal in the summer of 2022 after a season-long loan with The Tigers.

The 24-year-old scored four goals in 62 league appearances for Hull City and spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan at Championship rivals Millwall.

He is Wrexham's first signing of the January transfer window and manager Phil Parkinson said: "We're delighted to bring Ryan to the Club.

"He's an exciting young player and I'm really looking forward to working with him."

Wrexham striker Jack Marriott and wing-back Jacob Mendy have signed new contracts with the League One club.

Marriott, 30, joined Wrexham for an undisclosed fee from Fleetwood Town in January 2024, and his current deal was due to expire at the end of the season.

Mendy, 28, was signed from Boreham Wood in August 2022 and has scored six goals in over 70 appearances for Wrexham.

Both payers have signed deals until the end of the 2025-26 season with the option of an additional year.

A back-to-back promotion winner with Wrexham, Mendy, said: "I'm delighted to stay here, and I really appreciate all of the people that believe in me.

"I can't wait to play and hopefully do well for the team."

He began his career in Atletico Madrid's academy and had spells with Carshalton Athletic and Wealdstone.

Mendy has has won three caps for The Gambia and made his debut against Ivory Coast in a World Cup qualifier in 2024.

Beverly-born Marriott has scored five goals for Wrexham in League One this season but has not played since October after he suffered a broken leg in training.

Marriott made his comeback as a second half substitute in Wrexham's 2-1 defeat at Shrewsbury Town and was on the bench for Thursday's 1-1 draw at home to Birmingham City.

"I'm really grateful that the Club have agreed the deal. I'm really pleased to extend my stay here and it's a really happy time for me and my family," Marriott said.

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said: "He's come back in really good shape and that's a credit to him and the medical team as well,"

"Of course a little bit more work is needed to get ready to start a game but each day he's looking stronger.

"Jack got five goals early in the season and he was really on top of his game.

"It's like having a new signing – he's fresh, he's ready and he's determined to play his part."

Marriott began his career at Ipswich Town before a move to Luton, where he was the club's top scorer in his first season.

[themaclad]

Wrexham have completed the signings of strikers Sam Smith and Jay Rodriguez.

Smith, 26, has arrived from League One rivals Reading for an undisclosed fee, understood to be a club record and breaking the £1m barrier for the first time in the club's history.

Rodriguez, 35, also joins for an undisclosed fee, in his case from Championship side Burnley, until the end of the 2025-26 season.

Smith, who has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the option of an additional year, said: "I'm excited to be a part of the journey now and I want to try to help the club achieve its ambitions.

"I hope I can use my experience to help every single player in the squad and gain something from the group as well."

Rodriguez drops from the Championship to join Wrexham having also played more than 150 games in the Premier League.

The once-capped England striker said: "To join the story that has evolved at Wrexham with clear targets is exciting for me."

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson said of Rodriguez: "He's an experienced striker with real quality and we're looking forward to working with him."

Parkinson has been keen to strengthen his frontline as Wrexham, who are owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, bid for promotion to the Championship.

He described Smith, who has 11 goals this season, as "a fantastic addition to the squad".

"Sam is a player we've been pursuing for a while," Parkinson added. "He's a striker who's done really well over the last few seasons and he's at a great age."

Smith came through the Reading academy after he was released by Manchester United and made his senior debut for the Royals in August 2017.

He subsequently had loans spells with Bishop's Stortford, Oxford United, Shrewsbury Town, Cambridge United, Tranmere Rovers and Cheltenham Town.

Smith left Reading at the end of his contract in the summer of 2021 and joined Cambridge on a permanent deal.

After two seasons at Cambridge he rejoined Reading in July 2023.

Smith scored 27 goals in 63 games during his second spell with Reading, including 11 this season.

After starting his career at Burnley, Rodriguez went on to star for Southampton after joining Saints in 2012.

He made his solitary England appearance during the 2013-14 season and played alongside Wrexham skipper James McClean at West Brom.

A return to Burnley followed for Rodriguez in 2019 and he helped them win promotion to the Premier League in 2023.

Meanwhile midfielder James Jones has left Wrexham to join fellow League One outfit Burton Albion in a permanent move.

Jones has agreed an 18-month contract at the Pirelli Stadium after scoring 16 goals in 138 appearances for the Red Dragons.

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Anthony Forde has left Wrexham by mutual consent.

Forde moved to the Stok Racecourse from Oxford United in the summer of 2022 and played a key role as Parkinson's side gained back-to-back promotions - despite a spell out of the side for personal reasons.

The 31-year-old was later left out of Phil Parkinson's squad early on in the 2024-25 season, meaning his only four senior appearances for the club this season came in the English Football League (EFL) Trophy.

The Irishman departs north Wales having featured 61 times in all competitions for Wrexham, scoring four goals.

Manager Phil Parkinson said: "I'd like to thank Fordey for his contributions since he's been at club.

"He's lived through a lot on and off the pitch during his time here, but he has been an outstanding professional and we really wish him all the best for the next stage of his career."

Aaron James has signed on loan for National League North side Warrington Town for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.

The 19-year-old signed his first professional contract made his league debut in 2023-24 and this year has played a further three times – scoring his first career goal to earn victory against Crewe in the EFL Trophy.

James Rainbird also departed on deadline day - joining Cymru Premier side Newtown on loan for the remainder of the campaign.

The 19-year-old winger signed his first professional deal with Wrexham in 2023 but is yet to make a senior appearance for the club.

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Homegrown teenager Harry Ashfield has signed a new deal that will keep the midfielder at Wrexham until the end of the 2026-27 season.

An option for another season has been included in the 18-year-old Wrexham-born player's contract.

He has made six appearance in all competitions under Phil Parkinson.

Ashfield, who arrived at the club aged 12, said: "It's an excellent feeling to sign a new deal with my club. I'm excited to kick-on and see what I can do in the first team – hopefully I can prove myself."

Parkinson said: "I'd like to congratulate Harry on his new contract. He's worked very hard right from day one of pre-season and we're looking to seeing his development."

[themaclad]

Striker Steven Fletcher has announced "with a heavy heart" he is leaving Wrexham "and not by choice".

The 38-year-old former Scotland international's departure comes as the Hollywood-owned side prepare for life in the Championship after successive promotions.

Fletcher, who scored eight goals as Wrexham won promotion from League One, had been hoping to earn a new deal at the north Wales club.

He posted on social media: "I unfortunately have to announce my departure from what I can only describe as the most magical club I have ever played at!

"In my 22 years of stepping onto a pitch, I have never experienced anything like this club."

Fletcher had been considering retiring when Wrexham's approach prompted his arrival at the Stok Cae Ras on a free in September 2023.

A former Premier League frontman for Burnley, Wolves and Sunderland, Fletcher proved his worth as Wrexham won promotion from League Two, earning a one-year contract-extension last summer.

Fletcher admitted in March he had expected to have returned to retirement, adding that he didn't see "why he would want to stop" given his ongoing impact.

He played a super-sub role as Wrexham returned to the second-tier for the first time in 42 years, with all bar two of his 43 appearances coming off the bench as he again scored eight league goals.

In his exit announcement, Fletcher added: "I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to come here and fall back in love with the game!

"To have had the experiences and the opportunities that this club has given me has been just incredible. And this group of lads are the best that I have ever shared a changing room with.

"It's not just a team or a changing room. This group of boys , fans and staff have been my family for the past two years.

"You welcomed me with open arms and open hearts and made me feel like I had a purpose again."

Fletcher's announcement came after goalkeeper Mark Howard – who had figured in all three of Wrexham's successive promotions – also revealed he would not be staying beyond the end of his current deal.

Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney said on social media that such exits were "the worst part", adding: "they are not just players on the team. They are my friends and people I admire".

In response Wrexham director Humphrey Ker posted he was "slightly in awe" of Fletcher "when he arrived at Wrexham, on account of his extraordinary career at the very top of the game".

Ker added: "Now, after two glorious years in his company, I'm even more in awe of him, on account of his abilities, his leadership and friendship. Man who's given me moments of joy that'll last a lifetime."

Veteran goalkeeper Mark Howard has said "a huge thank you" to club owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney after revealing he will leave Wrexham this summer.

Howard, 38, made 11 appearances in 2024-25 as Wrexham won automatic promotion from League One but sees his contract expire next month.

He will depart having helped Wrexham win promotion in each of his three seasons at the club.

After signing in 2022, Howard played 37 times as Wrexham won the National League in 2022-23 and then made 10 appearances as they climbed into the third tier in the following campaign.

The former Sheffield United player announced his exit in a social media post, external in which he described Hollywood duo Reynolds and McElhenney as "amazing people".

"From the moment I pulled on the Wrexham shirt, I have tried to bring professionalism, passion, and personality to the club,"
"As I reflect on what an incredible journey it's been, I consider myself fortunate to have shared a dressing room with the best team-mates.

"Every day I have left with a smile on my face wanting to come back and do it all over again."

Howard is the first of Wrexham's out-of-contract players to clarify his situation, with the club yet to release a retained list.

"The connection with the fans was tough at times but now I feel part of the family, I would like to think you've all grown to love me," added Howard.

"At this stage I still feel like I have more football in me, so it's not retirement yet, I still want to dive around while my body lets me."

Arthur Okonkwo has been Wrexham's first-choice keeper in the last two seasons, with Callum Burton, Luke McNicholas, Brad Foster and Liam Hall also on the club's books.

Former Scotland striker Steven Fletcher is among the other Wrexham players whose contracts expire this summer.

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Striker Sam Dalby will not be returning to Wrexham from his loan spell at Dundee United – after turning down the chance to stay at the Championship-bound club.

Dalby has spent the season at the Scottish Premiership side, with his 14 goals giving the Tannadice club the chance of European football.

The 25-year-old was offered a new deal by Wrexham in January, but the club have confirmed he rejected the offer after they announced their retained list before their rise to the second-tier.

Striker Steven Fletcher and goalkeeper Mark Howard had already gone public with their exits having been key figures in the club's third straight promotion under Phil Parkinson.

They will be joined by midfielder Jordan Davies who is leaving his hometown club, five years after rejoining from Brighton.

Fletcher to leave Wrexham 'not by choice'
Steven Fletcher applauds Wrexham fans
Howard thanks Hollywood owners as he exits Wrexham
Goalkeeper Mark Howard in action for Wrexham this season
Davies, 26, played 28 times as Wrexham secured their return to the Football League in 2023 and was again heavily involved in last year's promotion from League Two.

But he was sent on loan to Grimsby at the start of the season and has not been offered a new deal, posting on social media that he had been on a "special journey" and praising co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney "for changing the feel around the whole town".

He made 142 appearances in total, scoring 37 times – including 15 in the first full season of the club's Hollywood ownership.

Dalby, meanwhile, could now stay in Scotland with Dundee United having spoken publicly about wanting to hold onto the forward.

Dalby scored 13 goals in 92 outings for Wrexham after joining from Southend in 2022, but found himself behind Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer, Jack Marriott and Fletcher at the start of the campaign.


Parkinson admitted he had considered recalling the frontman in January, who at one stage led the SPL scoring charts and has since been voted as one of only two non-Old Firm players in the Scottish PFA team of the season.

Former Manchester City youngster Josh Adam, 21, has also been released having not made a league appearance after joining in September, as has local academy product Harry Dean. Young goalkeeper Liam Hall also departs, as does former West Brom keeper Brad Foster who signed as injury cover in December.

But academy graduate Aaron James has had a contract extension triggered, teenage winger Callum Edwards – who spent last season on loan at Cymru Premier side Bala Town – has been offered a new deal, while a decision on 18-year-old wide player James Rainbird will be put on hold until he recovers from injury.

[themaclad]

Wrexham have signed Plymouth Argyle's Scottish striker Ryan Hardie for an undisclosed fee.

The 28-year-old, who began his career with Rangers, scored 10 goals in the Championship last season as Argyle were relegated to League One.

He also scored the winner from the penalty spot against Liverpool in the FA Cup fourth round in February, one of 12 goals in 40 appearances in all competitions in 2024-25.

"I'm delighted to get the move done, I'm really happy to get it done so early and I cannot wait to get going," Hardie told Wrexham's official website.

"The last couple of seasons, it's been good getting experience in the EFL Championship and it's experience I can lean on now."

He has signed a contract until the end of the 2027-28 season and is Wrexham's first signing of the summer as they prepare for a return to English football's second tier for the first time in 43 years.




Hardie was at Rangers as a youngster, making 17 senior appearances for the Glasgow giants and spending time on loan with Raith, St Mirren and Livingston during his time at Ibrox.

He joined Blackpool in 2019, before moving on loan to Plymouth in January 2020 – scoring seven goals in 13 games as the Pilgrims won promotion to League One.

Hardie returned on loan again the following season, signing permanently in the January transfer window, winning promotion to the Championship in 2023 and also reaching the EFL Trophy Final the same year and scored 74 goals in 248 games for Plymouth.

He adds to the attacking options for Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson, who signed Sam Smith from Reading and Burnley's Jay Rodriguez in the January transfer window.

Wrexham's squad also includes the likes of Jack Marriott, Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer, though veteran former Scotland international Steven Fletcher was released following their promotion from League One last season.

Parkinson said: "I'm delighted to welcome Ryan Hardie to the club.

"We're looking forward to working with him and I'm sure everyone will give him a warm welcome to the STōK Cae Ras."

Wrexham will be getting a seasoned Championship scorer in Hardie.

The pacey Scot enjoys playing off the shoulder of the last defender and is an excellent finisher – provided he can get the service.

When he has been in systems which suit his style of play – such as under Steven Schumacher and latterly Miron Muslic – he has proved an excellent weapon, but he is prone to long spells without goals as well – he got just two under Wayne Rooney in the first half of last season before scoring 10 under Muslic from the start of February.

The deal makes sense for all parties – with a year left on his deal Argyle knew this was the last chance to cash in on one of their most prized assets following relegation, while Hardie will increase his wages and profile at the Stok Cae Ras.