Ryan Reynolds has issued a response after after Wrexham frontman Steven Fletcher revealed he would be leaving the club “and not by choice”. The veteran striker scored eight goals for the Red Dragons this season as they secured automatic promotion from League One at the first time of asking.
However, the former Scotland international has been deemed surplus to requirements as Wrexham prepare for life in the Championship. Fletcher, who has often been used by manager Phil Parkinson as a super sub, said in a post on Instagram that he was departing “with a heavy heart”.
He said: “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.
“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.”
Deadpool star and Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds has now paid his own tribute to Fletcher. Posting on social media, he said he would miss the ex-Sunderland and Wolves man’s “leadership and wit”.
Addressing Fletcher directly, Reynolds said: “Words aren’t agile enough to capture what you’ve brought to Wrexham, the sport, and the lives of myself and this whole town. You aren’t a PART of greatness. You ARE greatness.
“I don’t really know what a co-chairmen is supposed to do or say in these moments and I don’t much care. I’m gonna miss you. I’ll miss your your leadership and wit and the way you remind everyone – including me – that this is also FUN. Like the first day we met, I’m here for you any time and any place. Always.”
Reynolds also expressed his thanks to goalkeeper Mark Howard, who announced yesterday that he had been let go. Howard was part of the squad for all three of Wrexham’s recent promotions.
The Canadian actor said: “Mark Howard – how on earth do we put into words the clutch work you do as a keeper. You have the hardest job in football. And you can’t have that ability without being a clutch person in life.
“You have a beautiful family and you have a second family in Wrexham now and always. You’re the big beating heart of this team and the reason we have the best locker room in sports.”
He added: “Fletch and Chomp [Howard], you’ve authored some of the greatest moments of my life. And so many others. All I can do is thank you.”
Fellow Wrexham owner Rob McElhenney said: “This is truly the worst part. I cannot say enough about these two men. @markhoward.1 and @stevenfletcher9official are not just players on the team. They are my friends and people I admire.
“They are men of ability and principle and commitment and compassion. They are men of character and fortune who have achieved something beyond anyone’s imagination.”
Meanwhile, Wrexham are already reported to have started making moves to sign the players necessary to compete in the second tier. Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney is said to be top of their target list as they look to make a statement of intent for next season.
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