Arrivals and departures of players are a common sight at clubs around the world. For Wrexham AFC, incomings are particularly important after they released eight players. The Welsh club’s hero, goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, added to those departures because of the end of loan spells. But in a surprising turn of events, even his parent club Arsenal has also released the talented shot-stopper. This has led their other goalkeeper, Mark Howard, to urge Okonkwo to return to STōK Cae Ras.

“Okonkwo is an unbelievable talent and has all the attributes to develop more and he will only get better,” said Howard, as compiled by The Leader. Making over 40 appearances across all competitions, Okonkwo has left quite an indelible mark. Even his performances have caught the eye of other clubs, which further increases the competition. “Personally and for the club it would be great if he returns but ultimately the future is in his own hands,” added Howard.

Howard highlighted the 22-year-old’s achievement of making the cut into the League Two Team of the Year, despite missing a few games. Notably, the veteran recently extended his stay at the club for another year, a decision which was quite ‘easy‘ for him. In fact, with this stay, Mark pledged to ‘get the best‘ out of Okonkwo as well as the Red Dragons’ GK coach, Aidan Davison.

Notably, Okonkwo starting on goal saw Howard get just 10 games in League Two. Yet, the 37-year-old is okay to stay on the bench and rather intends to be a ‘part of the culture they are creating and building for the future.’ Indeed, this is quite a remarkable approach from Howard. After all, he even sees himself playing for the club in his 40s.

Despite being replaced by Arthur Okonkwo, Mark Howard wants to enjoy a few more years with Wrexham

Mark Howard playing once in a blue moon for Ryan Reynolds and Co. and yet getting a contract for another year was something many didn’t expect. But earlier, the veteran balanced it with a claim that not everyone would ‘drop down a level’ just to help Wrexham achieve promotion. Yet, Howard insisted the Welsh club had a pull that didn’t bring any second thoughts on the players who they approached.

While insisting that winning a historic promotion is no easy feat, Mark added, “I wanted to join a progressive club, it’s been beyond my wildest expectations. At 37 I feel I have two or three more years left in me and I just want to continue this journey at Wrexham.”

It’s good to see such passion from Howard, but his stay remains in the hands of Wrexham. For now, it remains to be seen whether the club will fulfill his desire to bring Arthur Okonkwo back.