Mark Howard signs new contract with Wrexham AFC

Wrexham AFC have announced that goalkeeper Mark Howard has signed a new contract to remain at the STōK Cae Ras for the 2024/25 season.

Howard, 37, has been a key player for the club since joining in 2022. He has made 49 appearances and kept 16 clean sheets, contributing to Wrexham's back-to-back promotions.

Upon signing his new contract, Howard expressed his delight: “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.”

Acknowledging his evolving role, Howard added, “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, week-out but I have to accept at 37 that I can’t physically do that. Last year, I really enjoyed pushing the other keepers and working in that goalkeeping unit and going forward I’ll continue to do that and hopefully get a few games along the way.”

Howard made a strong impact from the start, debuting on the opening day of the 2022/23 season. He kept 12 clean sheets that season, helping Wrexham secure a record-breaking National League title and reach the FA Cup Fourth Round. Last season, he added four more clean sheets, losing just one match, and played a role in another promotion under Phil Parkinson.

Howard's contributions extend beyond league play. He has represented the Wrexham Red Dragons at The Soccer Tournament for the past two years. In 2023, he was named in the Team of the Tournament and recently scored two goals and kept two clean sheets to help the team reach the last 16.

Manager Phil Parkinson praised Howard’s influence: “Mark’s a senior player and a great influence on the younger goalkeepers. He’s also still fit; he works hard in training and is a good role model for the young players, and a good character to have in the dressing room.”

One of the other keepers currently contracted to Wrexham is Irish goalkeeper and former Sligo Rovers player Luke McNicholas.