Hollywood actor and Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds has responded to Steven Fletcher’s announcement that he must unwillingly leave the club. The experienced striker contributed eight goals as the Red Dragons clinched automatic promotion from League One this season.
Despite his pivotal role and making many memorable appearances off the bench under manager Phil Parkinson, the former Scotland forward appears to be out of the team’s future plans as they gear up for the Championship. A clearly emotional Fletcher took to Instagram to share his feelings, making his reluctance and sadness over the departure clear, as well as his love for the special time he had at Wrexham. He said: “It’s with a heavy heart, and not by choice, 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.”
Reynolds, famed for his role as Deadpool, has since taken to social media to express his warm regards towards Fletcher, emphasising how much he would miss the player’s “leadership and wit”. Addressing him 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’m not entirely sure what the role of a co-chairman entails in situations like this, but to be honest, I’m not too concerned. What I do know is that I’ll miss you. I’ll miss your leadership and your sharp wit, as well as the way you remind everyone – including myself – that this is supposed to be enjoyable. Just like the day we first met, I’m here for you, whenever and wherever. Always.”
Reynolds also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to goalkeeper Mark Howard, who announced his departure from the club on Thursday. Howard had been an integral part of the squad during Wrexham’s three recent promotions.
The Canadian actor paid tribute to Howard, saying: “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. 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.”
Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney has also expressed his feelings, saying: “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.”
In related news, Wrexham are reportedly already on the hunt for new talent to strengthen their squad ready for life in the second tier. Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney is believed to be at the top of their wishlist as they aim to show their ambition for the upcoming season.
