Wrexham retained list: The 11 players released by National League champions as owners Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney begin summer planning

Wrexham have announced their retained and released list following the club's promotion to the English Football League

Wrexham and its Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney look set to embark on a major upgrade of their playing squad ahead of their return to League Two, after a 15-year absence.

They've announced that 11 players will be released and not offered new contracts, with 28-year-old centre-back Harry Lennon – who has been forced to retire due to injury – among that list.

Liam McAlinden will get a new contract offer from the club, while Aaron Butler, Scott James, Mark Howard, Anthony Forde and star striker Paul Mullin will all see their current deals extended – meaning they'll all play a part in the EFL in 2022/23 and possibly beyond. Youngster Owen Cushion will also get his first professional contract.

No immediate decision has been made on ex-Manchester Unitedgoalkeeper Ben Foster, who joined Wrexham on a short-term deal until the end of the season. The club say a discussion will be held with the eight-cap England keeper over his future. Kai Evans is also in limbo, with the club waiting until he's fit enough to train to make a contract decision.

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GOAL runs through the list here, detailing the players who will be playing no further part in the Wrexham story – and what Reynolds and McElhenney hope is a meteoric rise through the leagues.

Ryan Austin
Central midfielder, 20, who came through the academy but hasn't featured at senior level.

Kai Calderbank-Park
Aussie reserve goalkeeper, 22, who joined a year ago and made a handful of appearances. Formerly of Connah's Quay, Bury AFC and Burnley's academy.
Malik Dijksteel
Dutch attacking midfielder, 21, who joined on a short-term deal after impressing lower down the pyramid at Whitby, but played exclusively for the reserves.

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Reece Hall-Johnson
Right-back, 28, with a fair amount of non-league experience for Grimsby, Braintree and Chester, but featured sporadically for Wrexham last season
Jake Hyde
Experienced striker, 32, who spent the season on loan at Southend, scoring four goals in 18 National League appearances.
Rory Watson
Another reserve goalkeeper, 27, who signed a one-year contract in the summer of 2022. Didn't play a game for Wrexham.
Tom Jenkins
Versatile midfield starlet, 19, who was loaned out to Welsh provincial club Gresford Athletic for the season.
Dan Jones
Another young forward, 19, who hasn't featured for the club and will seek pastures new.
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Harry Lennon
Centre-back, 28, formerly of Charlton and Southend but has been blighted by injuries in the past year or two. Club have confirmed he is to retire upon expiry of his contract.
Louis Lloyd
Striker, 19, taken from Shrewsbury but kept in Wrexham's reserves. Also leaves without a senior appearance.
Will Mountfield
Birkenhead-born midfielder, 19, previously of Tranmere Rovers. Another reserve team player.