'I hate this time of year' - Wrexham chief says emotional farewell to club 'hero' after departure from Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's side

Change was always going to happen in North Wales at some point, with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney having overseen a meteoric rise since completing a stunning takeover in 2021. A historic run of three successive promotions has been enjoyed.

The Red Dragons are now a Championship outfit, meaning that serious upgrades are required on the playing front. Part of that process means severing ties with those that have helped the club to climb up the EFL ladder.

Cult heroes such as Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer have been moved on, with alternative striking options being favoured, while Steven Fletcher, Mark Howard and George Evans are among those to have been released.

Experienced defender O’Connell now forms part of that group, with it revealed that he is leaving SToK Racecourse by mutual consent, with the end of another summer transfer window proving to be an emotional time for all concerned.

Wrexham director Ker has posted on social media after being forced to say goodbye to some popular characters: “Another fond farewell to another hero of the Club. I hate this time of year, but I love Eoghan O’Connell. A fine player and a finer man.”

Wrexham have been smashing recruitment records on a regular basis in 2025, with Reynolds and McElhenney helping to make more funds available. Phil Parkinson is now considered to have a squad that can be fiercely competitive in the second tier of English football.