Ryan Reynolds has paid tribute to Steven Fletcher after the veteran striker announced his Wrexham departure.
Fletcher, whose contract expires this summer, confirmed he would be leaving on Thursday – but not because he wants to.
The ex-Premier League striker hinted on social media that he is being forced to move on from the ‘magical club’, seemingly not being offered a new deal for next season.
Wrexham completed a historic feat by achieving promotion for the third straight year, booking their place in the Championship.
But now at 38-years-old, it seems Fletcher has been told he will be departing, and he confirmed that news on Instagram.
His post read: “It’s with a heavy heart, and not by choice, that 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.”
Fletcher finished with a final thanks to Reynolds and co-chairman Rob McElhenney, writing: “Wrexham as a club and a town and as people, will have a place in my heart that will never be replaced.
“And to Rob McEllhenney and Ryan Reynolds – Thank you! For the opportunity, the support, the joy that being a part of this club has brought me!”
The veteran frontman was signed in 2023 by the Hollywood owners and played a total of 77 games for the club, scoring 16 goals.
He helped the club achieve promotion from League Two and then League One this campaign, but he won’t be featuring in the Championship next season.
And Reynolds has reacted to losing one of the club’s most experienced players with his own social media post.
The Deadpool actor wrote on Friday: “Mr Steven Fletcher: 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 don’t really know what a co-chairman is supposed to do or say in these moments, and I don’t much care. I’m gonna miss you.
“I’ll miss your leadership and wit and the way you remind everyone — including me — that this is also FUN.
“Like the first day we met, I’m here for you any time and any place. Always.“
Fletcher then reposted Reynolds’ words on his Instagram story, along with other messages from his teammates.
His departure comes soon after goalkeeper Mark Howard was confirmed to be leaving Wrexham, too.
Reynolds’ message to Fletcher continued with some words for Howard, before concluding with a joint tribute.
It read: “Fletch and Chomp, you’ve authored some of the greatest moments of my life. And so many others. All I can do is thank you.”
Wrexham are already beginning their preparation for the new season, as they take on their toughest challenge yet.
Moving on some old faces before the summer is clearly tough for the ownership, but it’s necessary to allow new players through the door.
The Red Dragons are expected to spend big and the first of their signings could be Fulham legend Tom Cairney.
talkSPORT understands the club have already made contact with the midfielder’s representatives to discuss a move.
And they have made Cairney a stunning offer of £50,000-a-week to tempt him to the Racecourse Ground.
That is over triple the wage of current highest earner, Jay Rodriguez.
