There were mixed fortunes for two ex-Carlisle United players on the retained and released list of promoted Wrexham.

Defender Aaron Hayden has been released after three seasons with the big-spending Welsh club.

But goalkeeper Mark Howard has been offered the chance to extend his stay at the Racecourse Ground.

Hayden has not been offered new terms following the Red Dragons' second consecutive promotion to League One.

It ends a spell which has included 88 appearances and 20 goals for the former Blues man, although he made only 18 outings in an injury-hit 2023/24 campaign.

Hayden, 27, left Carlisle at the start of the 2021/22 campaign in order to sign a three-year deal with Phil Parkinson's side.

News and Star: Mark HowardMark Howard (Image: PA)

The man who had made 73 appearances for the Cumbrians from 2019 to 2021 is among eight players released by Wrexham now, with Rob Lainton, Callum McFadzean, Ben Tozer, Jordan Tunnicliffe, Luke Young, Owen Cushion and Dan Davies the others.

Experienced keeper Howard, though, could remain after being offered a new deal at the club who are owned by Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

He joined Wrexham two summers ago after being released by United, following a 2021/22 season where his displays helped Paul Simpson's side stay in League Two.

Howard, 37, has made 47 appearances for Parkinson's side although only ten came last season, with Arsenal loanee Arthur Okonkwo first-choice.

Elsewhere, former Blues midfielder George Glendon has been offered a new deal by National League North club Chester.

And attacker Maleace Asamoah - son of former Blues favourite Derek - will remain at relegated Fleetwood Town as they prepare for League Two, after the club activated an option for a further year.

Asamoah junior is currently on loan in the League of Ireland Premier Division with Waterford.

His 43-year-old father Derek, meanwhile, plans to continue playing next season despite his latest club, New Salamis, to stop running a first team.