Ryan Reynolds issues statement as Wrexham offload big-money signing after just 18 months

Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds has released a statement after the club sold striker Jack Marriott to League One side Reading.

The 30-year-old striker has signed a permanent three-year contract with the Royals, having played a role in Wrexham's back-to-back promotions from League Two.

He joined the Red Dragons from Fleetwood in January 2024 for a fee that was undisclosed, though Fleetwood described paying a 'significant fee' to sign Marriott from Fleetwood only a year earlier.

Although he only scored once in 17 appearances in the fourth tier, netted six goals in 26 games last term in League One.

That included a run of four goals in seven games between August and October, but Marriott suffered a broken leg in training and missed four months of action.

Wrexham then signed striker Sam Smith - coincidentally from Reading - in January, and Marriott became an increasingly peripheral member of the squad upon his return.

The former Luton and Derby forward played 23 minutes in Wrexham's Carabao Cup first-round win on penalties over Hull this month, but hasn't been named in the matchday squad for any of the club's opening three Championship fixtures.

He now drops back down to League One hoping to help fire Reading - who haven't won any of their opening five league matches - up the table.

Co-owners Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are known to have developed friendships with Wrexham players, with McElhenney stating in December: "I've become so close with the players, with the staff, with everybody in the town."

And addressing Marriott's departure on Instagram, Reynolds paid tribute to 'a true gem of a man'.

He wrote: "Thank you Jack Marriott for giving your all to this club and town.

Image: Instagram/@vancityreynolds

"Reading FC has a true gem of a man and player in their midst. A leader on and off the field. I'll miss him at the Cae Ras [Wrexham's home stadium]."

In terms of incomings, Wrexham confirmed the £7.5 million arrival of centre-back Callum Doyle from Manchester City last Thursday.

The 21-year-old made his full debut in Tuesday's 3-2 Carabao Cup second round victory over fellow Championship side Preston North End.

The club have also sealed moves for Ipswich and Wales international Nathan Broadhead, fellow Welshman Kieffer Moore and former England centre-back Conor Coady during the transfer window.