Wrexham Goalkeeper Mark Howard Prepared for First League Start in a Year

Wrexham goalkeeper Mark Howard has stated his readiness for his initial league start in a year. Howard’s career includes stints with clubs such as Cardiff City, Bolton Wanderers, and Blackpool. This development follows Callum Burton sustaining a thigh injury early in the first half during Tuesday’s 1-0 victory against Barnsley, which will prevent him from participating in Saturday’s League One fixture at Burton Albion. The 38-year-old Howard’s chance arises as first-choice goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo remains several weeks from returning due to a wrist injury. “These things happen and it’s unfortunate but I’m ready when called upon,” Howard stated. He added, “I do try and treat every week as if I’m playing anyway, whether I’m in the stand or on the bench.” Howard continued, “I’ll prepare for a Saturday game because you never know and obviously that epitomised it the other night.” He also remarked, “When I’m called upon I’ll be ready and you’ll see that with a lot of the lads that are not involved at the moment.” Howard further explained, “We train hard every day and are the first ones on the training pitch and the last ones off it.” Concluding his thoughts, he said, “I think that’s just the mentality of our squad – the ones that aren’t playing push each other a lot.” Wrexham has not yet disclosed the expected duration of Burton’s absence, with the 28-year-old scheduled for a scan on his injury this week. Howard entered the game for Burton after just 23 minutes during Tuesday’s match against Barnsley, marking his initial league appearance in almost a year, since his start against Colchester United in League Two. His sole other appearance this season occurred as a substitute in the EFL Trophy match against Port Vale, prompting manager Phil Parkinson to commend the veteran goalkeeper’s professionalism. “These sort of things are challenging at times but I know what I’ve signed up for now,” Howard informed BBC Sport Wales. He continued, “We’ve got such a great goalkeeping unit here with Callum and Arthur and I’ve really enjoyed the last year pushing the two of them.” Howard concluded, “My role has obviously changed to a bit more of a mentorship role.” Howard became a part of Wrexham in the summer of 2022, contributing to the club’s achievement of consecutive promotions. He holds the conviction that football clubs gain an advantage from employing an experienced back-up goalkeeper. “You look at all of the Premier League teams – they all have this third choice goalkeeper that has played at a very high level or done that job before,” Howard further elaborated. He continued, “It’s not just what you see us do when we can play, it’s more about how we can help in the dressing room and mentalities.” Howard cited examples, stating, “You look at Scott Carson and Andy Lonergan.” He explained, “These people have done it for years and are there for a reason because they’re good enough to make sure the standards are high enough in training, but also if you ever do need them you know they’ve got the experience of knowing how to cope with it.” Howard concluded, “It’s something I’m learning now because I’ve been used to playing for a huge portion of my career, so I’m adapting to that as well and it’s something I have enjoyed.”