Wrexham star leaving, but 'not by choice' as ambitious team rebuilds for life in Championship
Wrexham continued its squad reconstruction ahead of a season in the second-tier Championship by releasing one of its most renowned players — against his will.
Article content
Article content
Steven Fletcher, a former Premier League player who scored some crucial goals to help Wrexham earn a third straight promotion, took to social media to say he'd be leaving the ambitious Welsh club.
Article content
'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!' Fletcher posted on Instagram.
Article content
The 38-year-old striker said he fell back in love with soccer by joining Wrexham, a club whose notoriety has rocketed since being bought by Hollywood celebrities Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney and becoming the subject of a fly-on-the-wall documentary Welcome to Wrexham.
Article content
Article content
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Steven Fletcher (@stevenfletcher9official)
Article content
'In my 22 years of stepping onto a pitch, I have never experienced anything like this club,' the former Scotland international wrote.
Article content
'To my teammates — you are family!' he added. 'I have never experienced a dressing room like it in my career, and I can't believe I don't get to walk in there every day next season.'
Article content
Fletcher finished a long message by thanking Reynolds and McElhenney for the opportunity to play for Wrexham.
Article content
Reynolds responded on Instagram, saying: '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 your leadership and wit and the way you remind everyone — including me _ that this is also FUN.
Article content
'Like the first day we met, I'm here for you any time and any place. Always.'
Article content
Wrexham will need to improve the quality of its squad after rising to the second tier, a level the club hasn't played since the 1980s and just one more promotion away from the Premier League.
Article content
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
5 hours ago
- CTV News
Countdown clock unveiled in Toronto for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Toronto Watch The FIFA World Cup is one year away, and CTV's Janice Golding has the latest details from Nathan Philips Square where the countdown is officially underway.
Globe and Mail
12 hours ago
- Globe and Mail
Wimbledon announces record £53.3-million prize fund and £3-million for singles champions
Wimbledon's prize money has risen to a record 53.5 million pounds (about US$73-million) and the singles champions will each earn three million pounds (US$4-million), All England Club officials announced on Thursday. The total amount is 3.5 million pounds (US$6.8-million) more than last year, an increase of 7 per cent — and exactly twice the pot handed out to competitors at the grass-court Grand Slam 10 years ago. 'We're immensely proud of the fact that if you look back 10 years, you can see the increase over that period and seven per cent this year,' All England chair Deborah Jevans said. 'And we have listened to the players, we have engaged with the players.' The 2025 winners' checks represent an 11.1 per cent jump on last year's prizes for the men's and women's singles champions and comes amid growing player demands for a bigger share of grand slam profits. Players who lose in the first round of singles will get 66,000 pounds, up 10 per cent year on year. 'The focus on just the prize money at four events, the Grand Slams, does not get to the heart of what the challenge is for tennis,' Jevans added. 'The challenge with tennis is the fact that the players don't have an offseason which they want, they have increasing injuries that they're speaking about, and we've always said that we as Wimbledon are willing to engage and talk with the tours to try and find solutions, and that door remains open.' Wimbledon starts on June 30 and runs until July 13. For the first time in the oldest Grand Slam, line judges will be replaced with electronic line-calling.
Globe and Mail
13 hours ago
- Globe and Mail
COOFANDY Announces Collaboration with Luxury Designer Matteo Menotto to Advance Global Brand Expansion and Premiumization
COOFANDY officially announces its first collaboration with internationally acclaimed luxury fashion designer Matteo Menotto, unveiling an exclusive co-branded collection that marks a significant step forward in the brand's journey toward global recognition and elevated design. This partnership not only brings a new level of creative refinement to COOFANDY's offerings but also signals the brand's strategic move toward internationalization and premiumization—setting the stage for a new era of elevated menswear grounded in both function and fashion. Matteo Menotto is an accomplished designer whose career includes a pivotal tenure as Print Design Coordinator for Gucci Menswear, where he led the creative development of prints and soft accessories from 2015 to 2021. With a background spanning top-tier fashion houses and luxury heritage brands, Menotto brings a refined artistic vision shaped by years of innovation at the forefront of global fashion. Now serving as Head of Design for prints and textile accessories at Bulgari, he continues to influence the industry through both consultancy and academic contributions. Partnering with Menotto signals COOFANDY's commitment to elevating its design standards and advancing its move toward a more premium, globally minded brand. A Collection That Blends Storytelling with Craftsmanship The COOFANDY x Matteo Menotto capsule collection is more than a seasonal launch—it's a carefully curated expression of form, function, and creative synergy. Inspired by the concept of an 'Exotic Escape,' the series merges Menotto's narrative-driven print language with COOFANDY's focus on versatility and wearability. Each piece in the collection is designed not only to evoke a sense of refined adventure but to meet the everyday demands of modern living through thoughtful materials and construction. At the heart of the collection is a series of printed shirts that showcase Menotto's original Toile de Jouy-inspired artwork. These garments feature tropical motifs—floating islands, wild tigers, exotic birds, and lush flora—rendered in monochromatic tones for a timeless aesthetic. COOFANDY Vibrant Hawaiian Print Shirt: A versatile summer essential featuring energetic tropical prints that pair easily with any seasonal outfit. Made from quick-drying, machine-washable fabric that resists shrinking and fading, this shirt offers effortless care and long-lasting vibrancy—ideal for travel, beach days, or casual outings. COOFANDY Linen Long-Sleeve Henley Shirt: Crafted from a lightweight, breathable, and soft linen blend, this Henley shirt is both refined and functional. It features rollable long sleeves and distinctive button detailing. Designed to maintain color and shape, it's an elegant option for warm-weather layering with a casual yet polished feel. COOFANDY Floral Hawaiian Vacation Shirt: Designed in a relaxed fit with breathable, lightweight fabric, this floral shirt captures the easygoing spirit of summer holidays. Its casual aesthetic is easy to style and maintain, making it a go-to piece for beach vacations or everyday wear. COOFANDY Nature-Toned Print Shirt with Modern Minimalism: Featuring a soft, fast-drying fabric and a loose fit, this shirt blends subtle floral prints with earthy tones. The design is clean and modern, offering versatility for various occasions while remaining easy to wash and wear. COOFANDY Short-Sleeve Nature-Inspired Shirt with Concealed Placket: Made from a high-quality, breathable, and anti-shrink fabric, this shirt features a stylish hidden placket and all-over nature-themed prints. It's an elevated choice for leisure events, blending detailed design with technical comfort. COOFANDY Summer Beach Shirt and Shorts Set: A coordinated two-piece set tailored for warm weather. The shirt features a hidden placket and cuffed sleeves, while the shorts include functional side and back pockets. Made from lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, and moisture-wicking fabric with slight stretch, this set delivers both comfort and style with bold, vivid prints. COOFANDY Relaxed Hawaiian Shirt with Earth-Tone Prints: Soft, fade-resistant, and quick to dry, this shirt offers a relaxed silhouette and subtle tropical patterns. The minimalist design ensures styling versatility, making it a staple piece for diverse casual settings. COOFANDY Versatile Printed Hawaiian Shirt: Crafted for comfort, this shirt features a soft, easy-care fabric and understated tropical graphics. Its relaxed fit and neutral tones offer a clean, stylish option suitable for multiple occasions. COOFANDY Wrinkle-Free Tropical Floral Shirt: Designed with a refined silhouette and made from wrinkle-resistant, no-iron-needed fabric, this piece combines practical performance with a sharp tropical aesthetic. Ideal for both beach settings and smart casual outings. Every item in the collection reflects a shared design philosophy: to fuse narrative-rich aesthetics with high-performance materials. The result is a wardrobe that feels thoughtful yet effortless, refined yet relaxed. Limited Edition, Designed to Stand Out This exclusive COOFANDY x Matteo Menotto collection is available only for a limited time and in limited quantities. Each piece is part of a curated capsule that blends high-end design with everyday functionality—making it not only a wardrobe upgrade, but a collector's item for those who value thoughtful craftsmanship and unique style. Don't miss the chance to own a piece of this exclusive collaboration. Shop now before it's gone. A New Chapter in COOFANDY's Design Journey The COOFANDY x Matteo Menotto collaboration marks a pivotal step in the brand's global and premium positioning. By aligning with a designer rooted in luxury fashion, COOFANDY sharpens its creative direction while reinforcing its commitment to accessible, well-crafted menswear. This collection reflects a clear evolution—where international design standards meet everyday function—signaling COOFANDY's continued rise as a modern, globally-minded brand. Media Contact Company Name: COOFANDY Contact Person: Charlotte Liu Email: Send Email Country: United States Website:
