Wrexham star backed to play in Premier League amid glowing verdict

Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has been backed to play in the Premier League, despite being released by Arsenal during the summer.

The 23-year-old enjoyed an impressive spell at the Racecourse on loan from the Gunners last season, keeping 14 clean sheets as Phil Parkinson’s side gained promotion to League One.

However, his parent club decided his services were no longer required when his contract expired in June, and he was allowed to leave the Emirates as a free agent.

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There was no shortage of suitors for Okonkwo during the transfer window, with teams from the Premier League, Championship and in Europe all reportedly interested in signing him.

He ultimately chose to return to Wrexham after a lengthy conversation with Hollywood owner and 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' creator Rob McElhenney.

Fellow Red Dragons goalkeeper Mark Howard believes his teammate made the right decision, and says Okonkwo has the correct mindset and attributes to make it to the top flight in the future.

The 38-year-old said: “For someone that has been at a club like Arsenal, it's important for Arthur to play games and get experience. You have to be getting minutes to find out what type of goalkeeper you're going to be.

“The sky's the limit for Arthur and he’s got the potential to really kick on and get himself back up to that level. That's all up to him and his mentality. He's a hard worker and he's been performing amazingly for the last year and a half for the club.

“He's got a great attitude. He's so calm and very laid back, but I think that helps him. He's got all of the tools, it's just about him gaining the experience and reading the situations.”

Howard’s early career was similar to Okonkwo’s after starting with Arsenal as a youth, but with both failing to make a senior appearance for the Gunners.

Now in the twilight of his playing days, the former Sheffield United and Bolton man was recently thrust into the spotlight after two of his colleagues suffered injuries.

Okonkwo was ruled out for at least six weeks in mid-November because of a broken wrist, before further disaster struck when his stand-in Callum Burton tore his thigh during the first half of Wrexham’s 1-0 win over Barnsley last Tuesday.

Howard stepped in and kept a clean sheet for the remainder of the game, and also achieved a shut-out during their victory by the same scoreline at Burton Albion last weekend.

While disappointed for his teammates, he said he was eager to gain further minutes after only making a limited number of appearances in League Two last season.

Howard said: “It's really unfortunate for both goalkeepers, and it's not nice to ever gain your position through somebody else getting injured. Callum especially has had to be so patient, waiting behind Arthur for an opportunity.

“He's come in, played two and a half games and been unbelievable. For that to be hampered by an injury is gutting for him. I've had it happen to me in the past, but you've just got to be mentally tough and ready for it.

“I've missed playing games over the last six to eight months, so to then get games again is exciting. It’s like a new lease of life almost. Once you're back out there, you're relishing that opportunity.”

Howard’s role at Wrexham has changed since he was originally brought in from Carlisle as the club’s number one in 2022.

More recently, he has supported Wrexham’s goalkeeper coach Aidan Davison by acting as a mentor to Okonkwo and former Plymouth Argyle player Burton.

He said: “It’s a role that I like doing, especially now I have a lot more experience and I’ve spent a long time in League One. I feel like I'm in a great position to help Callum and Arthur adapt to the different leagues.

“If you look at goalkeepers like Scott Carson, Asmir Begovic and Andy Lonergan, there's always a place for an experienced third choice that will take on extra roles and responsibilities and almost be the bridge between the players and staff.

“I like to say that I'm the father of the dressing room. That’s my role and I like to look after everyone.”

Despite his position evolving over time, Howard has no intention of hanging his gloves up just yet.

He has also honed his media skills off the field by completing a degree in sports writing and broadcasting, as well as presenting his own podcast, 'Yours, Mine, Away'.

Broaching the subject of retirement, he said: “It's around the corner, but I'm still really enjoying the day to day, and until I lose that bit of hunger, I don't want to retire.

“I absolutely love what I do and still have a huge passion for it. I’ve now got a few games and I think that I’ve got more to achieve.

“I eventually see myself going into more of a leadership role, like a director of football, but that's a long way away. I'm still enjoying my football.”

*Howard was speaking ahead of a sportsman's evening at Hotel Wrexham (formerly the Holt Lodge) on Thursday, December 19, where he will appear alongside goalkeeping legends John Achterberg and Neville Southall.

Tickets costing £25 for the Q&A session or £40 for meet and greet, both including food and live music, can be bought from the Skiddle website.