Rob McElhenney was among those wishing Aaron Hayden well after the defender signed for Carlisle United.

One of Wrexham's two Hollywood owners was quick to send his good wishes to Hayden as he completed his return to Brunton Park.

Hayden has spent the last three seasons with Wrexham and played a part in their rise under the ownership of McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.

After being released following the Red Dragons' second straight promotion to League One, the 27-year-old has joined Carlisle for a second spell.

"Congrats @aaronh_5!!!! Well deserved. We’ll miss you so much," wrote McElhenney on X.

Hayden has signed a two-year deal with United having previously been with the club from 2019 to 2021.

He is their first summer signing as Paul Simpson rebuilds the squad for League Two next season.

Hayden has spoken on the club website about his return and said being back at United "feels like home" - and that he wants to help the club to promotion.

“It’s been in the pipeline, but we’ve finally got it over the line now and I’m so excited," he said.

“The club’s in a new phase now with new owners and a new ambition, you know, I’ve come here to help the club achieve their goals.

“I love this place, I’ve got history here as everyone knows.

“I’ve spoken to the gaffer so I’m really happy to be here and looking forward to the season to get started.”

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers man made 73 appearances in his two campaigns in Cumbria, scoring eight goals.

After moving to Wrexham at the start of 2021/22, he featured 88 times for the big-spending Red Dragons over three campaigns as they claimed successive promotions from the National League to the third tier.