Ben Foster called ‘8 week PR signing’ by fans after damning footage from Wrexham’s defeat to Halifax emerges

Ben Foster has been branded an "8 week PR signing" by fans after his display for Wrexham on Saturday.

Foster has come out of retirement for a second spell with the club at the age of 39, signing a short-term contract after No.1 goalkeeper Rob Lainton suffered an injury.

The former West Brom and Watford goalkeeper won his first two games in between the sticks against York City and Oldham Athletic - putting the camera in the net for his matchday vlogs - but the Dragons suffered a shock 3-1 defeat against Halifax Town on Saturday.

Foster was blamed for the first two goals by supporters, including one which beat him at the near post. And it's caused a portion of fans to question whether the deal was a PR stunt from Wrexham's Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

One fan said: "I think Ben Foster could do better with the first 2 goals today. I hope we've not made a mistake in bringing him out of retirement just because of his social media profile. If he's a weak link in the team then I'd rather have [Mark] Howard."

A second commented: "Be so funny if an 8 weeks PR signing, who hadn’t even trained for 10 months, comes in and costs them promotion.

Another concurred: "I am very surprised that a 39 year old retired goalkeeper turned YouTuber isn’t very good."

A fourth joked: "I have heard that David Seaman is up for a comeback if he can promote his fishing tackle as a part of the gig."

A fifth said: "Contrary to a lot of your fans I agree, Foster hasn’t played in half a season he isn’t exactly match fit. He’s also not played with a defence as weak as the one Wrexham has for a long long time."

A final user added: "He’s too focused on his podcasts."

Image: Alamy

READ MORE: Ryan Reynolds responds to Wrexham goalkeeper replaced by Ben Foster

Next up for Wrexham is the absolute mammoth fixture against title rivals Notts County, with both sides tied on 100 points and 106 goals at the top of the table.

Only one team from the National League achieves automatic promotion to the Football League, with second to seventh all going into the play-offs.

Wrexham suffered heartbreak in the play-off semi final against Grimsby last year after finishing in second place and will be desperate to avoid a repeat.

Topics: Ben Foster, Wrexham

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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