Featured Image Credit: Getty & Sky Sports
Topics: Ben Foster, Wrexham, League Two, Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney
Josh Lawless
Topics: Ben Foster, Wrexham, League Two, Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney
Footage of Ben Foster's final career performance have gone viral online, with the veteran goalkeeper deciding to hang up his gloves for good this time.
Having turned down an offer from Newcastle, Foster came out of retirement in March amid a goalkeeping crisis at Wrexham and helped the club secure a record-breaking promotion from the National League.
He played eight times and his biggest contribution was a 96th minute penalty save in a thrilling 3-2 win over title rivals Notts County in April.
Foster only signed a short-term contract but Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney were ultimately successful in getting him to sign a new one-year deal in June.
The 40-year-old joined the Dragons for their pre-season tour of the United States and continued to be first-choice goalkeeper in Wrexham's first four games in League Two.
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However, Foster conceded 13 games in those outings - five of which came in the enthralling 5-5 draw with Swindon Town at the weekend.
Wrexham were 4-1 down with 31 minutes on the clock and scored twice in stoppage time to nick a point at the SToK Racecourse.
But the former West Brom and Watford goalkeeper's performance in between the sticks was widely criticised by fans online, with focus on his footwork and slow reactions for some of the goals he conceded.
Some comments felt a little harsh but Foster agreed that he is "past it" as he himself has decided he has not been good enough and that the best move is to go back into retirement.
“The honest truth is that my performances this season haven’t reached the level I demand of myself and I feel that now is the right time to retire," Foster said in a statement to Wrexham's official website after they announced the news.
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“At the forefront of my mind when making this decision, was not only what was best for me but also the Club, and making the decision now gives the Club every opportunity to assess their options before the window closes.
“Wrexham will always have a special place in my heart.”
Manager Phil Parkinson paid tribute to Foster for his contributions on and off the pitch and says he made the club a better place.
He commented: "Ben has been the model professional while at Wrexham and has done everything we have asked of him.
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“It takes a big person to make the decision he has and one who really understands this Football Club, with the timing of his decision.
“I am sure I speak for everyone, when thanking him for his contribution that went far beyond that one magnificent penalty save against Notts County to help us gain promotion last season.
“Wrexham AFC was a better place for having Ben Foster around the Club.”