Wrexham FC’s Ben Foster announces retirement for second time as Ryan Reynolds releases statement
Goalkeeper Ben Foster has retired from football for a second time. The ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Forster walked away from the game last September but was convinced to end his retirement and sign for Wrexham in March. He has now called time on his career following a difficult start to the new campaign. Foster said: “I feel sometimes you’ve just got to be honest with yourself and admit that you can’t do what you used to be able to do.” Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds said on Twitter: “He built memories I’ll never let go of for as long as I live.” Read More Moment Spanish FA president kisses Jenni Hermoso on the lips after world cup win Lionesses ‘won the hearts’ of fans despite World Cup defeat Injured Lioness Beth Mead says World Cup has been ‘tough to watch’ from home
1970-01-01 08:00
Ryan Reynolds pays heartfelt tribute to Ben Foster: "I love this guy"
Wrexham owner Ryan Reynolds has paid a touching tribute to the club's goalkeeper Ben Foster who has announced his immediate retirement following a difficult start to the season. The 40-year-old shot-stopper came out of retirement for the Welsh side last season to help them earn promotion back to the football league and made some crucial saves in team's National League winning campaign. However, life in League Two has not been easy for Wrexham or Foster as the team has won just once and already conceded 13 goals. A tipping point proved to be on Saturday when Wrexham were down 4-1 at half-time to visiting Swindon Town, eventually drawing the game 5-5. After speaking with manager Phil Parkinson, Foster agreed that it was time to hang his boots up for a second time. In a statement released on the club's website Foster said: "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. “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.” Reynolds, who appeared to have a blossoming friendship with Foster, said on X/Twitter: He built memories I’ll never let go of for as long as I live. I love this guy. Thank you for everything, Ben." Parkinson also added to the tributes: "Ben has been the model professional while at Wrexham and has done everything we have asked of him. “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.” This was Foster's second spell at Wrexham having spent time on loan there from Stoke City in 2005. Foster played more than 500 games in his career at clubs like Manchester United, Watford, Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion. Wrexham's next game sees them face Barrow in the hope that they can start to climb the League Two ladder where they currently sit in 15th position. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
1970-01-01 08:00
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Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster retires from football for a second time
Former England international Ben Foster has retired from football for a second time. Ex-Watford and Manchester United goalkeeper Forster walked away from the game last September, but was convinced to end his retirement and sign for Wrexham in March. Foster saved a stoppage-time penalty against title-rivals Notts County the following month before Wrexham sealed promotion to Sky Bet League Two later in April, but he has now called time on his career following a difficult start to the new campaign. He earned cult status during his second spell with the Welsh club for his spot-kick heroics in the 3-2 win over Notts County and agreed to remain part of co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s ambitions plans to haul Wrexham up the divisions when he signed a one-year contract in June. Foster has found life tough in League Two though, conceding five goals in Wrexham’s opening-day loss to MK Dons and he shipped five again in a 5-5 draw with Swindon on Saturday. The 40-year-old has now confirmed his retirement and told the official club website: “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. “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.” Reynolds said on Twitter: “He built memories I’ll never let go of for as long as I live. I love this guy. Thank you for everything, Ben.” Foster started his career at non-league outfit Racing Club Warwick in 2000 before representing Stoke, Manchester United, Birmingham, West Brom and Watford across more than two decades in the game. He made 390 appearances in the Premier League and played eight times for England, featuring in the 2014 World Cup under Roy Hodgson. Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson added: “Ben has been the model professional while at Wrexham and has done everything we have asked of him. “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.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live England will learn fate of Billy Vunipola and Owen Farrell on Tuesday Football rumours: Manchester United consider move for Marco Verratti The thrills, shocks and many brilliant moments of the World Cup in pictures
1970-01-01 08:00
Ben Foster announces his retirement from football... again
Ben Foster has retired from professional football for a second time, Wrexham have announced. The former England goalkeeper came out of retirement to help the Welsh club’s push for promotion to the football league in March. Foster made 12 appearances for the club, including four this season, during his second spell, having played for them back in 2005 on loan. He played as recently as Saturday (19 August) in Wrexham’s thrilling 5-5 draw with Swindon, but the 40-year-old made up his mind after the game, despite being just 10 weeks into his year-long contract. “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. “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 [transfer] window closes. “Wrexham will always have a special place in my heart.” Foster, who has eight England caps to his name, first hung up his gloves in September 2022 when his contract at Watford expired and they were relegated to the Championship. It was a career that began with Foster playing for RC Warwick and then Stoke back in 2001, and in the 22 years since he has played for a number of clubs including Manchester United. His return to Watford in 2018 marked his second spell with the Hornets. Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said: “Ben has been the model professional while at Wrexham and has done everything we have asked of him. “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.” Read More Hugh Jackman joins Ryan Reynolds at Wrexham game: ‘Finally snagged an invite!’ Wrexham’s league return in front of Hollywood stars spoiled by MK Dons Why James McClean needs Wrexham just as much as the club needs him Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster retires from football for a second time The anguish, emotion and the story of the Women’s World Cup in photos Are Everton the first crisis club of the season?
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