Two days after a terrible performance for Wrexham in a 5-5 tie with Swindon Town, Ben Foster announced his second retirement from football.
Following the game, Foster was made fun of online, with one supporter advising him to “stick to YouTube” in reference to his well-liked channel and podcast series.
Since Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney acquired control of the Welsh club, Wrexham has attracted attention from all over the world. The ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary has only served to heighten interest in the League Two team.
Foster, a former Manchester United custodian who spent significant stretches of his career at Watford and West Brom, was persuaded last season by Reynolds and McElhenney to come out of retirement, and he was crucial to their promotion.
The 40-year-old custodian joined Wrexham in March as a replacement for injured Rob Lainton. Initially signed for the duration of the season, he saved a penalty in stoppage time of a 3-2 victory over Notts County that all but assured Wrexham’s promotion to the fourth division of English football and lifted them out of non-league.
Because of his outstanding performance in that game, Foster received a new one-year contract from Wrexham in June, who wanted to keep him for their League Two season.
Foster, though, has had a terrible season thus far as Wrexham has already given up 13 goals in just four league games.
He committed a number of errors in Saturday’s 5-5 draw with Swindon, which left Wrexham 4-1 behind at the break.
The honest fact is that my performances this season haven’t been at the level I demand of myself, therefore I feel that the time is right to retire. Foster has now opted to end his career for a second time.
“I made this decision with the Club’s best interests in mind as well as my own, as making the choice now provides the Club ample time to weigh their choices before the window closes.
I shall always hold a particular place in my heart for Wrexham.
‘He built memories I’ll never let go of for as long as I live,’ Wrexham owner Reynolds wrote on Twitter. I adore this man. Ben, I appreciate everything.
Ben has been the epitome of a professional while at Wrexham, and he has completed all of our requests, said Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson.
‘With the timing of his choice, it takes a large person to make the decision he has, one who genuinely understands this football club.
‘When I congratulate him for his contribution, which went well beyond that one outstanding penalty save against Notts County to help us win promotion last season, I’m sure I speak for everyone.
Ben Foster’s presence at the club made Wrexham AFC a better place, according to some.