Wrexham goalkeeper, Ben Foster has announced his retirement from football at the age of 40 years-old.
Foster joined Wrexham in March on an initial short-term contract six months after initially having retired in September 2022, and helped the Welsh club gain promotion back to the Football League which led him to sign a fresh one-year contract.
Foster however has conceded 13 goals in four league starts for Wrexham this season which led him to make the decision to retire permanently, following discussion with manager – Phil Parkinson after a 5-5 draw against Swindon on Saturday (19 August).
Explaining his decision to www.wrexhamafc.co.uk, Foster commented: “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.”
Parkinson hailed Foster as a “model professional” who has been “a big person” to decide to retire now, whilst understanding Wrexham’s ambitions with the timing of his departure.
The ex Bradford City manager proceeded to pay tribute to Foster as he said: “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.”
The ex England goalkeeper who earned eight senior caps for his country helped Wrexham to two trophies in separate spells at the club, as he first was part of their 2004-05 Football League Trophy winning team before he helped them win the National League last season alongside promotion.
Foster began his career at Racing Club Warwick and has gone to play for Stoke, Manchester United and Birmingham City amongst 11 individual clubs across his 547 appearances at senior level, including separate stints at Wrexham, West Brom and Watford over the years.
The 40 year-old also won six titles across his career, including three League Cup titles between 2008-11 seasons, with Manchester United in 2008-09 & 09-10 seasons then Birmingham City in 2010-11 season.
Foster also helped Watford clinch promotion to the Premier League in 2005-06 Championship Play-Offs, in the first of three separate stints with the Hornets of which his second stint came in the following season as the Hornets suffered relegation from the top-flight on loan from Man Utd.
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