The former England international Ben Foster has retired from football for a second time after conceding 13 goals in four games for Wrexham this season, including five against Swindon on Saturday.
The goalkeeper walked away from the game last September but was convinced to sign for Wrexham in March. The former Watford and Manchester United player saved a stoppage-time penalty against their title rivals Notts County the following month before the club sealed promotion to League Two.
Foster 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 Ryan Reynolds’ and Rob McElhenney’s ambitions plans to haul Wrexham up the divisions when he signed a one-year contract in June.
The 40-year-old has found life tough in League Two, also letting in five goals during an opening-day loss to MK Dons, and has called it a day again 12 appearances after coming out of 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 told Wrexham’s website. “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, whose previous clubs also include Stoke, Birmingham and West Brom, made 390 appearances in the Premier League and played eight times for England, including at the 2014 World Cup under Roy Hodgson.
after newsletter promotion
Wrexham’s manager, Phil Parkinson, said Foster’s contribution had gone “far beyond that one magnificent penalty save against Notts County” and that “Wrexham AFC was a better place for having Ben Foster around the club”.