21 August 2023 , 10:08
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Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster has announced his shock retirement from professional football for a second time.
The 40-year-old, who came out of retirement in March to help the Dragons to gain promotion from the National League, signed a new one-year deal at the club in the summer following their promotion to League Two.
However, he had now reversed that retirement decision and decided to bow out of the game again after playing just four games of the new league season, during which time the club conceded 13 goals, including five in a 5-5 draw at home to Swindon on Saturday which prompted much criticism of the former England international.
"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," he said.
"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."
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Foster had faced criticism for his performances at the beginning of the season (PA)Wrexham co-chairman Ryan Reynolds tweeted: "He built memories I’ll never let go of for as long as I live. I love this guy. Thank you for everything, Ben."
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.”
That penalty save against title rivals Notts County was the highlight of Foster's unexpected spell at Wrexham, a club he first joined on loan from Stoke City in 2005.
Foster had conceded 13 goals in four League Two games this season (PA)It was his displays in north Wales which attracted the interest of then Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, whose son Darren was also playing for the club at the time. Ferguson took Foster to Old Trafford, and after making 23 appearances for United he forged a successful Premier League career with Watford, Birmingham and West Brom, as well as picking up eight England caps.
Foster's second Wrexham spell lasted for 12 matches, with understudy Mark Howard keeping a clean sheet in a Carabao Cup penalty shootout win over Wigan Athletic in the only match he didn't play this season.