24 August 2023 , 15:57
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Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has revealed how he reacted to discovering that Ben Foster had retired from professional football.
The veteran goalkeeper announced his retirement for the second time on Monday, a little over two weeks into the 2023/24 League Two season. Foster had come out of retirement in March of this year to sign for Wrexham in a bid to help the team secure promotion from the National League.
After helping Wrexham move up to the EFL, there was speculation about whether or not the 40-year-old would return for this season. On June 9 it was announced that Foster had put pen to paper on a one-year contract extension with the Welsh club, but just two months later he called time on his professional career.
The decision came two days after Wrexham were held to a 5-5 draw with Swindon Town last weekend. Wrexham had trailed 4-1 at half time and 5-3 going into stoppage time before the Welsh club managed to secure a point in dramatic circumstances.
Speaking for the first time since Foster’s announcement, Parkinson has admitted that he was surprised by the goalkeeper’s decision. But the Wrexham boss insisted that he and the whole squad have been supportive towards their now-former teammate.
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"It wasn't a knee-jerk reaction after Saturday, he just felt he couldn't do it anymore and he wanted to retire,” Parkinson told . “We were a bit surprised but equally fully respect his decision.
"He'd made his mind up so we didn't try to convince him otherwise - we shook hands and we all move on. We thank him for his massive contribution - certainly last year and his iconic penalty save (vs Notts County) will be remembered by Wrexham fans for generations."
Foster released a statement on Monday where he announced his decision to retire from professional football for the second time. The veteran goalkeeper explained that the standards of his recent performances were the key factor in his decision to stop playing football.
Phil Parkinson admitted he was surprised by Ben Foster's decision to retire (Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)"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."