Wrexham’s Ben Foster announces retirement from football

After making 12 appearances for Wrexham since returning to the Club on March 23, Ben Foster has announced his retirement from professional football.

The 40-year-old has called time on his career during which he has had two spells at the Racecourse as well as time at Man United, West Brom and Watford.

Foster spoke with Manager Phil Parkinson after Saturday’s 5-5 draw with Swindon Town and informed him of his intention.

Foster said: “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.”

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.”

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Trailing 4-1 at the break following a woeful first half display, the Reds hit back to secure an unlikely point.

Wrexham were victims of their own downfall in the opening 45 minutes when they lost the ball in silly positions and the defending also left a lot to be desired.

It was a lacklustre performance but the Reds stepped up up a gear in the second period and got it back to 4-3.

The opportunities kept coming, although Swindon looked capable of scoring every time they attacked and a fifth goal left the visitors in control.

However, Wrexham scored twice in added time to earn a draw.

Here’s how the players rated.

BEN FOSTER: Never had a save to make but was beaten five times, although players in front of him need to shoulder the blame as well. 4

RYAN BARNETT: A threat going forward but can do a lot better defensively, although he wasn’t on his own there. 5

EOGHAN O’CONNELL: It wasn’t a good day for the back-line but the Reds salvaged a point. 5

BEN TOZER: Wrexham’s defending was poor and Swindon capitalised. 4

WILL BOYLE: Swindon made it tough going but Wrexham didn’t help themselves. 5

JACOB MENDY: Always an attacking outlet but allowed too many crosses to come in from his side. 4

JAMES JONES: Not in it first half but struck twice in the second period as Wrexham improved. 6

ANDY CANNON: Didn’t get into the game as Swindon won the midfield battles, getting far too much time and space. 4

ELLIOT LEE: Poor first half but rallied after the break and scored twice to help his side rescue a point. 6

JAKE BICKERSTAFF: Was the best player by a mile in the first half and deserved his second goal in as many games. 6

OLLIE PALMER: Worked hard for the cause and held the ball up well but lacked service in a bid to add to Tuesday’s goal. 7