“It Wasn’t a Knee-Jerk Reaction” – Ben Foster’s Retirement News ‘Surprises’ Wrexham Boss Phil Parkinson

Ben Foster has bid adieu to Wrexham. The ex-Manchester United goalkeeper only recently signed a one-year contract extension with the Dragons. He helped the Welsh club secure a League Two position after a thunderous penalty save in the dying moments against Notts County. A fan favorite at the STOK cae ras, the decision to retire has shaken boss Phil Parkinson.

Foster hung up his gloves for the second time after joining the Welsh club last summer. He soon became an integral part of Phil Parkinson’s team. Let’s hear what the gaffer had to say about Foster’s retirement decision.

A gloomy time at Stok Cae Ras as Ben Foster bids goodbye to Wrexham

Having retired, Ben Foster was focusing on his podcast channel, Fozcast, when Ryan Reynold’s team needed his aid. The ex-England soccer star soon joined the Dragons in what became a fairytale season for Wrexham. The keeper’s decision to retire again within 10 weeks of his new year-long contract, however, has left fans perplexed.

In a statement to Dailypost, a baffled Phil Parkinson said, “It wasn’t a knee-jerk reaction after Saturday, he just felt he couldn’t do it anymore and he wanted to retire. We were a bit surprised but equally fully respect his decision.”

Ben Foster decided to retire after an intense match against Swindon Town which ended in a 5-5 draw.  Phil Parkinson added further, “He’d made his mind up so we didn’t try to convince him otherwise – we shook hands and we all move on.”

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The Englishman has not been performing well in League Two for Wrexham. The recent matches have been rather disappointing for both the club and the players. Foster recently released a statement enlightening supporters about why he thought it was best for him to leave for the club and as an individual. Let’s dive deeper into the soccer icon’s comments on his retirement.

Ben Foster on why he chose to close doors on professional soccer

In Foster’s last four League Two games, he has not managed to keep a single clean sheet. In two games out of those four, he has conceded five goals. If not for Wrexham’s good goal-scoring record, the team would still be winless in League Two. Foster realized this and knew it was time to hang up his boots.

Given the transfer window is heading near the deadline, he confronted things with manager Phil Parkinson and decided it was best for him to retire. Phil Parkinson in a statement released by Wrexham says, “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.”

Ben Foster in his statement 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.” In his statement, he also states that the decision he took was both in favor of him and the club. He wanted to give the club a chance to assess their options before the transfer deadline day.

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In the end, Wrexham and Ben Foster will miss each other. The special moments of a fairytale journey come to a closure for both. He says, “Wrexham will always have a special place in my heart.” Wrexham have crucial games coming up in League Two and they need to get their focus back on track. Mark Howard will be the primary goalkeeper for the upcoming fixtures but the Dragons have to solve their goalkeeping issues before the transfer window shuts.