“Looking for a Younger Goalkeeper” – Despite 40 YO Ben Foster’s Importance, Wrexham Boss Eyes ‘Bridging the Age-Gap’ Before US Tour

In soccer or any other sport, age is a defining factor in the player’s career. Clubs often look to plan for the future by bringing in young talents. The reason being everyone wants to sustain success to keep the team competitive over the long term. And that’s what the Wrexham AFC boss is also looking for.

Now that the club has achieved the promotion to the EFL League Two, Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, and Phil Parkinson will look to build upon it. Their ambition is clear. The owners want to bring the Premier League dream to reality, and the gaffer knows how to do it by building a team for the future.

Wrexham boss wants to lay the foundation for sustained success

Parkinson led the Reds to the Vanarama National League title and League Two promotion last season. Although he missed out in the 2021-22 season, Parkinson changed a few things this season. He focused on the defense as the club maintained 17 clean sheets in National League last season. And the goalkeepers played a crucial role. Yes, there were instances where the goalies stuttered, but Red Dragons held on to achieve their primary aim.

Parkinson is already vying for the future. He doesn’t see a need to make signings but has prioritized one position. Wrexham’s boss wants a goalkeeper for the future. With Ben Foster, 40, and the youngest, Rob Lainton, 33, he recognizes the need for a younger shot-stopper. While addressing the issue, he said, “We have got a couple of young goalkeepers on trial this week. We are just looking for a younger goalkeeper to back-up what we have got.”

The club called two youngsters for the trial last week and will look into two more next week. After looking at them closely, Parkinson and the goalkeeping coach will decide the one as the fourth goalkeeper. “We have got three senior goalkeepers and a couple of scholars as well, but we’d like one to bridge that age gap and we are looking for the right one,” Parkinson added, who played a significant role in Ben Foster’s contract extension. 

Phil Parkinson is happy to see Ben Foster stay 

Rob Lainton’s untimely injury made the owners look for a backup shot-stopper. Their search stopped at Ben Foster, who came out of retirement to join the Reds for the second time in his career. Foster bought his enormous experience in play and made one of the massive penalty save against Notts County that sent the club to promotion.

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The former Manchester United goalkeeper joined on a short-term deal. But his heroics and experience made the boss vouch for his contract extension. And finally, Foster extended the contract. Parkinson was happy to see the former English international stay. He highlighted the importance of Foster after the contract decision. 

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What do you make of Phil Parkinson’s decision to sign a younger goalkeeper?