Ben Foster has become the new shining star for Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham AFC. Wrexham has been on a roll ever since Ryan Reynolds became the owner of the club back in 2020. In fact, on March 23rd, 2023, the Hollywood superstar’s club saw a pivotal moment.
After being out of the game and announcing retirement, Ben Foster returned to the game to play for Wrexham. In only two matches, it seems as if he has turned into a fan favorite. During the crucial match against title rivals Notts County, Foster made a penalty save in the 97th minute of the game. The team ended up winning 3-2 and is one bit nearer to winning the title.
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However, this was not Foster’s first run in the red and white of Wrexham. In 2005, Foster had been loaned out to the Welsh side from Stoke City. It was during one of his games that the renowned soccer manager, Sir Alex Ferguson became aware of Ben Foster.
Alex Ferguson was left furious after signing Wrexham star Ben Foster
Ferguson was favorably impressed with Ben Foster. Former Stoke City director, John Rudge explained the episode in his biography. “Alex Ferguson’s son Darren played for Wrexham at the time so he goes to watch a match, sees Ben play and likes the look of him as well,” Rudge recalled.
It didn’t take long for Ferguson to recognize Foster’s potential, and before long, the veteran manager wanted to bring him to Manchester United. “He asked what we wanted for Ben and I said it would have to be £1m,” Rudge added. Ferguson initially couldn’t believe the price but eventually ended up agreeing and signed Foster for around $1 million dollars.
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John Rudge further added, “I’d send him a text over the years whenever Ben was doing particularly well and I’d get a reply, ‘You ***** robbed me over that!’” Indeed, Ferguson had every right to be furious. In 2005, $1 million for a somewhat obscure goalkeeper was an extremely excessive cost.
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To put it in perspective, even soccer star Lionel Messi, who played for FC Barcelona at the time was valued at around $5 million. Now eighteen years after Ferguson’s comment, Foster’s return to Wrexham at the age of 40 is a cause for much joy for Ryan Reynolds and the club.
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