Goalkeeper Ben Foster has today signed a new one-year deal with League Two side Wrexham, as confirmed via their official website .
The veteran keeper came out of retirement to join Wrexham at the back-end of the 2022/23 season following an injury to goalkeeper Rob Lainton. Foster was a huge boost for the Red Dragons and ultimately helped them get over the line to win the National League title.
There were definitely some uncertainty as to whether Foster would return to Wrexham, as at the age of 40 it was no guarantee that he would return to the Racecourse Ground. But having now put pen to paper, the ex-England international will be back filling the number one spot next season.
Foster’s finest moment in his eight game spell with the Welsh side last season, was saving a last minute penalty against Notts County to preserve Wrexham’s 3-2 lead. This was ultimately the game that decided the title, and Foster will forever be remembered as a hero at the Racecourse Ground but his career with the club isn’t over just yet.
Who is Ben Foster?
With over 500 competitive appearances to his name including eight international appearances, it’s fair to admit that Foster has had a remarkable career. Starting his career with Stoke City, he would be loaned out to various sides, including Wrexham before signing for Manchester United.
Moves to Birmingham, West Bromwich Albion and Watford would all follow, leading to the keeper racking up 390 Premier League appearances in the process. Foster is just as big of a name on the pitch as he is off of the pitch, as he has a large social media presence including his YouTube where he has amassed millions of views.
What’s been said?
Explaining his decision to stay with the club, Foster said:
“At the end of last season it was obvious that I enjoyed being at the Club, I loved being part of the team and everything that Wrexham stands for.
“The fans took to me so warmly, Phil Parkinson is brilliant, Steve Parkin is top class, I love Aidan Davison to bits, and the Co-Chairmen are out of this world.
“I’d decided before the end of last season I wanted to do it, because it feels like home. I’ve never joined a football club and felt at ease so quickly.
When speaking about the re-signing of Foster, Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said:
“We’re delighted that Ben has signed for the coming season.
“It’s a key signing for us because we all saw the impact, he had not just on the pitch but also around the training ground, and we are all looking forward to working with him again next season.”
Writer’s View
Even at 40 years of age, Foster will still be one of the very best goalkeepers in the division. He brings a huge amount of experience to a Wrexham side who will be looking for back to back promotions. Wrexham are no doubt the new lower league powerhouse given their ownership and budget, and its no surprise that they’re favourites to win the title next season.
I think other teams are being underestimated but Wrexham will definitely be challenging towards the top of the table in the forthcoming season
