Ben Foster reacted well after becoming the subject of former Wrexham team-mate Paul Mullin’s joke at an event to launch the forward’s new autobiography “My Wrexham Story”.
Foster, 40, re-signed for Wrexham after helping the then non-league side achieve promotion in the face of an injury crisis late into the season. They recorded a points record for the National League after edging out Notts County to lift the title. Foster directly contributed to this with a last minute penalty save against the play-off winners, to take the three points.
However, the return to League Two did not get off to the best of starts, with Foster announcing his retirement for a second time after a series of poor performances. He failed to keep a clean sheet in any of his first four appearances, conceding goals he felt he should have saved.
Writing on Instagram Foster explained his decision:
“Hello Wrexham fans, It’s Ben Foster here. I just want you to know that I’ve decided to retire from professional football… yeah, I know, again.
“I think the time is right, I feel sometimes you’ve got to be brutally honest with yourself, and just admit you can’t do what you used to do! It’s a shame, but being 40-years-old, it’s expected as well.”
Phil Parkinson’s side turned their poor form around to move up the table to fourth place, keeping pace with unbeaten Mansfield Town and in form Stockport County.
Speaking at the event Paul Mullin mocked the goalkeeper’s performance in their defeat to Halifax Town:
“We did okay at Halifax considering we played without a goalie!”
Writer’s View
Foster did a fantastic job in the National League after coming out of retirement, but had the experience and the humility to know that things weren’t right when they commenced their EFL campaign. Ben seems to have a personality that can laugh at himself and see the funny side whilst also keeping his dignity and respect of his peers.