Has Ben Foster retired? Why Wrexham goalkeeper left 2023/24 League Two side after four games

Ben Foster has announced his retirement from football just four matches into Wrexham's first season in the English Football League since 2008.

The 40-year-old played eight times last season for Wrexham to help the club gain promotion from the National League and despite playing a low number of games, he made a massive impact on the team. His 97th-minute penalty save last season secured a crucial 3-2 win over title rivals Notts County and Wrexham went on to win the league. 

Foster came out of retirement to play for the Red Dragons, but he and the club have now announced he will hang up his gloves once again. 

Wrexham started the 2023/24 season with a 5-3 defeat to MK Dons on the opening day, but are unbeaten in their last three games.

MORE: Welcome to Wrexham: Will there be a second season?

Why did Ben Foster retire?

After their thrilling 5-5 draw with Swindon Town at the weekend, the club announced on Monday, August 21, that their starting goalkeeper would be retiring with immediate effect. 

Foster explained his reasoning in an official club statement: "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.

"At the forefront of my mind when making this decision, was not only what was best for me but also the club, and making the decision now gives the club every opportunity to assess their options before the window closes."

"Wrexham will always have a special place in my heart," he added. 

Manager Phil Parkinson shared his views on his goalkeeper's decision: "Ben has been the model professional while at Wrexham and has done everything we have asked of him. 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.

"I am sure I speak for everyone, when thanking him for his contribution that went far beyond that one magnificent penalty save against Notts County to help us gain promotion last season.

"Wrexham AFC was a better place for having Ben Foster around the club."

Foster made his return to the spotlight on March 25, when Wrexham cruised to a 3-0 win over York City. In the eight games he played that season, the National League champions managed to win five matches and only lost once.

Including his debut against York, Foster managed to keep three clean sheets in his eight appearances. He conceded eight goals, with the most coming in their 3-1 defeat to FC Halifax. 

Wrexham secured promotion back to the Football League after a 15-year absence when they beat Boreham Wood on April 22. Foster conceded a goal inside a minute in that match, but Parkinson's men bounced back to win 3-1.

MORE: Who is Rob McElhenney? 

Ben Foster's career history

This was actually Foster's second spell with the Welsh club, having spent a season on loan with them in 2005. He began his career at Stoke City, but never made an appearance as he was loaned out to five different teams.

The goalkeeper played for West Brom more than any other club, being loaned to the Baggies for a season before signing permanently the following campaign. He has won six trophies in his career, including two League Cup triumphs with Manchester United.

During his time at Watford, he started his podcast and uploaded videos to YouTube, including matchday vlogs that featured a GoPro in his goal. This boosted his popularity among football fans as he gave behind-the-scenes and matchday shots from a player's perspective. He has over one million subscribers and over 135 million views.