Ben Foster has retired from football for the second time just two days after a horrific performance for Wrexham in a 5-5 draw against Swindon Town.
Foster was ridiculed online following the match with one fan telling him to ‘stick to ’ in reference to his popular channel and series.
Wrexham have gained worldwide attention since Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and took ownership of the Welsh club, with the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary only increasing interest in the League Two side.
Reynolds and McElhenney managed to convince Foster out of retirement last season and the former goalkeeper, who spent large spells of his career at Watford and West Brom, played a key role in their promotion.
The 40-year-old arrived at Wrexham in March following an injury to Rob Lainton, initially on deal until the end of the season, and saved a penalty in stoppage time in a 3-2 win over promotion rivals Notts County, which more or less sealed their return to the fourth-tier of English football and took them out of non-league.
Foster’s heroics in that match gained widespread attention for their League Two campaign.
But this season has been a disaster for Foster with Wrexham conceding 13 goals in just four games so far in the league.
He made a string of errors in the 5-5 draw against Swindon on Saturday, with Wrexham going 4-1 behind at half-time.
Foster has now decided to call time on his career for a second time as he posted in a 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.’
Wrexham owner Reynolds posted on Twitter: ‘He built memories I’ll never let go of for as long as I live. I love this guy. Thank you for everything, Ben.’
Phil Parkinson, Wrexham manager, added: ‘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.’
