
Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster retires from football for a second time
Former England international Ben Foster has retired from football for a second time. Ex-Watford and Manchester United goalkeeper Forster walked away from the game last September, but was convinced to end his retirement and sign for Wrexham in March. Foster saved a stoppage-time penalty against title-rivals Notts County the following month before Wrexham sealed promotion to Sky Bet League Two later in April, but he has now called time on his career following a difficult start to the new campaign. He earned cult status during his second spell with the Welsh club for his spot-kick heroics in the 3-2 win over Notts County and agreed to remain part of co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s ambitions plans to haul Wrexham up the divisions when he signed a one-year contract in June. Foster has found life tough in League Two though, conceding five goals in Wrexham’s opening-day loss to MK Dons and he shipped five again in a 5-5 draw with Swindon on Saturday. The 40-year-old has now confirmed his retirement and told the official club website: “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.” Reynolds said 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.” Foster started his career at non-league outfit Racing Club Warwick in 2000 before representing Stoke, Manchester United, Birmingham, West Brom and Watford across more than two decades in the game. He made 390 appearances in the Premier League and played eight times for England, featuring in the 2014 World Cup under Roy Hodgson. Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson added: “Ben has been the model professional while at Wrexham and has done everything we have asked of him. “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.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live England will learn fate of Billy Vunipola and Owen Farrell on Tuesday Football rumours: Manchester United consider move for Marco Verratti The thrills, shocks and many brilliant moments of the World Cup in pictures
2023-08-21 18:45

Roundup: Riley Keough Pays Off Priscilla Presley; Donald Trump Pleads Not Guilty; Vegas Wins Stanley Cup
Riley Keough paid off Priscilla Presley to end legal battle, Donald Trump pleaded not guilty, Vegas won the Stanley Cup and more in the Roundup.
2023-06-14 19:24

French gastronomy facing huge logistical challenge for Olympics
France's vaunted gastronomy will be put to the ultimate test when organisers of the 2024 Paris Olympics have to...
2023-05-11 09:50

Al Ahli to beat Juventus & Tottenham to signing of Franck Kessie
Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie is closing in on a €15m (£13m) move to Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli. He was also wanted by Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus this transfer window.
2023-08-04 03:58

Man City seeks 1st Champions League title, Inter Milan eyes upset
Manchester City is trying to win its first Champions League title
2023-06-10 22:46

What do Wales need to qualify for Euro 2024?
Wales are hoping to secure their place at Euro 2024 and another major tournament appearance. Rob Page’s men are currently second in qualifying Group D, with two more fixtures left to play and only the top two teams in each group earn automatic qualification for next summer’s Euros. Wales face Armenia in Yerevan on Saturday before concluding their campaign by hosting Turkey on Tuesday. That is Turkey’s sole remaining game – they are currently clear at the top of the group on 16 points with qualification certain, and a win or draw will secure their spot as group winners. Wales are currently level on 10 points with Croatia, each side having played six games. The 2018 World Cup finalists take on struggling Latvia before finishing their group efforts against Armenia. Regardless of Croatia’s results, though, two wins from two will be enough for Wales to reach Euro 2024. This is due to their superior head-to-head record over Croatia, drawing the away fixture in Split in March and then securing a 2-1 win in Cardiff last month. If Wales match or better Croatia’s final two results, they will finish ahead of them. However, Armenia could still come into the mix – they have the head-to-head edge over Wales after a 4-2 away win in June. The Caucasus nation currently have seven points – if they win their final two games (against Wales and Croatia), and Croatia fail to beat Latvia, Armenia would finish second in the group. Even if Croatia do beat Latvia, Armenia would still finish above Luka Modric and co if they beat them by at least two goals in Zagreb on Tuesday. All would not be lost for Wales if they were to finish third, though. Qualification play-off spots are available based on performances in the 2022/23 Nations League. Wales were relegated from League A but with most of the teams ahead of them on the competition ladder likely to secure automatic qualification for the Euros, a play-off spot will almost certainly be theirs if they finish third in the group, notwithstanding a ludicrous set of results from other groups over the weekend. Croatia, meanwhile, are assured of at least a play-off spot after reaching the Nations League finals. Remaining fixtures Armenia vs Wales, Yerevan (Saturday 18 November, 2pm GMT) Latvia vs Croatia, Riga (Saturday 18 November, 5pm GMT) Croatia vs Armenia, Zagreb (Tuesday 21 November, 7.45pm GMT) Wales vs Turkey, Cardiff (Tuesday 21 November, 7.45pm GMT) Team Pld W D L Goal Difference Pts 1. Turkey (Q) 7 5 1 1 +7 16 2. Wales 6 3 1 2 0 10 3. Croatia 6 3 1 2 +6 10 4. Armenia 6 2 1 3 -1 7 5. Latvia 7 1 0 6 -12 3 Read More What do Wales need to qualify for Euro 2024? Injured Aaron Ramsey serving as Wales’s lucky mascot in Armenia Is Armenia vs Wales on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Euros qualifier Rob Page keen to focus on football after clearing air with FAW chief Noel Mooney England boss Gareth Southgate targets unbeaten run ahead of Euro 2024 I always want more for myself – Phil Foden targets England goals and assists
2023-11-18 19:46

Forest fined over pitch invasion after 2022 play-off semi against Sheff Utd
Nottingham Forest have been fined over the pitch invasion at the end of their Championship play-off semi-final against Sheffield United almost a year ago. A Forest fan was jailed after headbutting Blades striker Billy Sharp during the incident at the end of the second leg at the City Ground on May 17 last year, while Sheffield United’s Oli McBurnie was cleared last December of stamping on another pitch-invading Forest fan. The Football Association had charged Forest with failing to ensure their supporters conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and refrained from using threatening or violent behaviour while encroaching onto the pitch following the final whistle. The charge was partially admitted by Forest, and a £50,000 fine was imposed by an independent regulatory commission. The FA said half of the fine had been suspended by the panel until the end of next season, provided there were no further breaches of FA rule E20. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-05-16 21:57

Dembele poised to leave Barca after PSG offer: Hernandez
Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez confirmed on Tuesday that Ousmane Dembele is poised to leave the Spanish giants after receiving an...
2023-08-02 13:52

Golden Knights keep rallying, lead Stars 2-0 with NHL West final moving to Dallas
The Vegas Golden Knights certainly know how to rally when they've fallen behind in these NHL playoffs
2023-05-23 05:29

Prograis defeats Zorrilla to keep world light-welterweight title
Hometown hero Regis Prograis retained his World Boxing Council light-welterweight crown on Saturday with a split-decision victory over Puerto Rico's...
2023-06-18 12:28

NBA rumors: Trail Blazers don't want first player Heat offered for Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard reportedly prefers to be traded to the Miami Heat, but the Portland Trail Blazers are rumored to have no interest in getting this player in any return.Just when you thought the trade market in the NBA settled after Bradley Beal was dealt to the Phoenix Suns, there was a big name t...
2023-07-05 04:27

Argentina sink Brazil in World Cup qualifier; Uruguay march on
Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 on Tuesday in an ill-tempered 2026 World Cup qualifying clash marred by pre-match crowd trouble that...
2023-11-22 12:29
You Might Like...

Noah Lyles takes tentative steps into Usain Bolt's big shoes

Who is Faith Kipyegon's husband? World Athletic Championships 2023 long-distance runner married to 2012 Olympic 800m bronze medalist

Guardiola names three Man City players who made Wolves loss 'more difficult'

Malen scores after canceled substitution for Dortmund to start Bundesliga with win over Cologne

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk confirm date and location for heavyweight unification fight

Pep Guardiola reveals message from Sir Alex Ferguson prior to Champions League final

Detroit Pistons agree to record deal with Monty Williams to be new head coach, per reports

Jordan Lyles dominant as Royals crush Red Sox 13-2