Hot topics close

Ryan Reynolds pays tribute to Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster ...

Ryan Reynolds pays tribute to Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster
Foster spoke to club manager Phil Parkinson about his intention to retire on Saturday after the Red Dragons drew 5-5 with Swindon Town.

Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds has paid tribute to club goalkeeper Ben Foster after his shock retirement.

Foster announced on Monday he would be stepping back from professional football after the club drew 5-5 with Swindon Town on Saturday.

It has been a difficult start to the new season in League Two for Foster after he conceded five goals in Wrexham's opening-day loss to MK Dons.

Reynolds said Foster "built memories I'll never let go of for as long as I live".

"I love this guy. Thank you for everything, Ben," he added.

The ex-Manchester United goalie had walked away from the game last September, but was convinced to end his retirement and sign for Wrexham in March.

The 40-year-old helped the club achieve promotion from the National League to League Two earlier this year.

More on Ryan Reynolds
Related Topics:

The club is now back in the English Football League for the first time in 15 seasons.

It was bought by Hollywood star Reynolds and It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia co-creator Rob McElhenney in November 2020.

The club's fortunes are the subject of the Disney+ documentary series, Welcome to Wrexham.

Click to subscribe to the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts

After, Saturday's game Foster spoke to manager Phil Parkinson and told him of his intention to retire.

He has made 12 appearances since he returned to play for the club on 23 March, after spending a period on loan with the Red Dragons in 2005.

The goalkeeper's previous clubs include Birmingham City, West Bromwich Albion and Watford.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney celebrate Wrexham AFC's promotion success with bus parade.0:44
Ryan Reynolds joins Wrexham's parade

Read more:Wrexham: The Hollywood dream that became a realityMcElhenney throws Vegas pool party for Wrexham playersReynolds tries to convince Gareth Bale to play for Wrexham

Foster said that "now [was] the right time to retire".

"The honest truth is that my performances this season haven't reached the level I demand of myself," he said.

"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."

Parkinson said Foster's decision to retire took a "big person" and added the club had been a "better place" for having had him in the team.

Similar shots
News Archive
  • Kasper Schmeichel
    Kasper Schmeichel
    Like father, like son: the children of greats lighting up Euro 2024
    29 Jun 2024
    7
  • Texas shooting
    Texas shooting
    Officials identify suspect in shooting that killed 10 at Texas' Santa Fe High School
    1 Sep 2019
    2
  • Mayoral election
    Mayoral election
    Local elections and London mayor results 2024: Starmer tells Sunak ...
    3 May 2024
    3
  • Gold Cup 2021
    Gold Cup 2021
    Cheltenham Festival 2021: Minella Indo wins the Gold Cup – as it happened
    19 Mar 2021
    1
  • Anton du Beke
    Anton du Beke
    Anton du Beke addresses Shayne Ward backlash on Strictly as he ...
    29 Sep 2024
    24
  • £ to
    £ to
    Environment Agency continues crucial work to protect fisheries amidst summer like no other
    27 Sep 2022
    4
This week's most popular shots