Phil Parkinson confirms who’ll be replacing Ben Foster in goal this weekend. The Reds face a tough away trip to 6th placed Barrow.
Ben Foster shocked fans this week after announcing his decision to retire from professional football. The veteran goalie had endured a rocky start to the season and was at fault for several goals in Wrexham’s 5-5 draw with Swindon last weekend.
Foster admitted he been “brutally honest” with himself before retirement decision
Foster admitted that he’d been “brutally honest” with himself and that he “can’t really do what he used to do.
“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,” Foster told Wrexham’s website.
“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.”
Phil Parkinson confirms who’ll be replacing Ben Foster in goal for Wrexham this weekend
The Red Dragons take on Barrow on Saturday at Holker Street. Naturally, fans wondered who’d be Ben Foster’s replacement for the away trip, and ahead of the game manager Phil Parkinson confirmed it’ll be Mark Howard.
“Mark’s had a good pre-season and he played really well in the cup game against Wigan,” the Reds boss said.
It’s hardly surprising Howard has been given the nod given that Rob Lainton is still recovering from a career-threatening knee injury.
Parkinson has also brought in two young goalkeepers recently, Luke McNicholas and Liam Hall, but they clearly aren’t ready for first team football just yet.
Howard has already featured for the Reds this season
36-year-old veteran goalkeeper Mark Howard signed for Wrexham in July 2022 after his contract expired with Carlisle United.
Howard has bounced around the football league during his career, which first started in the youth ranks at Arsenal. During his career he has played for Cardiff City, St Mirren, Aberdeen, Blackpool, Sheffield United, Bolton, Salford City, Scunthorpe and Carlisle
He played a key role in the club’s title-winning campaign last season, making 33 league appearances in total.
Howard also played in net earlier this season, keeping a clean sheet as Wrexham held League One side Wigan to a goalless draw before beating them on penalties in the League Cup first round.