Who will replace Ben Foster as Wrexham’s new No.1 goalkeeper? Assessing the club’s options as fans demand an ex Premier League star is signed.
Ben Foster announced his decision to retire from professional football this morning, citing his recent poor performances as a major reason for his decision.
“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.”
Who are the candidates to replace Ben Foster right now?
Rob Lainton
Attention now turns to who will be Ben Foster’s replacement and Wrexham’s new No.1 goalkeeper. The two current options are Rob Lainton and Mark Howard.
Lainton has been with the Red Dragons since July 2018, initially signing on loan from Port Vale. He began his career with Bolton Wanderers, and later spent time at Bury, Burton Albion and Cheltenham Town.
He joined Wrexham in 2018 and kept 14 clean sheets in the opening three months of the National League campaign.
During the 2020/21 campaign, Lainton made his 100th appearance for the club while also becoming the fifth highest in Wrexham’s all-time clean sheet records. He recovered from a career-threatening injury last year, and signed a contract extension in February 2023 until the end of the 2023/24 campaign.
Mark Howard
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.
What fans are saying about Ben Foster’s replacement
Fans were divided as to who should be Ben Foster’s replacement moving forwards, although a lot is contingent on Rob Lainton’s injury status.
The goalkeeper damaged knee ligaments in a game in March 2023 against Bromley and has not played since. His current status isn’t known, making Wrexham’s goalkeeper decision all the more difficult.
‘Mark Howard in for the Barrow game whatever,’ one fan said. ‘More than capable and offers continuity. Imagine another keeper will be signed this week if Rob Lainton is injured for a while.’
Another added: ‘I think we need to see what Howard can do. He lost 2 regular season games last year. Let in some bad goals but generally felt like he was usually in the right position. I think that’s what finally got to Ben. Slightly out of position and a little older so harder to make up.’
‘Lainton is made of Rich Tea biscuits. Howard fit us where we were last season until foster arrived. The other 2 are inexperienced and hopefully we don’t risk it. So, Howard starts and is our number 1 as it stands,’ another added.
Others want the club to go for a Wales and ex Premier League goalkeeper
However, other fans want Wrexham to sign Welsh international Danny Ward. Ward was born in Wrexham and is a product of the Wrexham Academy, signing for them as a 14-year-old in 2007.
He was promoted to the first team in the 2011-2012 season but only made it as far as the bench on a handful of occasions. He then moved to Liverpool, before landing at Leicester City, whom he played for in the Premier League last season and is now with in the Championship. However, he has slipped down the pecking order and is now their third choice keeper.
Ward also played for Wales at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and has 32 caps for his country.
One fan said: “Anyone got Danny Ward’s phone number??”
A second added: Go and get Danny Ward in on loan. Dropped down to 3rd choice keeper and playing games will be good for him, us and Wales.”
“Don’t tell me Danny Ward isn’t a reasonable option. 3rd choice at Leicester, would surely jump at the chance to play for Wrexham again. Was in the crowd a few times last season, loves the club. International experience.”
It remains to be seen who Wrexham’s No.1 will be, but it’s clear the club has a big decision on their hands.