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GOALKEEPER of the people Ben Foster has announced his retirement from football for a SECOND time.The former England and Manchester United shotstopper, 40, enjoyed a renaissance with Wrexham – forming a strong relationship with the club’s owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mcelhenney.
Ben Foster has retired from football after a short spell with Wrexham
Foster became a fans’ favourite with the Welsh club and was ‘loved’ by co-owner Ryan Reynolds
Ex-England keeper Foster had an amazing career and played for Man UtdCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
He helped the Red Dragons earn promotion to League Two last season, before announcing he was hanging up his gloves.
Foster started the season as No1, but has admittedly struggled as the Welsh club have conceded 13 goals in their first four games, including a 5-5 draw with Swindon at the weekend.
Announcing his decision to quit, he admitted: “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.”

He will be missed. Wrexham co-chairman Ryan Reynolds already took to X to write: “He built memories I’ll never let go of for as long as I live. I love this guy. Thank you for everything, Ben.”
Outside the game, Foster’s personality has shone.
His YouTube channel, the “Cycling GK” , has allowed him to comment on the game, share entertaining video comment and more.
It has drawn almost 1.5million subscribers, who love his irreverent take on the game.
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Second thoughts
It appeared for all intents and purposes Foster was a retired man, when he quit Watford in 2022 age 39.
He played for Manchester United, was a hero for Watford and was capped by England eight times.
It could have been more had he not put his international career on hold, following a falling out with Fabio Capello who reluctantly let him leave a training camp when his wife Kate went into labour.
Even an offer from Newcastle United in 2022 to join as a back-up keeper to Nick Pope was swiftly turned down, as Foster looked forward to time off with his family and his media commitments.
However, Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mcelhenney proved to be a bigger draw than the Premier League.
Foster answered an SOS call when the then National League club suffered a goalkeeping crisis, returning to the Welsh outfit 17 years after a 2005 loan spell.
Foster said: “I’m over the moon. I’ve been at the Club an hour this morning and it seems a really nice place. Everyone is down to earth and the manager’s top class.
A fallout with Fabio Capello saw Foster put his England career on holdCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
When his wife went into labour, Capello was reluctant to let him leave an England training camp
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“It’s changed a lot since I was last here, but it’s nice to be back and it’s nice to be back as a player too. It will be interesting to see how my body feels after training today! I’m looking forward to getting started.
“The first time I was here, it was genuinely the springboard to the rest of my career – on the back of the loan move, playing in the LDV Vans Trophy Final at the Millennium Stadium, I got my move to Manchester United at the start of the next season. It was absolutely bonkers!
“If you’d told me 18 years ago that I’d have gone on to have the career that I have had, I probably wouldn’t have believed you to be honest so I do owe a lot to Wrexham.”
Reynolds bromance
Foster was signed on a short-term deal till the end of last season, where he played eight times.
In that short space of time, he made himself a fan and owners’ favourite.
Wrexham earned promotion to the EFL, which we all know about now and is the perfect Hollywood ending to the tale (although there’s surely more to come).
But during that period there was a definite bromance breaking out between Foster and co-chairman Reynolds.
After the club sealed promotion, the Deadpool star interrupted Foster’s press conference to ask for his shirt.
In return, Foster was gifted a glove worn by the Canadian actor’s superhero character.
Reynolds gatecrashed Foster’s press conference to ask the goalie for his shirt
A-lister Reynolds joked that the shirt smelled worse than his underwear he wore on the set of Deadpool
Foster revealed that Reynolds gifted him his Deadpool glove in return
Speaking on his Fozcast podcast, Foster revealed: “This is incredible right so, Ryan Reynolds text me the day of the [Boreham Wood] game to say, “can I have your shirt?
“I was like ‘yeah cool’ and he was like ‘cool, because I’ve got something for you as well’. 
“I was like ‘what on earth’s this?’ So anyway he texted me yesterday and said ‘I forgot to tell you what it is’.
“He says, ‘I was going through my memorabilia the other day of Deadpool and I found the original gloves that I wore in the film'”. 
Reynolds gave one of the gloves to Jay Fear, a Wrexham fan with terminal cancer, prior to the Boreham Wood game.
The other ended up with the Foster household.
Reynolds also had another surprise in store for the goalie.
In a comment reply, Reynolds wrote: “I’m also gifting you the Deadpool underwear. Which, to be fair, smells better than the shirt you gave me.”
YouTube star
In 2020, Foster set up his own YouTube channel, ‘The Cycling GK’.
In 2020, Foster set up his own YouTube channel called ‘The Cycling Goalkeeper’
Arsenal goalie Aaron Ramsdale dropped in for a chat on ‘The Cycling GK’

Robbie Williams appears as a guest on Foster’s Fozcast podcast
His plan was to give a unique insight into his life as a professional footballer, as well as show off his cycling adventures.
It included matchday vlogs, GoPro footage from his matches, football challenges like Foster taking on Arsenal’s Women.
Of course, his old mucka Reynolds popped up a few times in some of the clips.
It seemed that along with his podcast, that was his future mapped out.
But the lure of putting on Wrexham’s No1 jersey in League Two was too much, so in the summer he signed an extension to his contract to star.
His bosses even agreed to his stipulations of more time off.
Speaking on The Fellas Podcast, Foster said: “They’d have to be flexible with me with sort of days off basically.
“Like I said earlier I live a couple hours away from Wrexham.
“So if I’m driving to training then that’s two hours and then I’ll train, and then to get home you’ve got to get through M6 through Birmingham, take you three hours sometimes. 
“In the six weeks I did the club were so good with me. They were so flexible. They gave me sort of extra days off. 
Foster celebrates promotion with WrexhamCredit: Getty
Foster originally revealed he had signed a contract extension this seasonCredit: YouTube / Ben Foster – The Cycling GK
“We would play on a Saturday, they’d give me Sunday and Monday off.
“I’d train on Tuesday, we’d all have a day off on Wednesday anyway. i’d only be training really three days.”
However, now Foster feels he has to walk away.
After letting in five goals against Swindon Town, the second time he’s done that in four games this season, he has retired, gracefully.
Manager Phil Parkinson said: “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.
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“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.”
For now, the focus will be on his burgeoning YouTube career. Fitting for a great character and smashing bloke.
Foster appears dejected after conceding five at home to MK Dons earlier this monthCredit: Getty
However, Foster can leave the game with his head held high after a Hollywood ending to his careerCredit: Getty More

LAURA WOODS has proven why she’s such a fan favourite during the Women’s World Cup.The glam host, 36, has been a breath of fresh air as she’s presented ITV Sport’s coverage in New Zealand and Australia.
ITV Sport presenter Laura Woods has fronted their Women’s World Cup coverageCredit: ITV
Woods has cut an elegant figure during ITV’s coverageCredit: ITV
Fans have marvelled at her expertise in front of the camera, as her broadcasting career continues to thrive.
While, her fashion sense has also caught the eye on social media.
SunSport takes a look at the best outfits the ex talkSPORT star has worn during ITV’s coverage.
Staying classy
Woods impressed in classy attire for the Women’s World Cup opening game.
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She appeared alongside Eni Aluko and Karen Carney wearing an elegant black dress that hugged her figure.
One fan said: “What an added treat on a Saturday morning. Tuned into the Women’s World Cup footy to find Laura Woods on the screen. Made my Saturday morning!!”
Another added: “Laura Woods looking incredible as always.”
Feeling blue
For China v Haiti, Woods went with a daring colour.
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The blonde beauty went with a bright blue two-piece, as she showed she wasn’t afraid to go bold with her fashion choices.
She was joined by pundits Siobhan Chamberlain and Carney for the group stage contest.
As they discussed England’s win over Denmark, it was the outfit that stole the plaudits over the Lionesses.
For China v Haiti, Woods was feeling blueCredit: ITV
Woods was joined by pundits Siobhan Chamberlain and Karen CarneyCredit: ITV
Leaving fans ‘swooning’
Dazzling in a white top and tan trousers, with her hair wavy in style, Woods made fans swoon when England took on China.
The laid-back look had fans on X singing her praises.
One fan wrote: “Laura Woods… swoons.”
A second thanked ITV for putting Woods on hosting duty “from the whole nation”.

Fans swooned over Woods’ relaxed lookCredit: ITV
On point with a jumpsuit
Fashionista Woods was told her “new look is amazing” for her next outfit.
The presenter wore a green jumpsuit ahead of the United States vs Sweden last-16 clash.
One fan replied to a clip posted by ITV on Twitter: “Your new look is amazing.”
Another added: “Laura Woods.” alongside a red love heart emoji.
Woods looked on point in a green jumpsuit for the USA’s game against SwedenCredit: ITV
Daring combo
For her most outrageous outfit next, Woods looked amazing in a pink (and cream) suit.
The much-loved star shone on the small screen during Colombia’s last-16 showdown with Jamaica in the trendy suit.
And her legion of fans were quick to hit Twitter with compliments for her.
“Looking amazing Laura,” declared one tweet.
A pink and cream suit showed Woods wasn’t afraid to go bold with her looksCredit: ITV
Pretty in pink
“Perfection”, as one social media called her.
Woods seemingly saved her best outfits for Colombia’s games – this time rocking a pink suit as the Lionesses took on the South Americans.
One tweeted: “Ngl could get very used to football coverage presented by Laura Woods & Katie Shanahan tbh.”
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Another commented: “Classy Laura Woods classy.”
We can’t wait to see what she wears for Sunday’s showpiece.
Pretty in pink, Woods looked stunning as England faced ColombiaCredit: ITV
Fans will be eagerly awaiting what Woods wears for the World Cup finalCredit: ITV More

FASHIONISTA Alex Scott has looked the part during the BBC’s Women’s World Cup coverage.The BBC pundit and presenter, 38, has continuously dazzled audiences with a range of trendy outfits while delivering her expert verdict on all the action.
BBC Sport’s Alex Scott has dazzled fans with her outfits
Scott dons a brilliant vest suit during the opening game of the Women’s Wold Cup
As we’ve seen through the years, Scott isn’t afraid to go bold with her fashion choices.
But, what have been her best outfits during the WWC?
Let SunSport go through our pick of the most stylish.
‘Serving looks’
Fans marvelled at Scott’s outfit when the tournament began.

While offering her punditry on New Zealand vs Norway, she looked chic in a grey vest suit.
Taking to X one fan wrote: “Alex Scott serving looks on a Thursday morning.”
A second said: “Alex Scott is a beauty… She oozes class whenever she’s on the screen.”
Dressed to the nines
A staple of every woman’s wardrobe is an elegant black dress.
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Which is exactly what Scott rocked when she appeared during the clash between Australia and Nigeria.
She completed her outfit with some stunning high-heeled shoes.
Fans were left in awe of her, with one saying: “I love Alex Scott.”
Scott cuts an elegant figure in a black dressCredit: BBC
Alex Scott wowed fans in a black dressCredit: BBC Sport
Stunning high heels matched her black ensembleCredit: BBC Sport
A leggy display
When Scott presented England’s match against Denmark, she turned to an American designer for inspiration.
She wore a pink and navy blue stripped Michael Kors dress for her morning assignment.
The former Arsenal full-back completed the look with a pair of pink high-heels.
“Alex Scott just slays doesn’t she,” a fan wrote on social media.
Wearing Michael Kors, Scott put on a leggy display in this dress
Pink high-heels complete Scott’s look
Trendsetter
As Scott continued to wow viewers with her presenting skills, her outfits just kept getting better.
Her next costume change saw her don a trendy blue jacket and white top for the France versus Brazil game, which was lavished with praise online.
One fan wrote: “Alex Scott is knocking it out of the park as the BBC anchorwoman ❤️.”
A second said: “Loving your work on the Women’s World Cup coverage Alex. Well done! Brilliant 😀.”
Alex Scott wears a navy jacket and white topCredit: BBC
Scott knocked it out the park according to BBC viewersCredit: BBC
Style personified
As England took on Nigeria in their last-16 clash, fans once again could not hide their love for Scott and her fashion sense.
This time, she stunned in a black outfit and was hailed once more.
“I can never get enough Alex Scott in my life,” wrote one admirer.
Another day, another stunning black outfit for ScottCredit: BBC
Scott gleamed next to Ellen White in the BBC studioCredit: BBC
Jump for joy
For her most bold look, Scott went with a burnt orange open-collar jumpsuit during the BBC’s coverage of Sweden’s 2-1 win over Japan.
Again, it wasn’t just her presenting skills that stood out – but also her amazing sense of fashion.
Fans were quick to praise her and pundits, Fara Williams and Ellen White.
“Watching Alex Scott, Ellen White and Fara Williams taking the reins of punditry has just been such a fantastic watch,” one said on social media.
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Orange is the new black, as Scott went for a bright burnt orange jumpsuitCredit: BBC iPlayer
Fans online raved about Scott’s bold lookCredit: BBC iPlayer
Leather look
Earlier this week, as England defeated Australia, Scott chose perhaps her best outfit of the tournament so far.
She appeared effortlessly cool in a black top and black leather jacket.
Scott accessorised with a pair of gold hoop earrings.
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With one more match to go, fans will be eagerly anticipating what Scott wears for the final on Sunday.
But be sure, she will certainly look amazing.
Scott wore a trendy leather jacket as England defeated Australia this weekCredit: BBC
Scott is one of the finest dressed pundits aroundCredit: BBC More

MOISES CAICEDO has always been a man on a crusade.The Ecuador star has defied his youthful years by playing with a swagger and maturity on the pitch for Brighton since joining the Seagulls in 2021.
Moises Caicedo has been a Premier League revelation since leaving Ecuador
As a youngster, Caicedo dreamed of football stardom to support his family
The football pitch where Caicedo honed his skills in his hometown of Santa Domingo
That’s why Chelsea have agreed to pay a British record £115million fee to sign the midfielder after he snubbed Liverpool’s advances.
Caicedo, still only 21, began his dream in his hometown of Santa Domingo, where he borrowed boots to play for his local team, while playing on dirt pitches.
It was his dream to become a professional footballer.
It was also the youngest of ten siblings’ dream to support his family and give them a better life.

Which is why El Niño Moi – the Boy Moi – as he is nicknamed, left them behind to conquer the Premier League.

Schooled the right way
Caicedo’s skills first came to prominence in a soccer school in Mujer Trabajadora. It has a dusty pitch surrounded by housing, dirt track roads and has the Capilla Nuestra Señora Del Cine church overlooking it.
It’s a place where many live in poverty and many can fall into the wrong sort of life.
Gangs are rife – with robberies from criminals speeding around on bikes a daily occurrence.
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But it was there Caicedo would meet his mentor, Ivan Guerra, who saw his protege’s brilliance from the age of five.
Guerra had his own professional career, before embarking on coaching.
“We didn’t have goalposts, so they would put down rocks on the street, sometimes play without shoes,” Guerra told The Times.
“I could see he had talent. So I invited him to the school.
“The kids pay a fee, but only if they can afford it. The family was very poor. Whenever we were playing in another city, he would always be the last one on the bus — he liked to sleep — but sometimes it was because he didn’t have money for the fare.
“I would cover the cost, knock on his door, tell him, ‘Let’s go!’ He didn’t have any boots. Sometimes friends would lend him theirs, or I would ask around to get a pair for him. But he was the best here. He would play anywhere — left, right, in midfield. If we were losing, he would say, ‘Put me in goal!’ He always wanted to be involved.”
Coming of age
By the time Caicedo was a promising teenager, bigger things beckoned.
He was picked to play for a Santa Domingo XI. While Espoli, who boasted an affiliation with amateur club Jaipadida, wanted him to play for them.
Ivan Guerra was Caicedo’s first football coach
Guerra is proud of what his protege has becomeCredit: Cristina Vega RHOR
But when Espoli were relegated, that affiliation was severed. Caicedo was left in limbo without a pathway to achieve football stardom.
It left him and his team-mates with no money to afford kit or registration fees.
However, one day a parent of one of Caicedo’s friends campaigned for his cause with Jaipadida director, Darwin Castillo.
He was accepted – with the club and the parent raising the money for him to play.
Caicedo had hit the big time. Five pitches, eight coaches and 350 players on their books.
Failure to launch
While training with Jaipadida, Caicedo had a trial with pro club Mushuc Runa.
But he was sent home just a week in because he was unable to afford the boarding fee or food.
In 2016, the powerhouse would finally get his move to a pro club.
Independiente del Valle signed him up following a successful trial.
Ecuador giants Independiente del Valle boast incredible live-in facilities for their stars of tomorrowCredit: Cristina Vega RHOR
They boast state-of-the-art changing roomsCredit: Cristina Vega RHOR
Independiente’s pitches for youth football are flawlessCredit: Cristina Vega RHOR
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His loyalty to Jaipadida still shone through, though.
Six months after signing for the Ecuadorian top flight side, he played for his old club in a tournament.
To dell Valle and back
Initially, Caicedo found it tough going at Independiente.
In fact, it was touch and go whether he would make it or not. And that wasn’t for ability.
Their High Performance Centre in Sangolquí brings with it a lot of demands on kids from 11-18.
It is where the aspiring future stars of Ecuador football live, eat, train and study together.
Galo Rodriguez, the club’s U16 manager, confirmed he had his doubts.
“Most of these kids come from very poor neighbourhoods,” he explained.
“Cities where drugs, theft, violence are part of daily life. When they arrive at Independiente, they suddenly have an ideal environment in which to live, three meals a day, structure. Dealing with that is in itself a huge challenge.
Caicedo dreamed of being a footballer – but suffered a blip in confidence early on at Independiente
Caicedo’s mum convinced her son to stick it out at Independiente
“Moisés almost left. He was sad. He wasn’t adapting. He wanted to go home. Many of the kids, coming from where they do, put up a shield, act quite aggressive, to establish their ground. And then you had Moisés, a very introspective, quiet, shy guy. We all tried to help him, but it was Moisés who had to overcome that.”
Caicedo even plead with his mum to let come home, but she told him: “You can’t, you’ve come this far.”
Immediate prominence
Driven by a determination to succeed, Caicedo starred for the club’s U20 side in the Copa Libertadores.
His form as a No5 saw him lead the Black and Blues to the final, where they overcame River Plate.
In 2020, his name reverberated around South America as a player to watch when he scored a stunning goal in a 5-0 rout of Brazil giants Flamengo.
Brighton, under the management of Graham Potter, moved faster than Man Utd and Chelsea to secure his services for a paltry £4.5million.
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By 2020, Caicedo was heralded as one of South America’s most promising talentsCredit: Getty
Just two years after leaving Ecuador, Caicedo has now become the British record transferCredit: Reuters
Just three years later, and after excelling in the Premier League, it’s Mauricio Pochettino who believes Caicedo to be just what he needs to get Chelsea challenging again.
When he puts on that blue shirt at Stamford Bridge, with the sound of Harry J All Stars’ classic ‘The Liquidator’ ringing around him, it’ll be a far-cry from Santa Domingo. But, you’ll never imagine Caicedo will forget his roots. More