Ben Foster has announced his retirement from professional football four games into Wrexham’s League Two season.

When he left Watford last summer, the goalkeeper first put his gloves away, but he was persuaded to come out of retirement in March to help Wrexham secure their eventual return to League Two.

Foster started the new season for Wrexham but has since said he no longer feels up to the standard needed to play after allowing 13 goals in four games.

“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 said in a statement.

“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.”

Manager Phil Parkinson added: “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.

“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.”

Foster, who memorably helped the Red Dragons return to the Football League last season, leaves Wrexham having made 12 appearances in the National League and League Two.

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According to the report, Fulham is prepared to offer manager Marco Silva a new long-term deal as compensation for his exceptional performance with the team.

At just 18 months left on his three-year contract, Silva, who previously held managerial positions with Everton, Watford, and Hull, was brought in to replace Scott Parker when the team was demoted to the Championship.

Silva led Fulham to the Championship title as they dominated in the second division, and following a magnificent 2-1 victory over high-spending neighbours Chelsea, the team is currently riding high in the Premier League’s top six.

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After 19 games this season, Fulham already has more points than they had the entire 2020–21 season, putting them on track to avoid relegation for the first time in three promotions.

According to 90min, Fulham is eager to reward Silva’s excellent performance with a new contract since they are aware that the club’s development under the Portuguese has not gone ignored by other Premier League teams.

In fact, Fulham believes that keeping Silva on for an extended period of time is essential to their vision in the short and long terms, and there is optimism that the 45-year-old will wish to sign a new contract following a continuous run of outstanding success.

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Watford professional football club have sacked Rob Edwards, who took charge of just 11 games and leaves Vicarage Road with the club 10th in the Sky Bet Championship.

Rob Edwards managed Watford for just 11 games, leaving the club in 10th place in the Sky Bet Championship. Former West Ham, West Brom, and Croatia manager Slaven Bilic was swiftly named as Edwards‘ replacement at Watford.

Bilic has signed an 18-month contract at Vicarage Road, replacing Edwards who took charge of just 11 matches during a three-month stint at Watford.

In a statement, Watford owner Gino Pozzo said:

“As with all decisions taken by the Board, I believe this change to be in the best interests of the club. We felt Rob had enough time to show us the identity of his team, however, performances haven’t reflected our hopes and ambitions. Now we must move forward, and, in Slaven Bilic, we have secured the services of an experienced coach who has recent experience of promotion to the Premier League.”

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Edwards was hired after the club was demoted from the Premier League last summer after making an impression while coaching Forest Green to the League Two championship.

The 39-year-old got off to a good start as Watford picked up seven points from their first three games. However, after managing just one more victory after that, he was fired, becoming the 17th permanent manager to lose his job since the Pozzo family took over Watford in 2012.

Former Croatia international player and head coach Bilic takes over with Watford 10th in the Championship table ahead of a trip to Stoke on Sunday.

The 54-year-old managed West Ham in the Premier League and his most recent work in English football saw him guide West Brom to promotion from the Championship in 2019/20.

A Watford statement concluded: “Bilic’s other staff will be confirmed in due course and Watford FC will make no further comment at this time.”

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