Ben Foster has opened up about the no-nonsense conversation he had with Phil Parkinson before his shock return to Wrexham.

The veteran goalkeeper, who hung up his gloves only to make a comeback in March 2023, helped Wrexham clinch the National League title following an injury to their No. 1 Rob Lainton. At 39, with a history including a spell at Manchester United and representing England as well as 390 Premier League appearances, one might think Wrexham's gaffer would've snapped him up in a heartbeat.

"He was very clear with me and very honest. He said: 'Listen, if you're coming here just for a bit of PR, then that's not what we're looking for. It's not going to work. But if you're coming here to work hard and help get us over the line, then this can be something'."

Foster was convinced by the manager's earnest approach, saying: "As soon as I heard those words, and I looked into his eyes, I thought that this is serious business here. I liked it."

Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have earned props for letting Parkinson steer the ship on recruitment. Foster said: "At most football clubs there's a head of recruitment, there's people under the head of recruitment and there's other people getting their grubby hands into it all. He is still right at the top of the tree at Wrexham, where he wants to know everything about everyone."

Foster, who had two stints with Wrexham, first joined them in 2005 when on loan from Stoke City, which led to lifting the LDV Vans Trophy. It was in the final of the tournament that he caught Sir Alex Ferguson's eye while the Manchester United legend's son Darren captained the side.

Foster didn't just rest on past laurels either, making a game-deciding penalty save against Notts County in his second spell. The result in April 2023 tilted the National League title odds firmly in Wrexham's favour.

It was a save that got 'Deadpool' actor Reynolds buzzing post-match as well. The Hollywood star couldn't hide his delight as he came across Foster in a corridor.

The goalkeeper was captured by BT Sport saying to Reynolds: "It doesn't get any better, does it." Reynolds replied: "You son of a b****! What was that about?! You're too old for that! What the f***? That was just... bananas! That was the most dramatic thing I've ever seen in my life."

The euphoric outburst ended with a hug before the goalie rushed off to fulfil his media commitments. Despite later signing a one-year extension with Wrexham, Foster hung up his gloves again in August 2023 after a challenging start in League Two.

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