Earlswood unveil former England keeper as patron

BEN Foster has been appointed patron of Earlswood Town.

The former England goalkeeper confirmed the news while sporting the Midland Football League Division Two side’s sky blue away shirt during an episode of his podcast, The Football Fill-In.

Foster, who has just retired from playing following a successful season with Wrexham when he helped them secure promotion to the Football League, has sponsored The Earls since the 2021/22 season.

This was initially via his Cycling GK channel as sleeve sponsor but he then stepped up to be the club’s principal partner with Fozcast adorning the front of the club’s home and away shirts from the start of the 2022/23 campaign.

A patron is a high-profile individual who lends their support and guidance to aid promotion of the club and someone who members have the utmost respect for. Although a largely symbolic role, the intention is for the 40-year-old to pay a visit to the Yakinori Pavilions in the near future.

Having started out at Racing Club Warwick, Foster's 22-year professional career has spanned the likes of Stoke City, Manchester United, Birmingham City, West Bromwich Albion, Watford as well as Wrexham and he has almost 550 appearances to his name.

The Leamington-born player won eight caps for his country and was a member of the Three Lions squad at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.