20 July 2023 , 19:18
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Ben Foster has claimed that some of his Wrexham teammates are now experiencing some newfound fame in America following the club's rise to prominence.
The historic Welsh outfit's fortunes have been followed by an ever-increasing amount of observers the world over as a result of the team's Hollywood ties and promotion heroics. The former England goalkeeper was on hand to save a last-ditch penalty last season against challengers Notts County as the Red Dragons won what was effectively a title decider.
There is no doubt that the Red Dragons' stock has never been higher, with enthusiasts having been charmed by the club's fervent supporter base and the hands-on approach of chairmen Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The Racecourse Ground side's exploits were also chronicled as part of the hit "Welcome to Wrexham" TV series.
As the North Walian team now prepares for its first EFL season in 15 years following their landmark National League triumph last term, they have now embarked on a whistle-stop tour of the US. Phil Parkinson's men have already played Chelsea in Florida and were on the receiving end of a 5-0 drubbing.
However, the League Two new boys will now have to dust themselves down quickly as another stern test approaches on the horizon in the shape of LA Galaxy's second-string team on July 23. Then a spectacular clash versus 20-time Premier League champions Manchester United will take place three days later in San Diego.
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Now, former Red Devils stopper Foster has offered some unique insight into the levels of stardom that Wrexham's players are being exposed to while they are out in the US. The veteran star has been on tours with the Old Trafford giants during his spell at the club under Sir Alex Ferguson, as well as with West Brom and has now compared the experiences with this latest trip stateside.
He told Leader Live : "I have played in America with Manchester United and West Brom — with West Brom we didn't get any fans. We might have taken 100 travelling fans but the rest are all just American fans. It will be interesting to see the support and it will be a nice experience for us.
Ben Foster was pivotal in Wrexham's successful promotion push last season and has made a big decision on his future. (Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)"You are going to get mobbed if you are Manchester United but nobody else gets that much fan-fare in America. But some of the lads here are household names in America, they are proper famous. We know that when we go into these games, there are going to be fans cheering for us."
With an emotional trip to co-owner McElhenney's home city of Philadelphia on July 28 to round off the trip to America, it is clear that this unique tour still has some interesting legs to come. The clash versus Philadelphia Union II will take place at Subaru Park, with the "It's Always Sunny" superstar taking Wrexham to Philly for the first time.
Following on from this, Parkinson and his team will head back to the UK for the first game of the EFL season, which will come at home versus MK Dons on August 5. A League Cup clash versus Wigan Athletic will then ensure only three days later.