Nantwich Town can confirm that goalkeeper Ben Garratt has made the difficult decision to step away from football after just over two years at the Swansway Stadium.
The 32-year-old joined back in February 2024 and signed a two-year contract shortly after which ended on the completion of the 2025/26 season. In his time, he made 108 appearances and kept 26 clean sheets, hardly missing a single game and becoming one of the most reliable, consistent & loyal goalkeepers we have had in recent history.
A graduate from the Crewe Alex academy, Ben made his debut for the Alex in 2013 on that famous day against Walsall where Crewe’s entire starting XI was made up of academy products. He went on to make almost 250 appearances for his boyhood club before leaving in 2019.
After that, he signed for Burton Albion and played another 4 seasons in League 1, taking his overall EFL total to 315 appearances. He also played for England up to under 19 level.
Due to further family and work commitments, he has now opted to step away from the game, and Ben had this to say:
“I just want to thank everyone involved with the club for the past couple of years. We shared some great times and I met some special people along the way. I’m sure the club will achieve the success that you all deserve in the very near future. Up the Dabbers!”
Manager Luke Goddard said:
“I think normally we would be hugely disappointed when someone of Ben’s calibre leaves the club but on this occasion and circumstance I have nothing but respect for Ben and his situation. With a young family that is due to get bigger he needs to prioritise work and family life; stepping away from football is something that has been in his thought process over the past season.
He’s been an ultra professional and is popular at the club because of the respect he has earned. We know he will keep an eye out on the Dabbers and hopefully get to a few games this season to say hello to everyone.
I’m sure I speak on behalf of everyone connected with the club in wishing Ben and his family all the very best with their future!”
Photo by Jonathan White