Birmingham confirmed the signing of Ben Foster from Man United earlier today for the first “undisclosed fee” of the post-season. The 27-year old stopper arrives at St Andrews on a three-year contract and will attempt to fill Joe Hart’s substantial boots between the sticks for Alex McLeish’s side.
His new boss was quick to shower praise on the new signing and has no doubt that Foster can provide the kind of displays dished out by Hart last term…
“The goalkeeper is a massive position and we’ve now signed another young hungry goalkeeper who wants to prove himself and live up to his potential…We believe he is of the same kind of standard as Joe Hart.”
An accomplished shot-stopper, Foster is perhaps best known for being beaten by England rival Paul Robinson’s bouncing free-kick at White Hart Lane whilst on loan at Watford in 2007. On a more positive note, he also grabbed attention for his Ipod inspired penalty saves in the 2009 League Cup Final – a performance that earned him man of the match.
That was a rare moment of glory at United and Foster arrives at Birmingham having suffered a frustrating spell under Alex Ferguson, playing second fiddle not only to Edwin Van der Sar but also more often than not, Tomasz Kuszczak…
Despite signing for the club in 2005, Foster didn’t make his United debut until March 2008. He suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury during that second spell on loan with Watford which kept him sidelined at the point where he looked like making the breakthrough. Sadly for Foster, that kind of luck with injuries has run throughout his short career. Despite his undeniable potential, he failed to dislodge the consistency and experience of Van der Sar. The steady stream of injuries cut his opportunities short just when it appeared he was establishing himself.
The decision to sell on Foster appears to reflect some sympathy from Ferguson. The United boss has today spoken out on Foster’s qualities and declared him as England’s best keeper…
“We accepted the bid from Birmingham City simply because we knew how concerned Ben was about his future and I can understand that…I still feel very strongly about this, that Ben’s the best England goalkeeper and I can’t work out why he wasn’t even considered simply because he didn’t have enough football.”
Ironically Foster’s future England ambitions are likely to see him compete with Joe Hart for several seasons. Given the recognition lavished on Hart last term, Birmingham could well provide the perfect platform for Foster to excel.
The Stats…
Foster leaves Old Trafford with 23 appearances in all competitions under his belt, during which he conceded 20 goals, earning a credible 10 clean sheets in the process. For further analysis we need to look at his loan spells at Watford during the 2005/06 and 2006/07 seasons.
Whilst at Vicarage Road Foster clocked up 47 starts in the Championship, helping Watford to promotion before recording 30 Premier League starts the following season. He failed to prevent Watford being relegated and conceded 44 goals over those appearances, notching just six clean sheets. However, it’s worth noting that he recorded an impressive 109 saves with only four keepers that season (Tim Howard, David James, Brad Friedel and Marcus Hahnemann) recording more saves per game. Foster also caught the eye enough to earn 11 Fantasy Premier League Bonus Points – that was bettered only by David James with 15. His performances also earned him Watford’s Player of the Year accolade.
The Prospects…
In Fantasy terms he could well be a ready-made replacement for the budget clean sheets provided by Hart last term. McLeish will be working to bolster his defence and despite investment in the attacking third, it’s expected that Birmingham will continue to be a side that first and foremost presents a resolute barrier for the opposition. Foster’s price seems likely to remain in the budget bracket and if Birmingham bring in some cover in central defence, an accomplished defensive midfielder and a couple of notable full-backs, then we can expect an improved clean sheet return from McLeish’s side. Foster will be on the radar for many then but his injury record is certainly a concern.
Further Reference…
Wikipedia
Soccernet Career Stats
YouTube – The Best of Ben Foster