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Off Topic => General Football & Sports => Topic started by: Silva on May 25, 2011, 12:26:01 PM

Title: Ben Foster
Post by: Silva on May 25, 2011, 12:26:01 PM
West Brom are ready to rival Tottenham in the battle for Birmingham goalkeeper Ben Foster - Daily Mirror

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-West-Brom-to-battle-Tottenham-for-Birmingham-keeper-Ben-Foster-article740432.html
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on May 25, 2011, 12:31:40 PM
Certainly wouldn't surprise me if we asked about him but I would be extremely surprised if he didn't get a move to somewhere like Spurs to be honest.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionLegend on May 25, 2011, 12:43:27 PM
Yeah, I'd expect us to enquire about him but we would never pay the money Birmingham want which is why he will probably go to someone like spurs.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on May 25, 2011, 12:43:55 PM
He will go to Villa...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KnaveofAlbion on May 25, 2011, 12:53:30 PM
If he goes to Villa that will be a proper slap to the blue noses, thus, i will laugh.

As said above, i'd expect us to ask, but we won't get near to him i don't think. That being said, i'd love him to sign. Properly top level keeper.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Jamesa2407 on May 25, 2011, 01:06:29 PM
I personally think we will have a sniff.. but he will go to tottenham.. they seem to having a lot of the top relegated players dont you think? but yeah 8m tottenham.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: divinewind on May 25, 2011, 01:19:24 PM
Very good keeper in my opinion,but the world his is oyster.be a great coup but i can't see it happening.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dangerman on May 25, 2011, 01:20:24 PM
I personally think we will have a sniff.. but he will go to tottenham.. they seem to having a lot of the top relegated players dont you think? but yeah 8m tottenham.

The only advantage to us is that he wouldn't have to move house (assuming he lives in the midlands).

I can't see us paying the money blues would want for him.

Let's be honest, we are in a similar position to blues were last year in the fact we've had a good season and going into our second season.  Why would he want to do that again.

I think Spurs is a good shout.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggiebof on May 25, 2011, 01:26:09 PM
The only advantage to us is that he wouldn't have to move house (assuming he lives in the midlands).


He's from Leamington Spa so I'd guess he does live in the Midlands, perhaps somewhere in Warwickshire.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbako on May 25, 2011, 01:30:36 PM
Definitely worth an enquiry. He has been very impressive this season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: jjb0rdell0 on May 25, 2011, 01:38:12 PM
You gotta speculate to accumulate  ;)

Ben Foster must be worth at least a bit of speculation :-P
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggie Artist on May 25, 2011, 01:52:55 PM
I wouldn't want him. Makes far too many mistakes, his kicking is poor and we don't need a great shot stopper.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Signor_Maresca on May 25, 2011, 02:23:38 PM
I think his Spurs bound personally. 

If its between us and them its a no brainer unfortunatly.  His earning £31k a week at Blues and Spurs will be able to offer a hefty increase on that, while I imagine £31k will be around our upper limit.  Plus the lure of playing for a top 5 side located in London...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DommyKeay19 on May 25, 2011, 02:28:59 PM
I think it would be very disloyal on Foster's part moving to a local rival so i don't think he'd join us, he's still young so has plenty of years to get back to the prem, it would be pretty much a sidewards move for him. Perhaps a cheeky 5 mil bid and give 'em Myhill to test the waters but nah no chance.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: VANDERLEI on May 25, 2011, 02:30:39 PM
I wouldn't want him. Makes far too many mistakes, his kicking is poor and we don't need a great shot stopper.

Agreed, I don't rate him. Seems to be error prone.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Greenock Baggie on May 25, 2011, 03:22:10 PM
Agreed, I don't rate him. Seems to be error prone.
We already have one of them !

He should be careful about Spurs though, this season is a flash in the proverbial pan. Same old teams for the Champions league at the end of next season, Man Utd, backside and all, Chelski and either Man Citeh or the Scouse :(
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on May 25, 2011, 03:36:43 PM
He's no more error prone than the majority of goalkeepers in the Premier League, only the likes of van der sar don't seem to make many. Goalkeepers all make errors and they are highlighted because they almost always lead to goals being conceded, Foster has at least proven that he can bounce back from his errors immediately.

I would be more concerned about his past injury record than error rate personally.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggieboyjop on May 25, 2011, 06:35:00 PM
I wouldn't want him. Makes far too many mistakes, his kicking is poor and we don't need a great shot stopper.

I agree that he is very overrated as people for some reason seem to forget the amount of mistakes he actually makes. However i do think he would be worth a sniff, would make for great competition for the number 1 next season with him and scotty
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggie Artist on May 25, 2011, 06:39:45 PM
He's no more error prone than the majority of goalkeepers in the Premier League, only the likes of van der sar don't seem to make many. Goalkeepers all make errors and they are highlighted because they almost always lead to goals being conceded, Foster has at least proven that he can bounce back from his errors immediately.

I would be more concerned about his past injury record than error rate personally.

He made three mistakes against us alone this season
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on May 25, 2011, 07:15:55 PM
He made three mistakes against us alone this season

How many other games did you see him play?

Every time I saw him he made some fantastic saves and kept Birmingham in numerous games, how many games can we say Carson kept us in as it wouldn't be half as many.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on May 25, 2011, 07:21:28 PM
I thought there were big questions over his mentality in all honesty. Man U dropped him to third choice behind PIG in his time there due to the mistakes he's made. I think the fact he was behind a VERY defensive Blues team helped a lot as well.

That's not to say he's not a good keeper because he is, but for the money he'd surely cost I'd have concerns. I think you'd be looking at a minimum of 8m, which considering I believe the aforementioned PIG is available (who was more highly rated it seems by Ferguson anyway) doesn't seem great value.

My point is that we can't have our expectations too high, if the likes of him and the PIG were that good they would have made a career at Old Trafford and not sat on the bench for most of their games yet bigger clubs like Villa and Spurs are rumoured to have an interest in them. Your point about value is spot on although we did shell out over £3m for Carson if my memory serves me well.

I would rather have Foster than the PIG lets put it that way, at least Foster has had a season of first team football since leaving United while Kuszczak has arguably gone backwards in his time there missing out on so much time he could have been developing as a player.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on May 25, 2011, 07:55:23 PM
I see Foster as a keeper who runs around his goal abit too make himself look better. For instance, the Wolves game at St Andrews a few weeks ago, no need to come running out that far and take down the man. Although he is a decent shot stopper, I don't see much between either of him or Scott Carson. If anything I'd prefer Scott Carson as the latter has a much better kicking. For all the hype which surrounds Foster, I don't think he is brilliant. Probably been behind a very stable Johnson and Dann has helped him alot. When the Blues defence fell apart in recent weeks with the likes of Martin Jiranek featuring we saw a few cracks appear in Foster's game.

As for the fee, I'm sure Blues are asking for a hefty fee, something which we're not looking to give, especially as we have two goalkeepers on our books with one being quite similar to Ben Foster.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on May 25, 2011, 08:05:38 PM
As for the fee, I'm sure Blues are asking for a hefty fee, something which we're not looking to give, especially as we have two goalkeepers on our books with one being quite similar to Ben Foster.

You are spot on with the fee but in all honesty if one of our goalkeepers is similar to Foster then the other one is too, not much to pick between the two we already have except much better controlled distribution from Carson.

I certainly agree that Foster is nothing special and I wouldn't want to waste big money on him but I doubt we will get much better unless it is someone most of will never have heard of from abroad.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on May 25, 2011, 08:17:35 PM
You are spot on with the fee but in all honesty if one of our goalkeepers is similar to Foster then the other one is too, not much to pick between the two we already have except much better controlled distribution from Carson.

I certainly agree that Foster is nothing special and I wouldn't want to waste big money on him but I doubt we will get much better unless it is someone most of will never have heard of from abroad.

I think you're rights on both parts in honesty. Although, it's a shame we haven't saw much of Boaz Myhill but it's obvious to see both Roberto Di Matteo and Roy Hodgson prefer Scott Carson. I guess that comes down to experience because I'm sure with regards to ability they're both on the same levels.

Your second point is where I expect most of our signings might come from with the odd bosman from here i.e. McAuley. If we were to splash big money on Ben Foster (which I highly doubt) then Scott Carson or Boaz Myhill better start packing the bags because spending £5million plus on Foster certainly suggests he'd be a starter and not willing to play on the bench. I'd be rather annoyed if we did pay £5million and Foster did sit on the bench because that money could of been invested somewhere else in the squad.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: leeiswba on May 25, 2011, 08:21:30 PM
Ben Foster is as class goalkeeper, I'm not sure who some of our fans expect us to get  :-\

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on May 25, 2011, 08:28:00 PM
Expectations could be an issue with us this summer, I personally believe Foster is better than the two we currently have but can anyone honestly say it is a significant enough difference to appease most of our fans. Afterall Foster makes plenty of errors and as mentioned by other plays in a much more defensive minded side at Birmingham, if you take into account the kind of fee they will want for him then I can understand why some would certainly be unsure about him.

I think the link to him is a little tenuous to begin with to be honest as everyone knows we need a keeper so we are easy to link to.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on May 25, 2011, 08:29:53 PM
Ben Foster is as class goalkeeper, I'm not sure who some of our fans expect us to get  :-\

I think class is certainly abit too far. Class is the word I'd give to the likes of Petr Cech and Edwin Van Dar Saar, Foster is good, but certainly not class.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: leeiswba on May 25, 2011, 08:34:56 PM
I disagree mate I think he is class, i think he at least top 10 in the Prem if not top 6 so in my opinion I think he is class. Whoever comes in I think that he is going to have a job on his hands because some of our fans I actually dont think have a very good knowledge of football and seem to think that the goalkeeper is to blame for most goals and the first thing that goes wrong they will want Carson back in e.g. the chants for Deano even though he got a lot of abuse. To the people who dont think he is is very good I'd like to ask them who they actually believe is a better keeper than him that we could sign?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on May 25, 2011, 08:47:56 PM
I disagree mate I think he is class, i think he at least top 10 in the Prem if not top 6 so in my opinion I think he is class. Whoever comes in I think that he is going to have a job on his hands because some of our fans I actually dont think have a very good knowledge of football and seem to think that the goalkeeper is to blame for most goals and the first thing that goes wrong they will want Carson back in e.g. the chants for Deano even though he got a lot of abuse. To the people who dont think he is is very good I'd like to ask them who they actually believe is a better keeper than him that we could sign?

I don't think it's realistic we could sign him though in honesty, because Birmingham will be looking for a high figure fee which we're certainly not going to pay. Ben Foster, credit to him is a good keeper but certainly not class. If he such a class keeper why didn't he ever feature more for Manchester United? As someone said above, often falling behind PIG in the running. He certainly isn't class if the PIG is squeezing his way above him. He then was loaned out to Watford after only making 12 appearances for Man United, not exactly 'class'. Five international appearances since 2007 doesn't have much class about it.

I'd take Foster at our club but there isn't much difference between him or Carson in honesty. The money which Birmingham would ask for means any potential deal is a no-go.

Edit: Apologies if this sounds arrogant, it isn't meant to be  :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on May 25, 2011, 08:59:21 PM
Whoever comes in I think that he is going to have a job on his hands because some of our fans I actually dont think have a very good knowledge of football and seem to think that the goalkeeper is to blame for most goals.

I do agree with you there, however. It's a good point, and we're only adding more pressure onto the goalkeepers shoulders. Playing behind our defence is already bad enough!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: leeiswba on May 25, 2011, 09:00:08 PM
Not arrogant at all just your opinion mate, but I see it differently because I think he is class thats why we probably wont sign him because a class team such as Spurs will probably get him  ;)

The point I'm trying to make really is that a lot of people (I know you dont) slag our goalkeeper off and want a new one yet when a decent keeper does come up they also feel he is not good enough so I'm struggling to see what they actaully expect.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on May 25, 2011, 09:07:08 PM
Not arrogant at all just your opinion mate, but I see it differently because I think he is class thats why we probably wont sign him because a class team such as Spurs will probably get him  ;)

The point I'm trying to make really is that a lot of people (I know you dont) slag our goalkeeper off and want a new one yet when a decent keeper does come up they also feel he is not good enough so I'm struggling to see what they actaully expect.

Can only agree with your second point and one when I've asked a similar question to several Carson 'haters' and got no reply. I'd hate to be a goalkeeper at our club, the demands of the fans are unreal. Scott Carson is at a young age and has the ability to be a decent keeper, if he gets the right coaching and the fans remain fully behind him.

I saw an article on here about a journalist who attended a game as a neutral against Chelsea and yet heard the abuse Carson was given. He then went an made an article on it and it was posted on here. It's embarrasing that other people have picked upon our high demands.

Spurs need a keeper in fairness as Gomes just isn't reliable as he's proved on a few occasions this season. I'm sure Ben Foster would do well there as he'll be playing behind two very impressive centre backs in Michael Dawson and Ledley King.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggie Artist on May 25, 2011, 09:21:14 PM
How many other games did you see him play?

Every time I saw him he made some fantastic saves and kept Birmingham in numerous games, how many games can we say Carson kept us in as it wouldn't be half as many.

I know, of course he'd be an improvement.

How many games have we seen this season where Carson hasn't had that much to do though. I think we need a steady but reliable keeper in the Sorensen mould over an eccentric matchwinner like Foster.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggieboyjop on May 25, 2011, 09:43:16 PM
I think class is certainly abit too far. Class is the word I'd give to the likes of Petr Cech and Edwin Van Dar Saar, Foster is good, but certainly not class.

Agree. He is far to overrated imo. And i'd quite frankly have scotty as they make just as many mistakes than the other however scotty's kicking wins it for me
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Rich99 on May 25, 2011, 09:51:19 PM
I think there will be other clubs willing to pay more than us sniffing around him.

Also, doesn't he have a questionable injury record?  If we paid a huge amount for him it perhaps might be a bit of a risk.

This is about the 4th or 5th keeper we've been linked with in the last few weeks.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: leeiswba on May 25, 2011, 09:52:03 PM
Agree. He is far to overrated imo. And i'd quite frankly have scotty as they make just as many mistakes than the other however scotty's kicking wins it for me

I'd love to keep Carson but he is never going to be accepted here by some idiots, even if he had a solid first 10 games if he made one mistake next game everyone would be on his back again. Its a disgrace that it has got like this and it makes me ashamed that people like that are associated with the team I support.

Personally if we did get Ben Foster I think it would be a brilliant signing, but I dont see it happening. I do think we need a new keeper not because Carson isnt good enough but because of the reason above
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dexy on May 25, 2011, 09:56:01 PM
Top draw shot stopper but doesnt convince me on crosses for a big bloke,given our history of set pieces im not sure he is the right bloke.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on May 25, 2011, 10:13:07 PM
I don't know why people have been focussing on a few mistakes. I've seen him have absolute blinders for Blues and he could be a regular in the England team (although I accept there is no other obvious choice). I think we should snap him up unless the price is way outside our budget.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on May 25, 2011, 10:17:58 PM
Top draw shot stopper but doesnt convince me on crosses for a big bloke,given our history of set pieces im not sure he is the right bloke.

Agree with that and well mentioned, I've saw him flap once or twice on crosses this season. Fulham the other week at St Andrews, aswell as Paul Scharner's goal at St Andrews. I think we've all mentioned the need for a commanding keeper but it's a struggle getting one. If we can't find a keeper, then I'll be happy enough with Scott Carson.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: A5HB on May 25, 2011, 10:25:38 PM
Would be a no from me I think, older than Carson, would cost a big fee and I think he is overrated. I'd say this season he has made more individual errors then Carson has this season and his more basic flaws in his game (I think his decision making and kicking has been poor whenever I have seen him)

Granted he isn't terrible, but don't think he is better than what we have, especially for what Blues would want for him.
Don't really buy the good shot stopper argument either as I saw an interesting stat in the paper last week which I can't remember it exactly but, obviously before this last weekend of games, Foster had been forced to make a save more often than any other goalkeeper which made me think the reason he is seen to make so many good saves is because he has so many opportunities to make them.

Yes i know you could argue that obviously it means he has more chances to make a mistake but I think his mistakes come from other parts of his game which I feel Carson and Myhill are both better at.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Ogwani on May 25, 2011, 10:39:01 PM
Would be a no from me I think, older than Carson, would cost a big fee and I think he is overrated. I'd say this season he has made more individual errors then Carson has this season and his more basic flaws in his game (I think his decision making and kicking has been poor whenever I have seen him)

Granted he isn't terrible, but don't think he is better than what we have, especially for what Blues would want for him.
Don't really buy the good shot stopper argument either as I saw an interesting stat in the paper last week which I can't remember it exactly but, obviously before this last weekend of games, Foster had been forced to make a save more often than any other goalkeeper which made me think the reason he is seen to make so many good saves is because he has so many opportunities to make them.

Yes i know you could argue that obviously it means he has more chances to make a mistake but I think his mistakes come from other parts of his game which I feel Carson and Myhill are both better at.

Overrated? With respect I think that's absolutely ridiculous.

Foster is one of the best keepers in the league, the statistics even show he's made more saves than any other keeper in the league. I'm sorry but we've had less on target shots against us and conceded more goals than Birmingham so what does that tell you?  Blues' defense has been shaky for the majority of the season and he's been utterly fantastic.

We don't have a chance at Foster because he's a 10 million rate keeper, what we have are 2 million rated keepers. Foster has probably had the best season out of any this season, he won them the League Cup and kept them in games against Chelsea, Stoke, Aston Villa, Fulham, Blackburn, Tottenham and probably more which have slipped my mind. Birmingham City would've been on about 15 less points or more if they had Carson in goal instead of Foster FACT.

Why do all the people who defend Carson slate other keepers?
If this thread was open to the general public the vast, vast majority would laugh at some of the opinions on here.
I'm not saying I'm right and you're entitled to your opinion, but seriously I cannot see why anyone would think Foster is not as good as what we have.

Beyond that Foster isn't a realistic target. Tottenham and Aston Villa are after him and he's rated 10 million.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: A5HB on May 25, 2011, 10:51:46 PM
Overrated? With respect I think that's absolutely ridiculous.

Foster is one of the best keepers in the league, the statistics even show he's made more saves than any other keeper in the league. I'm sorry but we've had less on target shots against us and conceded more goals than Birmingham so what does that tell you?  Blues' defense has been shaky for the majority of the season and he's been utterly fantastic.

We don't have a chance at Foster because he's a 10 million rate keeper, what we have are 2 million rated keepers. Foster has probably had the best season out of any this season, he won them the League Cup and kept them in games against Chelsea, Stoke, Aston Villa, Fulham, Blackburn, Tottenham and probably more which have slipped my mind. Birmingham City would've been on about 15 less points or more if they had Carson in goal instead of Foster FACT.

Why do all the people who defend Carson slate other keepers?
If this thread was open to the general public the vast, vast majority would laugh at some of the opinions on here.
I'm not saying I'm right and you're entitled to your opinion, but seriously I cannot see why anyone would think Foster is not as good as what we have.

Beyond that Foster isn't a realistic target. Tottenham and Aston Villa are after him and he's rated 10 million.

Don't worry no disrespect taken, this is a forum after all and debate comes from difference of opinion :) I can see why you think he is a good goalkeeper, plenty of people do in fairness, I just think he is overrated, doesn't mean that I think he his bad per say, just that I don't think that he is as good as is made out.

There has obviously been times where he has made good saves, the carling cup final and their win against chelsea being prime examples, but I can remember plenty of times when he has made really big mistakes for blues and united such as against wolves the other week and I just don't think he is that good. I wouldn't feel anymore confident having Foster in goal then either of our other keepers to be honest as I think the flaws in their games would pose exactly the same problems, even though Foster may be a slightly better shot stopper.

You say Blues would be 15 points worse off if Carson had been playing instead of Foster but that can't really be proven as it is impossible to say whether Carson, Myhill or indeed any other goalkeeper could make the saves he has made in the games you mention. There has also been times our goal keepers have made very good saves in games which have won us points and Foster may not have made those saves.

Also in reply to your point that those who defend Carson feel the need to critise other goal keepers all the time, I happen to think there are plenty of goalkeepers around who are better than Carson, and that Carson has many flaws in his game but I happen to think he is on a similar level to Foster in terms of ability but Foster always seems rated as the better goalkeeper, as is Rob Green who is another goalkeeper I believe to be of a similar ability but obviously that is a discussion for another thread, this is about Ben Foster.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Ogwani on May 25, 2011, 10:53:24 PM
Well that's noble of you lol, I've said all I need to say. Foster's out of our league IMO. It just stuns me some people on here wouldn't take him, but that's their opinion. I personally would be thrilled if we signed Foster, but it's not happening.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: leeiswba on May 25, 2011, 11:20:34 PM
Well that's noble of you lol, I've said all I need to say. Foster's out of our league IMO. It just stuns me some people on here wouldn't take him, but that's their opinion. I personally would be thrilled if we signed Foster, but it's not happening.

I feel the same mate, rate the chap very highly, and we would be very lucky if we managed to sign him but as you said I dont theink we have much chance
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WSBaggie on July 06, 2011, 09:14:43 PM
1/5 to sign for us now, does someone know something we don't?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Andio on July 06, 2011, 09:51:10 PM
1/5 to sign for us now, does someone know something we don't?

Already been mentioned, been that odds for the last few days.

Who knows?  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on July 06, 2011, 10:58:10 PM
I really doubt we'd even look at signing him tbh, his fee alone would be the major stumbling block. Birmingham will want more than what they paid for him and that alone will surely go past our asking price.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: costa blanca baggie on July 06, 2011, 11:17:51 PM
1/5 to sign for us now, does someone know something we don't?
Maybe they do, maybe they don´t...such is life! :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: chipperclark on July 07, 2011, 06:42:04 AM
Maybe they do, maybe they don´t...such is life! :D
;D He must follow McLeish to Villa.....they don't have a keeper???
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on July 07, 2011, 07:43:43 AM
;D He must follow McLeish to Villa.....they don't have a keeper???
I'd have guessed Villa were the most likely club for him to go to but they look odds on to get Given.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Londonbaggymike on July 07, 2011, 08:09:53 AM
He's been 1/5 on sky bet for a while. Rumour sites have nothing to lose by posting bs but bookies stand to lose money. Those odds at the very least suggest there has been a large amount of cash been put on him with very little rumour around for regular punters to inform their bets.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bradleysrocket on July 07, 2011, 10:00:28 AM
He's been 1/5 on sky bet for a while. Rumour sites have nothing to lose by posting bs but bookies stand to lose money. Those odds at the very least suggest there has been a large amount of cash been put on him with very little rumour around for regular punters to inform their bets.
There is never a lot of money staked in the next club transfer market so even a few small bets on foster would be enough for bookies to shorten his price.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1968-Tim on July 07, 2011, 10:06:54 AM
He's been 1/5 on sky bet for a while. Rumour sites have nothing to lose by posting bs but bookies stand to lose money. Those odds at the very least suggest there has been a large amount of cash been put on him with very little rumour around for regular punters to inform their bets.


Actually I just checked and on the 4/7/2011 he was 4/1 it is only today that the odds have gone to 1/5 - this is according to oddschecker who are usually spot on.

Could be significant - At least I hope so.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 07, 2011, 10:19:02 AM
Would love him here!!!!!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie steve on July 07, 2011, 10:21:54 AM
The bookies rarely get it wrong !! be fantastic if he comes to us , a great keeper
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1968-Tim on July 07, 2011, 10:24:41 AM
Maybe this is what Deano was referring to when he said he was very excited about a new keeper coming in........a day after Given turned us down he was still excited.

He will cost us what £4/5m??

Great signing if we can do it.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 07, 2011, 10:45:30 AM
They spent £6m on him and they will want to make a profit on him after his performances last season. Unless we smash our transfer record on him then I think it is extremely unlikely.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on July 07, 2011, 11:04:14 AM
They spent £6m on him and they will want to make a profit on him after his performances last season. Unless we smash our transfer record on him then I think it is extremely unlikely.
Could be why we are looking at/ signed a few free transfers :)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tucka9 on July 07, 2011, 11:16:32 AM
I think Foster or another keeper will join this weekend as i can't see Hodgson wanting to start pre-season tour without his number 1 to be honest.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 07, 2011, 11:17:42 AM
Could be why we are looking at/ signed a few free transfers :)

Here's hoping but have we actually been linked with Foster in the local press yet or are we just going by the betting odds on one website?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Sussex-Baggie on July 07, 2011, 11:21:01 AM
I would really like to see us sign Ben Foster, but I can't see it happening unfortunately. He would cost a fair amount of money and I would have thought Birmingham City would rather sell him too a club willing to pay a higher price, which immediately reduces our chances of signing him.

Reading back over this thread, it seems as though some posters on here thought that Foster was not a dramatic improvement on Scott Carson. I always gave my full support to Carson, but Foster is by far the better goalkeeper, in my opinion. He makes the occasional error, but is a better shot-stopper and is still more commanding than Carson.

If we could realistically sign Foster, I think we should definitely consider making an offer!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1993dave on July 07, 2011, 11:24:44 AM
The only way we could get him is if we offer them 2 players (Myhill,Miller) and give them 4 million
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: addy on July 07, 2011, 11:25:19 AM
Chris said on twitter that Foster would be not target/way out our range, so doubt it will happen even though I would like it too.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Joust on July 07, 2011, 11:26:24 AM
Chris said on twitter that Foster would be not target/way out our range, so doubt it will happen even though I would like it too.

To be fair, although he obviously knows more than the average joe, ie me and you, he is not the be all and end all of WBA transfer speculation... He can/has been wrong...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AidantheBaggies on July 07, 2011, 11:27:08 AM
I really do not see what the fuss is with Ben Foster, everytime i watched him last season he made mistakes quite a bit. Yes he is slighlty better than Carson but not alot better. Just my opinion of course.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: addy on July 07, 2011, 11:27:36 AM
To be fair, although he obviously knows more than the average joe, ie me and you, he is not the be all and end all of WBA transfer speculation... He can/has been wrong...

I know but its usually not a great sign to start with if he says it, the only thing we have going for us really is that we are apparently going to spend big when it comes to GK, the only player that really sticks out at the mo is Foster. with Given supposedly turning us down, which yet could turn out to be wrong as well.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1993dave on July 07, 2011, 11:29:06 AM
Where was he when Billy Jones signed ?  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: addy on July 07, 2011, 11:31:09 AM
Where was he when Billy Jones signed ?  ;D

Oi Oi No Chris bashing, its not allowed here!  8)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on July 07, 2011, 11:32:18 AM
Here's hoping but have we actually been linked with Foster in the local press yet or are we just going by the betting odds on one website?
The fact that its not in the press suits me fine, but have you ever heard of a bookie giving such short odds without either large amounts going on it or inside info, Skybet is not even a small time bookie so to me that tells me more than tribal or the Mirror doing a write up on it! I may be wrong but to me there is something in it...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: addy on July 07, 2011, 11:33:40 AM
The fact that its not in the press suits me fine, but have you ever heard of a bookie giving such short odds without either large amounts going on it or inside info, Skybet is not even a small time bookie so to me that tells me more than tribal or the Mirror doing a write up on it! I may be wrong but to me there is something in it...

Pretty sure it happened with us and Jermaine Beckford? From SkyBet too if I recall.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: texisonfire on July 07, 2011, 11:35:07 AM
The only way we could get him is if we offer them 2 players (Myhill,Miller) and give them 4 million

It's a good point because blues' squad is so small, that giving them players that we don't really need works for both parties
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: slate on July 07, 2011, 12:42:03 PM
He will be joining us on a 1 year loan deal, probably next week.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mister AT on July 07, 2011, 12:46:47 PM
He will be joining us on a 1 year loan deal, probably next week.

And you know this...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bigbadjohn on July 07, 2011, 12:48:18 PM
1 year loan deal haha thats so funny why why why would birmingham loan him to us they want to sell him .
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mulumbu99 on July 07, 2011, 12:49:16 PM
1 year loan deal haha thats so funny why why why would birmingham loan him to us they want to sell him .

why did we loan out davies/kuszack/valero ?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: slate on July 07, 2011, 12:49:45 PM
1 year loan deal haha thats so funny why why why would birmingham loan him to us they want to sell him .


Wages for us are the problem.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bigbadjohn on July 07, 2011, 12:51:13 PM
this will not happen in a million years,  noway will blues loan him out to us simple . what good would that be for blues ! its stupid .
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: slate on July 07, 2011, 12:52:40 PM
this will not happen in a million years,  noway will blues loan him out to us simple . what good would that be for blues ! its stupid .

Yeah, I am sure that you would know better than the person that I just spoke to.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JDWest_Brom on July 07, 2011, 12:53:43 PM
I can't see that happening. What's your source?

The only reason for them to do it would be to get his wages off their wage bill for a season, hoping they get promoted at the first attempt. So he can go back there next year.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Savvas78 on July 07, 2011, 12:53:56 PM
Quote
Wages for us are the problem.

Maybe. But Peace has stated that the club would pay market value in fees and wages if they felt the player was of adequate quality.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: slate on July 07, 2011, 12:59:14 PM
I can't see that happening. What's your source?

The only reason for them to do it would be to get his wages off their wage bill for a season, hoping they get promoted at the first attempt. So he can go back there next year.

That would make sense. My source is 100% that this move should happen, however there is still work to be done on personal terms and he has not had a medical yet but there should be no problems there. Just gotta sit back and wait now!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on July 07, 2011, 01:00:33 PM
The odds have been like that for a few days which suggests there is nothing in it. Somebody probably just put quiet a large bet on. I remember there being really short odds (might have even stopped taking bets) for beckford a couple of years back, and we didn't even bid for him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bigbadjohn on July 07, 2011, 01:12:45 PM
is this a loan to a permenant deal are you saying ? So who told you this then slate Roy hodgson ?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dinkydave2003 on July 07, 2011, 01:17:14 PM
is this a loan to a permenant deal are you saying ? So who told you this then slate Roy hodgson ?

or the boy with the magic tourch??   :P
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: monkey nuts on July 07, 2011, 01:28:49 PM
this will not happen in a million years,  noway will blues loan him out to us simple . what good would that be for blues ! its stupid .

not saying he is right but to say it stupid is in fact stupid itself  ;)

a good keeper is what a lot of teams want (need) so if they could sell others but keep Foster by just loaning him out for a year then if they get promoted they still have a good keeper and if they don't they sell him anyway and they have saved a couple of mill in wages,

win win for Blues i think
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dinkydave2003 on July 07, 2011, 01:30:08 PM
not saying he is right but to say it stupid is in fact stupid itself  ;)

a good keeper is what a lot of teams want (need) so if they could sell others but keep Foster by just loaning him out for a year then if they get promoted they still have a good keeper and if they don't they sell him anyway and they have saved a couple of mill in wages,

win win for Blues i think

stupid is as stupid does!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lordbaggie on July 07, 2011, 02:01:05 PM
Well, if it does happen you can blame me.

I posted this a few days ago:-

Albion Transfer Forum / Re: New goalkeeper?
« on: July 04, 2011, 01:43:54 PM »

How about trying for Foster on loan, with an option to buy at a pre agreed price IF we are in the Prem the season after next and Blues aren't.

We get a GK for the season without a big transfer fee AND if he works out a possible chance to buy in a year

Blues get him off the payroll for a year and retain him if they come straight back up

Foster stays in the Prem come what may.

ps If Jeremy asks, tell him it was my idea  ;D








So if it happens - proof positive that Jeremy (or at least Dan) reads this forum  ;D

and I will claim to be - not ITK but AOTG (ahead of the game)  ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Axel Foley on July 07, 2011, 02:09:34 PM
After that he'd have just one year left on his deal though. His value by then would be a lot less than it is now. I think it's one reason that will prove a massive sticking point. Birmingham paid £4m with a possibility of a £6m deal with all the add ons. He held his own last season...

You'd expect a bid of at least £5m to take him, if not more. 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: costa blanca baggie on July 07, 2011, 02:44:29 PM
stupid is as stupid does!!
" Run Foster....run like the wind......" ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Astle1968 on July 07, 2011, 05:12:40 PM
Cant understand why people are reading so much in to him being 1/5 with Skybet to join us? I would be amazed if more than £1000 has been wagered with Skybet on that market which means it only takes 1 guy with a hunch and some spare cash to change the market completely. For example, if I went and placed £1k on Foster to Fulham and £1k on Schwarzer to us then by 6pm tonight both those moves would be odds on to happen
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bradleysrocket on July 07, 2011, 05:14:21 PM
Cant understand why people are reading so much in to him being 1/5 with Skybet to join us? I would be amazed if more than £1000 has been wagered with Skybet on that market which means it only takes 1 guy with a hunch and some spare cash to change the market completely. For example, if I went and placed £1k on Foster to Fulham and £1k on Schwarzer to us then by 6pm tonight both those moves would be odds on to happen
You sound well off........lend us a tenner ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Astle1968 on July 07, 2011, 05:22:59 PM
You sound well off........lend us a tenner ;)

Sorry mate, going to use all my spare cash lumping on Nasri to WBA and see how low I can get the odds on that to drop
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggieboy on July 07, 2011, 10:12:36 PM
ben foster would be good but west brom wont pay the money
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BB74 on July 07, 2011, 10:14:34 PM
I like lordbaggies idea. Just listened to baggies view though and CL reckons he is not on the radar.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: beechyboy90 on July 07, 2011, 10:19:18 PM
is he really on that much money?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mulumbu99 on July 07, 2011, 10:19:58 PM
foster isn't even a target....
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: slate on July 07, 2011, 10:23:18 PM
is he really on that much money?

How much money do you think he's on?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BB74 on July 07, 2011, 10:34:45 PM
A tweet from CL 4 minutes ago claiming there might now be an interest in Ben Foster.  :)

'But seems there might now be an interest'

'Not as advanced as being stated. But seems missing out on Given has forced a rethink. Hence DV's revaluation'.

'And all of a sudden wba 's decision to not pursue Vaughan is starting to make sense....'
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: blandyisabaggie on July 07, 2011, 10:41:54 PM
He would be so good. I think hes a class goalie
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Ogwani on July 07, 2011, 10:50:10 PM
something's going downnnn  :P
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BB74 on July 07, 2011, 10:53:13 PM
Is the 'wow' that Kiely was talking about.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on July 07, 2011, 10:54:47 PM
Is the 'wow' that Kiely was talking about.
Caps lock, exclamation marks and shocked face smilies on standby.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on July 07, 2011, 10:55:11 PM
I would like him here, decent keeper, really hope we sign him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Joust on July 07, 2011, 11:22:37 PM
£6m-£8m if we buy him. No more no less.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 07, 2011, 11:29:49 PM
£6m-£8m if we buy him. No more no less.

I would certainly like us to pay less but I would expect that to be a ball park figure if we went for him. It was said that we would potentially break our transfer record should the right player become available and Foster certainly falls into this category for me, a very good player and such a crucial position for the team.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 07, 2011, 11:33:54 PM
They are interesting comments from CL on twitter if we are indeed interested now. On his Baggies View earlier he did appear to be a little unsure about it making it clear that he could potentially become a target but wasn't to his knowledge at that point. Does seem to have been quite a bit of talk about him with little or even no media speculation so far, perhaps this is a case of no smoke without fire.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: addy on July 07, 2011, 11:39:24 PM
Very exciting if we can get him...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JDWest_Brom on July 07, 2011, 11:46:56 PM
England's number 2 for arguably England's number 4. The only English keeper better is Joe Hart.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggie Artist on July 07, 2011, 11:55:47 PM
If we spent £8 million on Foster, we'd have the 5th most expensive keeper in the world.

As I said on the first page, I don't rate him. I don't want to have to wonder before every game whether our goalkeeper will have a blinder today or another off day, I'd take a season where we don't really notice the keeper but he's consistent and reliable.

I also don't agree with the strategy of allocating so much of our funds towards a keeper. Most of the struggling teams last season had good goalkeepers West Ham (Green), Birmingham (Foster), Wigan (Al-Habsi). Fans of all them clubs say they would be ten points worse off if they didn't have their keepers but is that realistic or just an overreaction to some of their saves?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Rich99 on July 08, 2011, 12:06:52 AM
Keepers don't get rated by fans as their player of the season for no reason.

He would be a great appointment, in my humble opinion.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: matth on July 08, 2011, 12:10:14 AM
We don't know for sure yet but if we pulled it off beca great signing!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on July 08, 2011, 12:13:57 AM
Foster would be a major coup but will take serious money to land both in fees and wages. Hence the Vaughan decision. If Given was costing £9m in fees and wages (rumoured fee of £3m plus £2m a year wages) for 3 years then Foster might be costing an extra £3m the money has to come form somewhere and not signing Vaughan might cover half of it
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: jonny on July 08, 2011, 12:23:54 AM
We need to buy a top goalie first and foremost

Then a good cb


then a striker.


Anything else is just a bonus
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KnaveofAlbion on July 08, 2011, 12:34:14 AM
Us signing Foster would have to be one of the buys of the summer!

I'm fairly suer Roy sees the two new lads plus Pablo as potential for going with olson next season. Pablo knows the language and the EPL alot better now and with 2 defensive midfielders having pace at CB isn't that important and we lay back alot for the counter, those McAuely could be chossen. Dawson to be a sub....

Of course, should a quality CB be available then forget all that and go get!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dubya BA on July 08, 2011, 12:45:11 AM
I wonder whether there has only been an interest in Foster since a club employee read this thread? I would think every top goalie who might leave is a candidate and they have all been considered. Personally I think Foster is realistic and also good enough for us. So fingers are still crossed.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JDWest_Brom on July 08, 2011, 12:58:27 AM
I wonder whether there has only been an interest in Foster since a club employee read this thread?

Really? Really??? Really?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: addy on July 08, 2011, 01:21:34 AM
Old quote...

“I can see Scott being part of it, along with Ben Foster, who I’m also good friends with,” said Kiely.

http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/west-bromwich-albion-fc-news/2010/07/21/west-brom-scott-carson-can-benefit-from-world-cup-fall-out-dean-kiely-97319-26895741/

Actually seen alot of Ben Foster mentions in Kiely quotes in the press when looking, sorry i was bored but found it interesting. Possible tie in with his tweet?  ;D

Another link he likes talking about him :

http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/west-bromwich-albion-fc/2010/07/22/west-brom-s-dean-kiely-backs-ben-foster-s-decision-to-leave-man-united-65233-26902899/
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on July 08, 2011, 01:25:55 AM
I would still be very surprised if anything came of it, I don't doubt we have an interest, but given the prices Blues are quoting for other players, coupled with the fact the large number of other sales and parachute payments mean they don't need to sell, well it just doesn't seem viable.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on July 08, 2011, 06:21:39 AM
According to CL on this interview we re not after Foster!
http://www.sundaymercury.net/midlands-sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/west-brom-news/2011/07/07/baggies-view-west-brom-search-for-a-striker-goalkeeper-and-another-midfielder-97319-29013592/
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on July 08, 2011, 07:24:25 AM
According to CL on this interview we re not after Foster!
http://www.sundaymercury.net/midlands-sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/west-brom-news/2011/07/07/baggies-view-west-brom-search-for-a-striker-goalkeeper-and-another-midfielder-97319-29013592/
On the otherhand...

http://www.sundaymercury.net/midlands-sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/west-brom-news/2011/07/08/west-brom-want-birmingham-city-star-ben-foster-97319-29017243/
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Axel Foley on July 08, 2011, 07:24:50 AM
If we spent £8 million on Foster, we'd have the 5th most expensive keeper in the world.

But is he the 5th most valuable? No chance. So I wouldn't try and twist the fee being talked about. Ultimately he's England's No.2 keeper (until his retirement) and I wonder how much Joe Hart would cost if he was to be sold?

Iker Casillas
Victor Valdes
Manuel Neuer
Petr Cech (£7m)
Pepe Reina
Joe Hart
Hugo Lloris
David De Gea (£18m)
Heurelho Gomes (£7.8m)
Craig Gordon (£9m)
Gianluigi Buffon (£32m)

That's just for starters...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JDWest_Brom on July 08, 2011, 08:46:50 AM
Well I was expecting more from the Birmingham Mail story this morning than we've got an interest in him. After CL's tweets about it yesterday, I was expecting proper news. Like a bid had been accepted or something.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dangerman on July 08, 2011, 08:51:28 AM
Well I was expecting more from the Birmingham Mail story this morning than we've got an interest in him. After CL's tweets about it yesterday, I was expecting proper news. Like a bid had been accepted or something.

chrislepkowski Chris Lepkowski
Busy day today. Press conference for #wba 's 2 signings, plus official launch of @bodoguk sponsorship deal

 :o
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on July 08, 2011, 08:53:28 AM
Blues signed a defender yday so wouldn't be surprised if it was Gera and ridgewell!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dinkydave2003 on July 08, 2011, 08:54:17 AM
chrislepkowski Chris Lepkowski
Busy day today. Press conference for #wba 's 2 signings, plus official launch of @bodoguk sponsorship deal

 :o

2 signings been Macauley and Jones!!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Joust on July 08, 2011, 08:54:21 AM
Gareth Mcauley and Billy Jones haven't had an interview yet have they? He probably means them pair
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on July 08, 2011, 08:57:06 AM
Good point probably right
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dangerman on July 08, 2011, 08:58:35 AM
Gareth Mcauley and Billy Jones haven't had an interview yet have they? He probably means them pair

That was my thinking. But isn't it interesting the way CL is making his tweets more cryptic, with possible double meanings.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dinkydave2003 on July 08, 2011, 09:02:56 AM
That was my thinking. But isn't it interesting the way CL is making his tweets more cryptic, with possible double meanings.

im really loosing faith in this guy, i really am!!
its very clever in how he's tweeted this, well its served its purpose because no doubt every message board will be in meltdown talking about it!!  ::)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on July 08, 2011, 09:04:30 AM
I would be delighted to have Foster on board and if we have pulled the Vaughan signing because of it then we have very serious intent.

Blues need to sell they are in a financial mess there were issues prior to relegation and relegation will not have made them any better (http://tinyurl.com/5t9rqaa). Pretty much the whole squad is for sale no matter what they say in public they need to unload players to raise capital and get the wage bill down.

I expect there to be some hard bargaining but they will sell for roughly what they paid for him i.e. £6m

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyDan on July 08, 2011, 09:07:53 AM
im really loosing faith in this guy, i really am!!
its very clever in how he's tweeted this, well its served its purpose because no doubt every message board will be in meltdown talking about it!!  ::)

First he poo-pooed everyone on twitter saying Foster was no chance in a swarmy manner - not he's changed his tune and almost acting like he knew all along...

TeamTalk.com is a more reliable source I think.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BAGGIES4LIFE on July 08, 2011, 09:14:51 AM
Gareth Mcauley and Billy Jones haven't had an interview yet have they? He probably means them pair

Sadly correct hes clarified that now.  Firstly Deano then CL all getting us all excited, p**ing me off now
By selling Carson without a ready replacement we have laid ourselves open to extortion by other clubs, possibly thats why Blues are now playing hard ball with Foster
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 08, 2011, 09:18:42 AM
Sadly correct hes clarified that now.  Firstly Deano then CL all getting us all excited, p**ing me off now
By selling Carson without a ready replacement we have laid ourselves open to extortion by other clubs, possibly thats why Blues are now playing hard ball with Foster


Lets hope they turn out to be masterstroke signings
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Lloydy on July 08, 2011, 09:24:15 AM
Firstly Deano then CL all getting us all excited, p**ing me off now

Maybe if people started taking everything with a pinch of salt and chilling out a bit they wouldn't get so worked up.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1968-Tim on July 08, 2011, 09:24:59 AM
City fans certainly talking about a deal in the making. :D

http://www.smallheathalliance.com/read.php?1,590110,590110#msg-590110
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1968-Tim on July 08, 2011, 09:26:20 AM
Link to story if not already posted

http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/birmingham-city-fc/birmingham-city-fc-news/2011/07/08/west-brom-want-birmingham-city-star-ben-foster-97319-29017243/
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Joust on July 08, 2011, 09:27:56 AM
Maybe if people started taking everything with a pinch of salt and chilling out a bit they wouldn't get so worked up.

You beat me to it
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 08, 2011, 09:28:48 AM
Keepers don't get rated by fans as their player of the season for no reason.

Like Carson at Charlton  :-X
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 08, 2011, 09:28:57 AM
So why has the big Eck not come in for him.Strange one that
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Joust on July 08, 2011, 09:30:20 AM
Re: West Brom want Birmingham City star Ben FosterMessage List
Eric Young's Headband09:19, Friday 8 July 2011

Is Boaz Myhill still there?

I'd take him plus £8m.

Job done.


lol muppet
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 08, 2011, 09:30:50 AM
So why has the big Eck not come in for him.Strange one that

Nothing to do with the dispute between Birmingham and Villa I don't suppose, much like when Liverpool were asking for £10m for Carson when Villa wanted him yet let him go to us for £3.25m instead due to the previous saga with Gareth Barry. Wouldn't look good on Blues to sell to Villa given what has gone on between them this summer.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Joust on July 08, 2011, 09:33:14 AM
Another muppet on that blues board just said 'id take £8m and Simon Cox'

LOL!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on July 08, 2011, 09:36:16 AM
Sadly correct hes clarified that now.  Firstly Deano then CL all getting us all excited, p**ing me off now
By selling Carson without a ready replacement we have laid ourselves open to extortion by other clubs, possibly thats why Blues are now playing hard ball with Foster
Blues would've played hard ball regardless of whether Carson was still at the club. Look at how much they're valuing Johnson and Dann at. They aren't going to sell their best players without a fight. Besides it not like the only keepers we have are youths and we're desperate to get ANYONE, we still have Myhill who's played for us in this league and also a whole season in it with Hull.

Also Deano said on Saturday that something might be happening in the next 7-10 days, it's been 6 thus far.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: royhan on July 08, 2011, 09:41:33 AM
The financial crisis that has hit practically everyone in the country certainly hasn't hit football clubs. Leicester yesterday paid £5m for a Championship defender, so it is probably reasonable to expect that we'd have to pay around £6m-£7m for a top Premiership keeper.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RedHead_Baggie on July 08, 2011, 09:41:40 AM
We wont get Foster.


We will bid fairly low, Brum will want a big fee and negotiations will stop at that point.

I personally think we should just get an unknown foreign keeper in now and hope for the best. Will save any hassle later in the window.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dangerman on July 08, 2011, 09:47:44 AM
We wont get Foster.

We will bid fairly low, Brum will want a big fee and negotiations will stop at that point.

I personally think we should just get an unknown foreign keeper in now and hope for the best. Will save any hassle later in the window.

In that case we may as well have had Vaughan.

Thing is people ain't happy whatever happens. If we didn't go for Foster people would moan that were not doing enough and now we are going for Foster people will still moan.

Not a dig at you mate, just the general feeling I get reading these boards sometimes.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1993dave on July 08, 2011, 09:48:20 AM
I love how one of the blues fan said 'why would he go there' emmm because we are in the Premier League you idiot  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 08, 2011, 09:55:56 AM
Some of their deluded fans think they are bigger than us
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on July 08, 2011, 10:06:23 AM
We wont get Foster.


We will bid fairly low, Brum will want a big fee and negotiations will stop at that point.

I personally think we should just get an unknown foreign keeper in now and hope for the best. Will save any hassle later in the window.
Really? Oh rats. You should have got in contact with the club and informed them of this fact, would have saved them the time and hassle of targeting him. Ashworth, Hodgson, Peace - very silly people for not knowing this.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1993dave on July 08, 2011, 10:21:40 AM
6.5 million  plus Myhill and Miller, we get a top keeper and they get 2 good Championship players. Lovely Jubbly :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyDan on July 08, 2011, 10:29:10 AM
I personally don't think Foster is any better than Carson was....
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JDWest_Brom on July 08, 2011, 10:31:35 AM
According to a Blues fan Foster has got a donated Achilles tendon in his knee where his anterior cruciate ligament should be. I can't see us spending £6-8 million on a player like that.

NHSBT The Donor magazine, summer 2010 edition, page 11

www.blood.co.uk
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on July 08, 2011, 10:36:11 AM
I personally don't think Foster is any better than Carson was....

Must people insist on saying this about EVERY keeper we are linked too?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JDWest_Brom on July 08, 2011, 10:37:49 AM
Ben plays on thanks to tissue donor

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster, who recently moved to Birmingham City, was faced with a career-ending injury after he ruptured a knee ligament. It was the second time he’d damaged his anterior cruciate ligament, and to have a chance of saving his career he needed a new tendon to repair the injury.

Tendons are often preferred to ligaments as they are stronger. Now thanks to the generosity of a tissue donor, Ben has received an Achilles tendon, helping him back to full fitness. “Without the donated tendon for my knee, my playing career may not have lasted this long,” says Ben. “Thanks to the kindness of my donor, I’ve been able to get back to playing Premier League football again, and had the honour of being called up to play for England. It’s all thanks to the skill of the surgeon, the help from NHSBT in providing me with the tendon, and to the donor. Without the decision to donate this would never have been possible.”
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on July 08, 2011, 10:38:14 AM
According to a Blues fan Foster has got a donated Achilles tendon in his knee where his anterior cruciate ligament should be. I can't see us spending £6-8 million on a player like that.

NHSBT The Donor magazine, summer 2010 edition, page 11

www.blood.co.uk
I doubt it's a major problem and I'd be surprised if it's that uncommon either. A lot of their fans seem to be quite bitter he's leaving doing what most fans do when they lose a player - finding an excuse to make it look like they don't want him anyway or he's carp or whatever. They claim he's a cripple, but as one of their fans pointed out - how many games did he miss last season?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on July 08, 2011, 11:33:07 AM
I'd take him, however, if Blues are expecting some high figure fee from us then I'd be very surprised. In my opinion, If I was Peace, Hodgson or Ashworth I'd use some of the deadwood sort of speak to lower the Blues asking price. Meaning, I'd offer something like £3million, with Joe Mattock, Ishmael Miler and Luke Daniels going the other way perhaps? I'm sure those three would help benefit Blues.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: saml30 on July 08, 2011, 11:35:10 AM
Must people insist on saying this about EVERY keeper we are linked too?

when its true yeah, the only keeper we have been linked with so far better than carson IMO is given, and thats a no go
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tucka9 on July 08, 2011, 11:36:09 AM
I've got a strong feeling this ain't just an "interest" in my opinion, think it's way further down the line then that.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on July 08, 2011, 11:41:28 AM
when its true yeah, the only keeper we have been linked with so far better than carson IMO is given, and thats a no go

I doubt there is a single neutral fan in the country who doesn't rate Foster ahead of Carson. He's by far and away the best English keeper going after Hart.

If people are actually expecting better than Foster then it would seem these people have completely unrealistic expectations.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Lloydy on July 08, 2011, 11:44:07 AM
I doubt there is a single neutral fan in the country who doesn't rate Foster ahead of Carson. He's by far and away the best English keeper going after Hart.

If people are actually expecting better than Foster then it would seem these people have completely unrealistic expectations.

I'm inclined to agree, as much as I liked Carson, Foster is a big step forward for us. Some people will never be happy though.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggie Artist on July 08, 2011, 11:48:16 AM
I'm not expecting better than Foster, I just think he's the wrong choice and a bad use of funds if we have to pay over £4 million.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on July 08, 2011, 11:50:05 AM
I still think we'll end up with the P. I. G.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 08, 2011, 11:51:47 AM
CL tweet
@DeanHarvey91 Nothing's happening with Foster. He's a player they've targeted. Gera will be signed once his ankle problem clears up
TweetDeck • 08/07/2011 11:49
 in reply to…
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Savvas78 on July 08, 2011, 12:09:22 PM
WBA Mad say we are going to unveil Gera AND Foster in a press conference this afternoon!

http://www.westbromwichalbion-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/albion_set_to_unveil_foster_and_gera_685536/index.shtml (http://www.westbromwichalbion-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/albion_set_to_unveil_foster_and_gera_685536/index.shtml)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Sussex-Baggie on July 08, 2011, 12:10:14 PM
CL tweet
@DeanHarvey91 Nothing's happening with Foster. He's a player they've targeted. Gera will be signed once his ankle problem clears up
TweetDeck • 08/07/2011 11:49
 in reply to…

Chris Lepkowski has been wrong before and the club are only going to tell him what they want him to know, so it could be a bit further down the line than is being revealed at the moment.

I would be surprised if we signed Ben Foster, as I would have thought other clubs with more money would be able to offer Birmingham City a larger transfer fee and Foster himself more lucrative personal terms.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mister AT on July 08, 2011, 12:11:28 PM
Id like to see us sign Foster but it mainly depends on their asking price and how much we have set aside for a new keeper.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Sussex-Baggie on July 08, 2011, 12:15:29 PM
WBA Mad say we are going to unveil Gera AND Foster in a press conference this afternoon!

http://www.westbromwichalbion-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/albion_set_to_unveil_foster_and_gera_685536/index.shtml (http://www.westbromwichalbion-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/albion_set_to_unveil_foster_and_gera_685536/index.shtml)

Zoltan Gera won't be unveiled due to his injury, and I would be surprised if we signed Ben Foster just a few hours after we were linked with him from a reputable source!

I have seen rumours like this doing the rounds on various Albion sites this morning, but it seems as though the press conference this afternoon is to unveil Gareth McAuley and Billy Jones.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: beechyboy90 on July 08, 2011, 12:16:17 PM
the blues are going to want 6m back just to cover what they paid for him!
and maybe abit more on top so you could be looking at 8-10m unless we could offer them the likes of a miller mattock myhill etc might bring price down!

ultimately we are not going to get a good keeper for free or for peanuts.

sopeculate to accumulate depends if we as a club see it as viable to spend this much on a keeper
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 08, 2011, 12:17:45 PM
WBA Mad say we are going to unveil Gera AND Foster in a press conference this afternoon!

http://www.westbromwichalbion-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/albion_set_to_unveil_foster_and_gera_685536/index.shtml (http://www.westbromwichalbion-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/albion_set_to_unveil_foster_and_gera_685536/index.shtml)

That is the problem with people running sites like this that make assumptions, seems they probably saw the tweet from CL this morning about a press conference for two new signings and simply guessed who it would be. They aren't journalists so should stick to rehashing what has been printed elsewhere and not let themselves get carried away like that.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: addy on July 08, 2011, 12:19:49 PM
WBA Mad are going to have some egg on their faces, not surprised there sites are usually empty when they just assume stuff like that.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Ogwani on July 08, 2011, 12:22:37 PM
It's an assumption yeah, I made the same one in fairness but they shouldn't post it as if fact. Saying that I wish it were a fact...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyDan on July 08, 2011, 12:24:45 PM
Must people insist on saying this about EVERY keeper we are linked too?

It is true. Why let Carson go for just over a million and then buy Foster for £6m.

Foster is no way 6 times the goalkeeper that Carson is. They're about the same IMO - good shot stoppers but susceptible everywhere else.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Ogwani on July 08, 2011, 12:27:31 PM
It is true. Why let Carson go for just over a million and then buy Foster for £6m.

Foster is no way 6 times the goalkeeper that Carson is. They're about the same IMO - good shot stoppers but susceptible everywhere else.

I can't agree with that  :o Football transfer fees do not work like that and Foster was Blues' player of the season and fan's goal keeper of the season over Joe Hart. Foster saved Blues a disgusting number of points last season!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JDWest_Brom on July 08, 2011, 12:39:29 PM
If this tranfer fee goes through (which I think is highly unlikely) I can see it being a year long loan tied in to a permanent deal at the end, like we do when we get rid of players. Probably with a clause in it on our side that if he get's injured we don't have to sign him after a year. With the fee being undisclosed as per usual. Maybe like people have suggested with a player or two going the opposite way.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: beechyboy90 on July 08, 2011, 12:45:00 PM
I personally don't think Foster is any better than Carson was....

hes a far better keeper!
hence why he is going to cost someone be it Albion or any other club alot of money!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggie Artist on July 08, 2011, 12:47:42 PM
If he doesn't go to us I think he'll stay at Birmingham, most PL teams are sorted for keepers now.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on July 08, 2011, 12:51:34 PM
It is true. Why let Carson go for just over a million and then buy Foster for £6m.
Foster is no way 6 times the goalkeeper that Carson is. They're about the same IMO - good shot stoppers but susceptible everywhere else.

Re-sale value.
I think it speaks volumes of how low Carsons stock must have dropped when we sold him for £1.5m to a Turkish Club, I'm not sure why a British Club didn't offer more money for him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Northfield-Baggie on July 08, 2011, 12:57:24 PM
Albion set to unveil Foster and Gera



Albion are set to unveil the signings of fans’ favourite Zoltan Gera and England international Ben Foster at a press conference later this afternoon.

Former midfielder Gera signs on a Bosman transfer following his release from Fulham with Foster believed to have signed in the region of £6 million.

The capture of Foster will break the club’s record transfer fee – and also explains the decision to pull out of the David Vaughan deal.

Baggies boss Roy Hodgson has been after a new goalkeeper since last season’s first-choice Scott Carson was sold for £1.5 million to Turkish outfit Bursaspor.

Foster, a former Stoke and Manchester United goalkeeper, stared for Birmingham City last season – despite their relegation – and helped the Blues win their first major trophy, winning the man of the match award in the process.

Gera ends a three-year exile from The Hawthorns after he decided to leave the club and join Fulham on a free transfer. During his first spell at the club, he made 117 appearances in all competitions, plus 38 from the subs bench, scoring 25 times.

Both players will now travel with the rest of the squad to Albion’s tour of America.

http://www.westbromwichalbion-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/albion_set_to_unveil_foster_and_gera_685536/index.shtml
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hayward1984 on July 08, 2011, 12:58:26 PM
Doubt the accuracy of that personally.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: addy on July 08, 2011, 12:59:00 PM
Doubt the accuracy of that personally.

I think its name sums it up, WBA & Mad.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on July 08, 2011, 12:59:33 PM
They're just adding 2 and 2 and getting -697583727 from the CL tweet earlier. That and generating hits for their website, seemingly successfully.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 08, 2011, 01:00:38 PM
Discussed on the previous page, it is a ridiculous piece put together by someone who has made a couple of massive assumptions based on very little information. 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AidantheBaggies on July 08, 2011, 01:02:46 PM
I cant see him coming to us anyway, one i dont think we would pay the fee Blues want for him and 2, he earns big wages.

I am still convinced we will Sign Rob Green.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: leeiswba on July 08, 2011, 01:03:44 PM
How ridiculous is that! Tom Ross has confirmed its a press conference for Mcauley and Jones.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyDan on July 08, 2011, 01:09:23 PM
I can't agree with that  :o Football transfer fees do not work like that and Foster was Blues' player of the season and fan's goal keeper of the season over Joe Hart. Foster saved Blues a disgusting number of points last season!

He was still a goalkeeper of a relegated team so he can't be all that great especially playing behind the "great" Roger Johnson and Scott Dann...

In the two games we played against them (and scoring 6 goals) I can't remember him making a save of any note.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dinkydave2003 on July 08, 2011, 01:11:31 PM
The capture of Foster will break the club’s record transfer fee – and also explains the decision to pull out of the David Vaughan deal.

what a load of rubbish!! even if this article was for real, how would the signing of a goalkeeper infulence the signing of a midfielder!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mossi28 on July 08, 2011, 01:11:52 PM
He was still a goalkeeper of a relegated team so he can't be all that great especially playing behind the "great" Roger Johnson and Scott Dann...

In the two games we played against them (and scoring 6 goals) I can't remember him making a save of any note.
I don't believe that blues got relegated last season because of their defence I think the reason that they actually went down was the lack of goals and Mcleish playing 4-5-1 with Jerome up front every week
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: monkey nuts on July 08, 2011, 01:12:55 PM
The capture of Foster will break the club’s record transfer fee – and also explains the decision to pull out of the David Vaughan deal.

what a load of rubbish!! even if this article was for real, how would the signing of a goalkeeper infulence the signing of a midfielder!!

because we did to use the funds for Vaughan to pay the extra needed for a good keeper and striker
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 08, 2011, 01:14:06 PM
The capture of Foster will break the club’s record transfer fee – and also explains the decision to pull out of the David Vaughan deal.

what a load of rubbish!! even if this article was for real, how would the signing of a goalkeeper infulence the signing of a midfielder!!


The money that we would have used on him gets put towards a deal for Foster instead, that part is believable but the majority of it is pure tripe.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dinkydave2003 on July 08, 2011, 01:15:49 PM
because we did to use the funds for Vaughan to pay the extra needed for a good keeper and striker

i dont buy that sorry, we pulled out of the vaughn deal to save face.
if we knew we were needing a GK / Striker why even look at vaughn in the first place??
vaughn was costing us nothing other than a signing on fee and wages
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Northfield-Baggie on July 08, 2011, 01:16:52 PM
Truth is, noone knows what money has been put where for signings. We will just have to wait and see  :P
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dinkydave2003 on July 08, 2011, 01:19:51 PM
The money that we would have used on him gets put towards a deal for Foster instead, that part is believable but the majority of it is pure tripe.

we were still in for vaughan when we offered 3m and 40k a week for shay given!!
we were willing to offer 4m for boeteng
the vaughan thing is nothing to do with any potential transfer for foster, the money is there
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: monkey nuts on July 08, 2011, 01:23:33 PM
we were still in for vaughan when we offered 3m and 40k a week for shay given!!
we were willing to offer 4m for boeteng
the vaughan thing is nothing to do with any potential transfer for foster, the money is there
the point is Foster may cost us 6mill and 40k per week so the extra 3mill which would have been used on Vaughan can go to the Foster package

and it was only paper talk about Boetang nothing more
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Northfield-Baggie on July 08, 2011, 01:24:28 PM
Don't forget the Valero money too.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 08, 2011, 01:26:00 PM
we were still in for vaughan when we offered 3m and 40k a week for shay given!!
we were willing to offer 4m for boeteng
the vaughan thing is nothing to do with any potential transfer for foster, the money is there

The Boateng talk was just that, talk. There was never anything in it. Where do you think the extra money was going to come from for the extra £3m+ on the fee for Foster?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 08, 2011, 01:26:24 PM
Don't forget the Valero money too.

The Valero money will most likely have been accounted for.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tucka9 on July 08, 2011, 01:33:27 PM
Anyone heard that we have had a £5 million bid plus Ishmael Miller rejected by blues for Foster.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mulumbu99 on July 08, 2011, 01:36:04 PM
Anyone heard that we have had a £5 million bid plus Ishmael Miller rejected by bues for Foster.

there's loads of rumours going around. latest i've heard is 12m + miller + myhill + mozza for foster & johnson
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on July 08, 2011, 01:40:52 PM
I doubt it to be honest, part exchanges usually signify them being made up. How many players do you see sell for part exchange at all, let alone us. Its something that happens very rarely but is heavily rumoured a lot.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BAGGIES4LIFE on July 08, 2011, 01:51:02 PM
What gets me is - are we really having a press conference to unveil 2 freebie chamionship players who signed a month ago??? - OK if we were Hereford United but.........
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on July 08, 2011, 01:51:40 PM
when is this press conference supposed to happen?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on July 08, 2011, 01:55:53 PM
What gets me is - are we really having a press conference to unveil 2 freebie chamionship players who signed a month ago??? - OK if we were Hereford United but.........

Pretty sure we (and any other club) have press conferences for any first team signings that would be made.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: 15.SUPERJOE on July 08, 2011, 01:57:57 PM
If this tranfer fee goes through (which I think is highly unlikely) I can see it being a year long loan tied in to a permanent deal at the end, like we do when we get rid of players. Probably with a clause in it on our side that if he get's injured we don't have to sign him after a year. With the fee being undisclosed as per usual. Maybe like people have suggested with a player or two going the opposite way.

It is looking likelier..
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on July 08, 2011, 01:59:59 PM
What gets me is - are we really having a press conference to unveil 2 freebie chamionship players who signed a month ago??? - OK if we were Hereford United but.........
It's also the official launch of the Bodog sponsorship deal which I think is the main purpose of it.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JDWest_Brom on July 08, 2011, 02:04:15 PM
It is looking likelier..

According to whom?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: addy on July 08, 2011, 02:06:01 PM
I cant see him coming to us anyway, one i dont think we would pay the fee Blues want for him and 2, he earns big wages.

I am still convinced we will Sign Rob Green.

I wouldn't rule it out.

Fee? Its been said that we are willing to spend decently on the GK place and are serious about getting a decent one in. Not to mention the closer August 31st gets the lower the fee Birmingham will demand ( I hope it doesn't get that far however ).

Wages? Not sure, considering we tried to get Shay Given I cant see wages will be much of an issue, he would be on a lot more than Foster, and if he was actually considered then I am pretty sure we would be able to afford Foster.

Foster also wants to stay in the Midlands, with Villa reportedly close to Given then wouldn't we be an ideal solution for him? Not to mention according to Dean Kiely they are "good friends".
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BAGGIES4LIFE on July 08, 2011, 02:15:34 PM
Hope there is some truth in the Foster rumour, not just for us supporters but as a sign of the clubs ambition which would send the right signals to PO and Mulumbo
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mister AT on July 08, 2011, 02:27:16 PM
Hope there is some truth in the Foster rumour, not just for us supporters but as a sign of the clubs ambition which would send the right signals to PO and Mulumbo

Will also send the right signals to Mulumbu :)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BaggieBoiJono on July 08, 2011, 02:46:35 PM
This is the kind of " moving forward " signing we need to be making. I just really believe there is another premier league club which will want him, and in that case we have no chance.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Savvas78 on July 08, 2011, 02:53:46 PM
Quote
This is the kind of " moving forward " signing we need to be making. I just really believe there is another premier league club which will want him, and in that case we have no chance.

Foster would prefer to stay in the West Midlands where he is settled. I'm not saying he wouldn't commute to another club, but our location does make us a more attractive proposition than you'd think.

Then there's the small hurdle of agreeing a transfer fee and wages!!  :-X
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBArgo on July 08, 2011, 09:59:39 PM
I would go up to £8 million on this one. It's something we can afford, he's clearly class and will keep us points. Generally, keepers aren't recognised as much as they should in keeping points. Imagine if Carson wasn't dodgy. Last season we'd have at least 5+ more points than we did. Well, that's pretty much what Foster would offer.

The thing is, we've recently received a lot of fee's which otherwise were tied up before hand - so we will have extra cash to spend. Here's why:
- Moore/Beattie. Both will have 'promotion/appearance' fees. How much? I don't know exactly, but I assume it's over £100k
- Valero cash. We have officially been paid, for a fee of about £5 million I believe.
- Carson cash. Paid in about the same time as Valero, another £1.5 million.
- 11th position. Tchoyi's hat-trick made us an unseen £3 million or so, in the last minute (extra PL prize money) This could be spend.

This means, in recent times we've had just short of £10 million enter the clubs. If we can spend £8 on Foster (or hopefully a bit less), the remaining £5 on a striker and a few free's, we should be good :) I hope he joins! 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Umpshire Baggie on July 08, 2011, 10:14:43 PM
was set to be unveiled today according to this site http://www.football.co.uk/west_bromwich_albion/albion_set_to_unveil_foster_and_gera_rss1712437.shtml


make of it what you will  :-\
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Barrington on July 08, 2011, 10:17:02 PM
I would go up to £8 million on this one. It's something we can afford, he's clearly class and will keep us points. Generally, keepers aren't recognised as much as they should in keeping points. Imagine if Carson wasn't dodgy. Last season we'd have at least 5+ more points than we did. Well, that's pretty much what Foster would offer.

The thing is, we've recently received a lot of fee's which otherwise were tied up before hand - so we will have extra cash to spend. Here's why:
- Moore/Beattie. Both will have 'promotion/appearance' fees. How much? I don't know exactly, but I assume it's over £100k
- Valero cash. We have officially been paid, for a fee of about £5 million I believe.
- Carson cash. Paid in about the same time as Valero, another £1.5 million.
- 11th position. Tchoyi's hat-trick made us an unseen £3 million or so, in the last minute (extra PL prize money) This could be spend.

This means, in recent times we've had just short of £10 million enter the clubs. If we can spend £8 on Foster (or hopefully a bit less), the remaining £5 on a striker and a few free's, we should be good :) I hope he joins!

I agree with your logic on being willing to spend a bit more on a GK. I'm not sure about 8Mil (as you said, if it did happen, hopefully we could knock the transfer fee down a bit). It is an important position and can be the difference between winning and losing games (eventually staying up or going down). I'd be happy for us to shell out a fair bit of money for Foster (plus he's English which is always good value when they're at your club). I like Foster and would be delighted if we signed him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 08, 2011, 10:18:59 PM
was set to be unveiled today according to this site http://www.football.co.uk/west_bromwich_albion/albion_set_to_unveil_foster_and_gera_rss1712437.shtml


make of it what you will  :-\

It was on WBA mad mate, they jumped to conclusions when CL went on twitter this morning to say he was going to the press conference for our two new signings with him meaning McAuley and Jones. Just a massive assumption that they printed and in all honesty they should be ashamed of posting it online.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Umpshire Baggie on July 08, 2011, 10:21:01 PM
It was on WBA mad mate, they jumped to conclusions when CL went on twitter this morning to say he was going to the press conference for our two new signings with him meaning McAuley and Jones. Just a massive assumption that they printed and in all honesty they should be ashamed of posting it online.

awwww got me going that one lol thanks for putting me straight  :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bubz on July 08, 2011, 10:21:57 PM
No way this will happen.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 08, 2011, 10:22:50 PM
Blues were willing to let Craig Gardner join Sunderland for £5m to get his £25k-a-week wages off their bill. Their situation will have eased somewhat after that sale and the other players they have let go but with Foster said to be on £30k-a-week we may be able to convince them to sell for around what they paid for him the £6m mark to cut the shortfall somewhat after relegation.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Barrington on July 08, 2011, 10:24:34 PM
Forgetting any rumours or whatever, if we paid £5-6 mil for Foster on a 4 year contract and it was within our budget, i'd be pleased. He's a very good goalkeeper at the moment and should only get better. Could be a very important signing if we pulled it off. Once again, got a feeling it won't happen though.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 08, 2011, 10:25:53 PM
No way this will happen.

Well you best get in touch with Ashworth and Hodgson then to let them know, no point in wasting any more of our time.

I don't see why we can't push the boat out for the right player in the right position after adding a couple of free transfers and with the manager saying he only wants two or three more players to add to the squad Foster certainly fits that description.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: costa blanca baggie on July 08, 2011, 10:32:03 PM
I would go up to £8 million on this one. It's something we can afford, he's clearly class and will keep us points. Generally, keepers aren't recognised as much as they should in keeping points. Imagine if Carson wasn't dodgy. Last season we'd have at least 5+ more points than we did. Well, that's pretty much what Foster would offer.

The thing is, we've recently received a lot of fee's which otherwise were tied up before hand - so we will have extra cash to spend. Here's why:
- Moore/Beattie. Both will have 'promotion/appearance' fees. How much? I don't know exactly, but I assume it's over £100k
- Valero cash. We have officially been paid, for a fee of about £5 million I believe.
- Carson cash. Paid in about the same time as Valero, another £1.5 million.
- 11th position. Tchoyi's hat-trick made us an unseen £3 million or so, in the last minute (extra PL prize money) This could be spend.

This means, in recent times we've had just short of £10 million enter the clubs. If we can spend £8 on Foster (or hopefully a bit less), the remaining £5 on a striker and a few free's, we should be good :) I hope he joins!
Now you´re thinking like JP.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggie Artist on July 08, 2011, 10:41:07 PM
Quote
It is an important position and can be the difference between winning and losing games (eventually staying up or going down). I'd be happy for us to shell out a fair bit of money for Foster (plus he's English which is always good value when they're at your club).

Why do clubs spend so little on goalkeepers then? The fifth most expensive goalkeeping transfer in the world is only £7.8 million.

Three of the bottom five teams last season also had good goalkeepers yet struggled. I think in this country we overrate the impact of goalkeepers, yes they are the difference between the ball going into the back or not but ultimately unless they are really bad you can get away with having an average keeper,  in the same way teams can 'carry' players in other positions.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bubz on July 08, 2011, 10:57:12 PM
I just can't see him going for less than £8m. I don't think we will pay that for a keeper.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 08, 2011, 11:03:06 PM
I honestly think we could knock them down to the £6m they paid if they want his wages off their bill.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TAFKATMNo1Fan on July 09, 2011, 08:36:10 AM
Is Foster that good? I genuinly haven't seen enough of him all I've seen is what I've seen of him on tv and against us have had lots of good things about him though and if Roy thinks he's the one then that's good enough for me
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: duncan on July 09, 2011, 08:39:10 AM
At £6 mill I think we will have got a great signing. JP will be working his magic on Pannu. I think we need to dedicate a decent % of our budget on a good GK.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: South West Steve on July 09, 2011, 08:52:59 AM
My in-laws (all Blues season ticket holders) say he's good - very occasional errors but don't they all do even Hart - and they'd have been in far worse position (not quite sure what's worse than getting relegated!) and still young enough to become a serious contender to be England No.1 if he was in a good team. they said year on year he was as good as Hart the year before, their problem was scoring goals not keeping them out really.

I'd take him as part of the spine of the team we should be looking to build stability around for the next five years plus. Given or Fridel would only give you say three years?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Cunningham on July 09, 2011, 09:49:11 AM
Foster is without doubt better than Carson and Myhill so it gets a thumbs up from me.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggies on July 09, 2011, 11:11:43 AM
Is Foster that good? I genuinly haven't seen enough of him all I've seen is what I've seen of him on tv and against us have had lots of good things about him though and if Roy thinks he's the one then that's good enough for me

He made a few mistakes last season but crucialy, he will also make a lot of good saves and can win you points. He is a crowd pleasing keeper and id certainly be happy with him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lordbaggie on July 09, 2011, 12:41:05 PM
£6m? £8m?

I'd love to sell you guys a second hand car  ;D

Blues paid £4m for him plus add ons. Since they got relegated in his first season I doubt any of the add ons have been activated (and selling him helps ensure they never do - unless there's a sell on clause)

They probably want him off the wage bill and he probably wants to go for Premiership football. Yet he wants to stay in the West Midlands. They won't want to sell to Villa (who probably won't want him if they sign Given)

So I think we're in quite a strong position.

I think JP will start low and go to £4.5 m absolute max.

That is if he hasn't already picked up Green for £2m.

I'd certainly prefer Foster

But I think we'll end up with Green  ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: jonny on July 09, 2011, 01:03:57 PM
£6m? £8m?

I'd love to sell you guys a second hand car  ;D

Blues paid £4m for him plus add ons. Since they got relegated in his first season I doubt any of the add ons have been activated (and selling him helps ensure they never do - unless there's a sell on clause)

They probably want him off the wage bill and he probably wants to go for Premiership football. Yet he wants to stay in the West Midlands. They won't want to sell to Villa (who probably won't want him if they sign Given)

So I think we're in quite a strong position.

I think JP will start low and go to £4.5 m absolute max.

That is if he hasn't already picked up Green for £2m.

I'd certainly prefer Foster

But I think we'll end up with Green  ;)

Thats what im worried about.

Like selling Pete and signing Marlon Harewood
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: crazedwbafan18 on July 09, 2011, 01:06:25 PM
Thats what im worried about.

Like selling Pete and signing Marlon Harewood
and green is that bad? Whenever i saw him in action last season i could see he gave it a good go. He may have started off the season a little nervous but with time he produced some spectacular saves and a few times kept WHU in the match. I certainly wouldnt sniff at Green joining us.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggies on July 09, 2011, 01:25:28 PM
Id perfer Foster to Green, but if there is a big price difference I can understand us going for the latter. Green makes more mistakes than any keeper around nowadays but he kept his place in the West ham side last year because he laso makes a number of great saves and there were lots of games for West ham last season where he kept scores down due to inspired goalkeeping. Not sure if he is the right fit for us now im not sure but he isnt awful.

Hopefully we can get Blues to budge on Foster though. With other keepers around like Given I think we will have a good chance but it depends iof Blues want silly money. I wouldnt go past 5 million and I doubt the club will either.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smosher34 on July 09, 2011, 01:27:53 PM
i would take either one of them , its a must we get a good keeper in , anything with foster his is injurys .
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: popbaggie28 on July 09, 2011, 01:33:24 PM
Foster for me all the way.....Green is a good shot stopper but i can just see him being similar to Carson and looking Solid then make a stupid mistake or let in a saft goal!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: jamieee on July 10, 2011, 12:50:39 PM
Won't come
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 10, 2011, 12:52:00 PM
Won't come


Oh i forgot your ITK
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BaggieBirdRus on July 10, 2011, 12:52:50 PM
Won't come

How do you know this? Yeah, exactly you don't.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BaggieBoiJono on July 10, 2011, 01:03:02 PM
somebody else in the premier league will want him, meaning we have no change.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 10, 2011, 01:07:57 PM
somebody else in the premier league will want him, meaning we have no change.

What clubs need a first choice keeper in the Premier League right now with Villa looking extremely likely to sign Given?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Lloydy on July 10, 2011, 01:11:22 PM
What clubs need a first choice keeper in the Premier League right now with Villa looking extremely likely to sign Given?

Not to mention the fact that Foster wants to stay at his home in Leamington. Geographically we have the edge over everyone else.

If we can meet Birmingham's valuation of Foster, which could possibly take some time I would imagine, we will get him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 10, 2011, 01:16:53 PM
That is the way I see it, whether we can negotiate a deal is anyones guess though.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: 15.SUPERJOE on July 10, 2011, 01:29:21 PM
Won't come

I love your confidence.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on July 10, 2011, 01:39:46 PM
somebody else in the premier league will want him, meaning we have no change.
I hate having no change. Always have to break into a note every time I need to catch the bus. Very annoying.

So... who else has been linked with Foster? Apart from Villa who are now set to sign Given? Also what other teams in the division need a new first choice keeper?

Arsenal - maybe, but they'd probably be aiming higher than Foster
Villa - would've been in for him but it looks like they'll be signing Given soon
Blackburn - no, they have Robinson
Bolton - unlikely with Jaaskelinen and Bogdan on their books
Chelsea - no
Everton - no
Fulham - unlikely since they have Schwarzer and Stockdale
Liverpool - no
Newcastle - unlikely since they have Krul, Harper and Forster who are all highly rated in the club
Man City - no
Man United - no
Norwich - maybe, but we shouldn't lose out to them
QPR - see Norwich
Stoke - unlikely since they have Begovic and Sorensen
Sunderland - no, just signed Westwood, also have Gordon and Mignolet
Swansea - see Norwich
Spurs - unlikely since they just signed Friedel
Wigan - no, just signed Al-Habsi
Wolves - maybe, depends on whether Mad Mick still rates Hennessey

A quick look at the PL squad lists shows that the only Premier League teams that realistically could be in for him apart from us are the three promoted sides and maybe Wolves. If we have no chance competing with three promoted teams and Wolves then we might as well give up now.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggie Artist on July 10, 2011, 01:50:32 PM
Wolves have De Vries and Hennessey, Swansea brought in a keeper from Benfica yesterday and QPR are happy with Kenny.

We're the only club that will come in for Foster unless Villa miss out on Given or Spurs sell Gomes
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on July 10, 2011, 02:08:02 PM
Wolves have De Vries and Hennessey, Swansea brought in a keeper from Benfica yesterday and QPR are happy with Kenny.

We're the only club that will come in for Foster unless Villa miss out on Given or Spurs sell Gomes
Oh yeah completely forgot about De Vries and Swansea's new keeper, that virtually rules them out as well. Don't think Spurs will come into it, Friedel was brought in as their first choice and even if they do get rid of Gomes they still have Cudicini.

We just better hope Norwich don't take an interest because they'll surely get him since we have no chance of getting him if another Premier League club wants him!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lordbaggie on July 10, 2011, 03:33:02 PM
Can't see any of the promoted clubs (or Wolves) paying £6m (or more) plus £30K pw (or more) for a goalie.

So I reckon if we hold out for £4.5m and offer £30K per week we would be favorites.

Not to mention the length of commute from Leamington to Swansea or Norwich!!




But I still think we'll get Green  ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on July 10, 2011, 03:36:41 PM
Think this could happen but ...
Vile will need to sign Given first , foster may be waiting to see if that happens before going and JP would be quite happy if that happened too , this would leave blues with an international keeper that they cant really afford to keep and however much they want there is a limit to what we would pay .
2 weeks from now he could be ours , around 4.5-5.5 plus add ons ...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on July 10, 2011, 04:13:40 PM
I don't think Blues would even consider doing business with Villa no matter what Villa offered them.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Londonbaggymike on July 10, 2011, 04:23:36 PM
I don't think Blues would even consider doing business with Villa no matter what Villa offered them.

Normally I'd disagree with this as football is all about business these days but at the moment, after what happened with MacLeish, I think you might be right. Depends on how desperate their finances are.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: slate on July 10, 2011, 04:50:29 PM

Oh i forgot your ITK

As I said on page 5 of this thread, he will be signing for us. This is the first time and probably the last time that I am ITK. It'll probably be a loan rather than a full signing but barring a massive cockup he will be coming, and will be a fantastic signing in my opinion.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WSBaggie on July 10, 2011, 04:50:58 PM
£6m? £8m?

I'd love to sell you guys a second hand car  ;D

Blues paid £4m for him plus add ons. Since they got relegated in his first season I doubt any of the add ons have been activated (and selling him helps ensure they never do - unless there's a sell on clause)

They probably want him off the wage bill and he probably wants to go for Premiership football. Yet he wants to stay in the West Midlands. They won't want to sell to Villa (who probably won't want him if they sign Given)

So I think we're in quite a strong position.

I think JP will start low and go to £4.5 m absolute max.

That is if he hasn't already picked up Green for £2m.

I'd certainly prefer Foster

But I think we'll end up with Green  ;)

Foster's one of Blues best players like Dann and Johnson. They won't sell Dann for a penny less than 12 million which is what he's worth to them and Johnson won't go for a penny less than 10 million. They rate Foster between 6-8 million so they won't be getting rid of him for a penny less I'm afraid, they are clever and aren't going to be took to the cleaners for England's number 2 keeper.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hong Kong Phooey on July 10, 2011, 08:39:04 PM
They rate Foster between 6-8 million so they won't be getting rid of him for a penny less I'm afraid, they are clever and aren't going to be took to the cleaners for England's number 2 keeper.

So clever that their chairman and owner has had his assets frozen whilst being investigated for alleged money laundering.

This stance may well change once they realise PL wages and loans have to be paid.

Although out of our reach at this moment in time, Shay Given would have been my number one number one choice, but his qualities really merit him playing for one of the top eights PL teams (which sadly includes Villa)  :(

But for me, Ben Foster is definately the best of the rest and attainable, although we may have to play cat and mouse before it can happen, unless we have a change in policy and actually splash the cash  :o
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionBest on July 10, 2011, 09:20:29 PM
With the 'problems' the owner's having at present I wonder how that will affect transfers in and out of St Andrews - surely few clubs will deal with them if Blooze want to pay money for a player until the mess is cleared up one way or another. Also, who will sanction any outgoings etc ?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1993dave on July 11, 2011, 04:47:32 PM
People keep saying he will sign when Villa sign Given, why should that matter ? I wonder if we might have made a joint bid for Ridgewell and Foster who knows , going to be very interesting ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 11, 2011, 04:50:19 PM
People keep saying he will sign when Villa sign Given, why should that matter ? I wonder if we might have made a joint bid for Ridgewell and Foster who knows , going to be very interesting ;D

Can only assume people think Villa want Foster if they don't get Given so it would leave the path clear for us. Or perhaps we haven't even bid for either of them yet lol.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on July 11, 2011, 04:50:57 PM
People keep saying he will sign when Villa sign Given, why should that matter ? I wonder if we might have made a joint bid for Ridgewell and Foster who knows , going to be very interesting ;D
Matters because like it or not players see them as a bigger club.
Foster could go to them because they need a keeper and he's local etc but if they sign given (as expected) then his options narrow and we should confirm..
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dangerman on July 11, 2011, 04:51:23 PM
People keep saying he will sign when Villa sign Given, why should that matter ? I wonder if we might have made a joint bid for Ridgewell and Foster who knows , going to be very interesting ;D

I've just tweeted the exact same thing. As someone suggested, maybe Foster is Villa's first choice. Just be our luck wouldn't it after Given said he'd rather go to Villa. lol
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1993dave on July 11, 2011, 06:15:47 PM
Some tweets going round that we have bid for Foster.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1968-Tim on July 12, 2011, 12:01:44 PM
Still odds on to join us
Shy Bet 1/3
he was 1/4 last week
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 13, 2011, 03:42:03 PM
Needs to hurry up and sign if he is to fly to USA to team! Lol!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on July 13, 2011, 04:23:21 PM
I cant see us paying what blues want for him, maybe JP's legendary negotiating skills will come to the fore now?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 13, 2011, 04:56:56 PM
Maybe blues would be open to our famous loan turning to perm deal. Loan for a season. Paying 100% of his wages. With a view to buy anytime in loan for £5-6 mil. £4 mil up front with the rest in addons and performance related bonuses etc?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggie Artist on July 13, 2011, 05:20:40 PM
Maybe blues would be open to our famous loan turning to perm deal. Loan for a season. Paying 100% of his wages. With a view to buy anytime in loan for £5-6 mil. £4 mil up front with the rest in addons and performance related bonuses etc?

When have we ever done that?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 13, 2011, 05:23:20 PM
Can't remember :-D but I know it's been done.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 13, 2011, 05:27:55 PM
We have done it when selling our players but I can't remember us ever doing it for anyone we have signed.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on July 13, 2011, 05:31:52 PM
We have done it when selling our players but I can't remember us ever doing it for anyone we have signed.

Bednar,Miller,Tamas?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyDan on July 13, 2011, 05:34:36 PM
Bednar,Miller,Tamas?

And dare I mention...Luke Moore?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 13, 2011, 05:35:18 PM
Not Miller but possibly the other two. Hardly on the same scale as paying someone their 30k-a-week wages and then committing to paying a £5m or so fee. I don't think Birmingham would see it as worthwhile as they will need to keep face with their fans after saying they wont let their assets go cheaply and a move that is announced as a loan deal doesn't really comply with that even if it is a binding deal as many have discovered while here asking about Valero every so often.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Joust on July 13, 2011, 05:41:11 PM
Not Miller but possibly the other two. Hardly on the same scale as paying someone their 30k-a-week wages and then committing to paying a £5m or so fee. I don't think Birmingham would see it as worthwhile as they will need to keep face with their fans after saying they wont let their assets go cheaply and a move that is announced as a loan deal doesn't really comply with that even if it is a binding deal as many have discovered while here asking about Valero every so often.

You sure? I thought we had him on loan for a season first then signed him the following?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 13, 2011, 05:42:52 PM
It wasn't a binding deal to become permanent like the other two may have been but either way can we get back to talk of Foster in particular now.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggieboyjop on July 13, 2011, 05:43:22 PM
You sure? I thought we had him on loan for a season first then signed him the following?

We did have him on loan and then sign him but i'm not that sure it was part of the original deal. I think it was two separate ones i think
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: SteelBaggie on July 13, 2011, 06:02:06 PM
Foster's one of Blues best players like Dann and Johnson. They won't sell Dann for a penny less than 12 million which is what he's worth to them and Johnson won't go for a penny less than 10 million. They rate Foster between 6-8 million so they won't be getting rid of him for a penny less I'm afraid, they are clever and aren't going to be took to the cleaners for England's number 2 keeper.

Nobody is immune to a decent bid.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on July 13, 2011, 06:12:59 PM
Hope we go for Foster. I think he's a better and more consistent keeper than Carson and he's from the West Midlands.
Maybe to help reduce the fee, we could do a part exchange.  Blues certainly have a few gaps in their squad.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBArgo on July 13, 2011, 06:15:27 PM
If W*lves can get Johnson for £3.5 less than asking price then why can't we with Foster?!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 13, 2011, 06:18:38 PM
If W*lves can get Johnson for £3.5 less than asking price then why can't we with Foster?!

Blues wanted 7mil and wolves paid 6.8 apparently.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on July 13, 2011, 06:20:50 PM
In my opinion, it depends how desperate Birmingham City are financially, I too was a little shocked to see Roger Johnson leave for Wolves at that price but maybe their worries are worse than first feared. If Ben Foster is our number one target, which is still possible at the moment, I'd look to play hard ball with Birmingham in lowering the asking price. If the Blues board are sticking to their guns then I don't see no reason as to why we couldn't send one or two players in their direction. There could possibly be a learning curve in there for Luke Daniels and possibly one or two others, be that on loan or permanently.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBArgo on July 13, 2011, 09:04:39 PM
Blues wanted 7mil and wolves paid 6.8 apparently.
And the Blues also said to the press/public that Johnson would not be sold for under £10 million. They lied, and accepted an offer much cheaper.
They haven't even put a price on Foster but lets say they do the same - £10 million, it means we should get him for £7 million.
Also isn't he on add-ons, so if they sell now they also save £2 million on fee's. Quite a large amount.

The Blues ARE struggling for money. Larsson, Johnson and Gardner have all gone for little over £10 million. We should DEFINITELY make a bid for Foster. They should fold.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smethwickw on July 13, 2011, 09:07:57 PM
No way on earth would we pay £7m for him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: cads_ap_albion on July 13, 2011, 09:15:37 PM
we're getting green..... forget foster.  green = cheaper option.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: costa blanca baggie on July 13, 2011, 10:17:06 PM
we're getting green..... forget foster.  green = cheaper option.
I´d like to think we´re looking at better, rather than cheaper.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: OldburyWBA on July 14, 2011, 12:19:57 AM
And the Blues also said to the press/public that Johnson would not be sold for under £10 million. They lied, and accepted an offer much cheaper.
They haven't even put a price on Foster but lets say they do the same - £10 million, it means we should get him for £7 million.
Also isn't he on add-ons, so if they sell now they also save £2 million on fee's. Quite a large amount.

The Blues ARE struggling for money. Larsson, Johnson and Gardner have all gone for little over £10 million. We should DEFINITELY make a bid for Foster. They should fold.

Larsson was out of contract so no fee involved, he moved on a free.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lordbaggie on July 14, 2011, 12:30:53 AM
You sure? I thought we had him on loan for a season first then signed him the following?

Miller was a loan with an OPTION to purchase at a pre agreed price (therefore not a binding agreement to buy)

I think this was also true for the Bednar and Tamas purchases.

Whereas the Moore purchase and the sales of PIG, Greening and Valero were binding.

Allegedly  :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dinkydave2003 on July 14, 2011, 08:34:20 AM
so the money we 'saved' from walking away from vaughan to help fund the foster has been put to good use!!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JDWest_Brom on July 14, 2011, 08:53:17 AM
Surprise Surprise! Ben Foster is too expensive according to CL. I could have told you that months ago.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Savvas78 on July 14, 2011, 08:58:15 AM
Too expensive? The usual posturing by selling and buying clubs if you ask me. This one could drag ooooon!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JDWest_Brom on July 14, 2011, 09:06:34 AM
Too expensive? The usual posturing by selling and buying clubs if you ask me. This one could drag ooooon!

Not with a cheaper option still available in Green.

Aren't Villa on the verge of signing Given?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on July 14, 2011, 09:09:49 AM
so the money we 'saved' from walking away from vaughan to help fund the foster has been put to good use!!!
I think that was little more than a rumour/presumption. I'm pretty sure we pulled out of the Vaughan signing because he demanded a guarantee of being in the starting 11 every week.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dinkydave2003 on July 14, 2011, 09:58:45 AM
I think that was little more than a rumour/presumption. I'm pretty sure we pulled out of the Vaughan signing because he demanded a guarantee of being in the starting 11 every week.
not according to people on here!! the money was to be used to fund the foster transfer / wages etc apparently!!
fact of the matter is the vaughan deal breaking down had nothing to do with foster transfer.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dinkydave2003 on July 14, 2011, 10:01:51 AM
As I said on page 5 of this thread, he will be signing for us. This is the first time and probably the last time that I am ITK. It'll probably be a loan rather than a full signing but barring a massive cockup he will be coming, and will be a fantastic signing in my opinion.

you still certain about this one??
not having a go, just you seemed pretty certain. wondered if you'd heard anything from your source?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: beechyboy90 on July 14, 2011, 10:44:40 AM
as much as i would like WBA to play hard ball and wait longer for the price to drop its a risky game!

firstly we dont want someone else to snap him up, & secondly we need a keeper asap and if this deal doesnt materialise we dont want to be stuck with what weve got
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on July 14, 2011, 11:18:47 AM
You can see the search for a keeper at the right price going to the wire, the longer blues have Foster the lower his price will drop
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Zebidee on July 14, 2011, 11:27:36 AM
Longer we wait to try get foster cheaper.. The more chance we got of losing green to another team and also maybe losing out on both then... And we don't want that :(
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WorcsWBA on July 14, 2011, 11:54:57 AM
as much as i would like WBA to play hard ball and wait longer for the price to drop its a risky game!

firstly we dont want someone else to snap him up, & secondly we need a keeper asap and if this deal doesnt materialise we dont want to be stuck with what weve got

Good points - it doesn't seem like it's the case that we can't afford Foster but that we're not willing to pay what Blues want for him. Obviously they regard signing someone now (Green) as more important than waiting a couple of weeks for Foster's price to come down. How much will it come down in a couple of weeks though, you have to wonder?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: beechyboy90 on July 14, 2011, 11:57:02 AM
not dramaticly! the window doesnt shut to the end of august so they wont start panicking and dropping the price til early august i guess!

id be happy enough with green hes still a step up from carson and myhill!

plus if that frees funds for a striker and another centre back all is fine with me
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WSBaggie on July 14, 2011, 12:06:33 PM
Unless we are keeping this quiet I'm amazed we still haven't put a bid in for him, A great goalkeeper who without a doubt would be an improvement on what we've had in previous seasons. I'm worried that if we play hard ball with the asking price then we are going to miss out on him. We should be striving to sign the best players that are available to strengthen and I don't think a player can be much more available than when he has been relegated with a team.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mooncat on July 14, 2011, 01:26:39 PM
I still think the best optin for all parties would be a season long loan deal with Myhill going the other way as part of the package.
Blues then have the option of him returning next year should they get promoted.
Foster is still playing in the Prem should he decide to come out of international retirement, and his form warrants selection.
We don't end up massively out of pocket and can sign a more experienced keeper (like Macho) as backup.

There don't seem to be many clubs lining up to take him so if that eased their wage bill for the year I think they'd certainly consider it
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Jeremy Roland Peace on July 14, 2011, 01:29:20 PM
why would Blues lower the asking price on Foster.

they've just sold Johnson for 7million, Dann looks like he is going for even more money than that and Zigic will probably be sold because of his high wages.

if anything the further into the transfer window it goes the price will stay the same or go up
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggie Artist on July 14, 2011, 01:39:56 PM
I still think the best optin for all parties would be a season long loan deal with Myhill going the other way as part of the package.
Blues then have the option of him returning next year should they get promoted.
Foster is still playing in the Prem should he decide to come out of international retirement, and his form warrants selection.
We don't end up massively out of pocket and can sign a more experienced keeper (like Macho) as backup.

There don't seem to be many clubs lining up to take him so if that eased their wage bill for the year I think they'd certainly consider it

Him having an amazing season and then having to give him back to Blues wouldn't go down too well.

I still don't see why a goalkeeper who has only had  two good Premier League seasons for struggling clubs is worth £7 million.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Axel Foley on July 14, 2011, 01:45:45 PM
He cost £4m (rising to £6m) in the first place, on the back of one good season at a relegated club (Watford) and year making a handful of appearances for Man Utd. So you have to gauge how much a further two very good seasons adds to his value.

Didn't Man Utd sign The Pig on the back of a relegation season?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: geoff on July 14, 2011, 01:57:03 PM
He cost £4m (rising to £6m) in the first place, on the back of one good season at a relegated club (Watford) and year making a handful of appearances for Man Utd. So you have to gauge how much a further two very good seasons adds to his value.

Didn't Man Utd sign The Pig on the back of a relegation season?



They also let Foster go & kept the pig so there for in sir AF eyes the pig must have been the better keeper.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dangerman on July 14, 2011, 01:58:57 PM
I am hoping that all the noises about Green are to force Blues hand a little bit with the asking price of foster. I highly doubt it but a man can hope :)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Axel Foley on July 14, 2011, 02:07:35 PM
They also let Foster go & kept the pig so there for in sir AF eyes the pig must have been the better keeper.

Not really, Sir Alex might have felt that Foster at the time would've been a lot unhappier than PIG to sit on the bench.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: geoff on July 14, 2011, 02:27:50 PM
Not really, Sir Alex might have felt that Foster at the time would've been a lot unhappier than PIG to sit on the bench.


Sir Alex is use to pondering to the whims of young primadonna's handling Foster should not have troubled Sir Alex to much.
I'm sure the offer of No1 at man u 2/3 years down the line to a 20 year old keeper would have been enough.
Nar he thought the pig was a better keeper full stop.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Axel Foley on July 14, 2011, 03:04:48 PM
Foster would have been about 24 at the time he was sold, so no assurance would have been able to keep him in my opinion. There is no such thing as assurances  ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Perrybarrbaggy on July 14, 2011, 08:15:47 PM
Van der sar was the established number 1, as long as he wanted to play, he'd have been number 1


Ben foster said he was considering his future if he couldnt get the number 1 shirt, PIG never said anything, so 1 was happy tk be understudy, 1 wanted to be playing games

I also remember fergie was mad at some statements foster made about sitting on the bench

Foster wasnt always the fittest either, so possibly there were doubt about his ability to play 38 games


Foster is the much better keeper than pig ..
Pig hasnt really developed, due to play very few games in 4 years
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 14, 2011, 08:31:29 PM
PIG complained a few times about his lack of first team opportunities at United he just never did anything about it or he never got anyone to make a move for him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Perrybarrbaggy on July 14, 2011, 11:18:07 PM
PIG complained a few times about his lack of first team opportunities at United he just never did anything about it or he never got anyone to make a move for him.


I dont think i ever saw a club want pig

But foster was wanted by villa and spurs which had fergie tell the press he wasnt for sale
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 19, 2011, 10:54:27 AM
I get a sneaky feeling this is back on the cards due to given going to villa.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie steve on July 19, 2011, 10:56:33 AM
I do think Foster is a better keeper given the choice of the two.
Id also consider Lee Camp too
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mister AT on July 19, 2011, 11:59:45 AM
On form i dont think theres much difference between PIG and Foster. However based on performances over the last  2 years theres only one winner....
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on July 19, 2011, 12:54:20 PM
I get a sneaky feeling this is back on the cards due to given going to villa.

In my opinion that was never a problem in the first place.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mike on July 19, 2011, 12:59:09 PM
Cant see how this transfer is possible given the size of the fee and his injury problems.  We will not pay 7+million for someone with injury concerns.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bradleysrocket on July 19, 2011, 01:00:27 PM
Cant see how this transfer is possible given the size of the fee and his injury problems.  We will not pay 7+million for someone with injury concerns.
I know he's had issues but he played almost every minute of every game last season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1993dave on July 19, 2011, 01:02:52 PM
Everything has gone quiet on Robert Green  , so maybe we decided not to opt for green, and wait a bit for Foster perhaps , i think things will start to pick up soon .
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Andio on July 19, 2011, 07:55:10 PM
i think things will start to pick up soon .
Lets hope our new goalkeeper can do this  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BaggieBirdRus on July 19, 2011, 08:06:03 PM
Lets hope our new goalkeeper can do this  ;D

Hopefully not out of our own net!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: reis wbafc patel on July 19, 2011, 09:20:08 PM
I think there has to be a price limit, but realistically to get Foster we are going to have to break our transfer record. £6-7 million is a realistic target. I think we would pay that tbh
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WSBaggie on July 19, 2011, 10:59:50 PM
Take Joe Hart from the scene and Foster would be England's number one. We should break the bank for this guy and I really hope we do.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: j_dog_1980 on July 19, 2011, 11:06:59 PM
Endless amounts of names been linked and have to agree with some posts, that seeing Given go to Villa, the Foster deal could be back on!

6-7 million will be a massive amount of money to pay out for West Brom but were a club on the up and these transfer fees will and have to be paid eventually if we want to mintain our growth! Go get him Mr P!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBArgo on July 19, 2011, 11:30:18 PM
I think we could genuinely get him for £6 million. We just sold Valero making around £5 million. We haven't spent in this window and we have £1.5 million from Carson.
It's local, he'd walk into the sticks and Blues would make a profit on him as well as settle any short term debt. The deal is perfect and will help all involved!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on July 19, 2011, 11:50:21 PM
I seriously hope Albion go in for Foster .  He will come with a price tag, but Blues also have some re-building to do and we could offset part of the transfer fee with say Miller, Fortune, Mattock in part exchange. That would also reduce our wage bill.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KnaveofAlbion on July 20, 2011, 12:45:03 AM
Hopefully there will be some movement here now that Shay has gone to Villa.

As has been said above, if we "help" brum rebuild by giving them Miller and Mattock for instance, as well as say £4mill now and £1mill for each year we stay up (max three years), they get to claim a £8.5+Million deal but the reality is alot better, for us.

Foster + Hargreaves and any promising lad on loan upfront and i'll be mega-chuffed by this summer's dealings.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggie Artist on July 20, 2011, 01:08:29 AM
Player exchanges rarely happen in practice and I'm sure Birmingham have their own targets.

We're now the last club who could realistically sign Foster as nearly all Premier League teams have their goalkeepers sorted for this season, so if Blues want to sell him, we'll be their only option and so hopefully this could force the price down.

When people talk about happily paying £7-8 million for him I don't think they realise how much that is for a goalkeeper in general, never mind one that has only had two good Premier League seasons in his career. I'm pretty sure paying that much for Foster would put him in the top 10 most expensive goalkeepers in the world.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: IGGYBLUE on July 20, 2011, 07:43:46 AM
IF we paid the asking price of 8mill then it would make him the 5TH most expensive goal keepers in the world

http://www.cricbeat.com/2011/06/most-expensive-goalkeepers-ever.html

I think 6 mil might still get him in the top 10.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbastrollers on July 20, 2011, 09:45:09 AM
Like others I think Foster is superior to Green,however, is it not a little worrying that Mcleish has gone for Given rather than Foster, whom he knows well?!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 20, 2011, 09:58:45 AM
Like others I think Foster is superior to Green,however, is it not a little worrying that Mcleish has gone for Given rather than Foster, whom he knows well?!!

Probably more to do with the fact that Birmingham don't wish to do business with Villa this summer after everything that went on between the clubs regarding the managerial situation. The rumour was that they wanted Roger Johnson too but they wouldn't budge from their £10m+ asking price yet Wolves got them down to £6.8m.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Wbahunty on July 20, 2011, 10:00:52 AM
Foster has a dogdy shoulder...so maybe the ex blues manager knows whats about to happen!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 20, 2011, 10:02:33 AM
Foster has a dogdy shoulder...so maybe the ex blues manager knows whats about to happen!

Some say that Given has a dodgy shoulder too but it didn't stop Villa giving him a 5 year contract. Anyone we get will go through a strict medical so any issues will be flagged up there.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Wbahunty on July 20, 2011, 10:06:49 AM
Some say that Given has a dodgy shoulder too but it didn't stop Villa giving him a 5 year contract. Anyone we get will go through a strict medical so any issues will be flagged up there.

Very true! We need to sign two players just to keep us happy. People say be patiant but its fustrating.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lordbaggie on July 20, 2011, 10:47:26 AM
Crikey. You're asking JP to make a bonfire of £20 notes in the Hawthorns car park  :D

Facts:

1. Foster wants Prem footie

2. He lives in Leamington and doesn't want to move

3. Blues need to reduce their Prem wage bill to something closer to Champ levels. Their sugar daddy isn't going to be able to bale them out. He's got problems of his own.

4. Villa have now signed Given

5. Most reckon that all the Prem sides bar us have their GK positions sorted.


So Blues have two choices - hang on to an expensively waged GK (and possibly a disgruntled one) OR sell to us

Foster has three choices. Play in the Championship for Blues, quite possibly for more than one season, given (that name again!) that their side is being dismantled OR move from Leamington (but to where?) OR sign for the Baggies.

I think we're in a strong position and I suspect JP can scent blood.

We might loan him or we might buy him - but if the latter I think the price will be nearer the £4m Blues paid than the £9m, £8m or £7m being bandied about.

I think we'd only pay those higher figures if they let Ridgewell come to us too. Now there's a thought.  ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: PsalmXXIII on July 20, 2011, 11:08:34 AM
Like others I think Foster is superior to Green,however, is it not a little worrying that Mcleish has gone for Given rather than Foster, whom he knows well?!!

Or that Given is better than Foster, and cheaper?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 20, 2011, 11:17:57 AM
Or that Given is better than Foster, and cheaper?

Or maybe the relations he had at blues went tits up when he left for vile so he didn't want to associate with blues or any of their players?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: astle68 on July 20, 2011, 11:19:08 AM
We've got more chance of signing Jodie Foster
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1968-Tim on July 20, 2011, 11:23:47 AM
Crikey. You're asking JP to make a bonfire of £20 notes in the Hawthorns car park  :D

Facts:

1. Foster wants Prem footie

2. He lives in Leamington and doesn't want to move

3. Blues need to reduce their Prem wage bill to something closer to Champ levels. Their sugar daddy isn't going to be able to bale them out. He's got problems of his own.

4. Villa have now signed Given

5. Most reckon that all the Prem sides bar us have their GK positions sorted.


So Blues have two choices - hang on to an expensively waged GK (and possibly a disgruntled one) OR sell to us

Foster has three choices. Play in the Championship for Blues, quite possibly for more than one season, given (that name again!) that their side is being dismantled OR move from Leamington (but to where?) OR sign for the Baggies.

I think we're in a strong position and I suspect JP can scent blood.

We might loan him or we might buy him - but if the latter I think the price will be nearer the £4m Blues paid than the £9m, £8m or £7m being bandied about.

I think we'd only pay those higher figures if they let Ridgewell come to us too. Now there's a thought.  ;)

Totally agree.

I have never thought that we are likely to spend over £5m on a keeper.

JP is playing the waiting game as usual
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: matth on July 20, 2011, 10:49:08 PM
Sounds like our kind of deal

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2017010/Ben-Foster-1m-hire.html?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on July 20, 2011, 10:52:17 PM
Sounds like our kind of deal

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2017010/Ben-Foster-1m-hire.html?

Sounds a decent deal to me - get him Jezza. Would be annoyed if I was Foster though.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggie Artist on July 20, 2011, 11:11:59 PM
I don't think Birmingham will be promoted next season, but if they are near the top of the table at the end of the season it could be an unnecessary distraction for us and Foster.

I would have thought £1.5 million a year wages would be too high for us as well?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: addy on July 20, 2011, 11:14:58 PM
If he has a stormer with us next season and loves it here and Birmingham win promotion I would be gutted... I hope we can just get him perm or loan with view to perm.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bigbadjohn on July 20, 2011, 11:42:51 PM
So 1 mill now then 3 mill next season !
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on July 20, 2011, 11:44:00 PM
I don't think Birmingham will be promoted next season, but if they are near the top of the table at the end of the season it could be an unnecessary distraction for us and Foster.

I would have thought £1.5 million a year wages would be too high for us as well?

That's "only" 30k a week, which I imagine we have a few players at least on, or very close too.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 20, 2011, 11:56:06 PM
So 1 mill now then 3 mill next season !

£4m next season by the look of it. Have my doubts about the accuracy of the story I must admit but an interesting thought none the less.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 20, 2011, 11:58:13 PM

I would have thought £1.5 million a year wages would be too high for us as well?

I would be very disappointed if we couldn't afford £30k-a-week for a player if we thought they could make a real difference.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on July 20, 2011, 11:58:34 PM
I really hope we get him on a permenant, he would be a great signing for us.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggie Artist on July 21, 2011, 12:00:21 AM
I would be very disappointed if we couldn't afford £30k-a-week for a player if we thought they could make a real difference.

It's more that we could be paying a large transfer fee AND large wages, which we don't usually do, it's usually one or the other, perhaps suggesting a loan may be more likely.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on July 21, 2011, 12:43:00 AM
I always thought Blues financial position was worse than reported. If they are trying to plug a £24m gap in their books they will have to sell just about the whole squad. If they have drawn a blank on raising new investment then the Foster deal is on and they will be glad to recoup what they paid for him.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBArgo on July 21, 2011, 12:56:35 AM
That article 'deal' actually makes complete sense for all parties involved - I certainly hope it's the truth. Here's my take on it:

It's no secret Blues need money, but Foster was their best player last season, so they'll be slightly reluctant to sell him over other players that have already left. However...think about it.
If they loan him to us for £1 million, they make £1 million as well as cutting £1.5 million of their wages - a saving of £2.5 million. If they go up then he returns to them. That's pretty tough for us but we still get a quality loan signing for a year which we'll all openly welcome. However, if they fail to go up, they sell him to us for £4 million, making a total of £5 million from him, as well as avoiding £2 million in add-ons to Man Utd.
So both clubs are happy. If we stay up and Blues stay down - we get a top keeper. If we stay up/go down and Blues go up - we get a top keeper for one year.
And as for Foster...he gets to stay in the Midlands and go to a club who finished 11th! All parties are happy. I hope to God that article is true - but as I said, it has more reason to be truthful than not to be.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lordbaggie on July 21, 2011, 01:14:30 AM
Well don't say you didn't hear it here first:

Albion Transfer Forum / Re: New goalkeeper?
« on: July 04, 2011, 01:43:54 PM »
How about trying for Foster on loan, with an option to buy at a pre agreed price IF we are in the Prem the season after next and Blues aren't.

We get a GK for the season without a big transfer fee AND if he works out a possible chance to buy in a year

Blues get him off the payroll for a year and retain him if they come straight back up

Foster stays in the Prem come what may.

ps If Jeremy asks, tell him it was my idea  ;D

UPDATE: Maybe its not just Jezza who reads my posts but Peter Pannu too!

I've been touting both the loan idea and the fact that IMO we only need to pay £4m or £5m for Foster for some while now - in the face of hysterical demands that we cough up £7m to £9m NOW!!

TBH if the Mails claim about Blues financial position is correct I think it tees up a surgical strike for Foster by JP - buy him outright now for £4m tops (after testing the water at £2.5m first of course  ;D)

The £30k a week should be less of a problem for us than Swansea I'd guess
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBArgo on July 21, 2011, 01:16:49 AM
Completely agree Lord Baggie!

The deal makes sense for the two clubs and player, so everyone should be behind it. It's only if some individuals try altering things could this deal go wrong. How reliable is the story/paper reporting this anyway?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 21, 2011, 03:45:35 AM
I think I suggested a loan to perm deal :-D. If this story is correct then we need to snap him up ASAP!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dale on July 21, 2011, 07:59:12 AM
If this is true then it's a win win sitatuion in my view because I really can't see Blues going back up the way they are dismantling their squad and not replacing it with quality.

I would be more than delighted with this deal. Plus it would free up cash for other targets such as Shane Long possibly?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Sussex-Baggie on July 21, 2011, 09:59:26 AM
Someone has said on Twitter this morning that apparently Beacon Radio mentioned that Ben Foster was/is at our training ground?!

Not sure how much truth there is in this, but I wouldn't be too surprised if the potential opportunity to sign him on loan has led to the club attempting to act quickly in a bid to try and get this deal sorted.

I think it is worth a gamble signing him on loan with a view to a permanent deal if Birmingham City fail to get promoted, as I think they will struggle to compete at the top end of The Championship next season with all the players they look set to lose.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 21, 2011, 10:02:21 AM
Imagine the outrage if he went to Swansea
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1993dave on July 21, 2011, 10:05:53 AM
I doubt he would pick Swansea over us, We are near his home and most likely wants to stay in the area and settle down, sides we are bigger than Swansea ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: nick_wba on July 21, 2011, 10:26:13 AM
He'd have no reason to be at our training ground, everyone is in the States bar Ashworth (who is usually doing the rounds around the UK) and Peace. I'd take that rumour with a pinch of salt to be honest however much I'd love for it to be true!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bigbadjohn on July 21, 2011, 10:28:48 AM
Hes been at our training ground ? how do you know ? ITK ?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Wbahunty on July 21, 2011, 10:31:03 AM
I would like to see this happen sooner rather than later! Hes missed the tour of USA and will have missed some bonding time!

Getting anoyed that we dont just go and do the deal!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JDWest_Brom on July 21, 2011, 10:32:07 AM
There's quite a few mentions of it on Twitter. Where's CL when you need him to dispell rumours? Oh yeah, on holiday.

Funny tweet from a Blues fan: Cash Converters are set to be the Birmingham City sponsor in a deal that will see Cash Converters hold on to Ben Foster for a year for them.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 21, 2011, 10:43:03 AM
He'd have no reason to be at our training ground, everyone is in the States bar Ashworth (who is usually doing the rounds around the UK) and Peace. I'd take that rumour with a pinch of salt to be honest however much I'd love for it to be true!

As much as I don't actually believe the rumour that he has been or is at the training ground that is where discussions are usually held with players and it is the likes of Ashworth that are heavily involved in those and that isn't to mention any kind of medical tests we do there so it would be feasible even with everyone else in the States.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JDWest_Brom on July 21, 2011, 10:55:28 AM
Exactly. The two people who are responsible for transfers Peace and Ashworth aren't in the States. So stands a chance that it could happen.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 21, 2011, 11:37:51 AM
Looks like we are the only viable option for foster as Swansea have made an improved offer for stockdale
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on July 21, 2011, 11:49:50 AM
That is of course if that article is true, I think the daily mail article is the only source so far saying they actively want rid of him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBArgo on July 21, 2011, 12:19:40 PM
Dan, apparently it was reported in the Guardian too which is obviously a bit more reliable.

I really hope we can pull this off.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: addy on July 21, 2011, 12:24:28 PM
Albion wrapped up their United States tour today with a win as boss Roy Hodgson confirmed the club are in talks over signing Ben Foster.

Reports suggest Birmingham could allow the goalkeeper to move on loan.

Boss Hodgson confirmed discussions have been held between the clubs over the 28-year-old former England international, who is the Baggies’ top goalkeeping target.

And sources close to St Andrew’s today claimed Blues will release Foster on loan for the season to remove him from their wage bill as they count the cost of relegation to the Championship.

Hodgson said: “I am aware of our interest in Ben Foster but I am not aware of how far down the line we are with our negotiations with Birmingham, so I can’t make any comments on that.

“But Ben Foster is a goalkeeper who interests us and, if we can get him to West Bromwich Albion on loan or on a permanent deal, that would be something we would be very happy about.”



Read more: http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/2011/07/21/albion-in-talks-over-ben-foster-move/#ixzz1SjrnrIPJ

Looks like Foster is our one of the two, the other being Long I will imagine.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Wbahunty on July 21, 2011, 12:26:02 PM
Albion wrapped up their United States tour today with a win as boss Roy Hodgson confirmed the club are in talks over signing Ben Foster.

Reports suggest Birmingham could allow the goalkeeper to move on loan.

Boss Hodgson confirmed discussions have been held between the clubs over the 28-year-old former England international, who is the Baggies’ top goalkeeping target.

And sources close to St Andrew’s today claimed Blues will release Foster on loan for the season to remove him from their wage bill as they count the cost of relegation to the Championship.

Hodgson said: “I am aware of our interest in Ben Foster but I am not aware of how far down the line we are with our negotiations with Birmingham, so I can’t make any comments on that.

“But Ben Foster is a goalkeeper who interests us and, if we can get him to West Bromwich Albion on loan or on a permanent deal, that would be something we would be very happy about.”



Read more: http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/2011/07/21/albion-in-talks-over-ben-foster-move/#ixzz1SjrnrIPJ

Looks like Foster is our one of the two, the other being Long I will imagine.

About to post the same thing! Monday he will sign hopefully. He will be in talks today and tomorrow, meet Roy if he comes back and then sign!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 21, 2011, 12:27:11 PM
About to post the same thing! Monday he will sign hopefully. He will be in talks today and tomorrow, meet Roy if he comes back and then sign!

Please try not to get ahead of yourself, you are making massive assumptions there.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on July 21, 2011, 12:33:47 PM
I have to say i'm very surprised they appear to be happy to release him on loan, with Leicester and West Ham its going to be very difficult to get automatic promotion. Not too mention if they get in the group stage of the europa league there's going to be tremendous stress on the squad, and they've already lost quiet a few players with uninspiring replacements.

Just seems a massive risk to take given at this moment in time you'd have to say its increasingly unlikely they'll get promoted, surely they'd be better off just selling him straight off. If he gets a terrible injury for example they're going to be stuck with him on the wage bill.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 21, 2011, 12:36:14 PM
Please try not to get ahead of yourself, you are making massive assumptions there.

Why wait til Monday. I'm sure roy will trust JP and DA and he will be signed by 5pm today ;D :P
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Wbahunty on July 21, 2011, 12:40:41 PM
Please try not to get ahead of yourself, you are making massive assumptions there.

Once again Shot Down by the Admin!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dangerman on July 21, 2011, 12:49:01 PM
Once again Shot Down by the Admin!

I don't think it's that mate.

I just think they don't want people getting excited too early especially when there isn't any facts at the moment.

I wouldn't take it personally.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 21, 2011, 12:50:13 PM
 ;D

Not attempting to shoot anyone down just trying to keep things realistic. Hodgson has admitted we have held talks about a move for him and with other stories I would guess things are relatively positive but I don't think its right to jump the gun on this one. Could be an interesting week coming up with the team returning from the USA.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on July 21, 2011, 12:50:27 PM
With how long it takes us to conclude our transfer business and actually get them confirmed as Albion players we'll be waiting another week an half. Seems to be we have plenty of red tape to sort!

Foster would appeal to me on a loan if its possible we can get him at a cheaper price the following season if Birmingham fail to get promotion at their first attempt. If they were to get promoted then, fair enough, he can go back to Birmingham and have ourselves searching for a new keeper.

As I said in the General Rumours thread, I'd like us to sign a keeper who we can have for a number of seasons and not have to keep chopping and changing.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Wbahunty on July 21, 2011, 12:52:14 PM
I don't think it's that mate.

I just think they don't want people getting excited too early especially when there isn't any facts at the moment.

I wouldn't take it personally.

I understand, but when you think that on the last day of the transfer window, Medicals and deals are done in the last 4 hours. Why should it take a long time!

My point is very vaild and yes hopefull and optemistic.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dangerman on July 21, 2011, 12:55:33 PM
I understand, but when you think that on the last day of the transfer window, Medicals and deals are done in the last 4 hours. Why should it take a long time!

My point is very vaild and yes hopefull and optemistic.

Totally understand what you are saying.

I think there could be several reason holding it up,

1) there could be a double deal being done with Scot Dann  ;D
2) JP is playing hardball and is negotiating a better deal
3) Both Foster and Roy are waiting to meet each other before moving forward with a deal
4) There may not be a deal to be done and we are being let down gradually  :o

Personally I think it's a combination of 2 and 3.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Wbahunty on July 21, 2011, 01:02:04 PM
When players who come up for sale and to behonest 1million to loan foster for a season is a bargin with a view to sign has to be snaped up quickly in my opinion!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 21, 2011, 01:04:18 PM
You don't know what we are doing about this potential deal though, you also don't know if that story about him being available on loan is true or not. Transfer deals aren't always as simple as the press make out.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Wbahunty on July 21, 2011, 01:07:03 PM
I belive everything that is on the interweb!  ??? lol

No i understand that it might not be true, but what if it is? Then going in quickly is the only thing to do! Dilly Dallying around will only mean we miss out!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dangerman on July 21, 2011, 01:09:17 PM
When players who come up for sale and to behonest 1million to loan foster for a season is a bargin with a view to sign has to be snaped up quickly in my opinion!

In an ideal world yes.

But take the Foster transfer as an example. No-one else is reported to be interested. The longer it goes on the more tempted the Blues will be at accepting a lower offer for Foster meaning we may have more money to spend on other targets.

In regards to the reported loan, 1million is a lot to pay for a season especially when you think we maybe able to get him on a permanent deal for around 6mill maybe even less.

Sometimes there are times that need you to get in and make an offer (a bit like Wolves with Johnson) others where we need to wait, like this one and the Odemwingie deal last season.

Additionally, Roy may want a final say before finalising a deal and with him not back until the weekend it maybe that he wants to do his own talks (to get an idea of fosters personallity) before anything is agreed.

I understand what you're saying but we just need to be patient.

We can moan if we are in September with no new signings.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smethwickw on July 21, 2011, 01:09:26 PM
He's also linked to Arsenal in one report. How feasible could this be considering they also desperately need a keeper. Arsene doesn't really like to splash the cash either.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 21, 2011, 01:19:56 PM
He's also linked to Arsenal in one report. How feasible could this be considering they also desperately need a keeper. Arsene doesn't really like to splash the cash either.


Oh dear
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Wbahunty on July 21, 2011, 01:21:03 PM
My point of signing him up quickly seems to make sence!

Arsenal...West Brom...mmmm hard choice!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 21, 2011, 01:23:02 PM
We have definitely held talks about signing him, is there anything to suggest that Arsenal have or are we just going by the newspapers assuming Arsenal have an interest in him?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Joust on July 21, 2011, 01:24:33 PM
We have definitely held talks about signing him, is there anything to suggest that Arsenal have or are we just going by the newspapers assuming Arsenal have an interest in him?

Im sure there was nothing concrete just some papers putting 2 and 2 together. Arsenal need a keeper, foster is 'available'...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: crazedwbafan18 on July 21, 2011, 01:42:02 PM
Im sure there was nothing concrete just some papers putting 2 and 2 together. Arsenal need a keeper, foster is 'available'...
why though? fabianski and szczesny are good keepers?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dB on July 21, 2011, 01:49:57 PM
why though? fabianski and szczesny are good keepers?

Good, yes. Arsenal standard (aiming for top 4), no.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Joust on July 21, 2011, 02:02:26 PM
Good, yes. Arsenal standard (aiming for top 4), no.

Exactly. Fabianzki is average imo and Szcesny would be good for someone like Everton, Villa but for Arsenal who should be aiming to win the league no chance.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Ogwani on July 21, 2011, 02:05:27 PM
Why would he go to Arsenal over us if he wants to stay in the Midlands and he'll be getting exactly the same wages because we are paying his wages for Birmingham City...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bradleysrocket on July 21, 2011, 02:07:09 PM
Exactly. Fabianzki is average imo and Szcesny would be good for someone like Everton, Villa but for Arsenal who should be aiming to win the league no chance.
Sames foster then , good but not top 4 class. I don't think we'd have too much genuine competition for his signature if we really want him. Probably why there doesn't appear to be any hurry.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: buzzingbaggie on July 21, 2011, 02:08:19 PM
Exactly. Fabianzki is average imo and Szcesny would be good for someone like Everton, Villa but for Arsenal who should be aiming to win the league no chance.

So is Foster good enough for Arsenal on that basis, a former Man Utd Reserve?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 21, 2011, 02:10:21 PM
Anyway back to foster. Is there any ITK people on here who can shed a bit of light on this subject? Getting annoyed now that we seem to be dragging the deal out. Very impatient me!

Also, if blues want 1mil for loan and then 4mil if we stay up next season, why can't we just buy him outright now for 4mil?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mister AT on July 21, 2011, 02:10:54 PM
I think he will become a baggie, just depending on whether its loan or permanent is the issue.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Wbahunty on July 21, 2011, 02:12:38 PM
Its so that if blues come back up they will have Foster back. It has nothing to do with the albion staying up!

1.5million to loan and then 4.5million to sign next year!

6million for Foster i would sign him up stright away!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 21, 2011, 02:15:55 PM
Its so that if blues come back up they will have Foster back. It has nothing to do with the albion staying up!

1.5million to loan and then 4.5million to sign next year!

6million for Foster i would sign him up stright away!

I thought it was 1 mil and 4 mil. At 5 mil I'd snap him up now! If I had the money ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on July 21, 2011, 02:27:36 PM
Anyway back to foster. Is there any ITK people on here who can shed a bit of light on this subject? Getting annoyed now that we seem to be dragging the deal out. Very impatient me!

Also, if blues want 1mil for loan and then 4mil if we stay up next season, why can't we just buy him outright now for 4mil?
Because Blues don't want to sell him outright now for 4mil.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Joust on July 21, 2011, 02:33:01 PM
So is Foster good enough for Arsenal on that basis, a former Man Utd Reserve?

Id say so yes. Got the potential without question
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1993dave on July 21, 2011, 02:34:35 PM
A loan deal would be OK , we get a top keeper for a season if the Blues don't come up we buy him for 6 million, in a way if we did get him on loan it would be great business because we can spend money on Long and a defender, it gives us a year to save the money for foster that's if we stay up and if this rumour comes true :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smethwickw on July 21, 2011, 02:35:49 PM
Why would he go to Arsenal over us if he wants to stay in the Midlands and he'll be getting exactly the same wages because we are paying his wages for Birmingham City...

There is no way he choose us over Arsenal. London isn't a million miles away either and it would be for 1 season initially. Chances are it's just papertalk anyway.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 21, 2011, 02:42:56 PM
Sorry to put a downer on it

Beacon has not put out anything about ben foster despite certain reports on a #WBA fansite
TweetDeck • 21/07/2011 14:38
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 21, 2011, 02:47:32 PM
That has hardly put a downer on it, that was always unlikely to be true given that only one person on twitter appeared to hear it and someone posted it on here  :D

The thing that has got people hopeful is that Hodgson has confirmed we have held talks about him and that is after all the stuff about Green last week.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dB on July 21, 2011, 02:48:07 PM
Sorry to put a downer on it

Beacon has not put out anything about ben foster despite certain reports on a #WBA fansite
TweetDeck • 21/07/2011 14:38

The E&D have confirmed it though.

http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/2011/07/21/albion-in-talks-over-ben-foster-move/
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 21, 2011, 03:04:27 PM
Sorry to put a downer on it

Beacon has not put out anything about ben foster despite certain reports on a #WBA fansite
TweetDeck • 21/07/2011 14:38

Part of the Express &  Dingle, what do you expect
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: addy on July 21, 2011, 03:23:36 PM
Cant get any better confirmation than Hodgson this morning (our time) saying we are interested, just a case of waiting and seeing now.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: j_dog_1980 on July 21, 2011, 03:48:38 PM
Would be happy with that deal tbh!

I personnaly I think we'll sign permantly for about 4/5 million maybe with add ons! Just have a sneaky little feeling!

And NO i'm not ITK before i get asked!  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on July 21, 2011, 03:57:40 PM
Slightly off-topic but does anyone know what football team he supports?

Considering he was born in Leamington Spa I thought he may of supported a midlands club. Probably a United fan though  ::)

 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Joust on July 21, 2011, 04:12:01 PM
Slightly off-topic but does anyone know what football team he supports?

Considering he was born in Leamington Spa I thought he may of supported a midlands club. Probably a United fan though  ::)

Walsall
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on July 21, 2011, 04:15:49 PM
Walsall

Certainly not a glory hunter then  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Joust on July 21, 2011, 04:17:26 PM
Certainly not a glory hunter then  ;D

I don't know who he supports really lol Would be funny if it was though and snubbed us and Swansea for a shot at the League One title
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on July 21, 2011, 04:20:57 PM
I don't know who he supports really lol Would be funny if it was though and snubbed us and Swansea for a shot at the League One title

He could probably play as a striker for Walsall and be their best player. ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: PortsmouthBaggie on July 21, 2011, 05:13:16 PM
I don't know who he supports really lol Would be funny if it was though and snubbed us and Swansea for a shot at the League One title

League 1 title? More chance of them having a pop at the League 2 title the season after :P

I really hope this moves along now. Foster, I think in most peoples opinions would be pretty much the perfect keeper for us right now and certainly the best that's available.
I think if we have any ambition to really progress and try and match last seasons achievements players like this have to be bought in even if it means we break our transfer record on a keeper. I'm all for the nobody signings coming in because I fully trust in our scouting network and why wouldn't anyone with some of the no name players that have blossomed here, but I think some solid names have to be thrown in with them and surely the likes of Ashworth and Peace know this and can see what Foster would bring. IMO probably the most important signing of the summer as I believe we do have enough in every department to stay up, even the defence with Foster shouting behind them and coming for crosses(not a dig at Carson ::))
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggies on July 21, 2011, 05:47:58 PM
Good news if we can get him in. Seems it is on the cards though.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggie Artist on July 21, 2011, 06:07:20 PM
Quote
I really hope this moves along now. Foster, I think in most peoples opinions would be pretty much the perfect keeper for us right now and certainly the best that's available.

Not sure about that, I'd say the perfect keeper would be someone who is proven at the level we wish to achieve (mid-table), while Foster has only had two seasons with relegated clubs.

Also is he commanding, reliable etc.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 21, 2011, 07:29:08 PM
He's certainly a reliable keeper, much better than what we have or what we have recently had. Is he commanding? Not as much as people would like but there are very few goalkeepers around that bother to come off their line these days, it must be something to do with modern day coaching techniques as the position has evolved.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: jjb0rdell0 on July 21, 2011, 07:49:22 PM
Not sure about that, I'd say the perfect keeper would be someone who is proven at the level we wish to achieve (mid-table), while Foster has only had two seasons with relegated clubs.

Also is he commanding, reliable etc.

I think, without Foster, Blues would have failed a lot harder last season without him (at least, in my opinion)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on July 21, 2011, 08:01:25 PM
I hope it is a permanent deal rather than a loan I would hate to have him just for a season but if it is dependent on Blues coming back up we have a fighting chance of it turning permanent.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: CL3MO on July 21, 2011, 08:15:09 PM
Why would he go to Arsenal over us if he wants to stay in the Midlands and he'll be getting exactly the same wages because we are paying his wages for Birmingham City...

What!?!?! A chance to join a top four club alone, forget wages and location, will be more than enough to persuade him to join Arsenal. Doubt there in for him though.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lewisant on July 21, 2011, 10:37:47 PM
When did hodgeson confirm our interest?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 21, 2011, 10:40:09 PM
When did hodgeson confirm our interest?

From the Express & Dingle today mate:

Hodgson said: “I am aware of our interest in Ben Foster but I am not aware of how far down the line we are with our negotiations with Birmingham, so I can’t make any comments on that.

“But Ben Foster is a goalkeeper who interests us and, if we can get him to West Bromwich Albion on loan or on a permanent deal, that would be something we would be very happy about.”
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbako on July 21, 2011, 10:43:42 PM
Fourth Official
West Brom are moving fast to seal a deal for Ben Foster after having a bid for Robert Green rejected #WBA
30 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply


That is from a usually very reliable twitter poster.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 21, 2011, 10:49:24 PM
The bloke who is covering Albion for the Brum Mail while CL is off says nothing is imminent, I'm assuming on any score.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lewisant on July 21, 2011, 11:00:29 PM
Just caught up on newsnow. Seems like something we need to move fast on
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 21, 2011, 11:03:09 PM
Just caught up on newsnow. Seems like something we need to move fast on

Depends if everything on newsnow is accurate or not.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: monkey nuts on July 21, 2011, 11:12:42 PM
The bloke who is covering Albion for the Brum Mail while CL is off says nothing is imminent, I'm assuming on any score.

to be fair BH he doesn't seem to be as well informed to me could be wrong though i could
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 21, 2011, 11:19:16 PM
You could be right to be to be fair as it isn't his usual job, wouldn't have the contacts someone like CL has put together over the years.

Could be an interesting period with Hodgson returning from the USA soon.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: addy on July 21, 2011, 11:29:16 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPoDJlH49gM 5:15 is where Hodgson talks about Foster if anyone is interested,  source of express and star quotes.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Londonbaggymike on July 21, 2011, 11:32:50 PM
You could be right to be to be fair as it isn't his usual job, wouldn't have the contacts someone like CL has put together over the years.

Could be an interesting period with Hodgson returning from the USA soon.

Think you're right about an interesting week or two coming up. But regarding CL and his replacement, has he ever broken any news that amazed us ie. something that we weren't aware of as a likelyhood of happening? I'm not knocking, I'm just saying we play our cards very close to our chests when it comes to transfers. To be honest it must be a thankless task being the baggies correspondant for a local rag!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: 65baggie on July 21, 2011, 11:53:01 PM
text from one of the players saying Roy on fone constant.  2 deals very close but nothing until he returns. New GK over 7 - 10 days.  Foster main target and has always been.  Blues looking silly money initiallly   
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albion07 on July 22, 2011, 12:17:12 AM
Would be a quality signing - hopefully we get him in asap ( we all know that wont happen  :D )
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: matth on July 22, 2011, 12:46:46 AM
No point coming on here for another week then  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BaggieBirdRus on July 22, 2011, 12:51:05 AM
text from one of the players saying Roy on fone constant.  2 deals very close but nothing until he returns. New GK over 7 - 10 days.  Foster main target and has always been.  Blues looking silly money initiallly

Roy's spending all out transfer kitty on naughty chat lines!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: up_the_baggies on July 22, 2011, 01:02:02 AM
Roy's spending all out transfer kitty on naughty chat lines!!

life in the old dog yet ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RowleyBaggie2 on July 22, 2011, 06:17:11 AM
He's on here waiting for jaimee to post who we are signing.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dale on July 22, 2011, 08:02:21 AM
text from one of the players saying Roy on fone constant.  2 deals very close but nothing until he returns. New GK over 7 - 10 days.  Foster main target and has always been.  Blues looking silly money initiallly

If true then my guess is Hargreaves and Foster lol?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: off_foo_182 on July 22, 2011, 08:05:09 AM
always another 7-10 days haha. honestly, we should learn by now! only get excited when it happens
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on July 22, 2011, 10:55:34 AM
He's on here waiting for jaimee to post who we are signing.

Whoever we're about to sign no doubt that Jamiee will curse it!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 22, 2011, 11:28:51 AM
Usually reliable IMO.

As we said over a week ago, #wba are interested in signing #blues gk Ben Foster. But his wage demands could be the stumbling block
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Cunningham on July 22, 2011, 11:33:08 AM
Its not quite so bad when you are a Championship club or round abouts because there are a number of players that are much of a muchness so it doesn't matter so much if you stall on deals and wreck them. The better / bigger / more ambitious your club is the more it matters because there are less and less players that will improve you. If the likes of Hargreaves and Foster are eagerly wanted then we can't afford to mess about too much.


Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on July 22, 2011, 12:14:04 PM
http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/west-bromwich-albion-fc-news/2011/07/22/west-brom-loan-move-on-the-cards-as-ben-foster-talks-continue-97319-29098333/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Latest from Birmingham Mail talks ongoing over a loan deal. I would much rather it be permanent but would still be a good signing
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bradleysrocket on July 22, 2011, 12:19:00 PM
Usually reliable IMO.

As we said over a week ago, #wba are interested in signing #blues gk Ben Foster. But his wage demands could be the stumbling block
That's the exact same tweet as the Tom Ross goal zone one.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 22, 2011, 12:30:02 PM
I think he just forgot to mention who it was that posted it on twitter.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Greenock Baggie on July 22, 2011, 12:41:48 PM
Who's to say it wont be a permanent loan as theres no guarantee the Blues will get promoted straight away. Some good teams in the Chumps league as well as Blues
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bradleysrocket on July 22, 2011, 12:43:36 PM
I think he just forgot to mention who it was that posted it on twitter.
Oh right, figured he'd seen it from someone regarded as ITK.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 22, 2011, 01:09:28 PM
Oh right, figured he'd seen it from someone regarded as ITK.

Nope it was from Tom Ross. He us usually reliable IMO
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 22, 2011, 01:10:59 PM
We are now sky sports top story saying interested in foster. So I take it it still classed as an interest. They also said blues will allow him to leave on a Loan or perm deal.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: reis wbafc patel on July 22, 2011, 02:33:35 PM
I could see us getting him on a season long loan then having a clause in his contract saying if he wants to stay he can and we can sign him on a permanent deal.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: addy on July 23, 2011, 01:32:02 AM
WEST BROM hope to complete the double signing of Shane Long and Ben Foster over the weekend.
Manager Roy Hodgson is also talking with Owen Hargreaves about a pay-as-you-play deal.

He has targeted Long as a strike partner for Peter Odemwingie, but Reading’s £8million asking price was too high. Now a deal is being discussed for about £5m and West Brom are hopeful of seeing off Newcastle for his services.

Negotiations are already well advanced with Birmingham for keeper Foster.

West Brom will pay an initial £1m loan fee with a view to a £4m permanent move.

Birmingham are offering the cut-price deal because they want Foster’s £1.5m-a-year wages off their books.

All he has to do is agree personal terms with Albion. Hodgson was also first in for talks with Hargreaves, whom he is keen to sign on a free transfer if he is fit.

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/260576/West-Brom-take-a-Long-shot-on-Shane

We can only hope eh? :) Dont think we could get a better GK than Foster.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: geoff on July 23, 2011, 09:51:17 AM
WEST BROM hope to complete the double signing of Shane Long and Ben Foster over the weekend.
Manager Roy Hodgson is also talking with Owen Hargreaves about a pay-as-you-play deal.

He has targeted Long as a strike partner for Peter Odemwingie, but Reading’s £8million asking price was too high. Now a deal is being discussed for about £5m and West Brom are hopeful of seeing off Newcastle for his services.

Negotiations are already well advanced with Birmingham for keeper Foster.

West Brom will pay an initial £1m loan fee with a view to a £4m permanent move.

Birmingham are offering the cut-price deal because they want Foster’s £1.5m-a-year wages off their books.

All he has to do is agree personal terms with Albion. Hodgson was also first in for talks with Hargreaves, whom he is keen to sign on a free transfer if he is fit.

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/260576/West-Brom-take-a-Long-shot-on-Shane

We can only hope eh? :) Dont think we could get a better GK than Foster.



 :D If that turns out to be right then come Monday morning ill be a happy baggie, come JP get the checkbook out.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 23, 2011, 10:29:15 AM
WEST BROM hope to complete the double signing of Shane Long and Ben Foster over the weekend.
Manager Roy Hodgson is also talking with Owen Hargreaves about a pay-as-you-play deal.

He has targeted Long as a strike partner for Peter Odemwingie, but Reading’s £8million asking price was too high. Now a deal is being discussed for about £5m and West Brom are hopeful of seeing off Newcastle for his services.

Negotiations are already well advanced with Birmingham for keeper Foster.

West Brom will pay an initial £1m loan fee with a view to a £4m permanent move.

Birmingham are offering the cut-price deal because they want Foster’s £1.5m-a-year wages off their books.

All he has to do is agree personal terms with Albion. Hodgson was also first in for talks with Hargreaves, whom he is keen to sign on a free transfer if he is fit.

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/260576/West-Brom-take-a-Long-shot-on-Shane

We can only hope eh? :) Dont think we could get a better GK than Foster.


Also just mentioned on Talksport that West Brom hope to complete the double signing of Shane Long and Ben Foster
Even though my first thoughts on Shane Long were not that excitable at the right price he could be a decent goal poacher for us in time.Not 8 million though
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dan7heman on July 23, 2011, 02:23:52 PM
Foster not in the squad for birminghams friendly today... the plot thickens
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on July 23, 2011, 02:27:35 PM
Good news for us then, there at Hereford today.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Wbahunty on July 23, 2011, 02:30:40 PM
Foster hasnt travelled with the squad, rumour has it hes meeting Hodgson today with a view to sign early next week. Long deal will happen next week if the price is right!

These are only Twitter statments, so I wouldnt be 100%
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bobcracker on July 23, 2011, 02:42:33 PM
Foster definetly hasn't travelled with the Blues squad, "throat infection" according to twitter..hmmm
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 23, 2011, 02:50:49 PM
Hmm getting interesting. :-D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Greenock Baggie on July 23, 2011, 03:22:35 PM
Foster definetly hasn't travelled with the Blues squad, "throat infection" according to twitter..hmmm
That old chestnut
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BaggieBoiJono on July 23, 2011, 03:46:53 PM
This is interesting. Looks like hes definately going, but to us who knows?

Id be over the moon to sign him hes one of the best keepers in the league.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggies on July 23, 2011, 04:16:51 PM
I think we are the last club left he could go to so yes.

Would be a very good deal if we can get him. Seems quite positive although the wage discussions will be interesting if he is on 30 k a week as is being reported.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BaggieBoiJono on July 23, 2011, 04:25:48 PM
I think we are the last club left he could go to so yes.

Would be a very good deal if we can get him. Seems quite positive although the wage discussions will be interesting if he is on 30 k a week as is being reported.

Carson wouldnt of been on the cheap at the Albion, i no we all kind of laugh at Scott for being a poor keeper but he would of been one of our top earners, coming from Liverpool, Young and England experience.

We should be willing to pay for Foster his contribution, he can make the difference if hes not over exposed to winning or losing.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on July 23, 2011, 04:34:31 PM
As said above, Carson must surely have been on about 25k, a young England international, coming from Liverpool. I doubt his wage was massively different from that, coupled with the fact we seemed to think Given was a realistic target, and are reportedly prepared to spend a lot of our budget on a keeper, I really can't see how finances could be a problem, presuming he's on a reasonable wage.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: royhan on July 23, 2011, 09:49:48 PM
I thought Chris Hughton was very guarded in his comments when asked on Sky about the possibility of Foster moving to Albion on loan. He didn't say yes - and he didn't say no. My guess is that Brum want to cash in and sell Foster in a straight cash deal rather than loan him. They have three strikers out injured for the start of the season, so perhaps we can do a deal to loan them one of ours - Bednar, Fortune or Miller - for a month as part of the package.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on July 23, 2011, 11:09:51 PM
Foster being left out of the squad pretty much clinches it, he is on his way. No other club had been linked with him and he wants to stay in the Midlands. It will be interesting to see what deal we have cut with the Blues
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smosher34 on July 23, 2011, 11:20:36 PM
i hope we just buy him not loan him for a season so he is ours , be good idea loan them a stricker woods ?????
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1993dave on July 23, 2011, 11:24:27 PM
I actually think we may buy him for 4 million but the fee would most likely rise to 6 million, just got that feeling :P  but if we loan him who cares , i really cant see the blues coming back up anyway.  If i was JP i would give them 4 million with the fee rising to 6 and give them Miller.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on July 24, 2011, 01:53:05 AM
This could be a key signing if it goes through. Goalkeeper is a key position as the confidence in a defence starts from a reliable pair of hands in goal. I think an english speaking keeper will help as good communication at the back is vital. Foster is definitely the best available. If he made himself available he could still be England No.1. It will make my summer if both Foster and Gera  sign up.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: elminius on July 24, 2011, 06:09:37 AM
This could be a key signing if it goes through. Goalkeeper is a key position as the confidence in a defence starts from a reliable pair of hands in goal. I think an english speaking keeper will help as good communication at the back is vital. Foster is definitely the best available. If he made himself available he could still be England No.1. It will make my summer if both Foster and Gera  sign up.

Im sure Carson was English but im not so sure the communication was that clear then
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Smooth Lad on July 24, 2011, 08:55:25 AM
That old chestnut

 :D

Couldn't have put it better.

The signs are very exciting but i'm not totally built up for the revealing yet.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: mb1 on July 24, 2011, 09:03:48 AM
:D

Couldn't have put it better.

The signs are very exciting but i'm not totally built up for the revealing yet.

ITK?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Smooth Lad on July 24, 2011, 09:41:20 AM
ITK?

No.  :-X

Whatever gave you that idea?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lordbaggie on July 24, 2011, 10:01:25 AM
I actually think we may buy him for 4 million but the fee would most likely rise to 6 million, just got that feeling :P  but if we loan him who cares , i really cant see the blues coming back up anyway.  If i was JP i would give them 4 million with the fee rising to 6 and give them Miller.

What's all this rising to £6m???

They're skint. We've got 'em over a barrel. If it's £4m it's £4m. Period.

Or £3m plus take your pick - either Miller or Bednar.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionBest on July 24, 2011, 10:03:29 AM
What's all this rising to £6m???

They're skint. We've got 'em over a barrel. If it's £4m it's £4m. Period.

Or £3m plus take your pick - either Miller or Bednar.

But we still cannot get the deal done !!!!
How many weeks since Carson left now ?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Wbahunty on July 24, 2011, 10:18:37 AM
Deal wont be done on a sunday! Possibily tomorrow or tuesday but not a sunday!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dangerman on July 24, 2011, 10:22:39 AM
Deal wont be done on a sunday! Possibily tomorrow or tuesday but not a sunday!

I got a feeling this deal won't happen. I hope I'm wrong but I still think we'll end up with green.

And before anyone says it I'm not itk it's just a feeling.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionBest on July 24, 2011, 10:37:35 AM
I got a feeling this deal won't happen. I hope I'm wrong but I still think we'll end up with green.

And before anyone says it I'm not itk it's just a feeling.

Tend to agree how it's dragging on and on.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 24, 2011, 10:48:09 AM
You only have to look at other transfers around the country to realise how long some of these things actually take. As an example Wolves admitted they went in for Johnson as soon as Blues went down and Tom Ross said Johnson handed in multiple transfer requests to try and force a deal yet look how long it took them to agree a deal with the club and then get him in. If it is a loan deal with a view to a permanent move if they don't come back up as its been reported then it could be a complicated deal to arrange all the details too.

To my knowledge we held initial discussions a couple of weeks back and then put it on the backburner for a week while we held initial talks about Green and we have this past week gone back in for Foster, I don't get the panic about how long it is taking to be honest.

Yet again it is just a case of having to wait and see what happens.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bigbadjohn on July 24, 2011, 10:50:30 AM
We will sign a goalkeeper in the week .
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WSBaggie on July 24, 2011, 11:27:29 AM
We will sign a goalkeeper in the week .

Really? you ITK or just stating the obvious?  :)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Londonbaggymike on July 24, 2011, 11:30:57 AM
Really? you ITK or just stating the obvious?  :)

Can we have a "Are you ITK?" smiley as every other post on this forum seems to ask this question. And by the way I'm not.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: elminius on July 24, 2011, 11:50:59 AM
Can we have a "Are you ITK?" smiley as every other post on this forum seems to ask this question. And by the way I'm not.

Or how about a ban on the words 'are you ITK'!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Tipton Baggie on July 24, 2011, 12:17:17 PM
Cant see us signing Long and Foster by tonight maybe in the week.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie_1 on July 24, 2011, 12:23:06 PM
we cant officially sign anyone on sundays can we? thought the paper work had to faxed off and processed and wont be done till monday. not sure.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mooncat on July 24, 2011, 12:26:12 PM
Talking to a mate of mine last night who says apparently a lot of the Blues deals are for a LOT less they thay have been rep[orted as there hasn't been the interest in the players they thought there would be.
Roger Johnson has been reported as £7m but the apparently the actual deal is nearer £4m with no add ons. Not sure on his source but might be why we're not just stumping up the asking price, and getting this close to the start of the season no one else has yet made a move for him so we could be forcing Blues hand for a cheaper deal
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Sussex-Baggie on July 24, 2011, 12:29:52 PM
we cant officially sign anyone on sundays can we? thought the paper work had to faxed off and processed and wont be done till monday. not sure.

I'm sure other clubs have confirmed the signing of certain players on Sunday's in the past, so I guess it is just a case of how close either of the signings we have been linked with are to completion.

I suspect that if we really wanted to push a deal through today, we probably could. However, I don't think we are that desperate to do so at this stage of the transfer window, so I would be surprised if anything happens today.

I get the impression now that the Ben Foster deal may be closer to completion than either club is letting on, because it seems strange that a player was not even available to travel with the squad to a local friendly match due to a throat infection. It is not something that genuinely leaves you house-bound unless it is incredibly bad, so I wouldn't be at all surprised if we were holding talks with Foster yesterday afternoon.

I just hope we don't miss out on him now, as he is clearly our number one target and we certainly appear to be in pole position to sign him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 24, 2011, 12:30:29 PM
When fees are often listed as undisclosed it leaves them open to scrutiny like that whether it is right or wrong.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 24, 2011, 12:40:20 PM
Talking to a mate of mine last night who says apparently a lot of the Blues deals are for a LOT less they thay have been rep[orted as there hasn't been the interest in the players they thought there would be.
Roger Johnson has been reported as £7m but the apparently the actual deal is nearer £4m with no add ons. Not sure on his source but might be why we're not just stumping up the asking price, and getting this close to the start of the season no one else has yet made a move for him so we could be forcing Blues hand for a cheaper deal
was reported to be 6.8 on blues OS
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on July 24, 2011, 01:51:48 PM
Foster has suffered with a throat infection before, I seem to remember him pulling out the England squad some time ago so let's no presume he's straight away been talking with the club. Unless it's been confirmed! Sorry to be the party pooper, but I won't let the emotions run over. I'll be delighted if we manage to pull it off but until then it's about being patient. Deals like this will normally take time. Let's hope all of this is true and we can pull this deal off.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tipton baggie 80 on July 24, 2011, 02:10:09 PM
Foster has suffered with a throat infection before, I seem to remember him pulling out the England squad some time ago so let's no presume he's straight away been talking with the club. Unless it's been confirmed! Sorry to be the party pooper, but I won't let the emotions run over. I'll be delighted if we manage to pull it off but until then it's about being patient. Deals like this will normally take time. Let's hope all of this is true and we can pull him off.

I, like most of us, would be happy to have him at the club, but i think this is going a step too far!  ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 24, 2011, 02:15:40 PM
I, like most of us, would be happy to have him at the club, but i think this is going a step too far!  ;)

I was thinking the same :P
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggieboyjop on July 24, 2011, 05:19:52 PM
Foster has suffered with a throat infection before, I seem to remember him pulling out the England squad some time ago so let's no presume he's straight away been talking with the club. Unless it's been confirmed! Sorry to be the party pooper, but I won't let the emotions run over. I'll be delighted if we manage to pull it off but until then it's about being patient. Deals like this will normally take time. Let's hope all of this is true and we can pull this deal off.

Im with you there liam. We need to keep our feet on the ground until its a done deal imo as he may well have a better offer as he is a really good keeper. However us we do get him i'd be delighted as it would be a real improvement on scotty
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Zebidee on July 25, 2011, 01:51:39 AM
Why is it a step too far?
It is only Birmingham he's at.. If he's not too good for them, then he's not too good for us
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Quakes Fan on July 25, 2011, 02:07:45 AM
Sexual innuendo, Zeb.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 25, 2011, 11:04:38 AM
Interesting to see the comments from the Albion and Blues sides in the Brum Mail regarding Foster in their articles this morning.


Gregg Evans: Negotiations to bring Foster in are well advanced with Blues. It is thought an initial £1 million loan fee is close to being agreed with a view to a £4 million permanent move.

Foster now has to agree personal terms at Albion as Blues look to get his £1.5 million-a-year wages off the books.




Collin Tattum: Albion are keen on Foster, Blues’ reigning player of the season, and although talks have been held between the clubs, his transfer – either via loan or outright – doesn’t appear to be on the verge of happening, at least at present
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 25, 2011, 11:08:56 AM
Interesting to see the comments from the Albion and Blues sides in the Brum Mail regarding Foster in their articles this morning.


Gregg Evans: Negotiations to bring Foster in are well advanced with Blues. It is thought an initial £1 million loan fee is close to being agreed with a view to a £4 million permanent move.

Foster now has to agree personal terms at Albion as Blues look to get his £1.5 million-a-year wages off the books.




Collin Tattum: Albion are keen on Foster, Blues’ reigning player of the season, and although talks have been held between the clubs, his transfer – either via loan or outright – doesn’t appear to be on the verge of happening, at least at present


Thats why i have not purchased a newspaper for 10 years
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bradleysrocket on July 25, 2011, 11:30:59 AM
Greg Evans isn't usually the Albion reporter but just filling in while chris l is away. Colin Tattum is the regular blues guy though. I'd assume his contacts as the full time blues reporter would be better than a part time baggie. The truth could be neither but somewhere inbetween of course.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lordbaggie on July 25, 2011, 11:45:45 AM
Don't think there is that much discrepancy to be honest.

It's not disputed that:

1. the two clubs have held talks/negotiations

2. there is no suggestion that the two clubs are "miles apart" in terms of agreeing a fee

3. Albion have yet to conclude discussions with Foster

My guess is that the clubs have reached broad agreement over fee levels (although there may still be an open question re loan or loan to permanent or permanent and that discussions may have started with the player.

Blues will know that if the Albion deal falls through they are probably stuck with the player for another season at least (which from a playing point of view they will be happy with)

So they will want to downplay talk of his exit and appear reluctant sellers.

For Albion it's more a question of Foster or Green. They have every reason to talk up the Foster transfer as it puts pressure on Green and West Ham who they probably have parallel talks with.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbastrollers on July 25, 2011, 11:54:52 AM
This is classic brinkmanship-who better then JP to go to the edge!!
Lets just hope he doesn't fall off.

JP is banking on no one else coming in - Sunderland don't need a goalie do they?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on July 25, 2011, 11:56:27 AM
http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/birmingham-city-fc/birmingham-city-fc-news/2011/07/25/birmingham-city-hughton-speaks-out-to-calm-down-ben-foster-absence-talk-97319-29112712/
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lordbaggie on July 25, 2011, 12:10:35 PM
I think if we wanted them both we could get Foster AND Ridgewell (both permanent) right now for an initial payment of £5m.

We might chuck in some add ons based on Prem survival and appearances to take it up to £6m+

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Slimbo on July 25, 2011, 12:50:30 PM
Do we really want Ben Foster - he is a Barnsley fan scoring against him  ;D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOiB7LOH3cY
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Wbahunty on July 25, 2011, 12:55:41 PM
I love that vid! It has everything, the slip at the start, the rubbish control by the first bloke, then a qaulity finish lol and the celebrations! Qaulity
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 25, 2011, 02:21:31 PM
should we be worried?

http://www.fanatix.com/news/arsenal-ready-to-hijack-west-broms-deal-for-6m-shot-stopper-494/
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: 8thewolves on July 25, 2011, 02:30:26 PM
should we be worried?

http://www.fanatix.com/news/arsenal-ready-to-hijack-west-broms-deal-for-6m-shot-stopper-494/

this would just serve us right for penny pinching in my opinion.
Yes we run a tight ship and I agree with that, but this is a deal that we
should be signing off asap instead of trying to squeeze every last penny off the loan
price.
Just sort it out jp  :(
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on July 25, 2011, 02:32:24 PM
should we be worried?

http://www.fanatix.com/news/arsenal-ready-to-hijack-west-broms-deal-for-6m-shot-stopper-494/

We should if its true
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DaveWBA on July 25, 2011, 02:37:43 PM
this would just serve us right for penny pinching in my opinion.
Yes we run a tight ship and I agree with that, but this is a deal that we
should be signing off asap instead of trying to squeeze every last penny off the loan
price.
Just sort it out jp  :(

Calm down, hardly the most reputable of sources.

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/transfer-news/West-Bromwich-Albion-close-to-loan-deal-for-Ben-Foster-from-Birmingham-to-replace-Scott-Carson-article775599.html

This was from today's Mirror which seems promising, whether its regurgitating old news or whether its a new development remains to be seen.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: ashleycross77 on July 25, 2011, 02:40:14 PM
i have a feeling we have already signed him, looking forward to seeing confirmation on the OS.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1993dave on July 25, 2011, 02:40:25 PM
I doubt it they have Chesney lol who is a  good keeper.  And i doubt wenger would splash 6 million on a No2.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: 8thewolves on July 25, 2011, 02:48:05 PM
Calm down, hardly the most reputable of sources.

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/transfer-news/West-Bromwich-Albion-close-to-loan-deal-for-Ben-Foster-from-Birmingham-to-replace-Scott-Carson-article775599.html

This was from today's Mirror which seems promising, whether its regurgitating old news or whether its a new development remains to be seen.

fair play, but it's still dragging on a bit too long for my liking, I know we should be
used to it by now but it wouldn't be the first time we've hesitated/negotiated on a deal for too long now would it ?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBArgo on July 25, 2011, 02:50:40 PM
I reckon Wenger would favour Szczesny to be honest. Wenger likes youngsters, Szczesny is 21 and played a lot of last season. He's 7 years younger than Foster and arguably already as good. In fact, he's been tipped to go on and become a truly great goalkeeper.

I think Wenger will just keep him and their current number 2. Foster would be an odd signing for him to be honest. And more importantly, it would be Man Utd all over again for Foster, who at 28 no longer wants to stay on the bench - and rightly so.

I'd be more worried about Swansea to be honest. I doubt they're a real threat but as it stands their main target Stockdale is heading for Ipswich.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1993dave on July 25, 2011, 02:54:32 PM
Don't worry folks,  these things take time,most likely the clubs are talking about a package and if that package suits both parties , and i highly doubt he would pick Swansea over us
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 25, 2011, 02:58:29 PM
Don't worry folks,  these things take time,most likely the clubs are talking about a package and if that package suits both parties , and i highly doubt he would pick Swansea over us

I thought we were talking about arsenal not Swansea :P
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 25, 2011, 03:00:32 PM
should we be worried?

http://www.fanatix.com/news/arsenal-ready-to-hijack-west-broms-deal-for-6m-shot-stopper-494/

If that is the only source to suggest any interest then no.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hull Baggie on July 25, 2011, 03:04:52 PM
should we be worried?

http://www.fanatix.com/news/arsenal-ready-to-hijack-west-broms-deal-for-6m-shot-stopper-494/

Another case of newspapers needing to fill pages me thinks.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 25, 2011, 03:07:01 PM
If that is the only source to suggest any interest then no.

It's the only one I can find so hopefully no need to read to much into this.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 25, 2011, 03:07:57 PM
Seems like someone putting 2+2 together and ending up with 5 to me.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lordbaggie on July 25, 2011, 03:10:33 PM
Could be info planted from a Bluenose source hoping to panic us.

It's worked with some of our forum members  ;D but Jezza is made of sterner stuff  ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JDWest_Brom on July 25, 2011, 03:17:58 PM
Just speculation on a site that I've never heard of on which it seems anybody can post an 'article'.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DaveWBA on July 25, 2011, 05:07:34 PM
West Brom boss Roy Hodgson is closing in on a deal to take the £6m-rated Birmingham City goalkeeper Ben Foster on a season-long loan

Just taken from the BCFC Twitter.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Sussex-Baggie on July 25, 2011, 05:21:43 PM
West Brom boss Roy Hodgson is closing in on a deal to take the £6m-rated Birmingham City goalkeeper Ben Foster on a season-long loan

Just taken from the BCFC Twitter.

I've just seen that, and it appears to just be someone who retweets mentions of Birmingham City on Twitter, not the club's official page.

Aside from the one link to Arsenal on what looks like a very unreliable rumour website, it seems as though we are getting closer to signing Ben Foster.

I honestly thought we might have signed him by now based on the rumours over the weekend, but hopefully Youssouf Mulumbu signing a new contract will be the first of a few signings this week!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Zebidee on July 25, 2011, 07:09:09 PM
Typical.. Dragging our feet and then we risk losing him to another team.
Each passing day, is a extra day we could lose him.
What if another team during a friendly gets a goalie injured and comes in for him with a straight offer? :(
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WSBaggie on July 25, 2011, 09:00:23 PM
It's annoying me how people are saying we are dragging our feet. Maybe this deal hinges on other deals being completed? Maybe we don't want to pay a silly asking price and run our club into the ground? Maybe we don't want to pay bigger than needed wages to somebody? The people at our club are professionals and I'm sure there are good enough reasons for why this deal hasn't been completed straight away.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AshD on July 25, 2011, 09:54:38 PM
Typical.. Dragging our feet and then we risk losing him to another team.
Each passing day, is a extra day we could lose him.
What if another team during a friendly gets a goalie injured and comes in for him with a straight offer? :(

How do you know we are dragging our feet!?! How do you know we arent doing everything we possibly can to get the deal done!?!

Could it possibly be that Blues are dragging their feet, or are playing hardball, like you would expect us to do if someone was trying to sign one of better players!?!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dexy on July 25, 2011, 09:56:11 PM
Given Blues cash problems i suspect they maybe dragging this out hoping for a bigger bid.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1993dave on July 25, 2011, 09:57:26 PM
Some fans need a bit of patience , may i suggest some of you read this

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6314369.stm
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Elmo on July 25, 2011, 10:17:35 PM
Interesting read.

How does Harry Redknapp manage to get them done in half an hour  ::)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: overseas baggie on July 25, 2011, 10:41:34 PM
Interesting read.

How does Harry Redknapp manage to get them done in half an hour  ::)

By paying over the top and not understanding finances. Its why there is no money left at West Ham or Portsmouth. He now has a chairman at Tottenham who isn't so reckless - transfers take longer now !
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBArgo on July 25, 2011, 11:11:39 PM
I wouldn't say Levy wasn't 'wreckless' but he's already a multi-billionaire. It probably has something to do with the funding of Tottenham  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Zebidee on July 25, 2011, 11:23:46 PM
Also wouldn't say west ham have no money, as they now bid 8 mill for long.
Could we risk losing both our transfer targets now.. Or does long prefer a move to prem?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: overseas baggie on July 26, 2011, 08:02:09 AM
Also wouldn't say west ham have no money, as they now bid 8 mill for long.
Could we risk losing both our transfer targets now.. Or does long prefer a move to prem?

West Ham's finances are in a desparate state. They are being kept afloat by Sullivan's and Gold's personal wealth which is not the same thing - the club's own balance sheet is what will count under the UEFA financial fair play rules.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on July 26, 2011, 09:25:00 AM
According to one of their ITK fans on Small Heath Alliance the hold up is wages:

The Albion only want to pay half his wages, we want them to pay at least 75%, preferably all.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: duncan on July 26, 2011, 09:39:26 AM
How much is Foster on? I think paying 50% is a fair proportion. Especially as technicaly he would remain their player, and they want his salary of their books.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bradleysrocket on July 26, 2011, 09:44:08 AM
Taking him and only paying a portion is usually the case in players with much higher wages say if you're taking a player from man city or the like. We ought to have no issue paying his full wage for a season loan.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Londonbaggymike on July 26, 2011, 09:48:51 AM
How much is Foster on? I think paying 50% is a fair proportion. Especially as technicaly he would remain their player, and they want his salary of their books.

I disagree in principal. The player's full wages should be paid by the borrowing club. Bellamy last year nearly got Cardiff promoted yet city were paying the bulk of his wages. I'd be well drunk off if he'd scored against us denying us a chance. There is so much wrong with football it is unreal. But if you borrow a player then pay his wages.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbastrollers on July 26, 2011, 10:37:55 AM
I disagree in principal. The player's full wages should be paid by the borrowing club. Bellamy last year nearly got Cardiff promoted yet city were paying the bulk of his wages. I'd be well drunk off if he'd scored against us denying us a chance. There is so much wrong with football it is unreal. But if you borrow a player then pay his wages.

I would be "drunk" as well, if Foster scored against us.   
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mooncat on July 26, 2011, 10:45:36 AM
The stories are suggesting his wages are £1.5m a year, hence Blues want a sizeable chunk of that off their books for next year due to their reduced revenue (although they have parachute money, I noticed yesterday that they have no sponsor and are offering game by game deals on shirts, sound familiar???)

Hence I can see them holding out for a while longer as the nearer it gets to the season more urgent our need for a keeper becomes, but likewise their opportunity to offload him diminishes too.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 26, 2011, 11:01:49 AM
1.5mil a year wages, that's around 35k a week?

If we were willing to pay 50k for Carew then why should paying his full wages be a problem?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lordbaggie on July 26, 2011, 11:08:36 AM
1.5mil a year wages, that's around 35k a week?

If we were willing to pay 50k for Carew then why should paying his full wages be a problem?

So if you went into a pub with a tenner in your pocket and wanted a beer and the pub said "we've no change" you'd pay £10 for the pint because you've got it?

Or would you go somewhere else where you could get it for £3?

Honestly, the ease with which some people want to spend Albion's money (which in a sense is OUR money)

Leeds isn't in it!! >:(
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: 8thewolves on July 26, 2011, 11:11:31 AM
this is the way I see it, if we want him pay the money,
if not move on to the next target.
I'm all for getting the best value for money, but come on,
do we not think he is worth it ?
As I said in an earlier post, if we hesitate/negotiate too long we will miss out,
and this is one transfer I really think we need.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: 8thewolves on July 26, 2011, 11:12:51 AM
So if you went into a pub with a tenner in your pocket and wanted a beer and the pub said "we've no change" you'd pay £10 for the pint because you've got it?

Or would you go somewhere else where you could get it for £3?

Honestly, the ease with which some people want to spend Albion's money (which in a sense is OUR money)

Leeds isn't in it!! >:(

can we get another keeper of his calibre for less money any where else though  ::)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 26, 2011, 11:28:24 AM
So if you went into a pub with a tenner in your pocket and wanted a beer and the pub said "we've no change" you'd pay £10 for the pint because you've got it?

Or would you go somewhere else where you could get it for £3?

Honestly, the ease with which some people want to spend Albion's money (which in a sense is OUR money)

Leeds isn't in it!! >:(

No that's not how I see it at all.
The way I see it is how another poster put on here previously. If he is our number one target. Which RH had stated he is. Why are we stalling over paying his wages.

We won't find another keeper of his calibre that is realistic for us. So for once in our history just pay the wages.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: slugga1 on July 26, 2011, 11:40:31 AM
IF it's a loan to permanent then 75% shouldn't be an issue if we know he will be our player in the end, sounds pretty fair to me actually, especially considering the talent of the lad. Come on Jezza prise that wallet open!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Jack Russell on July 26, 2011, 11:46:28 AM
I wonder if Roy is starting to get frustrated.He has never worked for a club in a straight jacket before
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dinkydave2003 on July 26, 2011, 11:55:49 AM
I wonder if Roy is starting to get frustrated.He has never worked for a club in a straight jacket before

i think this and the long deal will come off eventually and tbh if we could add these 2 plus gera and hargreaves i'd be fairly happy.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Jack Russell on July 26, 2011, 11:56:45 AM
i think this and the long deal will come off eventually and tbh if we could add these 2 plus gera and hargreaves i'd be fairly happy.

and so would i and maybe another central defender
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Astle1968 on July 26, 2011, 12:01:13 PM
Some people attitudes to our spending on here amaze me, I cant beleive they would spend their money the same way they are expecting the club to. With no evidence at all we are being accused of dragging our feet, not being willing to pay the money, risking out on losing the player. As someone else pointed out how do you know its not Blues stalling on the deal trying to see if other offers come in to start a bidding war.

Personally I think paying 75% of his wages is a good deal on the face of it, however if a deal could be done where we pay 50% of his wages then paying 75% is a poor deal and bad business for the club.

As for not spending the money, Mulumbu has just signed his 3rd improved contract in 12 months, theres a record deal supposedly on the table for Odemwingie and Gera deal all but done, all on good money. Without our dealings and negotiations in the tranfer markets onver the past 6/7 years we would not be near the position we are in now but it is still not good enough for some people
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on July 26, 2011, 12:07:25 PM
Some people attitudes to our spending on here amaze me, I cant beleive they would spend their money the same way they are expecting the club to. With no evidence at all we are being accused of dragging our feet, not being willing to pay the money, risking out on losing the player. As someone else pointed out how do you know its not Blues stalling on the deal trying to see if other offers come in to start a bidding war.

Personally I think paying 75% of his wages is a good deal on the face of it, however if a deal could be done where we pay 50% of his wages then paying 75% is a poor deal and bad business for the club.

As for not spending the money, Mulumbu has just signed his 3rd improved contract in 12 months, theres a record deal supposedly on the table for Odemwingie and Gera deal all but done, all on good money. Without our dealings and negotiations in the tranfer markets onver the past 6/7 years we would not be near the position we are in now but it is still not good enough for some people
Well said, agree completely!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Ross on July 26, 2011, 12:13:06 PM
What benefit to Blues get out of this deal?

Wages off their hands - yes - but are we paying a lump sum to loan him for the year?

Again tight backside Albion going for a quick fix - if Blues get promoted next year they'll take him back (stupid loan contract agreement if they dont), then we are left in the exact same position next year, with perhaps the situation made worse when all teamsa round us will know we are in the market for a keeper and heighten the price - defeating the whole objective of this loan deal for peace in the first place
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Joust on July 26, 2011, 12:17:56 PM
i think this and the long deal will come off eventually and tbh if we could add these 2 plus gera and hargreaves i'd be fairly happy.

Fairly happy?? Id be over the cowin' moon! Foster, Hargreaves, Gera and Long would be an excellent summer of business. (not forgetting Jones & Mcauley)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on July 26, 2011, 12:18:44 PM
I think some need to calm down a little, hopefully this will be completed in due course. Instead of taking this as an opportunity to bite down at the club and the board why don't we realise for two minutes that

1. We need the best price for ourselves which doesn't mean chucking money around left right and centre when you can perhaps negotiate a better deal.

2. Birmingham are possibly holding on to get a better deal for themselves.

We have to make the most of our resources and that may mean it takes a bit longer but if we get the player at a better deal for the club then I don't care how long it takes. The way some want us to splash money around is strange in my opinion.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Ross on July 26, 2011, 12:19:10 PM
Some people attitudes to our spending on here amaze me, I cant beleive they would spend their money the same way they are expecting the club to. With no evidence at all we are being accused of dragging our feet, not being willing to pay the money, risking out on losing the player. As someone else pointed out how do you know its not Blues stalling on the deal trying to see if other offers come in to start a bidding war.

Personally I think paying 75% of his wages is a good deal on the face of it, however if a deal could be done where we pay 50% of his wages then paying 75% is a poor deal and bad business for the club.

As for not spending the money, Mulumbu has just signed his 3rd improved contract in 12 months, theres a record deal supposedly on the table for Odemwingie and Gera deal all but done, all on good money. Without our dealings and negotiations in the tranfer markets onver the past 6/7 years we would not be near the position we are in now but it is still not good enough for some people

Not arguing, he has been very shrewd, but to take it to the next level an secure ourselves as a premier league club we need to change our mentality - look at the likes of teams around us Bolton, Fulham, Stoke etc have all progressed into midtable teams through spending a bit of loot.

Bargain basement is going to work - as we have seen over the past few years, but every time its a gamble -- fortunately a lot of ours have come off - but you cant ride that luck forever, especially as we are trying to establish ourselves i the prem - something which we havent done before
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Astle1968 on July 26, 2011, 12:25:33 PM
I imagine the price would be higher to buy now than if we bought him outright next year, i.e £1m loan + £4m/5m next season (if Blues stay down) or around £7m/£8m to buy him outright now. If this isnt the case and the price is the same now or next summer then the only reason I can think off is the club are worried about his knee injury and the risk that goes with buying him without seeing him 1st hand week in week out.

What I would say is that if we sign Foster on loan, he has a great season and Blues come back up, we are in the same, not worse, position that we are now so if thats the deal on the table then it would make sense. If we chose to look elsewhere for a perm deal now and someone else (Swansea?) took up the loan to perm deal on offer and he single handedly kept them up whilst Blues stayed down then JP/DA (more likely JP!) would be slated on here for no taking the offer up
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: OldburyWBA on July 26, 2011, 12:27:58 PM
If we only get him for 12 months then so be it, a few weeks ago people were pleased with possibly getting Given for only 1 year so whats changed ?

Any deal will only be done if suitable for West Bromwich Albion Football Club, simples, whether in terms of money or in terms of contract between us and Blues.

Yes its frustrating how long things take and at times we could go that 'little' bit further than we do but tough it won't happen.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Astle1968 on July 26, 2011, 12:38:01 PM
Not arguing, he has been very shrewd, but to take it to the next level an secure ourselves as a premier league club we need to change our mentality - look at the likes of teams around us Bolton, Fulham, Stoke etc have all progressed into midtable teams through spending a bit of loot.

Bargain basement is going to work - as we have seen over the past few years, but every time its a gamble -- fortunately a lot of ours have come off - but you cant ride that luck forever, especially as we are trying to establish ourselves i the prem - something which we havent done before

I agree we may need to look at the way we go about our business in the market if we really want to push on, but in fairness to the club I think the signs are there that they are doing just that. 12 months ago nobody would have dreamt we would be going in for Given, or even Freidel possibly, but the club identified the player and were prepared to pay what was needed to attract them here, unfortunately we lost out because 2 bigger clubs came in. Again, 12 months ago would anyone have thought we would potentially be willing to spend £6m and £35k a week on a GK as with Foster.

I think some of the signs coming out of the club in the market have been pretty positive this year (as well as the Mulumbu/Odemwingie contracts) We need to spend more money to stablise in the league, but not just spend more money for the sake of it. It genuinly seems to me some fans over the past couple of years would rather see us spend £4m on a player than £1m on a player of similar ability (or the club believs to be similar) because 'its a sign of our ambition' or 'we need to pay this money to compete'

In last season team Mulumbu, Olson and Odemwingie were our 3 best players and cost around £3m between them. Zuvi and Carson cost around £6m between them.. Its just an example that paying more money for a player doesnt mean he is better, and as long as the club are willing to pay money for the right player (which I think they have so far) then we should continue just fine
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on July 26, 2011, 12:43:17 PM
Not arguing, he has been very shrewd, but to take it to the next level an secure ourselves as a premier league club we need to change our mentality - look at the likes of teams around us Bolton, Fulham, Stoke etc have all progressed into midtable teams through spending a bit of loot.

The two teams in bold both of have benefactors putting money into the club. We don't. Hence the reason both Fulham and Stoke are able to spend more money than ourselves. We have to spend what we have wisely in comparison to those two.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dangerman on July 26, 2011, 12:53:17 PM
Not arguing, he has been very shrewd, but to take it to the next level an secure ourselves as a premier league club we need to change our mentality - look at the likes of teams around us Bolton, Fulham, Stoke etc have all progressed into midtable teams through spending a bit of loot.

Bargain basement is going to work - as we have seen over the past few years, but every time its a gamble -- fortunately a lot of ours have come off - but you cant ride that luck forever, especially as we are trying to establish ourselves i the prem - something which we havent done before

Ok so we spend extra money we haven't got to become a topmid table team.

What next? Spend a little more so that we can play in Europe.

Where does it stop?

This is exactly how the Leeds situation started. They wanted to spend a bit more to play champions league football.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 26, 2011, 01:43:28 PM
Maybe the more we spend the higher we finish the more attractive we become for a decent reliable bid to purchase the club.
Lets just hope billionaires who own football clubs bubbles burst
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WorcsWBA on July 26, 2011, 01:45:22 PM
12 months ago nobody would have dreamt we would be going in for Given, or even Freidel possibly,
It's easy to go for anyone - who you actually sign is all that counts. Some people have been happy with Bosmans on the basis that money is being concentrated on key signings. I think there's a difference between paying what you can afford and trying to squeeze every last penny out of a deal even if it risks losing out on the player. If we don't get key signings (such as Foster) of the quality we need because of our not unusual games of brinkmanship, then questions should rightly be asked IMO.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Astle1968 on July 26, 2011, 01:54:46 PM
It's easy to go for anyone - who you actually sign is all that counts. Some people have been happy with Bosmans on the basis that money is being concentrated on key signings. I think there's a difference between paying what you can afford and trying to squeeze every last penny out of a deal even if it risks losing out on the player. If we don't get key signings (such as Foster) of the quality we need because of our not unusual games of brinkmanship, then questions should rightly be asked IMO.

My point is we lost out because 2 bigger clubs came in, not because we were not prepared to pay what the players wanted. In this siuation I really dont understand how the club can win. We either go for established PL players like Given and Freidel in this case, who we know will improve us but will 9 times out of 10 have clubs slightly above us (Stoke, Fulham, Bolton etc) trying to sign them as well. Or we sign an 'unknown' (Odemwingie) gamble and hope it comes off.

As for the Foster comment, I completely agree that if we lose out on a player that is obtainable to us because we are not prepared to pay money that is both within our budget and offers value for money then questions should rightly be asked, espeically as the club seem to have identified him as our number one target in that position. However it seems these questions are already being asked, with blame being dished out to certain individuals at the club on the basis that we havnt finalised the deal just a few days after our first official interest was noted
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggieboyjop on July 26, 2011, 02:03:33 PM

This is exactly how the Leeds situation started. They wanted to spend a bit more to play champions league football.

Completely agree with you here mate, people need to look a bit more long term and i know thats what we always end up saying here at the albion but its true. If you look back to our first premier league season and the squad we had then and the squad we have now then its a vast improvement and every time we have come back up it has been a slight improvement which for me shows that the plan is working and we are slowly but surely becoming a good side. And then if we survive this season then it will be our first time we have spent 3 consecutive seasons in the premier league which again shows we are slowly building up to be a solid premiere league side.

But as for foster, i like everyone else would love to see him down the albion and hope we get it done soon so that we avoid the disappointment of losing out on him but we have to remember that he is a highly rated keeper al over the country so a lot of teams are probably keeping tabs on him, so if a bigger team came in and offered a higher fee and better wages and he went there then i'd say to try not to get too down, we didnt lose him because we've messed around, we will have lost him purely because he got a better offer which for a team of our size isnt something we should be getting annoyed over imo
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: leeiswba on July 26, 2011, 02:08:53 PM
People need to understand that teams like Fulham and Stoke have very very rich owners who pump their money into the club and we dont. Just be patient I dont care if it takes till 12th August to sign Foster if he is playing on the 14th against Yanited
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smethwickw on July 26, 2011, 02:13:22 PM
This is exactly how the Leeds situation started. They wanted to spend a bit more to play champions league football.

Spending an extra £1m say on your top target isn't like 'Doing a Leeds'. The Leeds quote comes out every year which is ridiculous comparison to us going that 'extra mile'. They spent huge amounts on fees and wages. We are probably haggling over £500K of wages with Blues.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: leeiswba on July 26, 2011, 02:16:47 PM
Spending an extra £1m say on your top target isn't like 'Doing a Leeds'. The Leeds quote comes out every year which is ridiculous comparison to us going that 'extra mile'. They spent huge amounts on fees and wages. We are probably haggling over £500K of wages with Blues.

And that could be the 500k needed for another player Roy wants. Then means it is only 500k we do it again and that is how it starts mate. Just be patient with it, to me if Roy really wans him I think we will get him when Blues realise no one else will bid for him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mike on July 26, 2011, 02:17:53 PM
A lot rests on this deal.  I'm all for him been very carefull, even if it does costs us the odd player, as overall he gets great value for the club.  This situation is different though.  JP should immediately pay the couple of hundred thousand pounds that we seem to be fighting over.  Securing a key position and keeping our manager satisfied is worth conceding a few hundred thousand for.  If it were over say a back up player, such as, Ridgewell or a Ridgewell, i would fully understand.  However, it appears that we are fighting over a couple of hundred thousand over a player/position that will prove critical to our season and ultimately our future.   
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WorcsWBA on July 26, 2011, 02:19:57 PM
My point is we lost out because 2 bigger clubs came in, not because we were not prepared to pay what the players wanted.
We don't know that though do we because, presumably, it never reached the stage where we got to discuss personal terms with the players?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Astle1968 on July 26, 2011, 02:35:36 PM
We dont know what the 'problem' is with the Foster deal but that doesn't seem to have stopped people making up scenarios that the club are not doing enough. In truth none of us can honestly say we know exactly what is going on behind the scenes. From what I read I perosnally think we made a serious attempt to sign both players, and the reasons for them not joining us were not due to finances, lack of ambition, lack of effort, or anything the club could have done in the situation.

IF the Foster deal doesn't come off then as it stands I would be very critical of the club as it seems for £500k or so more we could have the player we really want. However if we sign him on our terms and save the £500k I will again congratulate JP on a job well done. However the key here is IF, can people just wait and see what happens in the next few weeks before we berate people for not doing things when you yourself have said none of us truly know what is going on behind the scenes.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: VVVAlbion on July 26, 2011, 02:39:01 PM
We missed out to Stoke on Carew's wages - how much did that manage to save us? :D

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: graka on July 26, 2011, 02:47:33 PM
for me if roy wants foster and long and there wages are not silly and it will cost us around 12 mill then get them. afterall we would have budgeted for relegation so the extra 30 mill is a bonus.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Astle1968 on July 26, 2011, 03:03:56 PM
This is the Roy who has one year left on his contract and could likely leave the club at the end of the year? Leaving the new manager with £12m of players he might not want? Hodgson has minimal input to transfers at best. And before he complains (which im not saying he is) he knew exactly what the situation was when he took the job.

Again I cant understand the logic, Roy wants them, they will improve us, lets pay £12m! Is that really the way a football club should be run?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: saml30 on July 26, 2011, 03:28:24 PM
I would be "drunk" as well, if Foster scored against us.

but possible with boaz in goal  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Greenock Baggie on July 26, 2011, 03:48:34 PM
Just on SKY that Ipsh!t have signed the Fulham goalkeeper so we need to pull our finger out so we dont lose out on this guy to another team
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Floydy on July 26, 2011, 03:57:44 PM
Just on SKY that Ipsh!t have signed the Fulham goalkeeper so we need to pull our finger out so we dont lose out on this guy to another team

Ipswich have signed Fulhams 2nd keeper Stockdale - Schwarzer is still their first choice. They will not be in the market for a new no. 1
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JDWest_Brom on July 26, 2011, 03:58:05 PM
Stockdale has gone to a Championship team on loan. Only because Fulham wanted a 24 hour recall clause which they couldn't have loaning him to a Premiership team.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Greenock Baggie on July 26, 2011, 04:09:00 PM
Ipswich have signed Fulhams 2nd keeper Stockdale - Schwarzer is still their first choice. They will not be in the market for a new no. 1
Yes I know its Stockdale but wasnt the rumour that Wenger wanted him as 2bnd string goalie and that if Arsenal didnt get him, they COULD then go for Foster, our main target ??
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 26, 2011, 04:18:56 PM
You can't believe all rumours, Stockdale was only ever likely to go to a Championship club on loan for the reason JD said and it has been widely reported for weeks that the lad has been set to sign a new long term deal with Fulham which he has done. As for Arsenal there have been very few rumours about an interest in Foster, nothing at all to substantiate them.

As far as I know we are the only club with a genuine interest in Foster as Hodgson has admitted to talks going on between the two clubs about him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: graka on July 26, 2011, 04:33:46 PM
This is the Roy who has one year left on his contract and could likely leave the club at the end of the year? Leaving the new manager with £12m of players he might not want? Hodgson has minimal input to transfers at best. And before he complains (which im not saying he is) he knew exactly what the situation was when he took the job.

Again I cant understand the logic, Roy wants them, they will improve us, lets pay £12m! Is that really the way a football club should be run?
yes. its irrelevant if its on 1 or 7 players but if our current manager thinks this outlay will improve us as a team then its not a lot to spend. on the other hand lets sign no one and pete gets injured. the 12 mill will look a bargain when we go down.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RedHead_Baggie on July 26, 2011, 04:42:59 PM
Spending an extra £1m say on your top target isn't like 'Doing a Leeds'. The Leeds quote comes out every year which is ridiculous comparison to us going that 'extra mile'. They spent huge amounts on fees and wages. We are probably haggling over £500K of wages with Blues.

Completley agree. It makes me wonder if Roy has any sort of budget at all this summer.

It sounds to me that unless something is gift wrapped on a plate then the club just don't want to know.

Same situation every single transfer window.....
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Astle1968 on July 26, 2011, 04:43:26 PM
yes. its irrelevant if its on 1 or 7 players but if our current manager thinks this outlay will improve us as a team then its not a lot to spend. on the other hand lets sign no one and pete gets injured. the 12 mill will look a bargain when we go down.

Your living in dreamworld if you honestly think £12m is not a lot for our club to spend on any 2 players, let alone a GK and a support/back up CF.

At no time have I ever said we dont need to buy players or get them, simply we need to get them at a price that is in our range and represents good business for the club. I guarentee you with a attitude like yours with our transfers then at best we would of been like a Southampton for the last 5 years, and at worse out of business.

Name we one club who have spent money as freely as that in the PL era and have not been in to administration (not counting a Stoke, Fulham etc who are all subsided by owners) Only one I can think who comes close is Bolton and thats after 5 or 6 years steady and stable growth in the PL
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WSBaggie on July 26, 2011, 04:56:58 PM
Your living in dreamworld if you honestly think £12m is not a lot for our club to spend on any 2 players, let alone a GK and a support/back up GK.

At no time have I ever said we dont need to buy players or get them, simply we need to get them at a price that is in our range and represents good business for the club. I guarentee you with a attitude like yours with our transfers then at best we would of been like a Southampton for the last 5 years, and at worse out of business.

Name we one club who have spent money as freely as that in the PL era and have not been in to administration (not counting a Stoke, Fulham etc who are all subsided by owners) Only one I can think who comes close is Bolton and thats after 5 or 6 years steady and stable growth in the PL

Completely agree with this and you could even say Bolton are struggling slightly with finances now.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Greenock Baggie on July 26, 2011, 04:58:10 PM
For a club with "so-called" serious aspirations of staying in the Premier league and has actually been in that league for something like 5 out of the last 10 or 11 seasons, 12million on 2 or 3 players is an absolute pittance.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Astle1968 on July 26, 2011, 05:03:20 PM
We spent around £8m last year (I stand to be corrected) and took a championship side to mid table in the Prem. I dont see why we have to spend £10m £15m £20m for fans to think we want to be competitve in the league
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Greenock Baggie on July 26, 2011, 05:05:31 PM
We spent around £8m last year (I stand to be corrected) and took a championship side to mid table in the Prem. I dont see why we have to spend £10m £15m £20m for fans to think we want to be competitve in the league
Because you can get away with it for 1 or possibly 2 seasons but eventually it will come back to bite you on the bum and down we will go........AGAIN !, and no-one wants that, we've had enough yo-yoing for one lifetime thank you very much
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lordbaggie on July 26, 2011, 05:06:51 PM
Not arguing, he has been very shrewd, but to take it to the next level an secure ourselves as a premier league club we need to change our mentality - look at the likes of teams around us Bolton, Fulham, Stoke etc have all progressed into midtable teams through spending a bit of loot.

Bargain basement is going to work - as we have seen over the past few years, but every time its a gamble -- fortunately a lot of ours have come off - but you cant ride that luck forever, especially as we are trying to establish ourselves i the prem - something which we havent done before

And so did Blues, West Ham and Boro' - spending doesn't bring with it any guarantees
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Astle1968 on July 26, 2011, 05:11:51 PM
Birmingham had the 3rd highest net spend in the PL under McCleish, and it worked out brilliantly for them didnt it. Would people be happier if we had signed £6m Zigic than Odemwignie last season? More expensive but it least it would have shown we were serious about staying in the league, and never mind we went down and now have to sell our best players just to stay afloat, at least the board showed some ambition.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on July 26, 2011, 05:22:44 PM
There is a massive difference over not paying extornionate fee's, and not paying a few hundred thousand more on a deal which is already much cheaper than we'd have first thought anyway.

Buying someone like Long for 8m is reckless, paying a couple of hundred k more for  Foster is sensible. Goalkeeper is the most important position we will buy for this season, given the fact his deal is apparently much cheaper than anyone could ever have thought, paying a tiny bit extra isn't going to bankrupt anyone.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 26, 2011, 05:24:37 PM
The thing is though Dan is it just a few hundred thousand stopping a deal going through for Foster or are you jumping to conclusions based on very little information? None of us know what the financial details of any proposed deals are.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Greenock Baggie on July 26, 2011, 05:29:18 PM
The thing is though Dan is it just a few hundred thousand stopping a deal going through for Foster or are you jumping to conclusions based on very little information? None of us know what the financial details of any proposed deals are.
I fully take on board we should NOT be held to ransom over signing players at extortionate prices and just bend over and take it ! However, it just strikes me that we, more than any other club I know, fanny about when it comes to signing players. You never hear of other clubs, even ones that we know about, having the pallarva that we have practically every time we sign or look to sign a player.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 26, 2011, 05:34:06 PM
I only look at general transfer news when it comes to other clubs but with Albion I look into every little story and link all the time so I honestly couldn't give you an answer about whether other clubs 'fanny about' with transfers or not. In all honesty I doubt you could either unless you are following other clubs and their news as closely as you do Albion.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Greenock Baggie on July 26, 2011, 05:36:11 PM
I only look at general transfer news when it comes to other clubs but with Albion I look into every little story and link all the time so I honestly couldn't give you an answer about whether other clubs 'fanny about' with transfers or not. In all honesty I doubt you could either unless you are following other clubs and their news as closely as you do Albion.
Point taken but with 90% of signings other clubs make, you hear about it one day and they player is signed then next, or a week at the most, with us, its months !
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 26, 2011, 05:49:02 PM
Depends what news sources you read, I've seen clubs linked with a lot of players in the past that seem to take months to get deals done. Take Wolves and Roger Johnson as an example, they admited they made their initial contact with Birmingham the week the season finished but only sealed the deal about a week or two ago. In comparison to Foster who wasn't even known to be a target of ours until it was confirmed that Given wasn't interested in joining us and a day or two after our move for Vaughan broke down, what was that two or three weeks ago?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 26, 2011, 07:25:51 PM
Foster starting for blues tonight. Lets hope it's his last game for them ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: hardtobeat on July 26, 2011, 07:58:55 PM
Foster starting for blues tonight. Lets hope it's his last game for them ;D
Tends to suggest his leaving them is still some way off?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on July 26, 2011, 08:05:29 PM
Tends to suggest his leaving them is still some way off?
Not really. Didn't Greening play for us against Newcastle in the first game of the 2009-10 season and then a week later he signed for Fulham?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on July 26, 2011, 08:07:21 PM
Not really. Didn't Greening play for us against Newcastle in the first game of the 2009-10 season and then a week later he signed for Fulham?

Not sure but Damien Duff played (scored as well) and signed for Fulham a week later.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dexy on July 26, 2011, 08:10:20 PM
Not really. Didn't Greening play for us against Newcastle in the first game of the 2009-10 season and then a week later he signed for Fulham?
Greening played the Newcastle game,Forest away(made the goal) then was pulled out the squad for Peterborough away and departed for Fulham shortly after.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba2004 on July 26, 2011, 08:11:46 PM
Greening played the Newcastle game,Forest away(made the goal) then was pulled out the squad for Peterborough away and departed for Fulham shortly after.

Looks like we posted the same thing at the same time lol  :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Astle1968 on July 26, 2011, 08:24:12 PM
Completely agree that there is a massive difference between not paying over the odds and not paying and extra £500k. However I wasn't aware that we had refused to pay this money, or that it was even a sticking point? Instead its fans being impatient and jumping to conclusions.

If come September we have failed to sign Foster just because we didn't want to pay an extra £8k a week on his wages, and he has confirmed to be our number 1 target in the window then I will be livid and be asking serious questions of our ambition and transfer policy. However, that's a big if and until that happens I dont see how anyone can have a go at the people involved in the deal, especially when nobody knows what is really happening. 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: off_foo_182 on July 26, 2011, 08:34:03 PM
We have the opportunity to sign a class keeper, we should be snapping their hands off! Just pay the F*cking money albion, hardly going to lose out. Won t it be a loan to buy? Stupid to just loan him, stump up the cash and get him permanently.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Aztech on July 26, 2011, 08:37:12 PM
I would be more than happy if we could sign Foster.

However it is interesting that people claimed there was not a rush of premier league clubs to sign Carson, surely the same could be said of Foster!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggie Artist on July 26, 2011, 08:41:09 PM
Maybe they didn't want to pay £5 million+ for a goalkeeper, not many teams do. He only knowingly became available for loan in the last week or so, after most teams had already sorted their goalkeepers out.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 26, 2011, 09:03:57 PM
He's let one in against Oxford. Blues losing 1-0 lol!

Need to sign him up ASAP IMO.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 26, 2011, 09:36:43 PM
Blues lost 2-0 so he let 2 in! Oh well ay.

Tie his wages up JP! I'm getting impatient now ;D :P
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Aztech on July 26, 2011, 10:45:02 PM
Just watched an interview with Sam Allerdyce on sky sports.

When asked if he was expecting another bid from West Brom for Green, he said no they have signed Foster.  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on July 26, 2011, 10:47:32 PM
Just watched an interview with Sam Allerdyce on sky sports.

When asked if he was expecting another bid from West Brom for Green, he said no they have signed Foster.  ;D

Coming from fat Sam it must be true.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 26, 2011, 10:47:55 PM
This deal could happen ASAP or not at all. Hearing strong reports of twitter that blues are going into admin. This might spell the end for this deal but could also mean we get him cheaper. Who knows.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 26, 2011, 10:49:38 PM
This deal could happen ASAP or not at all. Hearing strong reports of twitter that blues are going into admin. This might spell the end for this deal but could also mean we get him cheaper. Who knows.

Also rumored on Facebook now.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Aztech on July 26, 2011, 10:51:53 PM
Mirror Sport - back page.

Brum and Busted!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 26, 2011, 10:52:23 PM
Still only rumors that they are going in. But if they are, and yes it's bad news for them and midland football, but could this mean we could get foster on a reduced permanent deal?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Aztech on July 26, 2011, 10:54:17 PM
Still only rumors that they are going in. But if they are, and yes it's bad news for them and midland football, but could this mean we could get foster on a reduced permanent deal?

Foster, Dann and Jerome 1.5 million

Jeremy is on his way to the fire sale as we speak!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on July 26, 2011, 10:54:53 PM
Lets get Scott Dann as well  8)

Foster and Dann for a couple of million  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 26, 2011, 10:56:43 PM
Lets get Scott Dann as well  8)

Foster and Dann for a couple of million  ;D

Throw in ridgewell for good measure. And it's a deal.

All honesty now. This and deal for ridgewell might start picking up very fast if this information is true regarding blues!

Interesting to see big sams comments on SSN.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 26, 2011, 10:59:09 PM
Got a gut feeling this deal will be confirmed by midday tommorow. On a permanent contract too. You heard it here first ;D.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on July 26, 2011, 11:02:24 PM
My only worry would be if Arsenal see this an opportunity to get a good goalkeeper on the cheap now.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 26, 2011, 11:05:09 PM
My only worry would be if Arsenal see this an opportunity to get a good goalkeeper on the cheap now.

I don't think this will be an issue. Foster had said himself if I recall that he is settles here and wants to stay in the area. Arsenal have better keepers than foster IMO so I don't think this will be an issue.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on July 26, 2011, 11:06:34 PM
I don't think this will be an issue. Foster had said himself if I recall that he is settles here and wants to stay in the area. Arsenal have better keepers than foster IMO so I don't think this will be an issue.

That's good then. But which goalkeeper is better than Foster at Arsenal?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: addy on July 26, 2011, 11:08:53 PM
If they go into admin, so much for the loan deal mentioned of them buying him back if they get promoted. It will be near impossible with a points deduction. Hopefully we can tie a perm or loan to perm this week.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 26, 2011, 11:09:49 PM
That's good then. But which goalkeeper is better than Foster at Arsenal?

IMHO fabianski. Alumnia (if he's still there)

Just saw SSN again and he seemed quite sure we've landed foster.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on July 26, 2011, 11:11:19 PM
IMHO fabianski. Alumnia (if he's still there)

Just saw SSN again and he seemed quite sure we've landed foster.

Don't rate either of them at all. Think Szczesny has fantastic potential though.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bigbadjohn on July 26, 2011, 11:12:34 PM
What's ssn saying then ?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 26, 2011, 11:18:44 PM
What's ssn saying then ?

Big Sam was asked who placed a bid for green and he said us
Was then asked are negotiating continuing following the rejection and he said no because we have already signed foster.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 26, 2011, 11:21:11 PM
Yeung’s court case begins on August 11 but acting-chairman Pannu fronted up to Mirror Sport to explain City’s predicament in a candid interview from Hong Kong, where he is trying to find solutions.

He warned: “Upon my return I may have to make some unpopular decisions and I hope the fans will understand that I effectively don’t have a choice.

“The club may need to do what is right and to buy time until Carson’s assets are dislodged from the clutches of the courts in Hong Kong.”




Maybe Pannu being away is what has held any potential deal up, mind you thinking about it how silly of me of course it is us that has held it all up by messing around.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 26, 2011, 11:23:33 PM
Yeung’s court case begins on August 11 but acting-chairman Pannu fronted up to Mirror Sport to explain City’s predicament in a candid interview from Hong Kong, where he is trying to find solutions.

He warned: “Upon my return I may have to make some unpopular decisions and I hope the fans will understand that I effectively don’t have a choice.

“The club may need to do what is right and to buy time until Carson’s assets are dislodged from the clutches of the courts in Hong Kong.”



Maybe Pannu being away is what has held any potential deal up mind you thinking about it how silly of me of course it is us that has held it all up by messing around.

Didn't realize  he was away. This is more likely the reason why it's been held up. Is he back now?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 26, 2011, 11:27:25 PM
No idea when he is back or if it has held anything up. Just pointing out that it may not have been us holding things up when so many have assumed that we have.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: addy on July 26, 2011, 11:28:39 PM
Now, City chief Peter Pannu has admitted the axe will have to fall and unpopular decisions will have to be made when he returns from the Far East - just one week before they kick off their Championship season.

Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Birmingham-financial-meltdown-Carson-Yeung-assets-frozen-player-sale-to-survive-new-Portsmouth-article776447.html#ixzz1TFlp8nEP
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 26, 2011, 11:30:43 PM
Now, City chief Peter Pannu has admitted the axe will have to fall and unpopular decisions will have to be made when he returns from the Far East - just one week before they kick off their Championship season.

Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Birmingham-financial-meltdown-Carson-Yeung-assets-frozen-player-sale-to-survive-new-Portsmouth-article776447.html#ixzz1TFlp8nEP

So that's this weekend then. Hmm wonder if all deals regarding blues are on ice til he gets back or if deals will still happen even though he isn't in country?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on July 26, 2011, 11:33:50 PM
So that's this weekend then. Hmm wonder if all deals regarding blues are on ice til he gets back or if deals will still happen even though he isn't in country?

Can't deals be done over the phone? Is Pannu the only person who can sanction a transfer? I'm pretty sure the deal can be done without him here.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggies on July 26, 2011, 11:34:32 PM
I think this is the time now to get Foster. The 4 million bid has to go in now, rake up the pressure before the other vultures come in. Looks like he should be ours the way they are going which would be great news.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 26, 2011, 11:37:26 PM
Can't deals be done over the phone? Is Pannu the only person who can sanction a transfer? I'm pretty sure the deal can be done without him here.

You would expect so but the way that club has been run since they took over you really never know.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Joust on July 26, 2011, 11:38:21 PM
Big Sam was asked who placed a bid for green and he said us
Was then asked are negotiating continuing following the rejection and he said no because we have already signed foster.

Is that a quote? Bold statement to make that.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: addy on July 26, 2011, 11:42:27 PM
Big Sam our new ITK :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 26, 2011, 11:44:35 PM
Is that a quote? Bold statement to make that.

He didn't quite say it like that, when asked if there was a chance we could negotiate a deal with them for Green he said something like they have already taken Foster haven't they.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BaggieJames114 on July 26, 2011, 11:52:59 PM
More Blues news: Brmb understand that Ben Foster has agreed to join West Brom on loan. Deal could be done in next 24 hours #bcfc #wba
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mulumbu99 on July 26, 2011, 11:53:41 PM
Tom Ross
More Blues news: Brmb understand that Ben Foster has agreed to join West Brom on loan. Deal could be done in next 24 hours #bcfc #wba
56 seconds ago via HootSuite · 12 · Like ·
 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on July 26, 2011, 11:54:08 PM
Tom Ross
More Blues news: Brmb understand that Ben Foster has agreed to join West Brom on loan. Deal could be done in next 24 hours #bcfc #wba
56 seconds ago via HootSuite · 12 · Like ·
 ;D ;D ;D


Just seen that. Fantastic news.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie_1 on July 26, 2011, 11:56:03 PM
Woohoo!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Joust on July 26, 2011, 11:56:27 PM
Chuffed with this. The club yet again moving in the right direction.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on July 26, 2011, 11:57:06 PM
(http://dailykaizen.org/files/2006/04/303931751.jpg)
Me and a few mates upon hearing the news.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bigbadjohn on July 26, 2011, 11:57:56 PM
Yessssss happy days :)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on July 26, 2011, 11:59:05 PM
(http://dailykaizen.org/files/2006/04/303931751.jpg)
Me and a few mates upon hearing the news.

Is that you far right? - Nice moustache  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Joust on July 26, 2011, 11:59:36 PM
Once confirmed, I may do a Shearer celebration in the garden
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 27, 2011, 12:00:05 AM
I await the last minute bid from Steve Bruce  :-X
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on July 27, 2011, 12:01:08 AM
Is that you far right? - Nice moustache  ;D
Thank you. As you can tell from the picture, it's quite a babe magnet ;D.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BaggieJames114 on July 27, 2011, 12:01:35 AM
Fantastic signing if its true, hope to see more about it in the morning and hope hes signed before Bristol City away
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: crazedwbafan18 on July 27, 2011, 12:01:58 AM
Yes, yes, yes, happy days and things are on the move finally!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Political Cake on July 27, 2011, 12:04:11 AM
I await the last minute bid from Steve Bruce  :-X

Just in on SSN ;D :P
Remember, Brucie doesn't sleep these days (although he does hibernate in the fabled "ice machine" to reduce the red colouring on his face) :P
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: westbrom4ever on July 27, 2011, 12:05:55 AM
Wonder why it's not a permanent deal, Birmingham are clearly in trouble financially.

We're broke? Maybe he isn't convinced we will stay up next year?

Either way he is an improvement on Carson, happy days!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tipton baggie 80 on July 27, 2011, 12:09:08 AM
Wouldn't suprise me if it's a loan with a view to a permanent, and is just being reported as a loan.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: costa blanca baggie on July 27, 2011, 12:15:40 AM
Let me know when he´s signed..till then...good-night.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on July 27, 2011, 12:18:02 AM
Great news for Albion if its true. Definitely the best available keeper. A confident defence stems from a confident keeper. .. At the same time,  I take no pleasure in seeing what's happening at Blues. One of the few other clubs I have any liking for. Lesson for Albion. Steer clear of dodgy foreign owners. 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mossi28 on July 27, 2011, 12:20:18 AM
From a very reliable source on twitter (not Tom Ross) that this will be confirmed in the next 24 hours. Loan fee in the region of £1m.

This guy has stated 15 signings in the last few days that have all been correct.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lordbaggie on July 27, 2011, 12:22:57 AM
Great news for Albion if its true. Definitely the best available keeper. A confident defence stems from a confident keeper. .. At the same time,  I take no pleasure in seeing what's happening at Blues. One of the few other clubs I have any liking for. Lesson for Albion. Steer clear of dodgy foreign owners.

They never did quite clear that gypsy's curse, now, did they?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on July 27, 2011, 12:23:30 AM
Great news for Albion if its true. Definitely the best available keeper. A confident defence stems from a confident keeper. .. At the same time,  I take no pleasure in seeing what's happening at Blues. One of the few other clubs I have any liking for. Lesson for Albion. Steer clear of dodgy foreign owners.
Too true. Peace may be a frustrating penny-pincher but when you look at the catastrophes that have happened with so many other clubs due to dodgy foreign owners (Blues being the latest) it makes you grateful to have him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: worcester baggie on July 27, 2011, 12:30:06 AM
great signing for us ,well happy with foster ..couple more quality signing and weem ready to kick some ass ..
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lordbaggie on July 27, 2011, 12:39:38 AM
4m combined for Foster and Ridgewell - both permanent?   ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBArgo on July 27, 2011, 01:50:46 AM
Wonder why it's not a permanent deal, Birmingham are clearly in trouble financially.

We're broke? Maybe he isn't convinced we will stay up next year?

Either way he is an improvement on Carson, happy days!

The deal is in both clubs favour. It's an old cliche but when both parties feel they've lost a little ground on a deal, it's usually for the best. By this I mean everyone's a winner.

Blues are in financial trouble. They bought in Foster for £4 million, rising to £6 million with add-ons such as appearances etc...So as of now they've spent £4 million on him. They will do all they can to avoid those add-ons. If they stay down, they re-coup their money for him and make a tiny profit. It is better than losing money on him. Selling him for straight cash would be hard. They're so poor they are not in a position to haggle.

However, if they do go straight up, their money improves and will take him back, meaning he's only been on loan for his in theory for a year. He's a great keeper though and even if it is only a year I think it's well worth it.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bangkokbaggie on July 27, 2011, 06:58:09 AM
The rumoured deal is a 1 year loan with the opportunity to purchase at £4 million I believe provided Blues didn’t get immediate promotion. In addition to their dire financial position if the impending administration happens then Blues will be docked points making it almost certain that they wouldn’t achieve promotion this coming season meaning that Foster would be ours permanently based on the loan option put forward. Of course circumstances now look likely to change and possibly a permanent transfer could happen.   
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bradleysrocket on July 27, 2011, 08:48:49 AM
From a very reliable source on twitter (not Tom Ross) that this will be confirmed in the next 24 hours. Loan fee in the region of £1m.

This guy has stated 15 signings in the last few days that have all been correct.
Not wanting pour cold water all over this source, but has there really been 15 signings in the last few days?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 27, 2011, 09:02:01 AM
Not wanting pour cold water all over this source, but has there really been 15 signings in the last few days?

If you don't just focus on the Premier League and Championship there have been many more.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 27, 2011, 09:03:20 AM
Colin Tattum has said we are set to get Foster on loan now too, I trust him more than Tom Ross thats for sure.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BB74 on July 27, 2011, 09:11:20 AM
Colin Tattum has said we are set to get Foster on loan now too, I trust him more than Tom Ross thats for sure.

Why can we refer to Tom Ross and Colin Tattums claims of ITK but one mention of Lepko and it gets shot down and we are told not to discuss Lepkos claims on here but on a Brum Mail forum?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dangerman on July 27, 2011, 09:16:02 AM
Why can we refer to Tom Ross and Colin Tattums claims of ITK but one mention of Lepko and it gets shot down and we are told not to discuss Lepkos claims on here but on a Brum Mail forum?

Taken from the CL thread:

Quote from: OldburyWBA
Please feel free to discuss his stories but the comments about him personally are not welcomed on this site as he does not use the site himself.


Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BB74 on July 27, 2011, 09:17:48 AM
Well before I posted a CL twitter quote and that got taken down, yet Tattum and Ross's quotes have stayed up. Wondered why?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dangerman on July 27, 2011, 09:20:48 AM
Well before I posted a CL twitter quote and that got taken down, yet Tattum and Ross's quotes have stayed up. Wondered why?

I don't know the answer to that, you'll have to ask one of the mods I guess?

Anyway, back on topic.

I said at the end of last season we should be in for Foster and I am chuffed that he is on the verge of signing. He is a definite improvement on Carson and Green, and he is the right choice for us.

Not counting my chickens just yet, but well done to the backroom staff should this one go through  :)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: collins101 on July 27, 2011, 09:26:26 AM
Unless it's the Davies, Greening and Valero type of loan surely at the end of the 1st year another club can come in and bid 4mill aswell.. ?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BB74 on July 27, 2011, 09:27:18 AM
I think Foster is an excellent signing though, it will make a change to have a competent goalkeeper. Let's hope Dean and our fans don't destroy Foster though.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: duncan on July 27, 2011, 10:15:45 AM
I think Foster is an excellent signing though, it will make a change to have a competent goalkeeper. Let's hope Dean and our fans don't destroy Foster though.

So now our GK coach is to blame for Franks mistakes? I do love how we like to blame others. Is it not possible that Carson was error prone in his spell with us? #Carsonsfault

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BB74 on July 27, 2011, 10:18:15 AM
So now our GK coach is to blame for Franks mistakes? I do love how we like to blame others. Is it not possible that Carson was error prone in his spell with us? #Carsonsfault

I'm not the first to suggest this. The way a player is coached has a big impact on his game, whether you like that fact or not.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smethwickw on July 27, 2011, 10:18:28 AM
I think Foster is an excellent signing though, it will make a change to have a competent goalkeeper. Let's hope Dean and our fans don't destroy Foster though.

I don't think they will. Carson destroyed himself. It's funny how most were saying we'd never get anyone better than Carson. There are pleny of better keepers out there. Foster is streets ahead though. A superb signing if it happens.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: greggy8689 on July 27, 2011, 10:29:21 AM
Unless it's the Davies, Greening and Valero type of loan surely at the end of the 1st year another club can come in and bid 4mill aswell.. ?

Imagine we will have priority option
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: greggy8689 on July 27, 2011, 10:31:00 AM
So now our GK coach is to blame for Franks mistakes? I do love how we like to blame others. Is it not possible that Carson was error prone in his spell with us? #Carsonsfault

Got to feel it was a factor but can't be bothered to discuss it again. Will be pleased with Foster if he signs.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JDWest_Brom on July 27, 2011, 10:56:40 AM
Gregg Evans the Birmingham Mail reporter (who covers the Blues usually but is also covering the Albion this week) has tweeted 'BCFC contacts saying Foster could complete WBA move today'.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Londonbaggymike on July 27, 2011, 11:14:00 AM
Gregg Evans the Birmingham Mail reporter (who covers the Blues usually but is also covering the Albion this week) has tweeted saying BCFC contacts saying Foster could complete WBA move today.

So expect it to be announced on the OS on friday!

Great news if true.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 27, 2011, 11:15:33 AM
I said last night that it could be done by midday! Might still be right :)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mister AT on July 27, 2011, 11:27:42 AM
Cracking signing.

Hope all you people saying we should just spend the 8 million to get him look at the situation now as we could well have got him for a lot less with all the trouble surrounding Blues.

Makes the Ridgewell bid not that insulting now.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Legend on July 27, 2011, 11:34:06 AM
I'd be very pleased with this if it comes off, Foster's a great keeper and an improvement on Carson.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Zebidee on July 27, 2011, 11:40:01 AM
Shame that blues may go into admin.. But it works to our advantage
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mossi28 on July 27, 2011, 11:46:18 AM
Not wanting pour cold water all over this source, but has there really been 15 signings in the last few days?

This also includes Scotland and has just reported Henri Lansbury is back on his way to Norwich. I haven't seen him wrong yet.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smethwickw on July 27, 2011, 11:48:42 AM
Gregg Evans the Birmingham Mail reporter (who covers the Blues usually but is also covering the Albion this week) has tweeted 'BCFC contacts saying Foster could complete WBA move today'.

Do you think they would have risked him in last nights friendly if the deal was that close? He played the full 90 mins.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bradleysrocket on July 27, 2011, 11:56:36 AM
This also includes Scotland and has just reported Henri Lansbury is back on his way to Norwich. I haven't seen him wrong yet.
yeah Ive checked him out and it seems sound enough , by his own admission hes only relaying news from elsewhere though. Still the noises from all over look positive regarding foster. Good signing either loan or permanent.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 27, 2011, 12:11:07 PM
Do you think they would have risked him in last nights friendly if the deal was that close? He played the full 90 mins.

Possibly yes. Might have been a final game in front of their fans. Goal keepers rarely play 90 mins in friendly IMO. So might have been a farewell?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bigbadjohn on July 27, 2011, 12:12:08 PM
i reckon foster will be in the team for the bristol city game ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1968-Tim on July 27, 2011, 12:22:21 PM
E&S think its a done deal then

http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/2011/07/27/albion-set-to-seal-ben-foster-deal/

Really good signing  :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Tipton Baggie on July 27, 2011, 12:28:23 PM
E&S think its a done deal then

http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/2011/07/27/albion-set-to-seal-ben-foster-deal/

Really good signing  :D
When its official I'll be happy.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: greggy8689 on July 27, 2011, 12:35:29 PM
This also includes Scotland and has just reported Henri Lansbury is back on his way to Norwich. I haven't seen him wrong yet.

Who is it?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 27, 2011, 12:35:57 PM
Happy with this. Over the moon actually!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bradleysrocket on July 27, 2011, 12:39:13 PM
Who is it?
a guy tweeting under the name fourth_official I believe.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 27, 2011, 12:44:26 PM
a guy tweeting under the name fourth_official I believe.

Two blokes I think, they have been wrong before but they just relay news and aren't ITK as such.

Especially with this one as they have told us nothing we don't already know about Foster.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 27, 2011, 12:52:57 PM
Gregg Evans replying to someone on twitter who asked about Foster: It is expected to go through today or tomorrow, will tweet more later
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie_1 on July 27, 2011, 01:03:03 PM
im hearing its done ??
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Barrington on July 27, 2011, 01:05:48 PM
I'll be well chuffed if this goes through. A marked improvement in the goalkeeping position from last season. This is essentially what we need to keep doing in order to consolidate in the league. Well done to Ashworth, Peace and Hodgson if we pull it off.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Greenock Baggie on July 27, 2011, 01:06:43 PM
What was it that Nicky Reid said after scoring the second goal at Wembley in the play-off final.

AT f******* LAST !!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alwaysbilly on July 27, 2011, 01:17:28 PM
What was it that Nicky Reid said after scoring the second goal at Wembley in the play-off final.

AT f******* LAST !!!

I think youll find he actually said 'get F***** In!'
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dangerman on July 27, 2011, 01:18:50 PM
im hearing its done ??

Not until it's on the official site will I believe anything! Sorry  :)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie_1 on July 27, 2011, 01:20:31 PM
Not until it's on the official site will I believe anything! Sorry  :)
but im ITK.......im not. just joking before people start  :P  just a few people saying it. few people saying photographers are at the ground
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dangerman on July 27, 2011, 01:22:24 PM
but im ITK.......im not just joking before people start  :P  just a few people saying it. few people saying photographers are at the ground

Yes there is a lot of tweets flying around.  But surely he would be at the training ground and not at the Hawthorns?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 27, 2011, 01:22:42 PM
but im ITK.......im not just joking before people start  :P  just a few people saying it. few people saying photographers are at the ground

Wouldn't he be unveiled at training ground not hawthorns?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DaveWBA on July 27, 2011, 01:26:21 PM
Not until it's on the official site will I believe anything! Sorry  :)

11.55pm on 31st August then  ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KnaveofAlbion on July 27, 2011, 01:27:03 PM
The classic photo is on the steps of the stadium isn't it? scarf over your head, wearing a shirt....
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JDWest_Brom on July 27, 2011, 01:29:30 PM
Have we got any steps at the front of the ground? Isn't ours either with the Albion sign in the background by the Brummy Road End or in the stadium on the seats?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie_1 on July 27, 2011, 01:35:38 PM
its usualy done in the east stand i think
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 27, 2011, 01:38:44 PM
I thought of late a new signing was pictured at the training ground by the crest
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BB74 on July 27, 2011, 01:50:38 PM
I thought of late a new signing was pictured at the training ground by the crest

The majority have. The Hawthorns is now used only as a Match Day Venue. (Ticket Office and Club Shop apart).

The training ground is now the place where it all happens.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JDWest_Brom on July 27, 2011, 01:52:53 PM
Must just be tourists at the ground then.  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie_1 on July 27, 2011, 01:53:54 PM
where do the press confrences happen?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: OldburyWBA on July 27, 2011, 01:57:27 PM
First pictures these days tend to be at the training ground. The ones at the ground are usually after the press conference.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 27, 2011, 02:15:09 PM
SSN just reported we've agreed a loan deal with view to making it permanent next summer
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Barrington on July 27, 2011, 02:17:13 PM
Best signing so far if true then : )
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lordbaggie on July 27, 2011, 02:46:31 PM
Second best.

After Mulumbu  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Lloydy on July 27, 2011, 04:21:31 PM
Fee and personal terms agreed, just a medical for Ben to pass now.

http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/west-bromwich-albion-fc-news/2011/07/27/baggies-view-west-bromwich-albion-close-in-on-ben-foster-loan-deal-97319-29129931/
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggieboyjop on July 27, 2011, 04:26:02 PM
Brlliant news if true. And if its not true now i'll be in a seriously fowl mood for the rest of the week now i've got my hopes up  ???  ;D

In all seriosness, this is a top move by the club and hopefully now we can all move on from the keeper saga
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 27, 2011, 04:27:06 PM
Never fully understood personal terms when it comes to loan deals, is it a new contract drawn up for the loan spell or do the clubs agree how much they each pay towards his current deal at the parent club?

With that said I suppose in this case if it is with a view to a permanent deal I imagine we would have had to come to an arrangement about his contract come the end of the initial loan spell should it become a permanent transfer.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dangerman on July 27, 2011, 04:33:36 PM
Never fully understood personal terms when it comes to loan deals, is it a new contract drawn up for the loan spell or do the clubs agree how much they each pay towards his current deal at the parent club?

With that said I suppose in this case if it is with a view to a permanent deal I imagine we would have had to come to an arrangement about his contract come the end of the initial loan spell should it become a permanent transfer.

My understanding is that the two clubs agree how much of the wages each club pays.

If it is a loan to perm deal (aka a JP special) then I would assume some kind of wage deal (for the perm deal) would need to be agreed in principle before joining us on loan.

That is my guess.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggieboyjop on July 27, 2011, 04:38:18 PM
Yes, i'm with dangerman, i think its to do with the clubs sorting out the percentage of wages we will pay and if its one of those 'view to a permenant' then they'll probably be talking that through too
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Perrybarrbaggy on July 27, 2011, 04:53:14 PM
And probably bonuses in his contract too, such as app fee and clean sheet etc
Need to be discussed
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smethwickw on July 27, 2011, 04:54:58 PM
And probably bonuses in his contract too, such as app fee and clean sheet etc
Need to be discussed

No need to worry about that one. ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dangerman on July 27, 2011, 04:55:15 PM
And probably bonuses in his contract too, such as app fee and clean sheet etc
Need to be discussed

If he can get us five clean sheets next season then it's money well spent in my opinion lol
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BB74 on July 27, 2011, 04:57:04 PM
If he can get us five clean sheets next season then it's money well spent in my opinion lol

Houlty will sleep tight again next season. No one will be beating 27 clean sheets for a long long time.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie_1 on July 27, 2011, 04:58:31 PM
If he can get us five clean sheets next season then it's money well spent in my opinion lol
well hes got a massive target of 2 clean sheets to break  ;) ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Greenock Baggie on July 27, 2011, 04:59:05 PM
Houlty will sleep tight again next season. No one will be beating 27 clean sheets for a long long time.
27 in the championship though. Bully scored loads of goals but in the lower leagues and I dont see anyone saying he's a better scorer than Bomber who got most of his in the top league
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on July 27, 2011, 04:59:17 PM
Houlty will sleep tight again next season. No one will be beating 27 clean sheets for a long long time.
Let him sign for us before you start knocking him ay!  ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BB74 on July 27, 2011, 05:02:44 PM
Let him sign for us before you start knocking him ay!  ;)

Huh?!  ??? Im not knocking him one bit! I am just stating that 27 clean sheets in a season was an exceptional record and it will be years before any beats that. It was not  knocking Foster it was stating the bleeding obvious.

Take a look at my view on the Foster signing a bit earlier, I praised the signing.

You happy clappers are too quick to jump on the defensive bandwagon. 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: royhan on July 27, 2011, 05:04:45 PM
These loans, then permanent, deals are so complicated. It's no wonder that this one has dragged on for so long.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bigbadjohn on July 27, 2011, 05:09:51 PM
West Bromwich Albion are in talks to sign Birmingham goalkeeper Ben Foster, BBC Sport understands.
But sources have indicated that the move is not expected to be finalised on Wednesday as talks continue between the two clubs.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kris_boing on July 27, 2011, 05:12:34 PM
27 in the championship though. Bully scored loads of goals but in the lower leagues and I dont see anyone saying he's a better scorer than Bomber who got most of his in the top league

and was technically a midfielder.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 27, 2011, 05:13:13 PM
How gutted would we all be if we've come this far, agreed terms etc. And he fails his medical! ;D

Hope this is completed today or at latest this time tomorrow.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Greenock Baggie on July 27, 2011, 05:16:55 PM
I do agree with your statement though BB74, it was / is a hell of a record :o
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kris_boing on July 27, 2011, 05:19:32 PM
He has the ability to become England Number 1.  I know Hart has the jersey at the minute and deservedly so but I see Foster as next in line.

Also having him in goal will surely mean the defence will feel more comfortable than when Carson was in goal.

This will be a cracking signing.

Still love another centre back though then the defence is sorted IMO.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggieboyjop on July 27, 2011, 05:26:33 PM
How gutted would we all be if we've come this far, agreed terms etc. And he fails his medical! ;D

Hope this is completed today or at latest this time tomorrow.

Agree, this is one i really dont want to drag out as the keeper situation needs to be sorted this week imo so the defence and keeper can get to know each other and how they will work together
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 27, 2011, 05:41:38 PM
I wonder. If he hadn't of player yesterday. And this deal would of been completed this morning. Would he travel to play tonight?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: A5HB on July 27, 2011, 05:47:07 PM
I wonder. If he hadn't of player yesterday. And this deal would of been completed this morning. Would he travel to play tonight?

I don't think they would have bothered to be honest, if they are splitting the squad between the 3 friendlies this week Myhill would probably always play tonight and then Foster potentially at the weekend.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 27, 2011, 05:50:47 PM
I don't think they would have bothered to be honest, if they are splitting the squad between the 3 friendlies this week Myhill would probably always play tonight and then Foster potentially at the weekend.

True. He should get game time against city then!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 27, 2011, 05:53:21 PM
Baggie 79 on twitter has said foster deal done.

With Foster done im happy with the squad as it is but do fans want more?

Maybe it just needs to be confirmed on OS tomorrow?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: j_dog_1980 on July 27, 2011, 05:56:46 PM
Good news! Good keeper!

With Gera move well on the cards i just want another striker and maybe a defender please!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggies on July 27, 2011, 06:09:58 PM
Great signing. I suppose Albions view is that they now have a year to either drive the price down (if Blues financial problems grow) or even get somebody else in if Foster isnt value for money.

Either way, for the next season we have signed a very good goalkeeper.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: matt_home1 on July 27, 2011, 06:41:48 PM
Could we technically make a loan deal perm Outside The transfer window ??
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Londonbaggymike on July 27, 2011, 06:53:28 PM
Could we technically make a loan deal perm Outside The transfer window ??

why would we need to do that? There can't be a recall clause if we're paying £1m loan fee. So we'd just sign him on July 1st 2012 if all goes well.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: A5HB on July 27, 2011, 07:52:40 PM
greggevans40 Gregg Evans
#wba Foster signing not going to happen tonight.

greggevans40 Gregg Evans
#wba Frustrating waiting for signings, but Foster deal is close. Can't say when it will be announced because I just don't know yet.


Not really a surprise I guess, these things do take time to go through properly, especially if we are waiting for scan results from a medical etc, would hope this is all sorted tomorrow.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: reiss on July 27, 2011, 08:09:26 PM
Have we signed Foster
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: addy on July 27, 2011, 08:13:33 PM
Have we signed Foster

No, not yet.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 27, 2011, 08:21:46 PM
No, not yet.

i thought it was a done deal earlier, and now its not?
are we progressing in this deal or going backwards?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: addy on July 27, 2011, 08:25:34 PM
i thought it was a done deal earlier, and now its not?
are we progressing in this deal or going backwards?

It would have been announced if he has signed, he has not as of yet. There has been no suggestion the deal is going backwards, just waiting for medical results I presume so we can finish the deal tomorrow.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbarenno on July 27, 2011, 08:38:22 PM
Get foster in with gera then sign a striker and a defender and it would be a great summer for us

Get rid of miller,bednar,mattock and tamas and id say we would have got rid of
Our deadwood and have a good squad.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1993dave on July 27, 2011, 09:05:59 PM
have patience he is most likely having a medical tommorow
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Joust on July 27, 2011, 10:52:14 PM
have patience he is most likely having a medical tommorow

Me too but there's not many who do on here sadly...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Jack Russell on July 27, 2011, 10:53:19 PM
I totally understand the panic
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: graka on July 27, 2011, 10:53:41 PM
think were still closing in or monitoring his situation.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tommi on July 27, 2011, 11:10:29 PM
The deal is all bar rubber stamped.

No need to panic right now
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: addy on July 27, 2011, 11:20:55 PM
Foster set for West Brom move after bust-up with Birmingham assistant Trollope
By NEIL MOXLEY

Ben Foster's career at Birmingham City has come to a messy end after a blazing row on the club training ground car park with Chris Hughton's assistant Paul Trollope marked another day of upheaval at St Andrew's.

The England international will move across Birmingham and join West Brom in the next 24 hours on a season-long loan deal with a view to a permanent £4m switch next summer - as revealed exclusively by Sportsmail last week.

Foster will also be joined by team-mate Liam Ridgewell who is also leaving following a £2m switch as the sell-off from the relegated club shows no sign of letting up.

Bust up: Paul Trollope tried to stamp his authority by pulling Foster up for being late to training

But it is the keeper's exit that will leave a bitter taste following a bust-up with Hughton's right-hand man Trollope at the club's Wast Hills training base.

The former Wales international has only been in the job a matter of days but his attempt to bring the 28-year-old back into line backfired spectacularly -in front of a startled dressing-room.Problems arose when Foster arrived ten minutes late to training on Monday morning.
He completed the session but was then pulled about his tardiness by the former Bristol Rovers' boss.
There was a full and frank exchange of views between the pair with Foster questioning Trollope's credentials before speeding away.

A source said: 'If this was an attempt by Trollope to establish some discipline, it didn't work. Foster directly challenged his authority before getting into his car.'

It is the latest in a series of setbacks to rock last season's Carling Cup winners whose acting chairman Peter Pannu has finally admitted that he will have to make some 'unpopular decisions.'

However, there was some good news at last for the beleaguered Hughton who watched his side slump to a 2-0 defeat against Oxford United on Monday night. He is on the verge of completing a move for ex-Wolves midfielder Dave Jones.

He is also locked in talks with the Baggies over including Wales international Boaz Myhill as part of the deal that will see Foster quit for the Hawthorns.

Myhill does not fit into Roy Hodgson's plans and he is likely to try and resurrect his career at St Andrew's, completing a tour of three west Midlands clubs as the shot-stopper was a trainee at Aston Villa.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2019516/Ben-Foster-set-West-Brom-bust-Paul-Trollope.html#ixzz1TLaZG3Qx
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 27, 2011, 11:48:28 PM
Myhill going the other way might explain why it's taking it's time. Both contracts have to be agreed before the deal can be made. It's making more sense now.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WSBaggie on July 28, 2011, 02:26:25 AM
think were still closing in or monitoring his situation.

I agree mate think we're still 'monitoring' him haha
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: boinger1968 on July 28, 2011, 06:13:41 AM
Another article from the Guardian:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jul/28/ben-foster-west-bromwich-albion-birmingham
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbarenno on July 28, 2011, 06:40:11 AM
If myhil goes we need another keeper
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kris_boing on July 28, 2011, 06:47:31 AM
The papers have reported that we are looking for two keepers all summer.  I see Foster as first choice so doubt we'll go for Green or PIG now as they wont want to be number 2.

Think we'll get a young keeper from the continent.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: greggy8689 on July 28, 2011, 08:01:55 AM
All makes sense really if they're looking to take Myhill the other way and I expect Ridgewell negotiations are taking place at the same time. These things take time so everyone has to relax.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on July 28, 2011, 09:06:29 AM
Is Kawashima still on the East Stand Car Park waiting for us to sign him??  ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dan7heman on July 28, 2011, 09:48:26 AM
Can this thread hurry up and go into general please.... :'(
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 28, 2011, 09:56:28 AM
Still reports going round that he will be ours by this afternoon.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bigbadjohn on July 28, 2011, 10:02:15 AM
this should defo be wrapped up today shouldnt it !!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: greggy8689 on July 28, 2011, 10:06:46 AM
this should defo be wrapped up today shouldnt it !!

Who knows be patient, no one fully knows the ins and outs of the deal
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Savvas78 on July 28, 2011, 10:10:42 AM
I'm pretty relaxed that this deal will be concluded and Foster will be our player soon.

Famous last words!  :-X
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bigbadjohn on July 28, 2011, 10:12:38 AM
Does anyone know why it always seems to be our club where deals drag on ? like other clubs get linked bid and then hes signed ? We always takes ages with any deal  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on July 28, 2011, 10:17:39 AM
Does anyone know why it always seems to be our club where deals drag on ? like other clubs get linked bid and then hes signed ? We always takes ages with any deal  ;D
Not neccesarily N'Zogbia fee has been agreed for a week or so now but he still aint a Villa player!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggie.coop on July 28, 2011, 10:21:32 AM
Does anyone know why it always seems to be our club where deals drag on ? like other clubs get linked bid and then hes signed ? We always takes ages with any deal  ;D

i know what you mean other clubs seem to only take a few days to know if a players coming or not:

johnson to wolves - bid excepted 3 days later he was signed.
cole to stoke - bid excepted next day turned them down
aguero to man city - bid excepted next day signed

thats just a few examples and there clubs deals seem to be sorted out rather quickly either way.

albion - bid excepted, a month messing about and either another club swoops in or the player finally agrees to come.   ::)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mat15(MH) on July 28, 2011, 10:24:27 AM
Wolves said themselves they had contacted Blues about Johnson a week after they got relegated,and the deal only got completed what last week?

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggie.coop on July 28, 2011, 10:26:37 AM
Wolves said themselves they had contacted Blues about Johnson a week after they got relegated,and the deal only got completed what last week?

i was not aware of that  :D ill be quiet.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mat15(MH) on July 28, 2011, 10:28:15 AM
i was not aware of that  :D ill be quiet.

You're forgiven  ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Savvas78 on July 28, 2011, 10:34:50 AM
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/ben-foster-set-for-west-brom-switch-2327376.html (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/ben-foster-set-for-west-brom-switch-2327376.html)

Read Kstandboyzonehandbag's comment below this article. Hilarious!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Yam Yam Baggie on July 28, 2011, 11:15:57 AM
How long has this gone on for now?? every day its "expected to sign today". i seriously wouldnt be surprised if he went elsewhere.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 28, 2011, 11:22:36 AM
Nice to see text speak creeping back :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Lloydy on July 28, 2011, 11:23:12 AM
How long has this gone on for now?? every day its "expected to sign today". i seriously wouldnt be surprised if he went elsewhere.

He has agreed to join us, pending a medical he will sign. Stop worrying!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: eaststandbaggie on July 28, 2011, 11:23:49 AM
Seen this morning in Mc Donalds with Ridgewell ,Dann and Messi
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 28, 2011, 11:24:23 AM
He has agreed to join us, pending a medical he will sign. Stop worrying!


Similar to Gera then.Keep stacking them up
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Lloydy on July 28, 2011, 11:25:57 AM

Similar to Gera then.Keep stacking them up

We're saving them all up for one massive press conference, there will be more players than journalists ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Sussex-Baggie on July 28, 2011, 11:31:29 AM
I have spent most of the last day or so checking to see if he has signed every five or ten minutes, so hopefully it will all be finalised today!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 28, 2011, 11:34:15 AM
Our medicals always seem to take a while to be fair, usually waiting for test results to come back. I would also hope that it is a very thorough medical given his history with injury.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 28, 2011, 11:37:04 AM
I have spent most of the last day or so checking to see if he has signed every five or ten minutes, so hopefully it will all be finalised today!

You ain't the only one. I've been constantly checking too
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 28, 2011, 11:37:31 AM
Our medicals always seem to take a while to be fair, usually waiting for test results to come back. I would also hope that it is a very thorough medical given his history with injury.

Be bad if he fails his medical due to past injuries.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JDWest_Brom on July 28, 2011, 11:43:00 AM
I reckon he will fail the medical due to his knee. Then we will look to renegotiate terms with Blues and the deal will fall through.

Nothing like looking on the bright side.  :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Zebidee on July 28, 2011, 11:46:12 AM
Hope not :(
Then we would have green or sorensson :(
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Zebidee on July 28, 2011, 11:49:28 AM
Yes he's coming, no he isn't... Yes he's on his way, no he isn't.... Yes we signing him.. But he may fail his medical.... Argghhh!! This is doing my head in! Grr lol
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: PortsmouthBaggie on July 28, 2011, 11:54:10 AM
Chill out and just wait! Its not in any of our power so just watch some Jezza Kyle or something
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 28, 2011, 11:58:09 AM
Any room left at the medical centre.Foster Gera & Hargreeves :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WorcsWBA on July 28, 2011, 12:00:59 PM
Our medicals always seem to take a while to be fair, usually waiting for test results to come back.
I heard the Albion carrier pigeon has escaped and they're currently trying to catch it with a net!  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mulumbu99 on July 28, 2011, 12:14:20 PM
http://www.smallheathalliance.com/read.php?1,610707

they aren't happy  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: greggy8689 on July 28, 2011, 12:17:00 PM
Wolves said themselves they had contacted Blues about Johnson a week after they got relegated,and the deal only got completed what last week?

I believe it all started in January so even further.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1993dave on July 28, 2011, 12:22:07 PM
http://www.smallheathalliance.com/read.php?1,610707

they aren't happy  ;D

What a bunch of fools , they said we aint got star players , Odemwingie - 15 goals enough said lol
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 28, 2011, 12:23:11 PM
http://www.smallheathalliance.com/read.php?1,610707

they aren't happy  ;D

Bless them, they don't think we can afford him or have any star players to sell to fund a move for him. Well the fact is we don't need to sell any of our stars lads as our club hasn't been run into the ground like yours has, enjoy your bleak looking future at the hands of your dodgy Chinese owner.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mulumbu99 on July 28, 2011, 12:25:23 PM
anyone else heard he's failed a medical ? rumours going around on fb..
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggie Artist on July 28, 2011, 12:26:31 PM
If we went down and sold our best players to a club like Stoke or Blackburn, we wouldn't be happy either.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on July 28, 2011, 12:27:45 PM
anyone else heard he's failed a medical ? rumours going around on fb..
Im sure the last place it will be leaked is facebook, its just scaremongering by bored school kids no doubt!...I hope  :)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Savvas78 on July 28, 2011, 12:28:00 PM
Quote
Bless them, they don't think we can afford him or have any star players to sell to fund a move for him.

If only we had star players that attract the likes of Fiorentina, or Bayern Munich, or Arsenal.  :P
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DaveWBA on July 28, 2011, 12:28:20 PM
anyone else heard he's failed a medical ? rumours going around on fb..

Thats one hell of a throat infection.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 28, 2011, 12:30:38 PM
anyone else heard he's failed a medical ? rumours going around on fb..

Probably people on the wind up, that is the problem with facebook and twitter as bull spreads. Lets just wait and see before anyone gets hysterical.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DaveWBA on July 28, 2011, 12:35:34 PM
Probably people on the wind up, that is the problem with facebook and twitter as bull spreads. Lets just wait and see before anyone gets hysterical.

Desperate Blues fans apparently. It is clearly unknown to them that you cannot fail a medical due to a throat infection as it is a test of physical fitness components and not whether someone has the flu.

It was started on BBM, FFS!  :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 28, 2011, 12:38:55 PM
They never used a throat infection as the reason for a failed medical? Poor wind up attempt if that is the case, saying its a knee problem would have been viable  :-X
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on July 28, 2011, 12:42:41 PM
I really hope we get this deal done quickly, more so for the people on this board who seem to have lost all their patience!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DaveWBA on July 28, 2011, 12:46:59 PM
They never used a throat infection as the reason for a failed medical? Poor wind up attempt if that is the case, saying its a knee problem would have been viable  :-X

Allegedly so. School holidays though isn't it, the standard of wind up drops significantly this time of year.

If there was an ounce of truth in it someone ITK from either side would have passed comment by now.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 28, 2011, 12:54:39 PM
We all know football clubs tend to take their time when announcing deals, look at Billy Jones when all that was done but they weren't planning to announce it until the following day for some reason. Maybe they wait until everything goes through officially registration wise before making official announcements.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: graka on July 28, 2011, 12:58:06 PM
I really hope we get this deal done quickly, more so for the people on this board who seem to have lost all their patience!
i think our fans are extreeeeemly patient considering we are 2 weeks away from the new season and havent spent a bean!!!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 28, 2011, 01:00:57 PM
i think our fans are extreeeeemly patient considering we are 2 weeks away from the new season and havent spent a bean!!!!



Wait for it.but there are still 4 weeks left of the transfer window yet :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Yam Yam Baggie on July 28, 2011, 01:02:02 PM
i think our fans are extreeeeemly patient considering we are 2 weeks away from the new season and havent spent a bean!!!!

that is so true mate. not a bean and we are two weeks away. foster will be a great signing but we still need to strengthen.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on July 28, 2011, 01:05:52 PM
i think our fans are extreeeeemly patient considering we are 2 weeks away from the new season and havent spent a bean!!!!

Well how are we to know we don't have one or two join up prior to the Man United game. I remember last season at Chelsea neither, Nicky Shorey, Peter Odemwingie, Somen Tchoyi or Paul Scharner had signed.

Luckily for us our squad is quite strong at the moment to go into the season with, what that needs is the correct additions and not players plucked from anywhere just to ease the fans worries because we haven't spent a 'bean'.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 28, 2011, 01:07:02 PM
All about getting value for money, if it was up to some on here we would have spunked £5m on Green weeks ago they were that desperate. The best signings tend to happen in the last few weeks of the window for us, be grateful that we might get one in before the season starts this time  :P
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggie.coop on July 28, 2011, 01:18:18 PM
http://www.smallheathalliance.com/read.php?1,610707

they aren't happy  ;D

Lol there's one fan in there who said they're the football equivalent to woolworths, made me laugh  :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lordbaggie on July 28, 2011, 01:18:39 PM
Some wanted us to spunk £6m or £8m on Foster. Now look at the deal we've got  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: addy on July 28, 2011, 01:18:49 PM
Foster has not even had his medical yet.
http://twitter.com/#!/stevemadeley
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DaveWBA on July 28, 2011, 01:19:20 PM
"I'm told Foster hasn't had his #wba medical yet, so difficult to see how he's failed it!"

From Steve Madeley on the Twitter.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 28, 2011, 01:28:53 PM
Its all part of the JP master plan to avoid paying him any wages until the season actually starts  :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on July 28, 2011, 01:35:53 PM
that is so true mate. not a bean and we are two weeks away. foster will be a great signing but we still need to strengthen.
I know yeah, finishing 11th and breaking all kinds of records with the squad we had last season was bloody awful!!  ???
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: monkey nuts on July 28, 2011, 02:10:14 PM
"I'm told Foster hasn't had his #wba medical yet, so difficult to see how he's failed it!"

From Steve Madeley on the Twitter.

he also says it may take longer due to his injury record (the medical that is)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Yam Yam Baggie on July 28, 2011, 02:13:27 PM
he also says it may take longer due to his injury record (the medical that is)

for gods sake this is getting so frustrating. same old every summer
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DaveWBA on July 28, 2011, 02:17:11 PM
for gods sake this is getting so frustrating. same old every summer

Cause we sign ex-international goalkeepers every summer. Perhaps the delay may have something to do with Pannu and his cronies being away in Hong Kong.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Lloydy on July 28, 2011, 02:18:47 PM
for gods sake this is getting so frustrating. same old every summer

So we should just sign him without a medical, and risk being tied down to signing a player who could be a complete crock?

Stop bloody whinging, it will be done in good time. Go and read a book or something to take your mind off it if that's what it takes!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BaggieBoyLee on July 28, 2011, 02:22:56 PM
@WeldonBCFC
Jake Weldon
Ben Foster just told me he has had NO medical at west brom. And he doesn't have a say in if he leaves or not.

Blues fan who has been down at their training ground this morning. Straight from the 'osses mouth.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Yam Yam Baggie on July 28, 2011, 02:23:48 PM
So we should just sign him without a medical, and risk being tied down to signing a player who could be a complete crock?

Stop bloody whinging, it will be done in good time. Go and read a book or something to take your mind off it if that's what it takes!

no but the deal has been going on for ages. like someone else said why does it ALWAYS seem to be us?? i remember back in june people moaning and people responded dont panic yet if we havent spent anything a few weeks before the season starts then panic.

were two weeks before the season starts and havent spent a penny.

im not knocking JP i think hes done a great job but our ability to do deals is pathetic.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RowleyBaggie2 on July 28, 2011, 02:25:26 PM
I'd say the rumour mill and social networking becoming involved detailing every bit of conjecture rather than us getting slower at bringing players in.

We'd have paid 4m for green a month ago and had no chance of the far superior Foster if it was left to some on here.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bigbadjohn on July 28, 2011, 02:32:30 PM
this is getting stupid now , so he aint even had a medical OMG What are we doing messing about for .  I hope Arsenal or someone comes in a signs him serves us right !!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 28, 2011, 02:33:20 PM
this is getting stupid now , so he aint even had a medical OMG What are we doing messing about for .  I hope Arsenal or someone comes in a signs him serves us right !!!

Showing yourself up a bit here fella.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RowleyBaggie2 on July 28, 2011, 02:34:55 PM
I give up, this forum is ridiculous.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mat15(MH) on July 28, 2011, 02:38:11 PM
this is getting stupid now , so he aint even had a medical OMG What are we doing messing about for .  I hope Arsenal or someone comes in a signs him serves us right !!!

God someone needs to calm down and stop the amateur acting classes.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Yam Yam Baggie on July 28, 2011, 02:44:11 PM
hes got a point in a way though. of course we would love foster at the club but if someone else signed him now it would be our own fault for not sealing the deal and taking too long to do it !!!!

there can be no debate on the point that this deal should have been wrapped up by now.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mat15(MH) on July 28, 2011, 02:47:53 PM
Who else is in for him? One small rumour made up by a fan that Arsenal wanted him, is that it?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 28, 2011, 02:48:53 PM
How can you possibly say it should have been done by now when you have absolutely no idea what the deal entails, unless you are involved in making a deal happen you have no idea what stage they should be at you are simply guessing based on very little information from the press that may or may not be actually true.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bigbadjohn on July 28, 2011, 02:49:06 PM
thats what i mean we do take ages so in a way i hope we end up losing out because we do take along time to sort things out . Nothing is ever a simple signing with Albion because of MR Tight backside !
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mat15(MH) on July 28, 2011, 02:50:47 PM
Would you rather have Carson Yeung?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 28, 2011, 02:51:03 PM
thats what i mean we do take ages so in a way i hope we end up losing out because we do take along time to sort things out . Nothing is ever a simple signing with Albion because of MR Tight backside !

Oh right so you know for sure it is Jeremy Peace that has personally held this deal up then, fantastic I await your confirmation of the deal when it is secured as you obviously know all the details.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on July 28, 2011, 02:52:01 PM
thats what i mean we do take ages so in a way i hope we end up losing out because we do take along time to sort things out . Nothing is ever a simple signing with Albion because of MR Tight backside !
So if you hope we end up losing out why you on here whinging??
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bigbadjohn on July 28, 2011, 02:55:05 PM
i hope when im at bristol Foster is in Goal because i really want us too sign him , But im just stating that other clubs dont mess around as much as we do . Also we all know about Mr Peace what he is like with money so i would pressume that is the reason behind it . What do you think the reason is then we are taking so long ?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RowleyBaggie2 on July 28, 2011, 02:56:04 PM
I've got the sound of crying babies in my ears to be honest.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Yam Yam Baggie on July 28, 2011, 02:56:44 PM
if you read what hes trying to say hes just frustrated by the amount of time it has taken to confirm the deal.

and none of us know the ins and outs of the deal but when various other deals start and end in days then this deal should have been completed by now.

Billy Jones was a free agent and within a short time we had signed him. Anything that involves a fee we seem to take months.

I remember Sean Gregan taking virtually the whole summer. Some people just dont seem to understand what this guy is onabout, he doesnt want us to lose out on him but is just saying if we do then its our own fault !!! too many people quick to jump down peoples throats on here as soon as they say something and are not given 10 seconds to explain their views.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 28, 2011, 02:57:22 PM
i hope when im at bristol Foster is in Goal because i really want us too sign him , But im just stating that other clubs dont mess around as much as we do . Also we all know about Mr Peace what he is like with money so i would pressume that is the reason behind it . What do you think the reason is then we are taking so long ?

It could be any number of reasons and without being involved in it I wouldn't know so I wont cry about it taking a bit of time.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Lloydy on July 28, 2011, 02:57:40 PM
i hope when im at bristol Foster is in Goal because i really want us too sign him , But im just stating that other clubs dont mess around as much as we do . Also we all know about Mr Peace what he is like with money so i would pressume that is the reason behind it . What do you think the reason is then we are taking so long ?

It takes as long as it takes. Perhaps it's because Mr Pannu is still in Hong Kong sorting out the mess at Birmingham?

What has happened to our fans seriously, bunch of impatient babies at times.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggieboyjop on July 28, 2011, 02:58:06 PM
i hope when im at bristol Foster is in Goal because i really want us too sign him , But im just stating that other clubs dont mess around as much as we do . Also we all know about Mr Peace what he is like with money so i would pressume that is the reason behind it . What do you think the reason is then we are taking so long ?

I dont know, no-one knows for sure. We can only guess, its out of our hands so just relax a bit. I know you are desperate for this to happen as am i and the rest of us baggies but theres nothing we can do but wait and hope im afraid
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dangerman on July 28, 2011, 02:58:40 PM
Woah, woah, woah, calm down people. Anyone would think that you lot cared for the Albion or something. Lol

I am not going to say when, who, where I got the information from but it a usually a good source so if you choose to believe me or not that’s up to you.

We made an enquiry on Foster a few weeks ago (as we all know), however Blues were adamant that he was going no where. We then turned our attention to Green (whether or not this bit is true I don’t know because the person I heard this from is connected to Blues).

Fast forward a few weeks and our board got wind of the Blues situation and the fact that they are now struggling with paying off the loan repayments and interest etc, and are very keen on bringing in some money, and quickly. Blues were/are still reluctant to sell Foster because of his value, however are having there hand forced by the people they owe the money to (IE the bank). So as a compromise we have agreed a loan deal which in theory would mean should Blues get promoted they get to keep there asset, while removing his wages off the book for this year, plus the loan fee.

This deal is not as close as people (certain newspapers) led us to believe it was hence the ‘delay’.

I know nothing of the West Brom side, and as I say the information I got is from the Blues side, and normally reliable.

My guess is that some (if not all) of the above is true, hence why Foster hasn’t had his medical.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 28, 2011, 02:58:54 PM
if you read what hes trying to say hes just frustrated by the amount of time it has taken to confirm the deal.

and none of us know the ins and outs of the deal but when various other deals start and end in days then this deal should have been completed by now.

Billy Jones was a free agent and within a short time we had signed him. Anything that involves a fee we seem to take months.

I remember Sean Gregan taking virtually the whole summer. Some people just dont seem to understand what this guy is onabout, he doesnt want us to lose out on him but is just saying if we do then its our own fault !!! too many people quick to jump down peoples throats on here as soon as they say something and are not given 10 seconds to explain their views.

Mate he actually said he hopes we miss out on him to serve us right. That is absolutely ridiculous.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Political Cake on July 28, 2011, 02:59:02 PM
if you read what hes trying to say hes just frustrated by the amount of time it has taken to confirm the deal.

It is a reasonable point. It's just why can't it be described and explained like that, instead of:

Nothing is ever a simple signing with Albion because of MR Tight backside !
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 28, 2011, 03:00:43 PM
It takes as long as it takes. Perhaps it's because Mr Pannu is still in Hong Kong sorting out the mess at Birmingham?

What has happened to our fans seriously, bunch of impatient babies at times.

You know what it is, someone on twitter like Tom Ross says a deal could be done within 24 hours and they think it should be or the move has broken down. They forget that they used the word could in the sentence.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Yam Yam Baggie on July 28, 2011, 03:02:08 PM
It is a reasonable point. It's just why can't it be described and explained like that, instead of:

True. :)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bigbadjohn on July 28, 2011, 03:04:05 PM
Cheers Dangerman for the info , i reckon because of all the papers sayings it so close then people saying oh he ain't even had a medical , so i am gratefull for the heads up :D

Some people on this site need a chill pill :D

BOING BOING ENGLANDS NUMBER 1 :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Yam Yam Baggie on July 28, 2011, 03:05:32 PM
too right they need a chill pill. a perfect example by the way.... was it just two days ago michael johnson was linked with a loan move to leicester to link up with former manager Sven??

That deal is now confirmed. just using that as an example so dont bite my head off !!

Thats what i want. not being too greedy am i????

we will still beat chelsea regardless who is in goal ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: richard on July 28, 2011, 03:06:38 PM
just spoke to my mate who knows the club doctor    foster has not failed his medical, it is penciled in for later this afternoon. The reason why it has tokk so long is that we have been talking to ridgewell all day.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: hardtobeat on July 28, 2011, 03:07:27 PM
Would you rather have Carson Yeung?
no but Jimmy Young would pobably close a deal quicker!! :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Lloydy on July 28, 2011, 03:07:50 PM
I think the ones posting on here, Facebook and Twitter every two minutes asking about signings and generally having a panic attack each and every day that passes by are the ones who need a "chill pill".
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Yam Yam Baggie on July 28, 2011, 03:09:29 PM
I think the ones posting on here, Facebook and Twitter every two minutes asking about signings and generally having a panic attack each and every day that passes by are the ones who need a "chill pill".


have you had yours yet then?;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mooncat on July 28, 2011, 03:09:38 PM
It's not just us. Look how long Villa took over the signing of Given, and now N'Zogbia.

It does seem to have been dragging on a while, but that's probably as much to do with the precarious situation Blues find themselves in at the moment as to us.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bigbadjohn on July 28, 2011, 03:11:22 PM
too right they need a chill pill. a perfect example by the way.... was it just two days ago michael johnson was linked with a loan move to leicester to link up with former manager Sven??

That deal is now confirmed. just using that as an example so dont bite my head off !!

Thats what i want. not being too greedy am i????

we will still beat chelsea regardless who is in goal ;)

See a very good example :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: monkey nuts on July 28, 2011, 03:11:38 PM
just spoke to my mate who knows the club doctor    foster has not failed his medical, it is penciled in for later this afternoon. The reason why it has tokk so long is that we have been talking to ridgewell all day.

 
so do you think they may do the 2 medicals at same time and that is why it is taking longer than people like  :)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RowleyBaggie2 on July 28, 2011, 03:12:20 PM
I think the fact various message boards have in the past deliberately posted false links to players and got them picked up by national newspapers says it all.

A month ago Ridgwell and Foster would have cost 11m, we are now looking at 6m - see my point?

Signing players clubs want to keep is much harder unless you are offering silly money.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Yam Yam Baggie on July 28, 2011, 03:12:33 PM

 
so do you think they may do the 2 medicals at same time and that is why it is taking longer than people like  :)

hopefully !!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 28, 2011, 03:12:39 PM
I'm also frustrated this deal hasn't gone through yet.

But I know it will eventually when the medical has been done. Usually after the medical they sign pretty quick so it might be done tonight if his medical is this afternoon.

Some of the posts on here make me laugh! Some people are too quick to jump on the "mr tight backside" wagon! There's a reason why JP is at the club. Which other club in the midlands are more financially stable than us?

He runs a tight ship because he is a business man and doesn't want his company to go bust by spending willy nilly on players.

This deal will be confirmed, I have full confidence in that! We should be grateful that we have a chair man that is willing to spend but not spend over the top!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: boing_boing68 on July 28, 2011, 03:16:02 PM
Two points I would like to make: 1) do other teams transfers take a lot less time or could it be that we only hear about their deals as soon as they are close to being signed whereas Albion transfers are talked about to death on here. And 2) this isn't football manager where a transfer happens in one day,  there are a lot of things to consider so can't people just chill out. 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: greggy8689 on July 28, 2011, 03:19:39 PM
Some of the people on this forum are embarrassing, the deal takes as long as it takes, don't think they will be rushing it because some westbrom.com users want it done faster. Grow up and learn how the process works and the complications. Pathetic.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 28, 2011, 03:20:38 PM
Two points I would like to make: 1) do other teams transfers take a lot less time or could it be that we only hear about their deals as soon as they are close to being signed whereas Albion transfers are talked about to death on here. And 2) this isn't football manager where a transfer happens in one day,  there are a lot of things to consider so can't people just chill out. 

I think this is a great post and point 1 is something I mentioned on here the other day, unless you are looking at all the news regarding other clubs like people do with Albion then you can't possibly judge how quickly their deals are done compared to ours.

I also agree that some need to chill out a little, I do understand the frustration as we all want deals done right away but we can't let our frustrations get the better of us as it does no one any good.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 28, 2011, 03:21:17 PM
Some of the people on this forum are embarrassing, the deal takes as long as it takes, don't think they will be rushing it because some westbrom.com users want it done faster. Grow up and learn how the process works and the complications. Pathetic.

Summed it up perfectly! :)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on July 28, 2011, 03:22:11 PM
Thank god we aint signing Fabregas, Nasri or Modric some fans would be on suicide watch on here waiting for those deals to go through!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 28, 2011, 03:22:24 PM
Some of the people on this forum are embarrassing, the deal takes as long as it takes, don't think they will be rushing it because some westbrom.com users want it done faster. Grow up and learn how the process works and the complications. Pathetic.

How dare they not rush deals through for us, who do they think we are?  :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: OldburyWBA on July 28, 2011, 03:23:28 PM
Some of the people on this forum are embarrassing, the deal takes as long as it takes, don't think they will be rushing it because some westbrom.com users want it done faster. Grow up and learn how the process works and the complications. Pathetic.

Its the want it now, demand it now brigade. How would they have coped when we were signing the likes of Kevin Steggles and Neil Parsley  :o
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: greggy8689 on July 28, 2011, 03:26:41 PM
Its the want it now, demand it now brigade. How would they have coped when we were signing the likes of Kevin Steggles and Neil Parsley  :o

Who the hell are they way before my time. Someone mentioned Johnson signing for Leicester, bit different, boths clubs got lots of money, connection already built between Johnson and Sven, no complications. Blues 'acting' chairman is in a different country, the club is in financial turmoil, we are assessing other players we may want to take on further, vast difference in the situations.

Can't understand why people can't be patient.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 28, 2011, 03:27:06 PM
Its the want it now, demand it now brigade. How would they have coped when we were signing the likes of Kevin Steggles and Neil Parsley  :o


Expectations do rise with success :)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lordbaggie on July 28, 2011, 03:41:59 PM
I think the fact various message boards have in the past deliberately posted false links to players and got them picked up by national newspapers says it all.

A month ago Ridgwell and Foster would have cost 11m, we are now looking at 6m - see my point?

Signing players clubs want to keep is much harder unless you are offering silly money.

It's a good point - if fact it's even more extreme than that. Blues valuations of the players put their combined value at £14m.

We could have them both shortly for just £3m with another £3m in 12 months.

I'd say Mr Tight backside is getting it superbly right - yet again
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DaveWBA on July 28, 2011, 04:07:52 PM
"No need to panic on Foster. The reason for no medical yet is simply that not everything in the deal has been finalised. It's agreed in principle by all three parties but fine print still being sorted out. No medical until that's done, and when it does happen it might take a while given Foster's injury history. But it's still likely to go through in due course."

Straight from the E&S webchat. No need to panic.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 28, 2011, 04:48:25 PM
It's believed a deal taking Ben Foster on loan this season, with a reputed £4m fee agreed for next summer - should Blues fail to be promoted - is in it's final stages and will be concluded over the next few days.

Read more: http://www.wba.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=248690#ixzz1TPonhSpr
dont panic its nearly done :)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggies on July 28, 2011, 04:57:10 PM
I think the signing is a formality really. If Foster was wanted by somebody else the bid would be in by now. We will just be sorting through paperwork. He will be our player - for a year at least.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 28, 2011, 04:57:47 PM
Mate Vital football really aren't reliable, they are just repeating what they have seen elsewhere.

Like Baggies I think its a formality too.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionBest on July 28, 2011, 05:06:42 PM
It's a good point - if fact it's even more extreme than that. Blues valuations of the players put their combined value at £14m.

We could have them both shortly for just £3m with another £3m in 12 months.

I'd say Mr Tight backside is getting it superbly right - yet again

Who else have they got we can grab !   ;)

NO, our club certainly likes to takes it's time over transfers - unless they are on a free of course !
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Nocky on July 28, 2011, 05:44:49 PM
Very good signing if it comes off. The sort of GK who can win you 10 plus points a season, something that I never thought Carson had in his locker.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Rich99 on July 28, 2011, 06:47:25 PM
An improvement in my opinion if it comes off, would be pleased with this one.   :)

According to TalkSport just now the deal will be sealed in the next 48 hours.


From the Brum Mail:
'The two clubs have agreed a loan fee, believed to be £1 million, and the transfer is likely to become permanent next summer in a deal worth around £4 million.'

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: johnthebaggie on July 28, 2011, 07:11:07 PM
This probably won't happen till next week, apparently Pannu is in Hong Kong so unlikely anything will move quickly until he back.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 28, 2011, 07:34:33 PM
I don't see why Pannu would have to be there to sign it off in all honesty, there should be other board members available that have the power to sign off deals.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: hunsletbaggie on July 28, 2011, 07:44:03 PM
I think the signing is a formality really. If Foster was wanted by somebody else the bid would be in by now. We will just be sorting through paperwork. He will be our player - for a year at least.
no one's daft enough to put in a bid  no improvement on what we had before.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RowleyBaggie2 on July 28, 2011, 07:50:05 PM
Maybe the other blues director has gone to a local play scheme?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggieboyjop on July 28, 2011, 08:03:16 PM
I think the signing is a formality really. If Foster was wanted by somebody else the bid would be in by now. We will just be sorting through paperwork. He will be our player - for a year at least.

Agree with you here, i feel its just a case of brushing it all up now. Now we just have to wait until its officially a done deal
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hong Kong Phooey on July 28, 2011, 08:11:11 PM
Agree with you here, i feel its just a case of brushing it all up now. Now we just have to wait until its officially a done deal

Let's hope so - remember the Madjid Bougherra done deal  :-X
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggies on July 28, 2011, 08:48:19 PM
no one's daft enough to put in a bid  no improvement on what we had before.

Your entitled to your opinion, but I think a lot of people would say otherwise. Well liked by Blues fans despite the odd mistake. I expect a similar amount of mistakes to Carson from Foster, with the difference being that, like Green and Gomez, they can make up for them to a degree with some big performances.

Despite people on here saying Carson was a good shot stopper, I dont think he had too many big performances in him. Thats why I feel Foster is an improvement. You think we are paying a million for 1 season here and come next season if Blues are in big trouble financially which they could still be then we might get him even cheaper.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on July 28, 2011, 08:53:03 PM
no one's daft enough to put in a bid  no improvement on what we had before.

In the word's of Chris Morris on Brasseye:

"You're wrong and you're a grotesquely ugly freak"  :P

He is far better than Carson, he can makes amazing saves, and has been Watford and Blues player of the year in both their respective premiership campaigns.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: the lords my shepherd on July 28, 2011, 09:02:38 PM
Ben Foster is a far better keeper than Scott Carson. I honestly believe the defence had lost alot of confidence in Scott hence the the goals we conceeded last season. Sure Ben will make the occasional error, name me a keeper who doesn't. But i know who i would prefer as our No1.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TAFKATMNo1Fan on July 28, 2011, 09:03:28 PM
To be fair Carson was Charltons player of the season too once but I would be very happy with Foster if he does indeed sign :-)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on July 28, 2011, 09:08:41 PM
To be fair Carson was Charltons player of the season too once but I would be very happy with Foster if he does indeed sign :-)

He has a champions league winners medal as well  :o

Foster's England's number 2 (if he makes him self available) Carson would be behind Hart,Foster,Robinson(if he makes himself available) and Green.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Joust on July 28, 2011, 09:16:22 PM
no one's daft enough to put in a bid  no improvement on what we had before.

Do you seriously think that? Did you see much of Foster and Carson last season?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Lloydy on July 28, 2011, 10:22:05 PM
OMG I've been out of the house for a few hours and Foster STILL hasn't signed, WTF is going on?!

Peace out, I hope Arsenal get him now, serve us right.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 28, 2011, 10:31:21 PM
OMG I've been out of the house for a few hours and Foster STILL hasn't signed, WTF is going on?!

Peace out, I hope Arsenal get him now, serve us right.

Chill out Lloyd! No he hasn't signed. But he will. End of.

Sick of fans in here being so negative!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dudleylad on July 28, 2011, 10:33:38 PM
I think Lloydys post is a touch of sarcasm
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on July 28, 2011, 10:34:51 PM
Chill out Lloyd! No he hasn't signed. But he will. End of.

Sick of fans in here being so negative!

I thought he was being sarcastic - or are you being sarcastic?

I just don't know what to believe anymore  :'(

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Beddoe121 on July 28, 2011, 10:40:17 PM
I always backed Carson 100% regardless off mistakes. However Foster would be a certain improvement and would be a cracking signing. Dont know why people are getting so worked up over the time its taking, yes its frustrating but nothing anyone can do, so sit back and wait :)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 28, 2011, 10:41:48 PM
I thought he was being sarcastic - or are you being sarcastic?

I just don't know what to believe anymore  :'(

Nothing wrong with a bit of sarcasm :-)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on July 28, 2011, 10:43:28 PM
Sarcasm never works on the internet.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 28, 2011, 10:58:57 PM
Didn't think this topic would ever get within 8 pages of the Carew thread! Looks like it might though. Hope he signs tommorow. I'm out all day so I hope to log on tea time and see he's signed :)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: johnthebaggie on July 28, 2011, 11:00:39 PM
I don't see why Pannu would have to be there to sign it off in all honesty, there should be other board members available that have the power to sign off deals.
True, but we can't sign players without Peace being around, and we have other board members. I really meant that Pannu seems to be running Blues.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: CL3MO on July 29, 2011, 12:12:27 AM
Not major difference between Carson and foster. Both make their fair share of mistakes and both are poor at dominating their penalty area. However Foster wins a lot more games for Brum than he gave away..
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Andio on July 29, 2011, 12:22:18 AM
The one thing Carson has over Foster IMO is distribution, I still can't work out why people thought Carson was so poor at distribution he was actually very good!

Foster does seem to drag an awful lot of clearances from back passes along the floor.

Having said that I'd be a much happier person with Foster in goal as he will win us more games than he costs us.

If Foster makes an error he seems to come back stronger, whereas with Carson he would just let it hang over him.

Hurry up & sign please! :)


Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: VVVAlbion on July 29, 2011, 08:08:18 AM
As it stands, like every transfer we make, nothing official (that I am aware of) has come from the club saying we are in negotiation with Blues. Hodgson when asked a direct question, I understand, confirmed he was a player we are interested in. As usual, it seems that there is a lot of player, agent, paper speculation designed to get Foster (and Blues) a better contract. If the club panic half as much as the fans we would have been bankrupt a long time ago. How long were the Scharner and Pete negotiaions taking place before we knew they were signing (or even became aware we were interested). Have faith and let them do the job we know they are good at.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lordbaggie on July 29, 2011, 11:23:19 AM
True, but we can't sign players without Peace being around, and we have other board members. I really meant that Pannu seems to be running Blues.

I think Peace is a major improvement on Pannu and Yeung put together.






Discuss  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RowleyBaggie2 on July 29, 2011, 11:30:45 AM
Just spoken to the coperate hospitality sales office who told me Foster has just signed.

Fingers crossed.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lordbaggie on July 29, 2011, 11:38:03 AM
Straight loan. This must be Jezza playing hardball over the eventual permanent fee
http://www.sundaymercury.net/midlands-sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/west-brom-news/2011/07/29/west-brom-the-latest-on-liam-ridgewell-interest-as-ben-foster-move-inches-forwards-97319-29138684/
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: VANDERLEI on July 29, 2011, 11:58:03 AM
Straight loan. This must be Jezza playing hardball over the eventual permanent fee
http://www.sundaymercury.net/midlands-sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/west-brom-news/2011/07/29/west-brom-the-latest-on-liam-ridgewell-interest-as-ben-foster-move-inches-forwards-97319-29138684/

Blues want to wait and see whether they are promoted before commiting to a permanent sale is what i've heard.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albion07 on July 29, 2011, 12:23:22 PM
hmmm slightly annoyed it's only a straight loan if true, Blues could be out of trouble by then and we'll be looking at double the fee we'd have to pay now.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lordbaggie on July 29, 2011, 12:29:39 PM
hmmm slightly annoyed it's only a straight loan if true, Blues could be out of trouble by then and we'll be looking at double the fee we'd have to pay now.

These dodgy financial situations have a habit of getting worse rather than better.

If that's the case we might suddenly find we can get him for half the fee, if they need money in a hurry.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lordbaggie on July 29, 2011, 12:38:37 PM
...not to mention that:
- with Foster, Johnson, Gardner gone and probably Ridgewell, Dann and Jerome too - and at fire sale prices;
- no real money for replacements, who will be low wage players from the bargain bin;
- a new manager, who, although decent, won't start with the player loyalty he had when he started his promotion campaign at Newcastle;
- an assistant manager who's authority has already been undermined by Foster
AND
no doubt season long financial rumblings going on in the background (have you ever known a happy workplace when cost cutting is being carried out all over the place, people fear their wages might not be paid and rumours of bankruptcy and administration abound

Given all that what price Blues being promoted?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on July 29, 2011, 12:42:26 PM
Why worry, we need to move on a season at a time.
Fosters a good aquisition for this season lets just make the most of it and see what happens. If they go titz up this season he might want to stay with us if we have a good one.
On the down side if he has a barnstormer with us this season it might tempt bigger clubs to come calling next year.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 29, 2011, 12:58:51 PM
Blues want to wait and see whether they are promoted before commiting to a permanent sale is what i've heard.


Blues promoted? what year will that be then :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: monkey nuts on July 29, 2011, 01:01:35 PM
more so that come jan they will either need the cash or have gone into admin and we could get him for 2 mil off the administrators
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 29, 2011, 01:07:03 PM
Never been a big fan of loans, heart & soul and all that springs to mind
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Londonbaggymike on July 29, 2011, 01:17:54 PM
I've got to say that blue's finacial woes do seem to benefit us. But it leaves a sour taste in my mouth. I almost feel sorry for them and definately feel sorry for their fans who are blameless in this situation (other than demanding success and which fans don't?).

Football is an effing mess right now and I can't see it getting better any time soon. The fair play  legislation will be full of loop-holes for the rich to exploit and the wanna-bes will have to take risks or be completely priced out; what's new there?

When will football learn? What will it take to sort itself out? Man u or sky to go belly up?

Rant over! Is anyone else having connection problems? Might get tricky on august 31st!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hong Kong Phooey on July 29, 2011, 01:25:35 PM
Why worry, we need to move on a season at a time.
Fosters a good aquisition for this season lets just make the most of it and see what happens. If they go titz up this season he might want to stay with us if we have a good one.
On the down side if he has a barnstormer with us this season it might tempt bigger clubs to come calling next year.

I'm inclined to agree!

We need a quality replacement for Carson and he fits the bill perfectly.

I would imagine Peace is trying to negotiate a fixed fee in advance of any permanent transfer next season, as we have done when selling certain players, and maybe that is another reason why this deal appears to be taking so long to finalise.

My only worry is that we get gazumped by another club this season!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mister AT on July 29, 2011, 02:36:36 PM
Only a few more pages and this will be more than John Carew!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: slate on July 29, 2011, 04:12:15 PM
See page 5. I think I deserve a reacharound
from everyone on this site for that tastey
Inside info!  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dudleylad on July 29, 2011, 05:13:32 PM
Its good to see we have stuck to our guns Blues are desperate to offload Fosters wages not the transfer fee.

Get him in and settled then sign for cut price when they go into administration
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: divinewind on July 29, 2011, 05:14:26 PM
How long does it take to sign a player?

Good job our board don't work for the NHS.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Sussex-Baggie on July 29, 2011, 05:27:54 PM
It sounds as though the deal is getting closer now, which is the most important thing.

I had hoped that Ben Foster might have been confirmed as an Albion player by now after the news about him being close to joining us was announced by the local media on Tuesday evening, but we all know that Albion take a lot of time when it comes to finalising transfers and so I am not too surprised at the amount of time this one seems to be taking.

Assuming Foster does sign, it will be good for him to travel out to Greece with the rest of the squad for the friendly against Olympiakos next week as a way of getting to know his new team-mates.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RedHead_Baggie on July 29, 2011, 05:39:30 PM
How long does it take to sign a player?

Good job our board don't work for the NHS.

Why sign him now when we can save another few days wages?

Afterall, we don't want to end up like Portsmouth.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 29, 2011, 06:17:33 PM
bcfc #wba Foster deal very close to completion now

From gregg Evans. Guy who is covering CL.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: divinewind on July 29, 2011, 06:24:01 PM
i wish we could do our transfers quicker.It's not that i am impatient but the sooner we have new players in the more chance they have to bed in before kick off.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on July 29, 2011, 06:38:30 PM
bcfc #wba Foster deal very close to completion now

From gregg Evans. Guy who is covering CL.
Yep, apparently could even be completed tonight.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggiejules on July 29, 2011, 06:43:41 PM
Just got the text from the club; "Albion complete signing of first-choice goalkeeping target, Ben Foster, on season-long loan from Blues. Boaz Myhill will go in opposite direction, also on loan." Good signing.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Iceman on July 29, 2011, 06:44:11 PM
finally confirmed on OS
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: mifos on July 29, 2011, 06:47:33 PM
halle bloody lujah
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Welease_Woger on July 29, 2011, 06:48:07 PM
Confirmation...

http://www.wba.co.uk/page/News/0,,10366~2405360,00.html

Which is great, 'because I just found this...

http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/9381/9/baggies-enter-race-brazilian-keeper?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: royhan on July 29, 2011, 06:49:39 PM
Obviously a great signing for us.  I had hoped to read as part of the announcement that the loan signing would become permanent after 12 month, but there is no reference to this on the OS. Hopefully, we will soon learn that such a deal is in place.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Lloydy on July 29, 2011, 06:52:12 PM
Get in! Absolutely delighted, well done to Peace, Ashworth and everyone involved in making this deal happen. 8)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mat15(MH) on July 29, 2011, 06:52:27 PM
Deep breaths now everyone,that wasn't that bad was it?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: elminius on July 29, 2011, 06:52:39 PM
Confirmed on Central News
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DaveWBA on July 29, 2011, 06:53:43 PM
Good news, my watch couldn't take much more tapping.

Any news on whether there is an option to buy or not?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on July 29, 2011, 06:54:00 PM
Hooray! I'll start the conga line. Everyone get behind me.

Glad we've got our man, and sorted that number 1 spot out. very big coup for us as well. It didn't really take long either (bet the people who were having tantrums because it wasn't announced yesterday feel a bit silly now). I hope we have an option to make it permanent next season, but to be honest I'm just glad we've got him. OK, we missed out on Friedel and Given for reasons probably beyond our control, but afterwards we went out and got the best man available. The club deserve a lot of credit for that.

The only problem now is finding a number 2 as Myhill's gone the other way.

He looks delighted:
(http://www.wba.co.uk/javaImages/ee/28/0,,10366~9840878,00.jpg)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BaggieBirdRus on July 29, 2011, 06:54:36 PM
Great news, very happy with this deal! Just shows that our club is on the up  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RyanCoops on July 29, 2011, 06:56:52 PM
Doesnt mention 'with a view to a permanent deal?! PEACE OUT.  :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: east-stand-nick on July 29, 2011, 06:57:30 PM
Fantastic signing. But can I request we actually get behind this guy and not hound him out of the club when he makes a mistake like EVERY goalkeeper in the world does?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on July 29, 2011, 06:58:49 PM
Happy to see it go through, the best keeper we could ever wish to get really.

Bit disappointed it doesn't seem to be with  a view to a permanent move however, seems we've missed out there. If he does well his price will rocket up and someone else will outcompete us.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Topman on July 29, 2011, 06:59:12 PM
hi all
A really good keeper has joined us, of that there is no doubt. However, i am a bit disappointed that its just a loan deal. We have no second keeper, and what happens in 12 months if they come up and we stay up or go down, we then have to start all over again. I feel a little bit let down with the Albion so far regarding transfers. They expected me to put my hand in my pocket to shell out virtually as soon as the season had ended and part with £500, yet the club is still to pay a single penny for a transfer. Yes I know loans are not free and frees are anything but free, but I had hoped for a really good signing that would make the teams around us take note a little more. Maybe I was hoping too much knowing the albion, but will we ever pay more than 4.5 million for a player?

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dexy on July 29, 2011, 06:59:47 PM
Fantastic signing. But can I request we actually get behind this guy and not hound him out of the club when he makes a mistake like EVERY goalkeeper in the world does?
Very good point.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on July 29, 2011, 07:00:37 PM
Only 1 slight quibble would much preferred a perm move but otherwise great signing
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: j_dog_1980 on July 29, 2011, 07:02:31 PM
Englands, No1  :D :D

About time too!

Now, wheres our new stiker? lol
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Yam Yam Baggie on July 29, 2011, 07:02:37 PM
good signing but if he has a fantastic season for us you can forget signing him on a permanent.

and no body cry because ive said that, its true.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dB on July 29, 2011, 07:03:29 PM
I tried to stay calm and patient, but I couldn't. Just so happy that this is done now.

Absolutely brilliant signing, so so so happy.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 29, 2011, 07:04:16 PM
About time! I'm over the moon this has finally gone through. Can we have this thread moved to general now? :-D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: richard on July 29, 2011, 07:07:21 PM
it says on the blues website that foster's regisrtaion will automatically revert back to blues on 1st july
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on July 29, 2011, 07:07:46 PM
Fantastic signing. But can I request we actually get behind this guy and not hound him out of the club when he makes a mistake like EVERY goalkeeper in the world does?
There will be a few idiots inevitably, but I'm sure the majority of us will give him our full support. Hopefully the minority don't ruin it for the majority like what happened with Carson. I think Carson being an ex-Villa player and having an infamous England blunder to his name meant he was doomed from the start, fortunately for Foster he hasn't got either of those so he should be alright.

hi all
A really good keeper has joined us, of that there is no doubt. However, i am a bit disappointed that its just a loan deal. We have no second keeper, and what happens in 12 months if they come up and we stay up or go down, we then have to start all over again. I feel a little bit let down with the Albion so far regarding transfers. They expected me to put my hand in my pocket to shell out virtually as soon as the season had ended and part with £500, yet the club is still to pay a single penny for a transfer. Yes I know loans are not free and frees are anything but free, but I had hoped for a really good signing that would make the teams around us take note a little more. Maybe I was hoping too much knowing the albion, but will we ever pay more than 4.5 million for a player?


Ashworth has said we'll be getting another keeper in the compete with Carson. Also the transfer window is open for another 4 weeks. I don't know if we'll spend more than 4.5 million on a player, we'll probably pay over the odds for Long, so yes.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: westbrom4ever on July 29, 2011, 07:11:36 PM
Will be interesting to see how he does. Welcome
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lordbaggie on July 29, 2011, 07:14:29 PM
Why didn't we hang on a bit longer? We might have got the loan fee reduced. PEACE OUT!  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Andio on July 29, 2011, 07:14:59 PM
Fantastic news!  8)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Groovephil on July 29, 2011, 07:15:08 PM
I'd be amazed if it's not a loan then perm but due to tax reasons, the Peace special remember, it's reported this way. Either way it's a fabulous signing and another couple of this quality and we can be very happy fans indeed.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 29, 2011, 07:16:35 PM
Its a great signing for us and with Myhill going the other way you can see why it has dragged on a little this week. Disappointed there is no option to buy as we could potentially be in the same boat this time next year but at least we have a top class goalkeeper for at least a season and if all goes well we could possibly get him permanently next summer.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 29, 2011, 07:17:45 PM
I'd be amazed if it's not a loan then perm but due to tax reasons, the Peace special remember, it's reported this way. Either way it's a fabulous signing and another couple of this quality and we can be very happy fans indeed.

All of our previous loans in that way are reported as loans with a view to a permanent transfer so I think it is a straight up loan deal for a season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Barrington on July 29, 2011, 07:25:33 PM
At the very least we've got a marked improvement on Carson for a whole season.

That's great news.

We'll worry about replacing Foster this time next year if we have to  :)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dB on July 29, 2011, 07:26:52 PM
All of our previous loans in that way are reported as loans with a view to a permanent transfer so I think it is a straight up loan deal for a season.

Yep, looks as though it's just a straight swap. No mention of view to sign on either article. We'll just have to see what Blues' financial situation is like at the end of the season...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: off_foo_182 on July 29, 2011, 07:27:38 PM
great signing, but why oh why not on a loan to perm, or just straight perm. JOKE. Chuffed but whats the point as we will be in the same position next season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: geoff on July 29, 2011, 07:30:05 PM
Well come to the Hawthorne Ben  :D hope you enjoy your stay with us & lets hope its for more than 1 season
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: OldburyWBA on July 29, 2011, 07:30:55 PM
great signing, but why oh why not on a loan to perm, or just straight perm. JOKE. Chuffed but whats the point as we will be in the same position next season.

Perhaps Blues wouldn't agree to it, perhaps Foster wouldn't agree to it, perhaps it is dependant on Blues getting promoted or us getting relegated.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: divinewind on July 29, 2011, 07:32:30 PM
great signing, but why oh why not on a loan to perm, or just straight perm. JOKE. Chuffed but whats the point as we will be in the same position next season.

It probably suits both us and him.

We will see how good he is without spending £4m like we did with carson and he will want to see if we stay up.
I can't see Blues coming up,so no way will he go back there.

Glad it's finally done.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lordbaggie on July 29, 2011, 07:32:53 PM
I really can't see Foster going back to Blues or Myhill back to us.

But they might be free to move elsewhere.

We must be in pole position (not a PiG joke!) for Foster if he's here and wants to stay in the area.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TAFKATMNo1Fan on July 29, 2011, 07:33:14 PM
Very happy with this signing. If the only way to get Foster was on loan then so be it I'd rather have him her next season and worry about another 'keeper the season after much rather have this deal than Green for about 4 million.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dudleylad on July 29, 2011, 07:37:31 PM
You would think Blues dug their heels in over the transfer fee but couldnt sustain is wages but met us in some middle ground.

Great signing, however we now need a decent back up keeper as I feel Daniels isnt good enough
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on July 29, 2011, 07:39:47 PM
great signing, but why oh why not on a loan to perm, or just straight perm. JOKE. Chuffed but whats the point as we will be in the same position next season.
The point is that we've got an excellent keeper who could potentially win us many points next season. Is that a good enough point?

There will probably be talks to make the move permanent at the end of the season anyway. But considering we don't know what league we'll be in I wouldn't be thinking that far ahead.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: divinewind on July 29, 2011, 07:40:07 PM
I think we might go foreign for an up and coming keeper as back up.

Can't see anyone with experience wanting to come here as second choice.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on July 29, 2011, 07:42:18 PM
I think we might go foreign for an up and coming keeper as back up.

Can't see anyone with experience wanting to come here as second choice.
Stuart Taylor? He loves benches. Not as much as he loves not being in match day squads though, might be a deal breaker.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1993dave on July 29, 2011, 07:43:51 PM
Great news :D  we get a top keeper for a season, if we stay up am sure if he enjoys his stay he would want to sign here permanently , dont forget a year today his price would of been cut due to his contract
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: off_foo_182 on July 29, 2011, 07:45:02 PM
I just think he is well worth the "gamble" we could easily get the money back or most of it. Just think he will be amazing and we'll lose out come the end of the season... when roy goes?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kie the baggie on July 29, 2011, 07:45:38 PM
theres probly a clause that allows us to buy if we stay up and they stay down hopefully anyway
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Do I not like Wolves on July 29, 2011, 07:46:56 PM
Excellent - far better than Green
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggie Artist on July 29, 2011, 07:51:34 PM
Al-Habsi had a great season for Wigan and they signed him without competition. He'd have to have a really great season to be worth more than £4 million at the end of it.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dexy on July 29, 2011, 07:52:25 PM
Going on history Mr Peace will have something lined up...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: divinewind on July 29, 2011, 07:52:45 PM
I just think he is well worth the "gamble" we could easily get the money back or most of it. Just think he will be amazing and we'll lose out come the end of the season... when roy goes?

Don't want to go off topic but i think you are looking on the dark side about Roy going.
It's up to us fans to make him feel wanted.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lordbaggie on July 29, 2011, 07:57:36 PM
Don't want to go off topic but i think you are looking on the dark side about Roy going.
It's up to us fans to make him feel wanted.

"We love you, Roy" tee shirts???
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tipton baggie 80 on July 29, 2011, 08:00:25 PM
I think it might actually be a calculated gamble on the part of JP, the straight loan. Maybe he was offered the chance to make it a permanent for 4m, but believes the financial situation at blues will only get worse and we might be able to snap him up for, say, 2m. One things for sure, I wouldn't want to play cards with Jeremy. Wouldn't be at all suprised if this turned out to be another JP masterstroke.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: slugga1 on July 29, 2011, 08:06:35 PM
"We love you, Roy" tee shirts???

Everyone loves Roy of the Rovers Albion (dunno if that worked first time trying to be cocky with crossed out rovers)

Back to topic..

I'm over the bloomin moon, top quality keeper! I bet our defenders are sighing in relief too!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionBest on July 29, 2011, 08:15:23 PM
Very pleased we have got him.
A signing that improves the first eleven and could be worth a few points over the season allied to improved confidence from the defence with a better keeper behind them.
Interesting to see who comes in as second keeper ?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WorcsWBA on July 29, 2011, 08:19:12 PM
I'm delighted we've signed him like everyone else but, given how long this has dragged on for, I'm disappointed that there isn't one of those irreversible "with a view to a permanent deal" elements to it. If there had been, I'm sure they would have announced it up front.

Plenty of money still swishing around in the transfer kitty then.....
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 29, 2011, 08:19:39 PM
Welcome to a big club Ben
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Blubby on July 29, 2011, 08:20:52 PM
im a very pleased baggie today  :D :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: crazedwbafan18 on July 29, 2011, 08:21:44 PM
some awful responses here tonight. you'd think we'd signed diouf for a goalkeeping position  >:( Just be happy that we have a quality goalkeeper in our realms, he saved birmingham a lot of embarassment at times last season with his quality shotstopping abilities! ok so the view to a permanent deal is not included in the article on the OS, but noone knows for certain what is set out in the clause. a deal may be settled next season, and if not, Myhill will return, and lets face it, he isnt that bad, great keeper for hull! Lets celebrate this loan deal instead of moaning about it!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionBest on July 29, 2011, 08:27:53 PM
some awful responses here tonight. you'd think we'd signed diouf for a goalkeeping position  >:( Just be happy that we have a quality goalkeeper in our realms, he saved birmingham a lot of embarassment at times last season with his quality shotstopping abilities! ok so the view to a permanent deal is not included in the article on the OS, but noone knows for certain what is set out in the clause. a deal may be settled next season, and if not, Myhill will return, and lets face it, he isnt that bad, great keeper for hull! Lets celebrate this loan deal instead of moaning about it!

???

Everyone seems pretty happy we have him ?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: rajesh-wba on July 29, 2011, 08:30:06 PM
Excellent signing, in my opinion. Well chuffed with Foster's arrival. Anoter piece added to the jigsaw!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kris_boing on July 29, 2011, 08:30:59 PM
Cracking signing.  We have just signed Englands 2nd best keeper.  Can you believe it?

We have also just improved our defence considerably.   Out of all the keepers who we could have got hes the one that would have made the most difference.

I hope its not just a year loan and that we have some kind of buying clause or something.

Really happy with this signing.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on July 29, 2011, 08:32:11 PM
Wouldn't surprise me at all if we sign him permanently in January. That way we have 4 months to look at him and then decide. Surely we can place a bid for a permanent transfer whilst he is still here on loan?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionBest on July 29, 2011, 08:33:56 PM
Wouldn't surprise me at all if we sign him permanently in January. That way we have 4 months to look at him and then decide. Surely we can place a bid for a permanent transfer whilst he is still here on loan?

Depends what happens at Blooze as well.................hey way they are going they will struggle to stay in the Championship. They kick off at Derby which will be a baptism of fire for them.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: PsalmXXIII on July 29, 2011, 08:39:12 PM
Just a thought, on the official site it shows Foster in an Albion shirt holding a scarf above his head. Anyone else remember a loan signing doing something like that before? Just seemed a little odd to me :S
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on July 29, 2011, 08:52:18 PM
some awful responses here tonight. you'd think we'd signed diouf for a goalkeeping position  >:( Just be happy that we have a quality goalkeeper in our realms, he saved birmingham a lot of embarassment at times last season with his quality shotstopping abilities! ok so the view to a permanent deal is not included in the article on the OS, but noone knows for certain what is set out in the clause. a deal may be settled next season, and if not, Myhill will return, and lets face it, he isnt that bad, great keeper for hull! Lets celebrate this loan deal instead of moaning about it!

Not one person here has said anything bad about Foster. It's an overwhelmingly positive response  :-\

Just a thought, on the official site it shows Foster in an Albion shirt holding a scarf above his head. Anyone else remember a loan signing doing something like that before? Just seemed a little odd to me :S

They presented Vela like that when he signed on loan as well.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: gerry m on July 29, 2011, 08:54:26 PM
good luck to him i hope he does well! im sure we will hear enough of it if he doesnt!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: crazedwbafan18 on July 29, 2011, 09:01:53 PM
Not one person here has said anything bad about Foster. It's an overwhelmingly positive response  :-\

They presented Vela like that when he signed on loan as well.
I'm not saying that people have said anything negative about foster, just the fact that people keep focusing on the fact we only have him for the season rather than the fact we have a classy goalkeeper at the hawthorns. IMO, its a great thing that we have the man in the first place. We don't know whether he will sign permanently or not, so lets cross the bridge when we come to it.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: richjonawba on July 29, 2011, 09:05:00 PM
Excellent signing, a real improvement on last season. Very happy.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on July 29, 2011, 09:05:41 PM
I'm not saying that people have said anything negative about foster, just the fact that people keep focusing on the fact we only have him for the season rather than the fact we have a classy goalkeeper at the hawthorns. IMO, its a great thing that we have the man in the first place. We don't know whether he will sign permanently or not, so lets cross the bridge when we come to it.
Unfortunately, for some people the glass is always half empty.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Rich99 on July 29, 2011, 09:18:09 PM
Good news.

We will need to sort out a second choice keeper though.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: off_foo_182 on July 29, 2011, 09:18:53 PM
Unfortunately, for some people the glass is always half empty.

absolutely over the moon with this signing, the guy is class, so much so that I thought I would say that i'm concerned we didn't sign him perm. I don't think anybody has moaned about fosters quality. Lets hope its another JP stroke of genius... we still have monies left!!!!! 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 29, 2011, 09:21:30 PM
The straight loan deals actually suit the players most really, Myhill gets first team football and the chance to impress while Foster keeps his options wide open next year.

At the end of the day we have got him for the year no matter what and if he does well and all falls into place we will have the chance to get him next summer so I think all parties will be happy enough tonight. His comments on his video interview about the location being really important for him as he doesn't want to uproot his family should give us a good chance of getting him next year should Blues fail to win promotion and we stay in the Premiership.

I would hope that the loan move allows us to concentrate some more funds towards what other positions Hodgson wants to strengthen although our wage bill must have increased significantly over the last year.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albion79 on July 29, 2011, 09:27:39 PM
Cracking signing, very good capable keeper and i think he will join with some confidence in himself, if everyone gets behind him (and the defence tightens up) we could have a potentially great signing.

Sadly will bring an end to this thread though soon, can it be beaten length wise this preseason? John Carew anyone?!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smethwickw on July 29, 2011, 09:33:04 PM
A fantastic signing. How do the 'Be careful what you wish for' and 'we won't get better than Carson' brigade feel now? He will win us many points next season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on July 29, 2011, 09:36:23 PM
Really pleased the deal has been done, I think he is a top keeper, his debut aganist his old club as well.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Savvas78 on July 29, 2011, 09:36:57 PM
Let's be under no illusions, this is a fantastic signing. Well done DA and Roy for getting him!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Aztech on July 29, 2011, 09:40:15 PM
A fantastic signing. How do the 'Be careful what you wish for' and 'we won't get better than Carson' brigade feel now? He will win us many points next season.

Foster is a good signing, and is an improvement on Carson.

However I still maintain Carson was not as bad as some make out.

Foster had a better defensive unit in front of him last year, unless we make more signings he could be in for a shock.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smethwickw on July 29, 2011, 09:44:04 PM
Foster is a good signing, and is an improvement on Carson.

However I still maintain Carson was not as bad as some make out.

Foster had a better defensive unit in front of him last year, unless we make more signings he could be in for a shock.

I can't see any more defenders coming in really apart from Ridgewell perhaps. Quite worrying really considering how bad were are at the back. Having a decent keeper will make a difference though. It should install some confidence into the back 4 at least.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionBest on July 29, 2011, 09:45:13 PM
A fantastic signing. How do the 'Be careful what you wish for' and 'we won't get better than Carson' brigade feel now? He will win us many points next season.

Foster is an improvement on Carson so excellent but the 'be careful what you wish for' comments would have been perfectly valis for the likes of Green or PIG !
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggiee_Boyy_Benn on July 29, 2011, 10:01:24 PM
wow! what a great signing this is. Well pleased.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Beddoe121 on July 29, 2011, 10:34:20 PM
Happy to see this go through, hopefully 1 or 2 more signings and we should have a decent outfit, hopefully  Gera and Ridgewell make the switches too.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 29, 2011, 10:40:25 PM
A brief  interview on player with him if you haven't seen it
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: floridabaggie on July 29, 2011, 11:02:41 PM
Well chuffed with Foster, just hope he settles quickly so people stay off his back !!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: costa blanca baggie on July 29, 2011, 11:20:47 PM
Well chuffed with Foster, just hope he settles quickly so people stay off his back !!
Define quickly.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Political Cake on July 29, 2011, 11:35:58 PM
Fantastic news. I thought the 'Loan towards view of Permanent' deal involved a set fee being fixed beforehand, and if the buying club offered it the selling club were forced to sell. Unless JP has outdone even himself in not just negotiating the details of it, but no even announcing such a deal, I don't think Blues would accept a normal deal like it.

Define quickly.

Scores an 80 yard free kick first game against Man U. :P
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on July 29, 2011, 11:41:58 PM
Well chuffed with Foster, just hope he settles quickly so people stay off his back !!
Don't think it'll be an issue unless his first few performances are disasters. With Carson's history (England v Croatia, Villa) I think some people couldn't wait to get on his back when he came. Foster's history is clean so he'll be fine.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: MostUnfurrowed on July 29, 2011, 11:45:02 PM
Brilliant news! And to celebrate, I've written an article that details just exactly how much better Foster is than Carson.

http://studsshowing.wordpress.com/2011/07/27/ben-foster-a-statistical-comparison/
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hong Kong Phooey on July 29, 2011, 11:50:18 PM
Unfortunately, for some people the glass is always half empty.

Nothing wrong with a half empty glass - shows that you are aware that you will need more!!!

However, Ben Foster (whether on loan or permanent) is the best that we could have possibly hoped for to replace Scott Carson.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Barrington on July 30, 2011, 12:15:13 AM
Brilliant news! And to celebrate, I've written an article that details just exactly how much better Foster is than Carson.

http://studsshowing.wordpress.com/2011/07/27/ben-foster-a-statistical-comparison/

Just had a good read of that. Good work. Funnily enough, the first thing that impressed me about Carson was his distribution. Unfortunately, i wasn't overly impressed with much else on the whole, although he was much more stern in the Championship generally. I wish Carson the best for the future but rate Foster a lot more as an all round keeper.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: jasonbot on July 30, 2011, 12:24:31 AM
Brilliant news! And to celebrate, I've written an article that details just exactly how much better Foster is than Carson.

http://studsshowing.wordpress.com/2011/07/27/ben-foster-a-statistical-comparison/

I really enjoyed this article! Thanks.

But... The problem now is that we've given up Myhill so we still need another keeper as was outlined on the wba website

Ashworth added: "We wish Boaz all the best at Birmingham during the coming season and we are now targeting another goalkeeper to provide competition for Ben."

kusz... uhm, PIG anyone?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Barrington on July 30, 2011, 12:27:43 AM
The ambassador would really be spoiling us if we got the Pole in Goal too   :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zs7gAxsfK5U
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on July 30, 2011, 12:31:32 AM
I really enjoyed this article! Thanks.

But... The problem now is that we've given up Myhill so we still need another keeper as was outlined on the wba website

Ashworth added: "We wish Boaz all the best at Birmingham during the coming season and we are now targeting another goalkeeper to provide competition for Ben."

kusz... uhm, PIG anyone?
Not unless we want to pay 3/4 million and high wages for a second choice keeper.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Andio on July 30, 2011, 12:41:40 AM
Brilliant news! And to celebrate, I've written an article that details just exactly how much better Foster is than Carson.

http://studsshowing.wordpress.com/2011/07/27/ben-foster-a-statistical-comparison/

Great read & just backs up what I said earlier:



The one thing Carson has over Foster IMO is distribution, I still can't work out why people thought Carson was so poor at distribution he was actually very good!

Foster does seem to drag an awful lot of clearances from back passes along the floor.

Having said that I'd be a much happier person with Foster in goal as he will win us more games than he costs us.

If Foster makes an error he seems to come back stronger, whereas with Carson he would just let it hang over him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on July 30, 2011, 06:20:44 AM
Joy at Fosster signing and some people still drag Carson into it.

Helloooooooooo, he's left. Let it be  ::)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zac on July 30, 2011, 08:34:17 AM
What a signing. Really happy with this one, well done JP, RH + DA.

Sorry if this is a repost but i found this video on youtube which someone made for Foster.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6wjxPPgvl0
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Joust on July 30, 2011, 09:13:25 AM
What a signing. Really happy with this one, well done JP, RH + DA.

Sorry if this is a repost but i found this video on youtube which someone made for Foster.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6wjxPPgvl0

He looks like he should be at Madrid looking at that video lol
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Wbahunty on July 30, 2011, 09:44:10 AM
We needed to actually sign him, we will just have the same problem next year.

However a good season might make that solution easier and we will come to that when it happens?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bangkokbaggie on July 30, 2011, 09:51:18 AM
I think it might actually be a calculated gamble on the part of JP, the straight loan. Maybe he was offered the chance to make it a permanent for 4m, but believes the financial situation at blues will only get worse and we might be able to snap him up for, say, 2m. One things for sure, I wouldn't want to play cards with Jeremy. Wouldn't be at all suprised if this turned out to be another JP masterstroke.
Interesting theory. I don't know how complicated the matter might be though if Blues go into administration. The Administrator as I understand would take over control of the club and would obviously want to realise some assets to obtain funds quickly in order to keep creditors happy including players' wages. I assume that the loan deal for Foster would still be protected but what if the Administrator wanted to sell Foster? Would we have first choice? More than likely we would have to wait until the January window or is there a clause in the rules that would allow us to buy outside the window?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dangerman on July 30, 2011, 10:09:04 AM
Just out of interest, what happens if we draw Blues in the cup?

Will both keepers be allowed to play?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggies on July 30, 2011, 10:19:28 AM
Has there been any news on the loan fee? It was originally 1 million wasnt it but with Myhill going the other way surely thats gone down a bit.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kendo on July 30, 2011, 10:32:58 AM
As much as I am please we got Foster at last, I cant understand the fact we offload our only other keeper with prem experience. So we have got to get back up that we already had. Anybody know if the Oddy saga is resolved yet? and lets hope they don't spend 8 million on Long. He is not bad, but not an 8 mill player. We still need the defence sorting, but this should have been all done by now.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: MarkW on July 30, 2011, 10:39:36 AM
As much as I am please we got Foster at last, I cant understand the fact we offload our only other keeper with prem experience. So we have got to get back up that we already had. Anybody know if the Oddy saga is resolved yet? and lets hope they don't spend 8 million on Long. He is not bad, but not an 8 mill player. We still need the defence sorting, but this should have been all done by now.

Myhill was unsettled with the constant speculation regarding us wanting a new goalkeeper, because he thought he should be the one to be the No. 1. Hence when the offer came in to get first team experience he jumped at it.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Gamma on July 30, 2011, 10:51:57 AM
Very good deal here.

I am excited now. We've got a very good goalkeeper on our hands. I think if we fit out a really good CB we'll be ready basically.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Joust on July 30, 2011, 11:11:36 AM
Just out of interest, what happens if we draw Blues in the cup?

Will both keepers be allowed to play?

Usually no but not sue regarding this deal...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: popbaggie28 on July 30, 2011, 11:23:00 AM
I would have thought an agreement is in place that they can both play?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: saml30 on July 30, 2011, 11:37:57 AM
Brilliant news! And to celebrate, I've written an article that details just exactly how much better Foster is than Carson.

http://studsshowing.wordpress.com/2011/07/27/ben-foster-a-statistical-comparison/

from this i don't get that he is vastly better IMO, but the catching stat says it all really doesn't it, quick point all those mistakes carson makes, only 5 led to goals, we conceded over 70, 5 were his fault, so whos blamed for the other 65???
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: MostUnfurrowed on July 30, 2011, 11:50:04 AM
from this i don't get that he is vastly better IMO, but the catching stat says it all really doesn't it, quick point all those mistakes carson makes, only 5 led to goals, we conceded over 70, 5 were his fault, so whos blamed for the other 65???


They're overt mistakes rather than failed saves. Foster made more than double the amount of saves Carson, last season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: saml30 on July 30, 2011, 11:51:59 AM


They're overt mistakes rather than failed saves. Foster made more than double the amount of saves Carson, last season.

true something i did notice, possibly a case that our defence was better than blues  :o
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: jsam on July 30, 2011, 12:14:39 PM
I'm pleased we've nailed Foster, but bewildered about why we've sent Myhill the other way. It's been hard enough to find one Premier class keeper, but these days there's absolutely no doubt you need two over the course of a season.

What happens if Foster is injured in the first game? Get your boots on, Dean.

Also, I can't quite warm to a player who's not prepared to play for his country. I suppose it's good for us that he wants to be single mjinded, but playing for England should be every Englishman's dream.

While I'm on, is there any hint about his wages? He was reportedly on £1.5m at the Blues, and if we're paying him anything close to that it could lead to dressing room unrest.

Er, AND we still need a centre half.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on July 30, 2011, 12:16:44 PM
I severely doubt bringing a keep of Ben Foster's quality on 30k a week would lead to any unrest. Carson, in the premier league, must surely have been on similar. Rather I imagine the defence in particular would be delighted to bring in someone of such quality.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: garry on July 30, 2011, 12:36:13 PM
Poor Myhill must really feel like a West Brom reject.
I bet the Bham supporters aren't too happy either.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: chris-wba on July 30, 2011, 12:46:37 PM
What a signing. Really happy with this one, well done JP, RH + DA.

Sorry if this is a repost but i found this video on youtube which someone made for Foster.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6wjxPPgvl0

That video shows just how rubbish Birmingham were last season. They would have been planted to the bottom without Foster. Great signing for us, well done the chairman and the manager  :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggie Artist on July 30, 2011, 01:11:24 PM
That save against Villa is amazing. Shot stopping is only one aspect of a goalkeeper though obviously..
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WSBaggie on July 30, 2011, 01:41:55 PM
I'm pleased we've nailed Foster, but bewildered about why we've sent Myhill the other way. It's been hard enough to find one Premier class keeper, but these days there's absolutely no doubt you need two over the course of a season.

What happens if Foster is injured in the first game? Get your boots on, Dean.

Also, I can't quite warm to a player who's not prepared to play for his country. I suppose it's good for us that he wants to be single mjinded, but playing for England should be every Englishman's dream.

While I'm on, is there any hint about his wages? He was reportedly on £1.5m at the Blues, and if we're paying him anything close to that it could lead to dressing room unrest.

Er, AND we still need a centre half.

1.5m a year is 28000 a week, Mulumbu just signed a contract worth more than that and Carson was on pretty much the same wage so I wouldn't expect too much unrest. 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dexy on July 30, 2011, 02:02:58 PM
This thread is about Foster signing,please refrain from posting video's of Scott Carson or anybody else thankyou.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on July 30, 2011, 04:51:17 PM
I initially thought Ben Foster was out of our price range, good goalkeeper who will benefit us next season. Well done Jeremy Peace and Dan Ashworth for pulling this off.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: off_foo_182 on July 30, 2011, 05:14:04 PM
first clean sheet of the season.. immediate impact!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: johnthebaggie on July 30, 2011, 05:21:44 PM
Usually no but not sue regarding this deal...
There's probably a crazy FA rule that we play Myhill and they have Foster for the game. :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: beechyboy90 on July 31, 2011, 03:42:47 AM
can someone some up this deal for me?
have we loaned him for the year then buying him in a peace esc deal or is it a straight loan?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: westbrom3wolves0 on July 31, 2011, 05:06:31 AM
We can sign him for a rumoured fee of £4m at the end of the season if Blues fail to get promoted… I believe Seed!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 31, 2011, 10:42:26 AM
Its been reported as a straight loan deal with no option to buy.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Yam Yam Baggie on July 31, 2011, 01:36:39 PM
in paper this morning we have a view to a permanent deal at the end of the season whether blues come up or not.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionBest on July 31, 2011, 02:17:05 PM
in paper this morning we have a view to a permanent deal at the end of the season whether blues come up or not.

That would make sense.

No clues as to who we are after as No.2 ?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Yam Yam Baggie on July 31, 2011, 02:20:49 PM
that is only the papers though ! but im sure JP wouldnt just have a straight deal. he would have something in place so we can buy him next season or something like that, hes not stupid.

Apparantly we are after Sorensen as no2?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie96 on July 31, 2011, 02:45:44 PM
in paper this morning we have a view to a permanent deal at the end of the season whether blues come up or not.
which paper mate?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on July 31, 2011, 02:48:25 PM
Apparantly we are after Sorensen as no2?
No chance. He wouldn't leave one club where he's number 2 to go to another club where he's number 2 again. Would cost too much and be on wages too high for a number 2 goalkeeper anyway.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggieboyjop on July 31, 2011, 04:32:19 PM
in paper this morning we have a view to a permanent deal at the end of the season whether blues come up or not.

I hope so, if it is then it is a very very good deal for us imo
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: MarkW on July 31, 2011, 05:30:34 PM
Is it just me who found out that Foster is 28?! Thought he was at least 3 years younger
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Wbamitch on July 31, 2011, 06:42:07 PM
Definately one of the best out there that was in our reach, im just glad we got him. I hoped to have made it a permanent signing, A loan will do for now though. It has changed my thoughts of wanting Blues to come back up which i feel is very unlikely anyway.

Hopefully we can get a number 2 keeper in aswell.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 31, 2011, 06:58:22 PM
Is it just me who found out that Foster is 28?! Thought he was at least 3 years younger


Not even hit peak yet for a goalie.Still relatively young
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: MarkW on July 31, 2011, 06:59:32 PM

Not even hit peak yet for a goalie.Still relatively young

Then what did that make Carson?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KnaveofAlbion on July 31, 2011, 07:11:40 PM
Then what did that make Carson?

A once promising talent, who whilst still young and fairly experienced has a broken spirit and drops far too many clangers.

I was at the Bristol game and Foster seemed settled and more than able, he got down fast to what i thought certain to be a goal in the 2nd half and claimed crosses well.

I really hope Birmingham sink and we can get Foster here long term.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggieboyjop on July 31, 2011, 07:22:00 PM
Definately one of the best out there that was in our reach, im just glad we got him. I hoped to have made it a permanent signing, A loan will do for now though. It has changed my thoughts of wanting Blues to come back up which i feel is very unlikely anyway.

Hopefully we can get a number 2 keeper in aswell.

That was exactly my thoughts on the deal. I dont think we could have hoped for or got anyone better and without paying a fee. Cant ask for more than that right now can we

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on July 31, 2011, 07:39:13 PM
That was exactly my thoughts on the deal. I dont think we could have hoped for or got anyone better and without paying a fee. Cant ask for more than that right now can we
Was there anyone realistically available to us better than Foster at all, fee or no fee? The only player I can think of is Given who we almost got. Friedel maybe too, but I think he's not as good as he once was (getting on a bit).
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggieboyjop on July 31, 2011, 08:05:53 PM
Was there anyone realistically available to us better than Foster at all, fee or no fee? The only player I can think of is Given who we almost got. Friedel maybe too, but I think he's not as good as he once was (getting on a bit).

I agree with you, i dont think i worded my post very well. I meant that we got the best keeper we could and we didnt even have to pay a fee, so i'm delighted with the deal
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Ogwani on July 31, 2011, 10:29:30 PM
I think Foster's the best possible keeper we could've got aside from possibly Given. Foster started every single one of Birmingham's league games last season (I believe, although he did go off once) while Given had niggling injuries and was kept out of the team by Hart so you'd think Foster would be more in tune, but Given did look good for the Villa the other day.

I hope we have some kind-of option to buy, whether it be January, next season, if Blues don't come up or whatever - Foster is a truly class keeper in my opinion and could be a great asset if we're to stay in this league.

I also hope we get a good quality foreign keeper as number 2 (Kawashima?  ::)) as I don't think Green or Sorensen will come and happily sit on the bench for us.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Avonbaggie on July 31, 2011, 10:51:03 PM
Just watch the youtube video someone posted of him if you have doubts. Some absolute quality stuff. Find me a Carson one which can compare and i believe you'd find it impossible to find one
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mooncat on August 02, 2011, 09:55:27 AM
Has anyone else noticed that in the Albion Player video of Foster (the freebie bit in the right hand corner of the OS) that when he's filming the Sky 'intro' bits our home 'keepers top is the same colour as the 'green screen' they are using in the background - won't that mean that in our televised games Foster will be shown as a ghostly floating head!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Ogwani on August 02, 2011, 01:14:51 PM
Has anyone else noticed that in the Albion Player video of Foster (the freebie bit in the right hand corner of the OS) that when he's filming the Sky 'intro' bits our home 'keepers top is the same colour as the 'green screen' they are using in the background - won't that mean that in our televised games Foster will be shown as a ghostly floating head!!

I used a green screen for my media studies in college last year and the grass still showed up in it, it is possible to have greens show up providing the shade is different. If they can't cancel it out then they'll just use a blue screen instead, I imagine they have both.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBArgo on August 02, 2011, 06:57:39 PM
Just listened to his interview with Tom Ross:
http://www.brmb.co.uk/news/sport/ready-to-go/ (http://www.brmb.co.uk/news/sport/ready-to-go/)

Was a bit shocked if honest to see how pro-Birmingham he still is, claiming he'd definitely like to play for them if promoted again. Basically had no loyalty to us. Hopefully it will grow but more importantly we need them to stay down.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lordbaggie on August 02, 2011, 07:35:35 PM
He's not stupid. If he wants to stay in the area his choices are limited. He doesn't know for sure which of the two clubs he'll be playing for in 2012/13 but it's very likely one of the two.

He needs to keep both sets of fans onside.

It also shows him as a decent human being - he's not an Albion fan like us - and you'd like to think he's got some good feelings about the people he's been working with.

Is Gera badmouthing Fulham?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: greggy8689 on August 03, 2011, 10:39:15 AM
Just listened to his interview with Tom Ross:
http://www.brmb.co.uk/news/sport/ready-to-go/ (http://www.brmb.co.uk/news/sport/ready-to-go/)

Was a bit shocked if honest to see how pro-Birmingham he still is, claiming he'd definitely like to play for them if promoted again. Basically had no loyalty to us. Hopefully it will grow but more importantly we need them to stay down.

He is still employed by them so can't really slag them off. If we were to get relegated and Blues get promoted then he would want to go back to his parent club. I found him very genuine and honest to listen to.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mike on August 03, 2011, 04:29:05 PM
http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/2011/08/03/ben-fosters-stance-on-england-return/

No doubt many will defend his decision now he is an albion player, despite attacking England players in the past for a lack of commitment/passion. 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on August 03, 2011, 04:40:54 PM
I don't like it and I done condone it, in fact I think being asked to represent your country is one of the greatest honours that can be bestowed upon anyone and turning it down is disgraceful. But all I'm really thinking about at the moment is us having a good goalkeeper.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on August 03, 2011, 04:42:53 PM
My stance on it won't change now he's an Albion player. I'm not in favour of people making themselves void for England selection. It's a great honour to represent your country and it's a shame players with natural talent make themselves unavailable for selection. Paul Robinson, who in my opinion is probably the second best English keeper in the country was the one decision I could never get my head around.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: twistedh on August 03, 2011, 05:10:57 PM
I too am not in favour of players making themselves unavailable for selection. Jamie Carragher for example was someone who I really did not want to come back last year. He chose to retire from the national team simply because he wasn't getting into the squad. Instead of fighting for a place he quit, which I think shows poor character. It did help him at club level as he used to be one of the best defenders in the league but I just dislike the way he did it.

I am pleased though that Foster will not be involved in the pointless friendly 3 days before the new season begins. No matter how patriotic, I don't feel players will put in 100% as they will not risk injury in this day and age and no doubt be told by their clubs managerial team to 'take it easy'.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggieboyjop on August 03, 2011, 07:14:48 PM
He is still employed by them so can't really slag them off. If we were to get relegated and Blues get promoted then he would want to go back to his parent club. I found him very genuine and honest to listen to.

Im with greg. I thought he came across as a decent bloke who is focused on doing his best for us. Cant really complain at that can we, we cant expect him to slag off blues as he is still their player and could well be back with them next year and he wouldnt want to go back to a set of fans that hate him would he  ::)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RuncornBaggie on August 14, 2011, 05:58:44 PM
I just noticed today..........doesn't he look remarkably like that gay(Am I allowed to use the term gay??) lad off Emmerdale Farm.........apparently the missus says he killed his disabled boyfriend in the programme!

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: 15.SUPERJOE on August 14, 2011, 06:04:40 PM
I just noticed today..........doesn't he look remarkably like that gay(Am I allowed to use the term gay??) lad off Emmerdale Farm.........apparently the missus says he killed his disabled boyfriend in the programme!

Yes he does a bit. And you are allowed to say gay, it's fine. It was assisted suicide.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: chipperclark on August 23, 2011, 04:51:50 AM
 :D Thought he has had a great start to the season...was safe as against Chelski..even the little trot from goal to put Anelka off his shot was very positive.

I for one don't feel nervous when teams attack us,as I have faith in Foster as being a very good goalkeeper.It flows to the defence as well...you can see the confidence they have with him behind them.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on August 23, 2011, 06:15:10 AM
:D Thought he has had a great start to the season...was safe as against Chelski..even the little trot from goal to put Anelka off his shot was very positive.

I for one don't feel nervous when teams attack us,as I have faith in Foster as being a very good goalkeeper.It flows to the defence as well...you can see the confidence they have with him behind them.
[/b]

Wonder if he feels the same with what's infront?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Black Pearl on August 23, 2011, 08:51:50 AM
Very solid, confidence breeds confidence for the whole defensive unit.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tommcneill on August 23, 2011, 09:52:38 AM
Quality keeper....just seems too have that little level up from Carson
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on August 23, 2011, 10:09:53 AM
You can tell him and the defenders aren't quite on the same page yet but they should gel in time. The main thing is he has confidence in him from the fans, it was unbearable with Carson as people got to the point of expecting mistakes and that vibe will have carried to the players on the pitch.

He is a quality keeper as he has shown at other clubs when he has been fit enough to play, we have been unlucky already this season to concede a couple of goals he had absolutely no chance with due to deflections.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: PsalmXXIII on August 23, 2011, 10:37:37 AM
He's been very unlucky with a few odd deflections and bits of genius (that pass to Malouda for the winner was absolutely incredible). He's a good solid goalkeeper who is ten times more vocal than Scott ever was. After the first goal against United he was talking to his defence and at least getting himself fired up. Carson usually just shrugged and put his head down.

I don't remember him having to make many saves against United really, and that's good for both defence and keeper's confidence.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KnaveofAlbion on August 23, 2011, 12:34:17 PM
double deflections are going to happen. Bit's of magic are going to happen, this is the Prem. Those aside i trust him to keep the ball out of the net. He is a sizeable step-up from Carson. Very happy with him so far.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on August 23, 2011, 12:37:58 PM
He closes down strikers a lot from what I saw in the Chelsea game. Illustrates he is always concentrating and alert, prepared to take a risk - I was very impressed (apart from that one moment he ran 40yards and didn't the ball  :o)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on August 23, 2011, 01:06:37 PM
As many know on this forum, I was a fan of Scott Carson, but I'll admit, in my opinion Ben Foster is a much better keeper. I was really impressed with his performance on Saturday, thought he was very commanding and pulled off a few impressive saves. However, he has to make this type of performance consistant and not once every so often like it appeared to be with Carson.

I also think B_H_Baggie makes a very good point about the confidence the fans have in him. That's important, especially as it takes away the vibe and anxiety which seemed to appear last season towards our keeper.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggieboyjop on August 23, 2011, 02:59:31 PM
He's made a good start to life as a baggie and as has been said you can just feel an air of confidence in him from the defence and the fans. Lets just hope it continues that way
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie82 on August 23, 2011, 09:41:51 PM
The great thing about Foster is that it doesn't matter how many mistakes he makes he is still going to be more solid, make more saves and catch more crosses than Carson. It's definitely a massive improvement; such a relief to have a goal keeper at last that can do the job properly and not look like a nervous wreck.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: GrGr on August 24, 2011, 12:46:48 AM
Quality keeper....just seems too have that little level up from Carson

That little level, ok Foster makes mistakes too (like the Mad Dash), but during the game against Chelsea I said to myself that Foster is at least two classes above Carson. As others say in the thread it is such a massive relief to have a real keeper at last. Now for a CB to go with Jonas.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on September 02, 2011, 03:57:40 PM
Adrian Durham (Talksport) has just tweeted that Ben Foster is the most arrogant man in football, and will explain/ start his debate from 4, no doubt its about his refusal to travel 1000s of miles to get splints in his backside!!

Sorry I forgot to add tweet:

talkSPORTDrive talkSPORTDrive
Ben Foster - the most arrogant footballer of all time. Tell you why from 4pm
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggies on September 02, 2011, 04:03:40 PM
Don't phone in people, Durham's show is the most pointless one on radio. He says something that will get peoples backs up simply to make them phone in. It does not make good radio, just a load of people phoning in to have an argument with him.

Shame because Talksport can have some interesting shows thqat give you news and real debate, not manufactured debate with Darren Gough along the lines of "I think Jermaine Defoe wouldnt even get into the Bulgaria starting line up, thats my opinion, whats yours the numbers 0845********"
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on September 02, 2011, 04:04:35 PM
TBH it is a bit stupid how he won't play for England unless he's number one. He's not as good as Hart, what does he expect? If he wants to retire because of injuries, fair enough, but to say you'll come back if the number one position is available just makes a mockery of his excuse.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kris_boing on September 02, 2011, 04:06:02 PM
Durham just says things to guage a reaction from people.

Although I believe that its disgraceful to opt out of playing for your country.  He is the 2nd best (3rd if you count Robinson IMO) goalkeeper in the country and it should be an honour to represent England.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RowleyBaggie2 on September 02, 2011, 04:06:36 PM
Let me guess, the thick whippet botherer by his side will disagree?

Talk Sport - By Morons. For Morons.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1993dave on September 02, 2011, 04:07:27 PM
Who cares about England , club over country any day of the week for me.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on September 02, 2011, 04:07:48 PM
Don't phone in people, Durham's show is the most pointless one on radio. He says something that will get peoples backs up simply to make them phone in. It does not make good radio, just a load of people phoning in to have an argument with him.

Shame because Talksport can have some interesting shows thqat give you news and real debate, not manufactured debate with Darren Gough along the lines of "I think Jermaine Defoe wouldnt even get into the Bulgaria starting line up, thats my opinion, whats yours the numbers 0845********"
I do listen to it a lot on my way home from work and I agree totally he is a wind up merchant and Goughie is clueless but for some strange reason it works and at times it is compulsive listening and you can understand why people ring up and react!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggies on September 02, 2011, 04:09:51 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnOOOfyctGw

He is just hoping for this again  ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kris_boing on September 02, 2011, 04:12:26 PM
I think its great how he says something controversial and people phone up and pull him up on stuff.  It makes for cracking listening most of the time.

I like TalkSport so I'm happy to be a moron.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggies on September 02, 2011, 04:13:01 PM
I do listen to it a lot on my way home from work and I agree totally he is a wind up merchant and Goughie is clueless but for some strange reason it works and at times it is compulsive listening and you can understand why people ring up and react!

I cant stand it. Listened to Hawksbee and Jacobs today on the way back from work and their show isn't geared around getting lots of phone calls and it's a lot better.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggies on September 02, 2011, 04:13:41 PM
I think its great how he says something controversial and people phone up and pull him up on stuff.  It makes for cracking listening most of the time.

I like TalkSport so I'm happy to be a moron.

He wants them tp pull him up on things though - he gets the commission from theri call  :D.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on September 02, 2011, 04:16:21 PM
I cant stand it. Listened to Hawksbee and Jacobs today on the way back from work and their show isn't geared around getting lots of phone calls and it's a lot better.
My hours are fixed around Alan Brazil on the way in to work and Durham on way home and also get Keys and Gray and H&J in my dinner break haha! would much rather listen to football debate than the chyte music channels any day of the week!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kris_boing on September 02, 2011, 04:18:30 PM
He wants them tp pull him up on things though - he gets the commission from theri call  :D.

I know.  Very much like Porky Parry who used to be on.  Same kind of thing.  Just says things to get a reaction from the public.

He gets called a muppet in virtually every call.   ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: leeiswba on September 02, 2011, 04:30:45 PM
Just listening and what a clown he is  :-\

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: nick_wba on September 02, 2011, 04:35:30 PM
At work at the moment, what are his reasons for Foster then? Sounds like a complete doughnut to me!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on September 02, 2011, 04:38:44 PM
He has tweeted the following

Ben Foster shopuld be with England learning from Clemence, Hart and Capello. Becoming a better goalkeeper, forcing Capello to make a decision

Dont finish work till 5 so cant listen just yet!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on September 02, 2011, 04:46:43 PM
I still stand by what I said a few mouths ago when he made his decision. Just because he's now joined our club won't change my opinion. It's a great honour playing for your country, it's just a general honour to be called into the squads. Whether, you're injured or not, he's fit enough to play for us, so travelling around with his national side surely won't hurt him. Dissapointed by his current retirement but never mind.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on September 02, 2011, 04:49:04 PM
Im not disappointed, if he gets injured training with England, that leaves us with Fulop and Daniels!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggies on September 02, 2011, 04:56:20 PM
I personally think Foster should play for England and shouldn't pull out just because he isnt number 1 but it is up to him. I just like the idea of being able to travel to new countries in a controlled environment. Seems great to me.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on September 02, 2011, 04:59:56 PM
Who cares about England , club over country any day of the week for me.
Me and plenty of other English football fans.

I don't think he has any excuse whatsoever for choosing not to take part, very bad for him to decide to take part. But meh, he's only the second choice goalkeeper, I'm really that bothered.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BoingFlyer on September 02, 2011, 05:04:28 PM
To be honnest I don't blame Foster for not playing for England, the press to like to crusify a Goalkeeper's mistake.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: HampshireBaggie on September 02, 2011, 05:06:26 PM
Didn't he retire because he has underlying injuries and wants to prolong his career? Nowt wrong with that imo.

Some people just need to realise that certain people are not patriotic.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1993dave on September 02, 2011, 05:10:54 PM
Ok so if Foster goes over and breaks his wrist in training as a number 2 would some of you be happy ? Cant blame him at all , they guy has struggled with injury's in the past and he just wants to concentrate on the Baggies , so good on him
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on September 02, 2011, 05:15:45 PM
Didn't he retire because he has underlying injuries and wants to prolong his career? Nowt wrong with that imo.

Some people just need to realise that certain people are not patriotic.

But he's happy to go back if he's number one? That's an appalling attitude to have to anything in life. you either retire as Robinson did or you don't, otherwise he's just thrown his toys out the pram that a better goalkeeper plays ahead of him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smosher34 on September 02, 2011, 05:55:01 PM
well he is always smiling and happy to have his picture taken with the kids before kick of  :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TAFKATMNo1Fan on September 02, 2011, 05:59:52 PM
Durham is a muppett. Out of interest why isn't Carson in the squad? And that's a serious question.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albion79 on September 02, 2011, 06:13:33 PM
I dont know Foster and dont know anybody who does so have no idea if he is arrogant or not.

However i think his attitude to England probably shows why we are rubbish and often fail, not him personally but the general take it or leave approach.

The only thing i respect about his decision is the honesty, he didnt say some rubbish excuse, although i dont agree with it he apparently said it was because he wanted to be number 1 or nothing.

Playing for your country should always be the biggest honour but i dont think a lot of players see it that way anymore, they have the ability but there are a lot of ego's, attitude problems by all accounts (Gary Nevilles book seems to confirm this) and by Foster refusing he perhaps also confirms that, it would do him good to work with different coaches and keepers like Hart.

From an Albion point of view i dont think it affects us, he is just a likely to trip over and break his wrist at our training ground as he is the england one. From an England point of view i would respect him more if he said he was retiring from international football.

Its each to their own, and my opinion is just mine and certainly doesnt mean its right and i think the same applies to Fosters decision, its his own but me personally i would be a Beckham who is very proud to be English and would still be there if he was picked when is 70, i think if your country wants you, you go.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: slugga1 on September 02, 2011, 06:36:59 PM
To be honest i don't blame anyone not wanting to play for England in this day and age, it's a media massacre ( worst still if your in goal!)
Gone have the days when it's all a pleasure to pull on the shirt I'm afraid.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbako on September 02, 2011, 06:41:03 PM
I'm glad Foster doesn't play for England, cause if he did i'd have to support them. As it is, I care about as much about the England football team as I do about television soaps.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Pelsall_Baggie on September 02, 2011, 07:33:46 PM
TBH it is a bit stupid how he won't play for England unless he's number one. He's not as good as Hart, what does he expect? If he wants to retire because of injuries, fair enough, but to say you'll come back if the number one position is available just makes a mockery of his excuse.

Can anybody point out where Foster has said he won’t come back until he is No.1?
I tend to believe actual quotes such as:

“It’s hard if you are away for 10 days to two weeks and you don’t get to see your family in that time, especially when you have kids who are two and three years old,” he said.
 
“I feel that I’m missing part of their growing up. It’s hard to take, with not playing, you feel as if you have lost two weeks of your life for nothing.”

“I have not reconsidered my retirement and I am happy with the way things are. I’m enjoying playing club football and when the international break does come along I find it’s a good chance to recharge the batteries and try and take your mind off football a bit,” he said.


Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: up_the_baggies on September 02, 2011, 07:37:18 PM
Can anybody point out where Foster has said he won’t come back until he is No.1?
I tend to believe actual quotes such as:

“It’s hard if you are away for 10 days to two weeks and you don’t get to see your family in that time, especially when you have kids who are two and three years old,” he said.
 
“I feel that I’m missing part of their growing up. It’s hard to take, with not playing, you feel as if you have lost two weeks of your life for nothing.”

“I have not reconsidered my retirement and I am happy with the way things are. I’m enjoying playing club football and when the international break does come along I find it’s a good chance to recharge the batteries and try and take your mind off football a bit,” he said.

Fair enough to Foster, it's his choice whether he plays or not.

I know I wouldn't want to be playing goalkeeper in front of the England fans, hasn't done most goalkeepers any good.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Avonbaggie on September 02, 2011, 08:12:37 PM
He doesn't like to be away from his family because last time he ended up going all over the place just sitting on the bench. Nothing wrong with that at all .. Alot of other players have refused to play for England as well in the past ... didn't see them getting any stick for it ...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on September 02, 2011, 09:04:10 PM
He doesn't like to be away from his family because last time he ended up going all over the place just sitting on the bench. Nothing wrong with that at all .. Alot of other players have refused to play for England as well in the past ... didn't see them getting any stick for it ...
Never really got this 'family' excuse. They're footballers. They play once or twice a week and train for a couple of hours the other days. They're hardly long distance lorry drivers who only get to go home every few weeks. Not an excuse if you ask me.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WSBaggie on September 02, 2011, 09:17:40 PM
Me and plenty of other English football fans.

I don't think he has any excuse whatsoever for choosing not to take part, very bad for him to decide to take part. But meh, he's only the second choice goalkeeper, I'm really that bothered.

I'm an English football fan, but the national teams a disgrace  :)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: up_the_baggies on September 02, 2011, 09:18:30 PM
Never really got this 'family' excuse. They're footballers. They play once or twice a week and train for a couple of hours the other days. They're hardly long distance lorry drivers who only get to go home every few weeks. Not an excuse if you ask me.

it's his decision if he wants to play for the national team, full stop. Why try to encourage somebody who doesn't want to play?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: slate on September 02, 2011, 09:23:43 PM
Never really got this 'family' excuse. They're footballers. They play once or twice a week and train for a couple of hours the other days. They're hardly long distance lorry drivers who only get to go home every few weeks. Not an excuse if you ask me.

Just because "they're footballers" doesn't mean they are not entitled to a family life. They train most days and then usually play twice a week. One game is always a night game and often they are away in a hotel somewhere meaning that if you have a young family and are committed to them, then you can't put your kids to bed.

On one hand I think that you should want to play for your country and do anything to make that honour happen but when you get past your late 20's you start to realise that being a father is actually more important than anything else.

If Ben would have travelled with the team today and stayed in the hotel overnight he would have just sat on the bench. So what's the point?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: donnybaggieboy on September 02, 2011, 11:10:52 PM
durham is a complete w*****,he is never wrong,says controversial things just to get everyone phoning in darren gough is as bad ,how he can spout his opinions abourt tactics and footballers in general telling his ex player guest they are wrong when he has never kicked a ball in anger just gets me retuning my radio when i am on the way to the hawthorns
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: boing_boing68 on September 03, 2011, 09:55:31 AM
Durham is a muppett. Out of interest why isn't Carson in the squad? And that's a serious question.

Carson is injured I think I read.


anyway fair play to Foster, he would only be third choice keeper if the keepers were fit anyway because Hart and Green would be ahead of him, as soon as injuries happen he then would get a call up as a "we haven't got anyone else so you might as well play". what is the point of him travelling around the world to sit on a bench and maybe get injured in training.

it would probably be good for his career in some aspects though because he would be learning from the best coaches that the country and maybe the world has to offer, but as soon as he makes one mistake the media would ruin his career.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: reiss on September 03, 2011, 11:10:26 AM

Durham just says things to be contraversial.

Any one who as a different opinion on football, knows nothing
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on September 03, 2011, 06:56:44 PM
I cant stand it. Listened to Hawksbee and Jacobs today on the way back from work and their show isn't geared around getting lots of phone calls and it's a lot better.

I think they should re-name the H and J Show the "Tottenham and Chelsea fanzine". Neither of them can shut up about their respective teams for more than 5 minutes.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: jonestown on September 03, 2011, 07:48:25 PM
talksport is alright for listening to in the car but for factual information, balanced intelligence accuracy it shouldnt be taken seriously. what was said was there to provoke a reaction and get people talking. however i think foster can do as he likes, im sure in the past a player has said they dont want to play for england but may do again in the future, i almost dont blame him as he would just be flying miles to be a number two or three, which isnt the massive honour betrayal that they were making it out to be, but it was only said to provoke reaction, and it has
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Rich99 on September 03, 2011, 09:35:36 PM
Never really got this 'family' excuse. They're footballers. They play once or twice a week and train for a couple of hours the other days. They're hardly long distance lorry drivers who only get to go home every few weeks. Not an excuse if you ask me.

Totally agree, let's put the violins away. ???

Of all the professions out there, playing professional football is probably one that allows folk see their family grow up more so than any other.

As far as TS goes, it's more often than not just one big wind up in my opinion. I prefer 5Live myself, not that that is perfect either.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Rich99 on September 03, 2011, 10:09:44 PM
I'm glad Foster doesn't play for England, cause if he did i'd have to support them. As it is, I care about as much about the England football team as I do about television soaps.

 :)

Wbako, so you are one of Andy Murray's biggest fans, but don't support England: now there's a huge surprise. ;) :P

Personally I'm not too fond of Foster's decision to not play for England.  I don't think it too much to ask of a footballer to turn out for their national side now and again; many would see it as an honour.

Still, it's his choice at the end of the day, but that doesn't mean we all have to applaud it.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Blubby on September 04, 2011, 03:29:03 AM
shock jock durham or is that shocking?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggies on September 04, 2011, 07:54:35 PM
durham is a complete w*****,he is never wrong,says controversial things just to get everyone phoning in darren gough is as bad ,how he can spout his opinions abourt tactics and footballers in general telling his ex player guest they are wrong when he has never kicked a ball in anger just gets me retuning my radio when i am on the way to the hawthorns

Just because somebody has played the game at a professional level doesn't mean they necessarily get a better mind for tactics. I think thats an out dated mindset that has been persisted with to keep ex footballers in jobs once they retire from their short careers. Certainly being a better footballer will give you advantages in coaching but you could look at American coaches and many of them never played at the highest level. Nowadays some of the top coaches around only played lower level and semi professional and in a few cases never at all. Tactical brains can come from any observer, Journalist Jonathan Wilson wrote a book on football formations which is considered one of the best football books ever.

I do agree though, Goughy talks some rubbish on that show - proving the point that footballers arent always the best people to ask (he had trials with Rotherham and Barnsley in his younger days before opting for cricket - could have gone semi pro else).
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbako on September 04, 2011, 08:12:21 PM
:)

Wbako, so you are one of Andy Murray's biggest fans, but don't support England: now there's a huge surprise. ;) :P

Personally I'm not too fond of Foster's decision to not play for England.  I don't think it too much to ask of a footballer to turn out for their national side now and again; many would see it as an honour.

Still, it's his choice at the end of the day, but that doesn't mean we all have to applaud it.

Aye, bit of a wrong-un me. I do support the England cricket team, though.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: batesy123 on September 05, 2011, 12:43:14 AM
Would you want to travel half way around the world to sit on your backside and wait to fly home? Have been told by a few people who were in his year at North Leam high school (received some coaching a few years back from a former school teammate), he is a quiet, reserved family man, who can't quite believe his luck, and genuinely enjoys playing. For that reason, he decided that he could prolong his club career by reducing the risk of injury to him, and spend more time with his family. I quite frankly can't say I blame the man for wanting to play for a longer period of time and earn more money for his family.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tommcneill on September 05, 2011, 02:16:00 AM
Durham just says things to guage a reaction from people.

Although I believe that its disgraceful to opt out of playing for your country.  He is the 2nd best (3rd if you count Robinson IMO) goalkeeper in the country and it should be an honour to represent England.

Ill just bump your post mate if you dont mind...my thoughts exactly  on the matter
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: PsalmXXIII on September 05, 2011, 11:00:22 AM
3rd best goalkeeper behind Internationally retired Paul Robinson, who retired because he couldn't get into the World Cup squad (much like Foster) and wanted to concentrate on League football.

Yeah Robinson is 3 years older than Foster, but it's the same principle. If you think he's better than Foster, isn't it an issue that he withdrew from international duty. Carson withdrew from the squad when he was supposed to be on the bench for no other reason that 'family commitments'.

I don't blame Foster for pulling out of the International set-up. Goalkeepers get the worst stick, and if you're not playing what's the point in taking up a squad space if you're getting no younger and you feel it'll affect your league performances. And now the squad seems to be focussing on the Youth set-up, why not let someone younger step in and take his chances.

Blimey, we get a goalkeeper that wants to give his best for this club and people complain.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggieboy79 on September 05, 2011, 12:28:55 PM
Well I took my 5 year old lad to his first game against Parma and as Foster was warming down I called him and asked if he wouldn't mind signing my boy's shirt.  He was more than happy to do this and had a little chat with us.

Ben Foster arrogant - not in the slightest.
Majority of TalkS**** presenters arrogant - errrr yep!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DommyKeay19 on September 05, 2011, 12:38:19 PM
I don't see the problem myself, some people don't like being away from their families and if England haven't give him much of a chance in the past all be it a few minor friendlies you can't blame him. I think being homesick is a terrible thing for a pro-sportsman anyway, just look at Steve Harmison towards the end of his international cricket career his performances definetely suffered. I'd rather have him concentrating on the Albion anyway from a selfish point of view. I do love England but i'd think these days most fans prefer their own clubs, mainly due to amount of muppets that play these days, go back to Euro 96 with Gazza, Adams, Pearce, we don't have them sort of characters these days - it's ashame.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RowleyBaggie2 on September 25, 2011, 08:06:46 PM
At the moment im not so sure personally. So far he lost us the game against Stoke, could have done much better for two the Swansea goals imo and if it wasn't for the tightest ever offside decision i have seen would have lost us the game yesterday.

Don't get me wrong, he's made a few good saves too - the bullet of a free kick in the second half yesterday being one - but im just not convinced we have signed the heroic matchwinner he has been for Blues and  we all thought we were getting.

Im not slating him here and i know he has ability, but im quite underwhelmed. Heres hoping he finds form, but if not i've seen very good things from Fulop in the past so we have able back up.

Is it just me?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: cheesyknackers on September 25, 2011, 08:10:15 PM
I dont see any improvement at all..yet..
I thought he was a great signing at first.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggieheart on September 25, 2011, 08:14:39 PM
I said this when we signed the guy. He is better than Carson and an improvement because I feel the guy can have a few super human performances which Carson didn't really have in him. I really wasn't impressed with Foster for Blues in the 2 games against us and was poor in both games and cost them goals.

Foster will make roughly the same amount of mistakes as Scott did.

Fulham game yes he got away with and that is probably the difference he got away with it. I don't think Carson really had that much luck.

Foster will probably save a penalty also, which is a major crime for a keeper not been able to save them! :P

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: divinewind on September 25, 2011, 08:18:26 PM
yes,we have kept the same number of clean sheets than we kept all last season.

The goal against Stoke should have been a foul,foot up,Olsson got penalised for the same yesterday.

Foster commands his box better than Carson and is more vocal,though Carson may have been the better shot stopper.

Trouble with Carson as i said before,he was just unlucky,those deflections that hit the post yesterday would have gone in had Carson been in.


The keeper at the other end yesterday was pure class.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggies on September 25, 2011, 08:20:25 PM
I said when we signed him that Foster will make a similar amount of mistakes to Carson. The difference between the two is that Foster makes saves as well. Wherever he has been Foster has had fans backing him. This is despite the fact he has had some famous clangers (anybody remember him conceding a goal from a goal kick?).

Carson made mistakes, but worse for me was that he didnt make saves either. people said he did, but he didnt - I know what I saw and he didnt make difficult saves and he didnt do it for Villa either, at least not after his England howler.

Yesterday he got lucky with the offside decision but his quick reactions did avert another goal in the second half after a free kick. He has also made a few saves this season which give me confidence he will settle in.

After last season with the pro and anti Carson opinions, I think Foster is always going to be under scrutiny and so far he hasnt done much different but over the course of the season I feel more confident in Foster that I do in Carson. You can already see one area where he is far superior and that is reacting to a situation - he is far quicker to make a decision, something Carson struggled with.
 
Id also make the point that the goal Foster conceded against Stoke, would have been called a foul by those backing Carson last season and no reference would have been made to the keeper doing better in that instance. Foster did of course make a mistake bu being weak in going for it but it was a foul as well so it takes a bit of the blame away.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dudleylad on September 25, 2011, 08:27:00 PM
Hes a strange one, I think we have improved as a unit with him their organising however I think it shows that the problems Scott has isnt something unique to him its a modern goalkeeping thing.

However I think Foster will be a hit with us as the fans seem to have more patience with him than they did with Carson
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RowleyBaggie2 on September 25, 2011, 08:36:47 PM
I deliberately didn't mention the word "Carson" in my OP  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: OldburyWBA on September 25, 2011, 08:53:09 PM
I think Foster is an excellent shot stopper, fantastic reflexes but has the odd rush of blood to his head which has almost cost us (Chelsea one example) and possibly did cost us against Stoke but that was a mix up between the two and a lack of communication more than anything.

Distribution is a mixed bag so far.

I have to be honest though and say I have been more impressed with Fulop in the couple of games he's played.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: FallOutBoy on September 25, 2011, 08:55:30 PM
I think his all-round game is an obvious improvement. I think the defence has a lot of confidence in him, which perhaps they didn't have in either of our goalkeepers last season.

The way the team has been playing, Swansea apart, he hasn't had a hell of a lot of saves to make though.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kris_boing on September 25, 2011, 08:58:52 PM
Not an improvement yet but the I dont feel as nervous when the ball comes back to him the way I did when Carson was in goal.

Cant say that hes made the kind of difference I thought he would.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: leeiswba on September 25, 2011, 09:02:08 PM
I think Foster is an improvement and will save us points. Yesterday he  Pulled off a brilliant save yesterday from the free kick, yes he could have done better for the offside but that dont matter now, didnt affect us so move on from that.

The one thing I will say is if anything did happen to Foster after seeing Fulop against Everton I would have no worries about him in between the sticks he did very well last week.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BoingFlyer on September 25, 2011, 09:05:20 PM
I was concerned when he spilled the ball yesterday, but got away with it that was junior league stuff. I don't think he is a major improvement on carson. But does not come with his England mistake baggage.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbako on September 25, 2011, 09:07:48 PM
Put it this way: I feel much more assured with him in goal. He is more commanding and the defenders seem to have a better understanding with him (Stoke goal apart). His double save from the freekick against Fulham was inspired.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BobTaylor on September 25, 2011, 09:20:59 PM
Has been a very lucky boy, countless errors against chelsea, stoke and fulham so far.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RowleyBaggie2 on September 25, 2011, 09:24:00 PM
I've allways liked Fulop personally - its nice to have two capable keepers.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on September 25, 2011, 09:30:45 PM
Has been a very lucky boy, countless errors against chelsea, stoke and fulham so far.
Countless? I count three. Chelsea when coming out for the ball and almost getting beat to it by Anelka, fumbling the ball against Fulham with the resulting 'goal' being disallowed and an 'error' against Stoke which was actually a foul on him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: timdon on September 25, 2011, 09:30:54 PM
An improvement for me. Commands box better, much more vocal, better shot stopper, better at crosses, and luckier.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on September 25, 2011, 09:34:09 PM
Time will tell, I think he has his plus points over Carson and Carson has his plus points over him. I thought he got lucky yesterday with the offside, I actually thought the lad was on so he was lucky in that he didn't cost us the game. His distribution isn't the best but hopefully his shot stopping will make up for that. I also think he's very lucky to have the organised defence infront of him, something Carson didn't have in his years with us.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbako on September 25, 2011, 09:39:17 PM
Time will tell, I think he has his plus points over Carson and Carson has his plus points over him. I thought he got lucky yesterday with the offside, I actually thought the lad was on so he was lucky in that he didn't cost us the game. His distribution isn't the best but hopefully his shot stopping will make up for that. I also think he's very lucky to have the organised defence infront of him, something Carson didn't have in his years with us.

That might not just be lucky, perhaps he has got something to do with it?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on September 25, 2011, 09:46:08 PM
That might not just be lucky, perhaps he has got something to do with it?

Nope, that's entirely down to Hodgson forcing his style upon us. Both Tony Mowbray and Roberto Di Matteo saw their defences all at sea in this division, full backs out of position, a failure at dealing with set pieces etc. Since the arrival of Hodgson we've improved all areas of our defensive game and Ben Foster will benefit from that.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dexy on September 25, 2011, 09:47:55 PM
Seen good and bad so far,like all players he needs a good 10/15 games before being judged.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbako on September 25, 2011, 09:50:03 PM
Nope, that's entirely down to Hodgson forcing his style upon us. Both Tony Mowbray and Roberto Di Matteo saw their defences all at sea in this division, full backs out of position, a failure at dealing with set pieces etc. Since the arrival of Hodgson we've improved all areas of our defensive game and Ben Foster will benefit from that.

Goalkeepers play a pivotal role in how set-pieces are defended and how defences are organised. To completely neglect that would be naive.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on September 25, 2011, 09:54:41 PM
Goalkeepers play a pivotal role in how set-pieces are defended and how defences are organised. To completely neglect that would be naive.

I wouldn't say I'm being naive.

Ben Foster may add his input into how the defence is organised but the main duties will be carried out by Hodgson and Appleton. We've certainly improved at defending set pieces, is that because of the change of keeper? Quite possibly, quite possibly not. I just feel he'll benefit from having an organised defence infront of him, both from set pieces and open play. This will allow him to have confidence in his defenders, and the defenders to have confidence in their keeper. Something which never really clicked with Carson and his defenders and I feel the lack of organisation was a major factor in that.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on September 25, 2011, 09:57:59 PM
So far I wouldnt say there is much difference but when he knows his defence more, im sure commication will become better and his confidence will as well.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbako on September 25, 2011, 10:10:20 PM
I wouldn't say I'm being naive.

Ben Foster may add his input into how the defence is organised but the main duties will be carried out by Hodgson and Appleton. We've certainly improved at defending set pieces, is that because of the change of keeper? Quite possibly, quite possibly not. I just feel he'll benefit from having an organised defence infront of him, both from set pieces and open play. This will allow him to have confidence in his defenders, and the defenders to have confidence in their keeper. Something which never really clicked with Carson and his defenders and I feel the lack of organisation was a major factor in that.

When that whistle blows Roy and Appleton can't do much; it's down to Foster to marshall his troops. My point is therefore aimed at how I feel both keepers organised their respective defences during a match.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Lloydy on September 25, 2011, 11:00:49 PM
I have to be honest though and say I have been more impressed with Fulop in the couple of games he's played.

Yeah I have to agree with this, I think Fulop has been outstanding in his limited time on the pitch for us.

Sometimes you don't need a "name" in goal, just someone who quietly goes about his business and takes some of the pressure off the back four.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KnaveofAlbion on September 25, 2011, 11:12:56 PM
As someone else has stated. Foster will make just as many mistakes as any goalkeeper, minus the truely world class. But he'll also make you saves.

He fumbled the freekick yesterday, but then has enough about him to throw himself at the rebound saving/putting off the incoming Fulham guy.

Overall i'm far happier than last year.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Black Pearl on September 25, 2011, 11:53:46 PM
As someone else has stated. Foster will make just as many mistakes as any goalkeeper, minus the truely world class. But he'll also make you saves.

He fumbled the freekick yesterday, but then has enough about him to throw himself at the rebound saving/putting off the incoming Fulham guy.

Overall i'm far happier than last year.

Good post and very fair, you make your own luck to some extent, overall, an improvement with Foster and Fulop.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: chipperclark on September 26, 2011, 01:32:11 AM
 :D He is a huge improvement for the following reasons

1. 2 clean sheets this season.

2. Communicates better.Organises the defence better.

3. Great shot stopper....eg double save v Fulham excellent.(Carson would not have been up for the second shot...slower reactions).

4. He is an International keeper of good pedigree...never let England down.

5.He is very positive with what he does,makes a decision and goes with it.

I am very happy with him I would score him an 8 and Carson a 6.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: east-stand-nick on September 26, 2011, 02:28:09 AM
He certainly has more of a "presence" which Carson never had. But apart from that I'd say he's no better than Carson. Let's put it this way, if Carson had put the performances in that Foster has done this season he would have been slated every single game.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BaggieBoiJono on September 26, 2011, 11:02:55 AM
Iv been very very disappointed with Ben Foster, when we signed him i was so excited and thought he was a superb keeper.

From what iv seen so far i see a bit of a " clown ".. laughs at the crowd, takes risks with the ball..

As for his mistakes, well we were lucky to get away with the offside against fulham because it looks level, the error against stoke was appauling knowing alittle bit about goalkeeping, no goalkeeper catches the ball out away from his body, total lack of commitment and bravery.

The first 15 minutes against man utd he was flapping like a distressed duck at every corner and cross.

I just hope he gets his act together because he is a very good player, like alot of the others we have just seem to be under achieving at this present moment in time.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on September 26, 2011, 11:09:33 AM
8 goals conceded in 6 games and 2 clean sheets is a decent return, we look a lot less vulnerable at set pieces too so overall although he has had shaky moments he is steady enough, which goes for all our defenders too to be fair.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: duffneal on September 26, 2011, 11:40:18 AM
dont know why he felt the need to come out and say he'll go back to blues if they come back up?! Would rather he didn't say anything and at least seemed to be committed to us!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on September 26, 2011, 11:57:29 AM
dont know why he felt the need to come out and say he'll go back to blues if they come back up?! Would rather he didn't say anything and at least seemed to be committed to us!
He is a Blues player for a start and we all knew the scenario anyway so I have no problem with that, he doesn't get the option of staying with us if Blues get back up so how can he show commitment to us?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Avonbaggie on September 26, 2011, 12:31:41 PM
As someone else has stated. Foster will make just as many mistakes as any goalkeeper, minus the truely world class. But he'll also make you saves.

He fumbled the freekick yesterday, but then has enough about him to throw himself at the rebound saving/putting off the incoming Fulham guy.

Overall i'm far happier than last year.

This is the post I was going to make. Half the time Carson wouldn't have got down to the first one and if he had he certainly wouldn't of moved fast enough to get up for the follow up.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mike on September 26, 2011, 01:19:39 PM
I didn't rate Carson at all.  But i believe our main weakness and problem is Dean Kiely.  I'd like to think he'l be replaced but i cant see that happening any time soon.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: rubyruby on September 26, 2011, 01:38:58 PM
This is the post I was going to make. Half the time Carson wouldn't have got down to the first one and if he had he certainly wouldn't of moved fast enough to get up for the follow up.

Foster is a much more agile keeper. Just guessing but would have said Carson was quite a bit taller and heavier than Foster so that would likely account for it. Hence why i always felt disapointed that SC didnt dominate his box on crosses more given his build. De Gea at Man Utd highlights how build can effect performance. looks like a schoolboy = super agile
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Lloydy on September 26, 2011, 01:58:34 PM
I am yet to see one Foster press conference where he doesn't talk about going back to Blues.

Maybe it's just me, maybe it's just the questions he's being asked by journo's... but to me it doesn't really seem like he's bothered about being here.

People keep going on about how he has the ability to win us points, I'm yet to see a great deal of evidence of this in the games he's played so far.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RowleyBaggie2 on September 26, 2011, 02:05:00 PM
On the flip i've only heard glowing reports of Fulop so far.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dexy on September 26, 2011, 02:06:38 PM
Maybe just me and its early days but i feel he is Ben Foster-Premier keeper not Ben Foster Albion keeper at the minute.I dont think he has quite settled in yet,hopefully in time he will.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: greggy8689 on September 26, 2011, 02:12:05 PM
The offside goal was very poor keeping, should have been pushed to the side and away from danger. Free kick was hit a little harder and did well to get back up. I do feel nervous when he has got the ball and I never do that with many players. He is a top keeper but will make mistakes, most keepers do and the ones that make more then others are at clubs like us for that reason.

If he was world class would still have been at United, granted he did have a lot of injuries.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: rubyruby on September 26, 2011, 02:17:48 PM
Maybe just me and its early days but i feel he is Ben Foster-Premier keeper not Ben Foster Albion keeper at the minute.I dont think he has quite settled in yet,hopefully in time he will.

You've got have some sympathy for him though havnt you. What a complete mess the bluenoses have got them selves in to with carson yeung and assorted shady colleagues. I guess in a footballing sense he was quite happy there. I think when we put together a little run of wins his morale will raise accordingly
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Lloydy on September 26, 2011, 02:30:53 PM
On the flip i've only heard glowing reports of Fulop so far.

He was absolutely fantastic at Bournemouth and Everton IMO, didn't put a foot wrong and looked very commanding. One more mistake from Foster and he should be given a chance in the league.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Quakes Fan on September 26, 2011, 03:57:27 PM
Quote
We'll be absolutely fine. I had the misfortune of getting relegated with Birmingham last season and with Watford a few years back as well.

I can see what you need in your team to avoid the drop. We have plenty of talent in this team to avoid the drop. I think realistically we have to be looking towards 10th and 11th place. That's our true position.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/961995/on-loan-goalkeeper-ben-foster:-no-decision-taken-on-future?cc=5901

I guess everyone can stop worrying now.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Ben1983 on September 26, 2011, 04:17:41 PM
I am yet to see one Foster press conference where he doesn't talk about going back to Blues.

Maybe it's just me, maybe it's just the questions he's being asked by journo's... but to me it doesn't really seem like he's bothered about being here.

People keep going on about how he has the ability to win us points, I'm yet to see a great deal of evidence of this in the games he's played so far.

I bet you wish you never had the Carson tattoo Lloydy! lol
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggies on September 26, 2011, 04:38:52 PM
He was absolutely fantastic at Bournemouth and Everton IMO, didn't put a foot wrong and looked very commanding. One more mistake from Foster and he should be given a chance in the league.

Last season when those same points were made about Myhill getting a chance it was usually rubbished on here with people asking "what has Carson done wrong".

The reality is so far Foster hasnt done much wrong, He has had a couple of shaky moments but I feel those who backed Carson are out to prove a point and he will always have that against him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBArgo on September 26, 2011, 04:42:18 PM
Lets say Carson is a 7/10 for his general goalkeeping ability. I'd say Foster is about 8/10.

His positioning and confidence seem better than Carson. We've only played 6 games but at the end of the season I think people will be saying "Yes, Foster is better". With goalkeepers it's always hard to judge after few games, but Foster is better I believe.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: leeiswba on September 26, 2011, 05:25:10 PM
You could say he saved us Saturday because to me it was a world class save. Rilse free kick was a rocket and to get down to that was world class it was hit from only about 19 yards out aswell. People moaning about were he pushed it need to be greatful he got down at all.


I'll echo about Fulop though, does look class
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Lloydy on September 26, 2011, 06:04:07 PM
Last season when those same points were made about Myhill getting a chance it was usually rubbished on here with people asking "what has Carson done wrong".

The reality is so far Foster hasnt done much wrong, He has had a couple of shaky moments but I feel those who backed Carson are out to prove a point and he will always have that against him.

The difference is Myhill was, and is, rubbish. Fulop is a very capable keeper.

As for Foster not doing much wrong, he had a shaky debut against United, came rushing out of his goal against Chelsea which could have cost us a goal if Anelka had hit the target, a very obvious mistake against Stoke, a goal through his legs at Swansea and the goal disallowed for Fulham which shouldn't have been.

Is Foster really any less accident prone than the bloke he replaced?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Aztech on September 26, 2011, 06:39:11 PM
Last season when those same points were made about Myhill getting a chance it was usually rubbished on here with people asking "what has Carson done wrong".
The reality is so far Foster hasnt done much wrong, He has had a couple of shaky moments but I feel those who backed Carson are out to prove a point and he will always have that against him.

I backed Carson last season, simply because I did not think he deserved the abuse certain fans directed his way.

I don't have a point to prove, and sincerely hope that Foster produces the goods this year.

Is Foster better than Carson? I think he is, however in my opinion he is not a dramatic improvement.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kie the baggie on September 26, 2011, 07:19:35 PM
Massive improvement. Commands his area.comes for crosses. Hear him comunicating with defenders. Defenders have more confidence in him. Saying this though a scott carson brimming with confidence would be a very good keeper too.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: VVVAlbion on September 26, 2011, 07:24:18 PM
It is a no from me. Nothing I have seen so far makes me think "wow" Carson would have never dealt with that. That is not a negative though because I didn't have a problem with Carson. I think some people will naturally claim an improvement though to justify the treatment of Scott.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RuncornBaggie on September 26, 2011, 08:28:56 PM
I backed Carson last season, simply because I did not think he deserved the abuse certain fans directed his way.

I don't have a point to prove, and sincerely hope that Foster produces the goods this year.

Is Foster better than Carson? I think he is, however in my opinion he is not a dramatic improvement.

Aztec..........I agree 100% with you.  My thoughts exactly!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: johnthebaggie on September 26, 2011, 08:34:53 PM
He is an improvement, yes. Not a massive one as yet but definitely better.

Carson needed to go as his confidence was shot and the crowd, wrongly in my opinion, decided he was the scapegoat for every goal conceded.

Hopefully Foster will be the goalie everyone wants him to be.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Rich99 on September 26, 2011, 08:42:11 PM
I think he's had a pretty shaky start, but still, as things stand I'd prefer him in goal over Scott.

All in all, I think it's too early to tell fairly either way

We have however already kept about as many clean sheets as we did the whole of last season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on September 27, 2011, 12:09:26 AM
He's put in enough top performances to keep Birmingham in games to convince me.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Quakes Fan on September 27, 2011, 04:29:29 AM
I watched most of Birmingham's games last season, and Foster has made some uncharacteristic mistakes for WBA. I don't know if it's due to having a weaker back four or a different manager or whatever, but he hasn't looked quite the same.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albion79 on September 27, 2011, 11:07:29 AM
I think he is a very good goalkeeper, he seems confident and assured, i also think you know who was a good keeper but it was best he moved on and with our new more defensive unit /  approach it means we dont look as though we will concede every time the other team comes in our half, Foster is part of that defensive unit so i would say yes he is an improvement.

Slightly different but I could be wrong and i really hope i am but i cannot see Foster ever becoming a fans favourite though, i am not sure if its because it is a loan spell and we know he may be going back or because he came from Blues but not sure the fans have really took to him yet, nobody boo's or jeers but its a bit like Kirkland, was a good keeper but there was no 'bond' there. I think when you look back over the years at some keepers we have had Alan Miller, Russell Hoult, The PIG and even Stuart 'Bruiser' Naylor before them our supporters tend to really get on with Keepers for some reason (there are exceptions - Crichton, etc) but i just cant see Foster becoming a favourite.

I think as somebody said above Foster himself does refer to Blues a lot and hasn’t said all the usual rubbish about how Albion were his dream club, he supported them as a boy, etc, etc  and he has just come in and go on with it. I have a colleague who works for the Blues Youth Setup (he is an Albion fan but he is a k**b so i don’t call him mate!) and he said apparently Foster was very non fussed about joining Albion, if Blues could of paid the wages he would of gladly stayed with them even in the championship and he only came to us as Blues couldn’t afford him and to help them, it wasn’t a personal ambition to play back in the Prem straight away like Roger Johnson, etc by all accounts he loves the Blues and was more than happy to give it another go with them. I think regardless of how he does this year if Blues come back up and he is given the straight choice of Albion or Blues he will go straight back to Blues. Apparently he is a really nice bloke though and very down to earth but just seems he loves the Blues! I am aware none of the above is anything new and it could be complete rubbish but  there could be another summer thread for new keepers!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 27, 2011, 11:28:41 AM
I watched most of Birmingham's games last season, and Foster has made some uncharacteristic mistakes for WBA. I don't know if it's due to having a weaker back four or a different manager or whatever, but he hasn't looked quite the same.


Are you a closet blunose :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Quakes Fan on September 27, 2011, 04:11:04 PM

Are you a closet blunose :D

Oh dear, I'm in for it now.  :-[

It was a Scotland thing. McLeish, Ferguson, McFadden, O'Connor -- closest thing to watching Scotland. I'm all better now.  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kendo on September 28, 2011, 09:53:23 AM
Does it really matter? He come out with that statement about already going if Blues come up. I think that's a terrible thing to come out with, 6 games into a season. It just makes you think he ain't over happy playing for us then.  I would maybe even think of dropping him, or at least some sort of fine.It don't look like to much loyalty to me.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on September 28, 2011, 11:18:28 AM
I wouldnt be to concerned if we had to call on Fulop
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: fortressbritannia on September 28, 2011, 05:15:53 PM
Never been a 100% keen on Foster think he's over rated by a lot of the media especially earlier on in his career
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: off_foo_182 on September 28, 2011, 05:34:34 PM
Does it really matter? He come out with that statement about already going if Blues come up. I think that's a terrible thing to come out with, 6 games into a season. It just makes you think he ain't over happy playing for us then.  I would maybe even think of dropping him, or at least some sort of fine.It don't look like to much loyalty to me.

You've been fooled by the media on that one. He did not state this was what he wanted, but was explaining the terms of his deal... in other words if blues come up they wont sell to us.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Ben1983 on September 28, 2011, 05:44:07 PM
2 clean sheets now in PL. He is a big improvement imo, especially vocally and aerially!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: crisoWBA on September 28, 2011, 10:37:03 PM
Does it really matter? He come out with that statement about already going if Blues come up. I think that's a terrible thing to come out with, 6 games into a season. It just makes you think he ain't over happy playing for us then.  I would maybe even think of dropping him, or at least some sort of fine.It don't look like to much loyalty to me.

You're looking into it a bit too much i think. I met him the other day in Solihull, and yea sure, i told him i was a Baggies fan, but i asked him about staying on and his words were 'I really like West Brom it's a great club full of great people & if Blues don't come back up then it's something i'd really consider'.

He's obviously going to be loyal to Blues because that IS who he plays for theoretically, he is still only here on loan, if Odemwingie went on loan and said he is still planning on coming back to us, we wouldn't complain.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: beechyboy90 on September 28, 2011, 10:57:22 PM
is this really taking place?
the blokes had 6 games?

played against the top 2 sides
2 games we didnt turn up and got 2 clean sheets (fulham Norwich)
we didnt turn up at swansea and were mullered!

besides a mistake which was as much his fault as tamas's what has he done wrong? calling for fulop?

we have bigger issues to worry about:
1) jerome thomas form fittness doesnt look the same player
2) Dorrans has got to be match fit by now and still is not impressing!
3) persistance with long upfront forcing odemwingie deeper losing our main goal threat
4) lack of minutes Tchoyi is having on the pitch

not the goalkeeper costing us points at the moment its poor tactics and poor perfromances
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LoxleyBaggie on September 29, 2011, 02:01:31 PM
Lets say Carson is a 7/10 for his general goalkeeping ability. I'd say Foster is about 8/10.

His positioning and confidence seem better than Carson. We've only played 6 games but at the end of the season I think people will be saying "Yes, Foster is better". With goalkeepers it's always hard to judge after few games, but Foster is better I believe.

Better positioning then Carson. Surely not:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NzEE8Y3N0M

To be fair to Scott he does pull off one or two good saves:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ek9NiOdOmnE&feature=related.

Overall. Foster probably an improvement but seemingly like all English keepers at the moment, he has mistakes in  him.  I'd still like to see Carson get his confidence back as, like Foster, he has the potential to be a decent keeper.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WSBaggie on September 29, 2011, 04:12:57 PM
So far... not really, although I expect him to prove his worth over the season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on September 29, 2011, 06:02:18 PM
is this really taking place?
the blokes had 6 games?

played against the top 2 sides
2 games we didnt turn up and got 2 clean sheets (fulham Norwich)
we didnt turn up at swansea and were mullered!

besides a mistake which was as much his fault as tamas's what has he done wrong? calling for fulop?

we have bigger issues to worry about:
1) jerome thomas form fittness doesnt look the same player
2) Dorrans has got to be match fit by now and still is not impressing!
3) persistance with long upfront forcing odemwingie deeper losing our main goal threat
4) lack of minutes Tchoyi is having on the pitch

not the goalkeeper costing us points at the moment its poor tactics and poor perfromances

We're just asking the question on the basis of what we have seen so far from him. So far, I think he's more than matched Scott Carson but by the end of the season he might prove out to be worse, or much better than Carson.

I do agree with your points for concern though, the one I don't agree with is the Graham Dorrans. It takes much longer than three of four games to become match fit, add to that, he's once again being used out of position which is hindering what he does best. Just like some of our other players.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on September 29, 2011, 11:48:16 PM
Think some people on here would pick holes in any keeper at the Albion. Foster is the best keeper we've had for ages.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RowleyBaggie2 on September 30, 2011, 08:56:03 AM
Think some people on here would pick holes in any keeper at the Albion. Foster is the best keeper we've had for ages.

Who is picking holes? It's a debate about a new player we have aquired into the squad and peoples first impressions.

If you don't like it, ignore it.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: rubyruby on September 30, 2011, 09:42:36 PM
Carson was a good goalie. Foster is a good goalie. Personally when it comes to shot stopping and distribution theres not much to choose between them but i think Foster probably might just shade it in the crosses and communication department.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: off_foo_182 on October 01, 2011, 09:28:43 AM
did nobody see the save against fulham which got us a point?? Freekick comes in, rebound falls to fulham player 4 yards out foster throws himself at him and tips in onto the post.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RowleyBaggie2 on October 03, 2011, 01:58:16 PM
Great game from Ben on saturday, more of the same please.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1993dave on October 03, 2011, 02:45:34 PM
MOM for me on Saturday , first goal he couldn't do nothing  due to the deflection and the 2nd was poor defending by shorey but he got a hand on it which is quite impressive considering the power of the header and how far the player was out ,  overall good performace 8)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Rich99 on October 03, 2011, 02:56:31 PM
He certainly has a more solid look about him I think.  His saves seem to generally run into less dangerous areas than those of Scott's.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: rubyruby on October 16, 2011, 07:44:44 PM
judging todays performance yes. seems to be settling in to life with the baggies. looked a safe pair of hands and always communicating with the back four. am i the only one or are SHOCK HORROR we starting to actually look like a team who can defend.  :-\
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on October 16, 2011, 07:47:09 PM
I thought Foster did very well today, made one great save and made little fuss of everything else that he had to do.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: buzzingbaggie on October 16, 2011, 08:01:49 PM
Foster had his best game for us today. Great to see a baggies keeper finaly command a box and defense!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Rich99 on October 16, 2011, 11:19:50 PM
A superb tip around the post to keep it 1-0.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BaggieJames114 on October 16, 2011, 11:41:51 PM
That finger tips save from Hammil, Wow. Take a bow Foster
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggiee_Boyy_Benn on October 16, 2011, 11:54:57 PM
Great game!
Some of his throws/kicks to put us on the counter were amazing.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dubya BA on October 17, 2011, 12:18:18 AM
Foster was awesome.

So yes if he keeps this current form he is an improvement for me.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Rich99 on October 17, 2011, 02:59:18 AM
That finger tips save from Hammil, Wow. Take a bow Foster

It was at least a point saving save wasn't it... quality stuff.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on October 17, 2011, 07:05:26 AM
He had a great game yesterday but same as any other player, consistancy is the key. Lets wait and see what develops then we will know if he is an improvement on last season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: greggy8689 on October 17, 2011, 08:00:20 AM
Played very well yesterday, brilliant fingertips save at 1-0 and his distribution was very good at times, especially his throw to Thomas which put us on the attack straight away and commanded his area really well. Best defensive performance I have seen for a long time.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Ogwani on October 17, 2011, 08:27:06 AM
Kept us in it at 1-0.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Roolee on October 17, 2011, 08:30:37 AM
Definitely - the players seem to have faith in him, and therefore concentrate on doing their own job instead of worrying about him doing his. 

He is very vocal and not afraid to come off his line (a bit too much sometimes - will we ever be happy?).

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on October 17, 2011, 09:30:19 AM
Great performance.

Would anyone consider a swap for Woods with some money involved?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: PortsmouthBaggie on October 17, 2011, 09:36:53 AM
That finger tips save from Hammil, Wow. Take a bow Foster

Was sat right in line with that shot, looked for all the world to be going wide and swung in very late which made it even more impressive for me!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: samthebag on October 17, 2011, 09:38:53 AM
Had his best game yesterday. With his current deal with us do we have an option to buy him regardless of what league birmingham are in or is it basically if they're promoted then he'll go back?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: albion59 on October 17, 2011, 11:36:34 AM
Great performance.

Would anyone consider a swap for Woods with some money involved?
not me woods is on fire at the moment took his goal really well yesterday at the moment i would not let woods be leaving us on any permanant deal. foster played very well yesterday you could see the confidence in him and in the defence excellent :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Greenock Baggie on October 17, 2011, 12:08:27 PM
Put only 1 kick downfield straight out of play. Had a great game, did everything right, made a great save and commanded his area well. Had an easy game though apart from the one save because he had some awsome defenders in front of him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Rich99 on October 23, 2011, 11:06:02 AM
Didn't have a huge amount to do yesterday I thought.  Can remember a few good interventions, a sort of low diving sort of Superman punch being one of them...

Only seen the game once, not MOTD etc, not too sure who was at fault for the goal, Reid or Foster.  It was the second time already this season that sort of thing has happened though.   He perhaps deserves a bit of a questioning for these incidents, unless it was totally Reid's doing of course.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on October 23, 2011, 11:08:39 AM
I think Reid should have cleared it out for a throw or something, again did what he had to do well Yesterday.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: geoff on October 23, 2011, 12:01:38 PM
Didn't have a huge amount to do yesterday I thought.  Can remember a few good interventions, a sort of low diving sort of Superman punch being one of them...

Only seen the game once, not MOTD etc, not too sure who was at fault for the goal, Reid or Foster.   It was the second time already this season that sort of thing has happened though.   He perhaps deserves a bit of a questioning for these incidents, unless it was totally Reid's doing of course.

Both were to blame as both had the opportunity to clear the ball but there biggest mistake was the lake of Communication, what is so hard with calling for the ball :o school boy stuff
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: MICKYMEL on October 23, 2011, 12:08:18 PM
Will be a top keeper for us, I feel more comfortable each week.
Sure we will take option to buy him.
A slight concern over communication though with through balls ,ie Reid against villa and Tamas v Stoke
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: GrGr on October 23, 2011, 12:09:30 PM
It's crystal clear that the ball was in Reid's control, it was a super weak ball and why Reid didn't deal with it decisively I'll never know. Simply amazing. Just bloody clear the ball.

Foster had best stand rooted on his goal line from now on to avoid confusing our defenders. /snark
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: MICKYMEL on October 23, 2011, 12:13:19 PM
Was Reid's fault all day long, not disputing that but Foster was vey close to him and just needed to tell him to get rid
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: rolfestreet on October 23, 2011, 12:47:43 PM
At the game it looked like foster called for it, both to blame for me though. Anyway who cares we beat that shower at last!!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Rich99 on October 30, 2011, 12:20:57 PM
He did fairly well yesterday I thought, one of the few positives and better performers on the day.

Attempted to deal with a fair few balls into the box and the one finger tip save to just tip it over the woodwork was superb.

In my humble opinion he was quite possibly our best player yesterday, not that that says a huge amount.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BobTaylor on October 30, 2011, 02:42:37 PM
Been a critic this season and hasnt convinced me yet but yesterday he was brilliant, made some cracking saves.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Norfolk Baggie on December 18, 2011, 04:10:52 PM
Foster has taken a little bit of time to settle into the team, but I think he is now doing really well.  Couple of class saves yesterday.  Think we need to focus on keeping him.  Welcome other thoughts?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: popbaggie28 on December 18, 2011, 04:12:03 PM
us Norfolk folk must think alike as i agree completely mate  :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TLMS17 on December 18, 2011, 04:14:11 PM
I like blues to be honest and work with a blue nose but I've told her, I hope they stay down so we can sign him permanently, really do rate him, seems like he actually cares as well and love how he's always eager to come up if we have a corner in the last minute and are losing, tried doing it last week v Wigan but think the bench told him no. Hope he's here for a few more seasons and if he does drop a bollock at all I hope our fans don't get on his back like they always seem to with keepers
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on December 18, 2011, 04:17:08 PM
Aside from distribution he's an improvement on Carson, long may his good form continue.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie_1 on December 18, 2011, 04:27:10 PM
why do people go on about Carson distribution? it was pish. Every time he kicked the ball it went out for a throw. He just hoofed it down the field. Foster on the other hand actually tries to roll it out to a defender or throw it out to the wings. much better in my opinion.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dudleylad on December 18, 2011, 04:31:42 PM
Foster has been a tremendous addition to the side however hes not that much of an improvement on Carson its just Carson never had the backing of a large proportion of fans at our club.

The improvement for me lies only in one area and Fosters communication with the back four seems very good wheras it was an area that let Carson down in all fairness.

Hes started well over in Turkey so perhaps being out of the constant barracking by the British press is helping him.

baggie_1 I would find the stat that was found last season his distribution was spot on and is something we have missed this season he found Brunt on the wing something like 90% of the time.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Black Pearl on December 18, 2011, 04:40:58 PM
I was no Carson basher, but, Foster is a much better keeper, his distribution is at least as good, his command of the area is vastly superior, his shot stopping is at least as good as Carsons, his communication is generally better despite a couple of cock ups with defenders.

He has really settled since McAuley came into the team.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: VVVAlbion on December 18, 2011, 04:50:51 PM
Both are decent enough keepers, one has the backing of the fans the other didn't.

Funny how the communication with a predominantly English speaking back four has improved.  ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on December 18, 2011, 05:55:49 PM
Foster for me did very well Yesterday, caught everything well, made a good save of there free kick as well.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on December 18, 2011, 06:28:38 PM
His response at full time yesterday was one which brought a massive smile to my face. Played son!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on December 18, 2011, 06:51:30 PM
I have been very impressed with what he has done for us so far this season, long may it continue.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lewisant on December 18, 2011, 07:10:35 PM
His response at full time yesterday was one which brought a massive smile to my face. Played son!

what was his response?!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Rich99 on December 18, 2011, 07:12:16 PM
I think he's an improvement on what we had with him being a bit more commanding in his area.  He not perfect, but he does tend to snap up a fair few more crosses than Carson I'd say and that eliminates an amount of potential danger.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on December 18, 2011, 07:20:54 PM
what was his response?!

Just went absolutely baserk! Come right across to the Albion fans, fist pumped jumping up and down!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Tipton Baggie on December 18, 2011, 07:50:34 PM
everytime he gets the ball he looks for the shorter option instead of walloping up the pitch, hes a quality keeper best since russel hoult
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: FallOutBoy on December 18, 2011, 08:42:02 PM
I think hes a quality keeper, better than Carson, but I think its helped playing in front of an improved defence.

I still think we shouldn't worry too much if we don't get to keep him though, as I'm sure we could find an adequate replacement. Jaaskelainen and Robinson won't want to play Championship football  :P
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Adder on December 18, 2011, 09:05:56 PM
He seems to encourage the defence a lot and there's some team attitude going on at the back which can only be good.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on December 18, 2011, 09:32:52 PM
Best keeper we've had for years, prone to the odd clanger but arn't they all?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: slugga1 on December 18, 2011, 09:37:01 PM
He's a class keeper definitely the best I have seen here for years, infact defensively (especially in the middle) were miles ahead of where we have been. No longer do I dread crosses and set plays!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: rajesh-wba on December 18, 2011, 11:13:15 PM
Foster has taken awhile to settle into the team and show his genuine quality. For me, his command of the area is excellent. He is very quick off his line, generally senses danger and reads the game well. His agility is also wonderful. I hope that there will be an opportunity to sign him on a permanent deal.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBArgo on December 18, 2011, 11:51:50 PM
I don't want to dig up old views but this was the argument by most in regards to why Carson could be improved upon. Basically that with a solid keeper they rarely get spoken about due to their consistent solidness. For instance, Carson could have fumbled a shot yesterday, whilst Foster has been solid throughout.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tellinstories on December 19, 2011, 02:01:48 AM
why do people go on about Carson distribution? it was pish. Every time he kicked the ball it went out for a throw.

Totally agree.  I *never* got on Carson's back, but that's so true.  When he played for England a few weeks back he came on and the first kick he took I said to my mate "throw in"... which it was.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggie Artist on December 19, 2011, 03:12:43 AM
Foster has taken awhile to settle into the team and show his genuine quality. For me, his command of the area is excellent. He is very quick off his line, generally senses danger and reads the game well. His agility is also wonderful. I hope that there will be an opportunity to sign him on a permanent deal.

I'm surprised his command of area has been so good as he has always been known as being a good shot stopper but a bit shaky in other areas. I'd actually say it's been his best quality since he came here, I can't remember him spilling a cross so far.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Aixelsyd on December 19, 2011, 03:12:57 AM
I think hes a quality keeper, better than Carson, but I think its helped playing in front of an improved defence.

so was that Carson's problem... he played in front of the defence rather than behind it  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Barrington on December 19, 2011, 04:12:58 AM
He's the best keeper we've had for a good while.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: reiss on December 19, 2011, 09:59:20 AM

 i dont why he gave up on England, becuase he surley be in the squad
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on December 19, 2011, 10:05:43 AM
i dont why he gave up on England, becuase he surley be in the squad

Because of niggling injuries. He wouldn't be in the squad if he was injured  :D if Hart gets injured I'm sure he will suddenly become available again.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: reiss on December 19, 2011, 10:06:41 AM
Because of niggling injuries. He wouldn't be in the squad if he was injured  :D if Hart gets injured I'm sure he will suddenly become available again.

cheers i didnt know that
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Ogwani on December 19, 2011, 10:45:22 AM
Foster trumps every single one of Carson's attributes. Every single one. His distribution is brilliant, Bolton showed this... Most of our attacks came from him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: beechyboy90 on December 19, 2011, 04:24:35 PM
hopefully the noses dont get promoted so we can keep him!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BaggieBirdRus on December 19, 2011, 05:15:22 PM
It's good to know we have the second best English keeper in the country. He's a class above most of the keepers we've had in recent years, long may it continue!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on December 19, 2011, 05:18:23 PM
He has been one of the best keepers we have had in a few years. Hopefully he will only get better.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbako on December 19, 2011, 07:30:38 PM
Everyone should be keeping their fingers crossed that Small Heath stay in the chumpionship and we stay up because Foster is a tremendous goalie who has improved us massively in the goalkeeping department.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: royhan on December 19, 2011, 09:50:54 PM
Good result for us at Palace tonight - the Blues lost 1-0, enhances our chances of keeping Foster.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Rich99 on December 21, 2011, 09:40:02 PM
He made some absolute class saves tonight.

He was as important in us getting the full 3 points as anyone, in my humble opinion.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Ogwani on December 21, 2011, 09:50:19 PM
Class today. Brilliant. Should sign him if we can.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on December 21, 2011, 10:09:11 PM
Another great game from Foster tonight, made some great saves.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: botters on December 21, 2011, 10:10:35 PM
Tremendous display, I like that way he really commands his area
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on December 22, 2011, 12:19:05 AM
I love the way he is so decisive. And very much on his toes. Top class keeper.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RuncornBaggie on December 22, 2011, 01:23:11 PM
Initially I didn't think that there would be THAT much difference between Carson and Foster. 

Foster seems to have grown in stature since he arrived here.  I believe that he is a better keeper than Carson.  He just seems to be more......confident!  More decisive!  A good signing by the club, hope we can get him permanently. 

BUT......and this is a big but........it doesn't excuse any of the grief that Carson got, I really felt sorry for that kid!

Back on to topic, I believe that we are benefitting a lot from having Ben Foster in the side!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BoingFlyer on December 22, 2011, 01:26:41 PM

While I'm a big fan of Carson, Foster is now showing why he is a better keeper, very commanding in the box.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggies on December 22, 2011, 05:43:27 PM
He could have maybe done better with the goals last night, more the first one, but over all he has been very good this season. He makes good saves and he commands his box very well. He also makes decisions much quicker than Carson would - a bit problem of Carsons and I think goalkeepers need to do that.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smosher34 on December 22, 2011, 06:47:06 PM
i love the way he always got a smile on his face and seems to enjoy playing football claps the fans pumps his fists to us , hope we can sign him at the end of the season .
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on December 22, 2011, 07:41:36 PM
I like Foster but had it been Carson that conceded from the freekick last night he'd have been crucified. It was very poor goalkeeping.

That aside he's been pretty good.  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on December 22, 2011, 07:48:43 PM
I think he has done reasonably well so far. Interestingly I saw Myhill playing for Blues against Palace the other day and I thought he was very good - my Blues supporting friend assures me he has been excellent this season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Rich99 on January 21, 2012, 06:21:12 PM
Having half a seasons worth or so to judge now:

Based on what I've seen so far, I think he's a keeper who is certainly good enough for where we stand right now.  I'd class Foster as a Premiership quality keeper.  His shot stopping is good and though folk said he's not that commanding, he seems fairly solid in that area to me.

He's made mistakes this season, all keepers do, but I think he's played a part in some crucial moments in games where he's arguably won us points.  He's done this several times as well.

All in all, I'd say we are more solid between the sticks and I'd be more than happy if we took him on permanently.  I'm not sure how much he'd cost though.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on January 21, 2012, 06:22:41 PM
Great save today, I carnt really think of many mistakes he has made this season, the Stoke goal at our place perhaps.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: botters on January 21, 2012, 06:25:47 PM
YES!! 100% improvement
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: GrGr on January 21, 2012, 06:30:43 PM
Without a doubt a clear step up in class.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tipton baggie 80 on January 21, 2012, 06:41:24 PM
All in all, I'd say we are more solid between the sticks and I'd be more than happy if we took him on permanently.  I'm not sure how much he'd cost though.

Knowing that we we have first option should we stay up and Blues fail to gain promotion, it wouldn't suprise me if a fee has already been agreed in principle.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RowleyBaggie2 on January 21, 2012, 07:16:45 PM
He's got better and better.

POTY material.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on January 21, 2012, 07:18:53 PM
He's improved game after game in my opinion. Appears very vocal with his centre halves and both Olsson, G-Mac and Fozzy look to have formed a very solid partnership between them. Something which perhaps was missing in recent seasons. It was also refreshing to see an Albion keeper save a penalty as that in itself very rarely happens.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RowleyBaggie2 on January 21, 2012, 07:33:19 PM
Its his decision making I love, he makes his mind up and doesn't hesitate.

He will get a few wrong but make up with it ten fold.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: overseas baggie on January 22, 2012, 10:47:41 AM
Thank God we got Foster and not Sorenson last summer!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionBest on January 22, 2012, 10:52:20 AM
Couldn't watch the penalty yesterday as you just knew they would score - brilliant save by Foster and cue madness all around in our end !

Another monkey off our back !
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TLMS17 on January 22, 2012, 10:58:19 AM
Class keeper, really hope we sign him, he seems to care as well as you can tell by his reaction during and at the end of games
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Aixelsyd on January 22, 2012, 11:00:47 AM
I carnt really think of many mistakes he has made this season, the Stoke goal at our place perhaps.

it should never have been allowed... clearly a foul

so you cant blame him for that
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggieheart on January 22, 2012, 11:03:53 AM
Think he has very good hands. Doesn't spill too much.

Would be happy for him to be number 1 for a good number of years.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggieboy79 on January 22, 2012, 11:12:31 AM
Have we definitely got the option to buy Foster in the summer or is it dependant on whether Blues go up or not? I know that a lot of noses are not best pleased with our club after sending Wood to Bristol so could this affect Blues' decision or is it a done deal?

I really like Foster as a keeper and think we need to keep him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: hardtobeat on January 22, 2012, 11:47:25 AM
Think he's said he would stay at Blues if they get promoted,as for Wood was his choice apparently because he felt he was more likely to start at Brizzle than at Blooze.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smosher34 on January 22, 2012, 11:57:30 AM
i love the way always smiling and fist pumping to the fans shows he cares and enjoys playing football  ;D sign him up lets hope the blues dont come up ! couldnt watch the penalty but when saved it was like we had scored mental
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: OldburyWBA on January 22, 2012, 12:37:56 PM
it should never have been allowed... clearly a foul

so you cant blame him for that

That wasn't a foul, it was rubbish defending by Tamas and poor communication by Foster allowing the Stokie to nip in.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: batesy123 on January 22, 2012, 12:50:15 PM
There's more to keeping than throwing yourself around in a box trying to catch the ball. The amount he communicates with and organises the defence is incomparable to carson - I can hear him shouting in the goal at the BRE from the far end of the Halfords. Our defence is looking quality this season, hugely down to Roy, partly down to Foster, and somewhat down to G-Mac and Olsson gelling well Much better than Carson, anyone who says otherwise doesn't know much about the life of a goalkeeper. They're a rare breed, but they make mistakes too, people don't realise that they aren't infallible. A quality player, and I still can't believe we managed to sign him on loan. Get him permanently and I'll be chuffed to bits.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: ou60baggie on January 22, 2012, 01:17:39 PM
Have watched Foster 5 or 6 times this season,wasn't sure about him to start with but i do have to say he seems very passionate about baggies from the way he reacts with fans to his goal celebrations, he makes decisions and sticks to them, hope we do manage to sign him, i think he is a great asset to our club.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on January 22, 2012, 02:19:27 PM
I no longer get cramp in my buttocks from tensing up every time a defender tries to pass the ball back to the keeper, so thanks for that Ben.
Much better than last year IMO
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: rubyruby on January 22, 2012, 02:25:12 PM
I no longer get cramp in my buttocks from tensing up every time a defender tries to pass the ball back to the keeper, so thanks for that Ben.
Much better than last year IMO

i agree amigo although i thought scott carson made some wonderful saves. anyone remember derby away season before last with a truly magnificent banksyeske effort to keep the ball out! but the rest of his game often showed signs of vunerability. foster for me is the better allround keeper
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Avonbaggie on January 22, 2012, 04:03:31 PM
I no longer get cramp in my buttocks from tensing up every time a defender tries to pass the ball back to the keeper, so thanks for that Ben.
Much better than last year IMO

A million % agreed!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on January 22, 2012, 04:05:56 PM
I always thought Carson was a half decent keeper, but Foster doesnt make as many mistakes as what Scott did.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: VVVAlbion on January 22, 2012, 04:28:28 PM
I always thought Carson was a half decent keeper, but Foster doesnt make as many mistakes as what Scott did.

Foster, for me, is a better keeper (and I liked Carson) but also so far has the benefit of rarely being punished for his mistakes. The cross he spilled yesterday would undoubtedly have rebounded in off a Stokie backside if Carson had fumbled it!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albion79 on January 23, 2012, 03:45:18 PM
Lazy i know but i cant be bothered to read the last 6 pages again so not sure if its been mentioned.

I know he is on a season long but what i can gather he is going back to Blues end of the season and if they dont get up we have first option or something, do we have the option to sign him now?

Personally i would sign him now if we did have the option or if not then make Blues an offer now to get him. I think he is as good as we will get for our type of price range, he is now settled, knows the defence, setup, etc and thats not based on saturday just in general.

Plus also Blues are on a bit of a role at the moment so if they do go up we would lose out from what i can gather, why not exploit their financial position now, i saw Beuasjour bid from Wigan has been accepted and it would seem they are still struggling so i would get Foster now to save any possible problems end of season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on January 23, 2012, 04:13:27 PM
No we don't have the option to sign him now. Even if we had a bid accepted for him I doubt he would want to commit to us yet as we are far from safe and Blues look a decent shot for promotion as things stand so he wouldn't take the risk of not being a Premier League player next season.

If Blues do come up then we need a new keeper its as simple as that unfortunately.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on February 04, 2012, 10:29:50 PM
I can't remember him making a save today and plenty of other games. Why is this?

Do we really resrict the opposition ability to shoot on target, but when they do they it's clear cut and they score? Is he a poor keeper who should be stopping more of the goals that have gone in?

I don't think he is a bad keeper but i'm yet to see a game where he has gained us a point or all three. Most games he just picks the ball out his net a couple of times - the rest of his time he is a spectator it seems. He doesn't command his area brilliantly either.

If we stay up is there a better keeper we could get?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smethwickw on February 04, 2012, 10:38:33 PM
He's an improvement on Carson imo. I like him but not overly fussed whether we keep him or not. Could we afford him. I'm sure there are other keepers out there as good.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on February 04, 2012, 10:43:22 PM
He is much better than Carson. He made some great saves against Man City, which I certianly think earned us that point.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Rich99 on February 04, 2012, 10:47:19 PM
He didn't have much to do today, however he's made some crucial saves this season and kept us in games for sure.  I'd say he's won us points this season.

For me he's a fairly clear improvement on the version of Carson that was here.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Rich99 on February 04, 2012, 10:58:07 PM
I'd say he's one of a few of our current squad who teams sitting higher than we are would be casting an eye on taking.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on February 04, 2012, 11:01:49 PM
He didn't have much to do today, however he's made some crucial saves this season and kept us in games for sure.  I'd say he's won us points this season.

For me he's a fairly clear improvement on the version of Carson that was here.



I definitely agree with that.

I have expected more from him though, maybe my memory is just hazy, I can't recall many games where I thought he has done a lot. We have only kept 3 clean sheets this season and I thought with his introduction this season,and Roy's tactics, we would be doing significantly better than that - not that he is in anyway completely at fault.

I'd say he's one of our players who teams sitting higher than we are would be casting an eye on taking.

What team Rich? I can't think of many that would be desperate to take him. Maybe Sunderland.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: j2burnz on February 04, 2012, 11:02:49 PM
newcastle away - bloody brilliant / also man city

no way can we get a better keeper between the sticks ,
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggies on February 04, 2012, 11:18:02 PM
He made a great save in the second half coming out to stop Dyer possibly - the chance where Olsson then had to stop the second effort and then make a tackel after the Scharner back pass.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on February 04, 2012, 11:46:47 PM
For me Ruddy and Vorm have been much better than Foster this season. Only Kenny and Hennessey are probably worse first team keepers in the league. I still think he is good but perhaps not worth the speculated 4million we would need to pay to get him, or the 30k plus wages we would have to pay him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BaggieJames114 on February 05, 2012, 12:14:57 AM
We restrict teams but when they get to our byline and pull it across Foster cant really do anything
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on February 05, 2012, 07:55:17 AM
I think our goalkeeping coach should be having a word in his shell like regarding dribbling round the opposition forward in your own goal area
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: johnthebaggie on February 05, 2012, 08:08:44 AM
I can't remember him making a save today and plenty of other games. Why is this?

Do we really resrict the opposition ability to shoot on target, but when they do they it's clear cut and they score? Is he a poor keeper who should be stopping more of the goals that have gone in?

I don't think he is a bad keeper but i'm yet to see a game where he has gained us a point or all three. Most games he just picks the ball out his net a couple of times - the rest of his time he is a spectator it seems. He doesn't command his area brilliantly either.

If we stay up is there a better keeper we could get?
Saved a penalty against Stoke.

He's not a bad keeper, not the greatest but not the worst. To be fair the opposition doesn't have that many chances in games, lots of possession but few chances, trouble is our defence gifts the chances so Foster is usually exposed and a goal is scored.

He has made mistakes but in the main he shouldn't be held too responsible for te goals conceded.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggieheart on February 05, 2012, 09:10:37 AM
I like him to be honest think he has very good handling ability.

He has nothing to do because of the way we play.

Bigger issues than the goalkeeper for me such as lack of desire & workrate from the outfield. No will to win.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RowleyBaggie2 on February 05, 2012, 09:58:40 AM
Some bizzare comments about the best goalkeeper we have had for some time.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbastrollers on February 05, 2012, 10:05:09 AM
Some bizzare comments about the best goalkeeper we have had for some time.

I could not agree more.
Could this be someone who is still sulking over the exit of Carson.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: graka on February 05, 2012, 10:37:46 AM
an excellent goalie who very rarely makes a howler which costs us points ala carson.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on February 05, 2012, 11:36:37 AM
an excellent goalie who very rarely makes a howler which costs us points ala carson.
stoke at home earlier in season? That said he is the best keeper we've had for a while.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dudleylad on February 05, 2012, 11:53:42 AM
According to the stats on the Premier League website hes 10th out of 20 starting keepers and the 2nd best English goalkeeper in the League.

Says all that needs to be said really
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AshD on February 05, 2012, 12:01:56 PM
With regards to him letting in goals, look back and tell me the last goal that went in where you said "he should have saved that"!?!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on February 05, 2012, 12:17:03 PM
I can't remember him making a save today and plenty of other games. Why is this?

Do we really resrict the opposition ability to shoot on target, but when they do they it's clear cut and they score?

I think it is that to be honest. We restrict sides well most of the times but that lack of concentration from someone presents the opposition with the easiest of chances to score past us often leaving him with absolutely no chance. Carson was exactly the same in some games, nothing to do but pick the ball out of the net after a tap in.

Foster is the best keeper we have had for a good number of years there is no doubt about that for me, he has his weaknesses like any other but we need to look at those in front of him and whether they are doing their jobs right. It isn't his fault our wingers or central midfield players sometimes don't track the runners when they should.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dudleylad on February 05, 2012, 12:22:03 PM
One good thing about Foster is he gives the defenders infront of him certainty.

He does not always make the right decision but he doesnt change his mind once he commits himself and its one thing Carson struggled at as he always seemed to be in two minds when making critical decisions
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Rich99 on February 05, 2012, 12:28:32 PM
What team Rich? I can't think of many that would be desperate to take him. Maybe Sunderland.

Things change, for example there's talk of Krul being poached away from Newcastle.

I just think if he didn't stay with us or blues he'd probably find another Premiership club to go to and start for.  Olsson aside, on current form, I'm not sure how many of our other players one could say that about.

I do agree that he's possibly over priced both fee and wages wise though (I think he was one of the most expensive keepers when at blues), however most English players are.   It will be a question come the summer given the price, but for me he's done more than perfectly well enough for us so far.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on February 05, 2012, 04:20:25 PM
In a way I'm glad it is a loan deal for foster. With no certainty of him signing at the conclusion of this season, I'm sure we have been stockpiling a list of alternatives perhaps better keepers for less money. If we can take Foster he is more than adequate though and hopefully he can improve. I think if we had played worse and he had made a lot of saves, I would feel more confident about him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: spencer Baggie on February 05, 2012, 05:00:16 PM
He is much better than Carson. He made some great saves against Man City, which I certianly think earned us that point.

And against Newcastle. Won that game for us.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Adder on February 05, 2012, 09:20:04 PM
For me Ruddy and Vorm have been much better than Foster this season. Only Kenny and Hennessey are probably worse first team keepers in the league. I still think he is good but perhaps not worth the speculated 4million we would need to pay to get him, or the 30k plus wages we would have to pay him.
Think Ruddy and Vorm have had some much busier games than Foster where they've had to make a string of saves. As the title of this thread suggests, we haven't been under seige that much and lets face it Foster hasn't made any howlers has he ? The goals in the last 4 home games he couldn't have done  much about.
For the record, Hennessy has made one or two errors but think he's also had some very good games and will be a really good keeper - better than de Gea.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: chipperclark on February 06, 2012, 01:28:00 AM
 ;D Has everyone noticed how passionate he has become with our club,remembering he is a loan player.
He was punching the air with glee after MAF scored.

Came up for a couple of corners near the end to help out.

Has been playing well every game for the last few months.

He has more passion than some of our regular players. Foster is a true professional and plays the best he can every game...I just wish this would rub off on a few other non-performing players......and I will not name names they know who they are!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Semaj Riatsila on February 06, 2012, 02:11:59 AM
Yes he has been very passionate over the last few games when we have scored.  It's good to see.

Definatley worth keeping if possible come the summer.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on February 06, 2012, 08:46:30 AM
He has been a top keeper for us this season, I really hope we keep him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lewisant on February 06, 2012, 10:16:01 AM
yeah i notice it and i like, good on him
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smethwickbaggie23 on February 06, 2012, 12:55:58 PM
agree.

chris hughton is doing too good a job at blues this season. we really need them to stop down so we can keep foster.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on February 06, 2012, 08:21:07 PM
(http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01448/foster_12_682x400_1448587a.jpg)

Bless him. I often miss his celebrations as I'm normally going mental myself.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Barrington on February 06, 2012, 08:48:18 PM
He's the best keeper we've had for years.

Fair play for starting the topic mate. That other thread negatively criticizing him is a disgrace to be honest. He's been excellent for us so far. I am too hoping that we can keep him come the end of the season. Really happy with him being our keeper.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on February 06, 2012, 10:21:10 PM
I'm really happy with Foster in goal. He is very decisive, even though that decisiveness sometimes goes wrong, defenders would rather have someone who is positive, comes out for the ball, and has good handling. I would make it a priority to get him signed up, possibly using a part-exchange with one of our better players. Foster is the best keeper at the Hawthorns in years.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: boinging_along on February 06, 2012, 10:31:19 PM
I just don't see how anyone could criticise him this season.  Come into a new team, with a new defence in front, defenders who haven't played together much either, he's done a good job.  Rarely makes a mistake. 

We'd be crazy not to buy him if we can.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KnaveofAlbion on February 06, 2012, 11:10:23 PM
I just don't see how anyone could criticise him this season.  Come into a new team, with a new defence in front, defenders who haven't played together much either, he's done a good job.  Rarely makes a mistake. 

We'd be crazy not to buy him if we can.

I sadly think we won't get the chance. If brum go up, which it looks like, then he'll go back i'd guess?

If we stay up (god i hope we do), Al Habsi would be a very good shout.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tipton baggie 80 on February 06, 2012, 11:19:39 PM
Not so sure Blues are a cert to come up to be honest. Southampton and West Ham are very strong and the play offs are a lottery. Let's hope so re: Foster (and possibly Hughton).
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Lego on February 12, 2012, 02:25:56 PM
First shot on target = goal. Poor effort from defence and keeper. Can't believe we have let wolves back in it. Yet again in game when opposition keeper makes a string of fine saves and first time we need our keeper to do his job were left wanting.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mulumbu99 on February 12, 2012, 02:27:32 PM
First shot on target = goal. Poor effort from defence and keeper. Can't believe we have let wolves back in it. Yet again in game when opposition keeper makes a string of fine saves and first time we need our keeper to do his job were left wanting.

how the flip was it a poor effort by the keeper ? it was a quality finish.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dudleylad on February 12, 2012, 02:28:20 PM
Yes a sublime turn and shot into the bottom corner was the keepers fault ::)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on February 12, 2012, 02:32:50 PM
Caarnt blame Foster for the goal. It was a decent finish.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Lego on February 12, 2012, 03:18:07 PM
Take it back guys, too much to drink. His save the turning point of the game.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: mateinone on February 12, 2012, 03:26:51 PM
Absolutely no keeper was stopping that goal today.
Made some crucial saves in this game.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RowleyBaggie2 on February 12, 2012, 04:15:26 PM
An absoloute worldie at 2-1.

They had a boy in goal, we had a man.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: overseas baggie on February 12, 2012, 04:19:29 PM
An absoloute worldie at 2-1.

They had a boy in goal, we had a man.

To be fair, Hennessy was outstanding in the first half an hour. They would have been 3 or 4 nil down by then if it wasn't for him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dudleylad on February 12, 2012, 04:20:23 PM
Hes always the same though hes like Carson hes over prone to serious mistakes when the pressure is on.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Ogwani on February 12, 2012, 04:32:03 PM
With the amount of shots Wolves have against them I think it's unsurprising that Hennessey makes mistakes, he kept them in it at some stages in this game - luckily for us he made up for it with his mistakes.

Foster had 4 shots against him today which I recall, 3 very good saves and 1 very good finish. Can't really complain too much.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: HampshireBaggie on February 12, 2012, 04:51:58 PM
anyone notice him run the entire length of the pitch to celebrate the 4th or 5th goal today?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: overseas baggie on February 12, 2012, 04:56:26 PM
anyone notice him run the entire length of the pitch to celebrate the 4th or 5th goal today?

Yes - it was after the Andrews goal. Great to see!

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Andio on February 12, 2012, 05:02:56 PM
anyone notice him run the entire length of the pitch to celebrate the 4th or 5th goal today?

Yes, produced a fantastic save from a header when the Dingles were knocking on the door as well.

This guy is great.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on February 12, 2012, 05:13:39 PM
How many goals has Hennessey gifted us now. 2 or 3 is it?

The save from Foster was so pivitol into how the rest of the game panned out. Terrific save which you could say won us the game.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: geoff on February 12, 2012, 05:15:03 PM
We will have to pay big bucks to keep hold of Ben if blues don't come up i would have thought Arsenal our chelsea would be interested in signing him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: CL3MO on February 12, 2012, 05:18:28 PM
An absoloute worldie at 2-1.

They had a boy in goal, we had a man.

Top class from Foster but incredibly harsh on Hennessy. If it wasn't for him it probably could have been one of the biggest Prem defeats of all time.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on February 12, 2012, 09:00:12 PM
I swear he makes less saves than any other keeper in the league  :P. Made one crucial one today though.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Rich99 on February 12, 2012, 10:23:03 PM
It could have easily gone to 2-2 with a different keeper between the sticks.  Goals can very much change games.

For me, from what I've seen so far, he's certainly more than good enough for us right now.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Rich99 on February 12, 2012, 10:25:51 PM
...harsh on Hennessy. If it wasn't for him it probably could have been one of the biggest Prem defeats of all time.

He does that a lot of games though, it's not a one off, but a bit of a trend: he makes a few very good eye catching saves, then lets in a few weak ones to undo all the good work he did.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbatillidie on February 12, 2012, 10:30:39 PM
Nothing he could have done about the first one, went through Reid's legs and made a brilliant save at 2-1
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on February 12, 2012, 10:50:16 PM
He made some great saves in the second half, great keeper.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: royhan on February 12, 2012, 11:06:08 PM
I was impressed at how well he commanded his area, particularly the high balls.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WSBaggie on February 25, 2012, 11:59:49 PM
So then does anybody know whether there is a deal in place or not for him?

Best keeper we have had here in a while and my mate who's a Bluenose seems adament he will be going back to them if they go up.

The only rumours I have heard is a 4 mill permanent deal is in place for the summer and it's up to us whether we want him or not. But again this is only a rumour, anyone heard this or anything different?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Rich99 on February 26, 2012, 12:08:25 AM
After having had 26 games to view him in now, I'd say yes, he's a pretty apparent improvement on last season.

He did well to get to that shot today, let alone put such a strong arm to it.  Failure to do things like that, resulting in a goal, can turn the momentum of games.  Some of his distribution was superb as well.

He's made some real top draw saves this season, some of them crucial, point winning. 

Personally I also feel that he's dealt pretty well with crosses into the area and though he's had his one or two moments, has generally been pretty commanding in the box.

I think he's more than good enough for us right now and would be pleased if we kept him.  It's a thumbs up from me, for what it's worth. ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smosher34 on February 26, 2012, 12:22:40 AM
and the crowd love him to , YES  a massive improvement on carson sign him up  ;) he just loves playing football arm pumping when we score
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dubya BA on February 26, 2012, 12:41:50 AM
Sign him up for a 5 year contract, the guy is QUALITY!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DommyKeay19 on February 26, 2012, 01:13:42 AM
Yeah he's a top keeper, love him. His handling & reflexes are up there with the best, i was at Fulham and got there too early and just watched Kiely pinging shots at him, dropped hardly anything. Seems like a nice bloke aswell from what i've read in the media, just hope Blues stay down so we don't have any trouble keeping him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on February 26, 2012, 01:32:37 AM
I would make it the first priority in the next transfer window to get Foster signed up. Although I was never anti- Carson, he did have a'blunder' every so often which inevitably led to goals conceded. Of course every keeper makes blunders, but if you compare how many points Foster has won for Albion compared to how many Carson did, you'd find Foster is a massive plus. He very rarely fumbles the ball. More importantly his communication  is much better which builds confidence. That helps explain why our defence is better organised this season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: beechyboy90 on February 26, 2012, 01:37:18 AM
i hope it is! great assist today and some good saves!

i think the blues would like him back though if they can
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: mateinone on February 26, 2012, 02:27:11 AM
I really hope that we can hold onto him, best keeper since Hoult, maybe even better than him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: jonny on February 26, 2012, 04:41:49 AM
It'll be a weird situation if they go up.

As a top quality keeper he will have to step down to a team who will be favourites to go down from a team where he is:

a) Fans favourite

b) obviously enjoying his football and

c) playing for a club who will arguably be safe and looking to challenge for cups/ europa league.

I wonder if he will hand in a transfer request/ want to move?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on February 26, 2012, 06:26:36 AM
I believe we have him on loan until the end of the season with the option to buy if Blues dont get promoted.
That said if Blues do get promoted and we still want Foster then I expect we have to go through the normal format of bidding for players.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on February 26, 2012, 08:48:15 AM
It would be a massive blow to lose Foster. Bar the Stoke mistake he's been terrific all season. Superb shot stopping, good distribution, commands his area magnificently, confidently comes for crosses and gets them taking massive pressure off the defence, vocal, comfortable with the ball at his feet, has the confidence of the players in front of him, has a great attitude... I liked Carson, I liked Kiely, I liked Kuszczak, but I feel more confident with Foster in the team than I did with all three of those players put together, he might even be better than Hoult. When Foster has to make a standard save I don't half expect him to spill it or let it roll through him and when the ball is played into the box I feel confident in Foster coming to claim it (something Carson, Myhill, Kiely and TK really really struggled to do).

I don't have anything against Blues, but I'm looking at them hoping they lose every match at the moment so they don't come up and snatch him back!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on February 26, 2012, 12:20:46 PM
Foster hates the Dingles, Foster the hates Dingles la la la.

Loved his reaction to when we sang 'Foster do you hate the Wolves'.

His handling was superb yesterday, as was his distribution for the third goal, certainly a very important player for us and one we must keep if we're to carry on moving forward.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: reiss on February 26, 2012, 12:28:53 PM
if the rummor is true, i would pay 4million for him
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KnaveofAlbion on February 26, 2012, 12:34:43 PM
Now i've never claimed to be ITK and i'm not fully on this one, but i know more than i normally do on this time around.

Apparently it's an open secret within the club that Foster is ours if him and us both want it this summer. As far as i know this has nothing to do with if Brum come up, it's more to do with him being on about £30k a week.

Brum finances are shot to hell and even if they come back up they won't be able to finance the massive wage players. They only have Zigic still because no other bugger wanted him.

I know this because Chris L said so on a night out in Brum about 4 months ago (nice lad, can't hold his drink) and my brother has a connection with the club coaching wise and was speaking with Ridgwell about settling in and said about it being nice that Foster was here, it'll be a shame if he goes and Liam said "oh, he's staying " and gave a smile and left it at that.

So i know this isn't concrete. but i have good faith it's happening.

So that's that, my sole claim to ever be even 1% ITk.... watch him leave tomorrow and bever return!?!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BaggieJames114 on February 26, 2012, 12:40:26 PM
Hes a great keeper, I cant see the Blues coming up despite their league position atm. They will run out of steam as they have played so many games this season. Still got a FA cup replay to come and 14 games to go in the league, then on top of that the Play offs as that is their best chance. Would be really gutted if he isnt our keeper next season
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: reiss on February 26, 2012, 12:42:18 PM
Hes a great keeper, I cant see the Blues coming up despite their league position atm. They will run out of steam as they have played so many games this season. Still got a FA cup replay to come and 14 games to go in the league, then on top of that the Play offs as that is their best chance. Would be really gutted if he isnt our keeper next season

i can see them getting into play-offs, but to lose in final
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on February 26, 2012, 12:43:42 PM
The best Albion keeper ive seen since i have been a fan. great throw out to Mozza Yesterday, also made a top class save.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BaggieJames114 on February 26, 2012, 12:56:14 PM
Still Hoult for me in my lifetime. But the thing is, If Foster stays. He has played for ManU for a number of years without getting matches. So he wants games, So long as we are in the PL i think he would be happy to stay and play for us. We could have the GK position sroted for years to come like Bolton have with Jussi (Not going to try spell his surname  :P)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TLMS17 on February 26, 2012, 01:03:57 PM
Quality player, so glad he came, think we will keep him as has been said previously his wages may be too much for Blues
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Andio on February 26, 2012, 01:31:52 PM
as was his distribution for the third goal,

And his 50 yard pass straight to Ridgewell set us up for the 2nd goal, everybody appears to be overlooking that one.  ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lippypig on February 26, 2012, 03:39:45 PM
Actually have some inside info on this one, Ben is happy at the Hawthorns, wants to stay it is all down to whether we pay the money. We can not afford to lose this guy he is by far the best goal keeper I have seen at the Albion, best since Tony Godden in my opinion.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WSBaggie on February 26, 2012, 04:05:33 PM
Now i've never claimed to be ITK and i'm not fully on this one, but i know more than i normally do on this time around.

Apparently it's an open secret within the club that Foster is ours if him and us both want it this summer. As far as i know this has nothing to do with if Brum come up, it's more to do with him being on about £30k a week.

Brum finances are shot to hell and even if they come back up they won't be able to finance the massive wage players. They only have Zigic still because no other bugger wanted him.

I know this because Chris L said so on a night out in Brum about 4 months ago (nice lad, can't hold his drink) and my brother has a connection with the club coaching wise and was speaking with Ridgwell about settling in and said about it being nice that Foster was here, it'll be a shame if he goes and Liam said "oh, he's staying " and gave a smile and left it at that.

So i know this isn't concrete. but i have good faith it's happening.

So that's that, my sole claim to ever be even 1% ITk.... watch him leave tomorrow and bever return!?!

Cheers for sharing that mate. Looks like the club are confident in getting him they jsut know that if Blues don't go up we could get him for half the price this summer than we would have last summer. I like him alot and hope he stays.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: PortsmouthBaggie on February 26, 2012, 04:37:56 PM
Must be kept at all costs! No other available keeper comes anywhere near Ben.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: divinewind on February 26, 2012, 05:16:18 PM
I hope we keep him,the best we have had since Houlty,and he seems to like it here.

Nothing against Blues but i hope they don't make it this season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on February 27, 2012, 12:39:31 AM
I hope we retain Foster I think we are fortunate that he is very settled in the Midlands so providing Blues do not return to the Premier League this year I think we have every chance. Right now there isn't a keeper close to being as good as him that we could afford.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: 63Brummie on February 27, 2012, 12:51:17 AM
I really hope that we can hold onto him, best keeper since Hoult, maybe even better than him.
I really liked Hoult.......they're about the same IMHO...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albion UK on February 27, 2012, 02:28:05 AM
If Foster does go back to blues then the best we can hope for is Blackburn or Wigan go down and we rob one of there keepers.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Black Pearl on February 27, 2012, 06:43:39 AM
Got better and better as the season has gone on, should be the back up to Hart in the England set up on current form.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on February 27, 2012, 07:05:07 AM
If Foster does go back to blues then the best we can hope for is Blackburn or Wigan go down and we rob one of there keepers.

I'd sooner keep Foster
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JDWest_Brom on February 27, 2012, 08:51:23 AM
Foster is on a par with Russell Hoult pre-back injury and better than Hoult after it started playing up. Hopefully Blues don't come up so we can get him for less than £4 million. Because if we have to pay that on top of his wages I can't see us signing any other players for a decent fee in the summer. It will be another window of freebies and loans.

We have the nucleus of a good squad and just need to top it up/freshen it a bit, but we'll still be shopping in the bargain basement if Foster is our money signing in the summer. I can't see us signing both Foster for £4 million and say somebody like Craig Gardner who we've been linked with for £4 million. It'll be one or the other.

Which makes me think if Blues hold out for £4 million for Foster I can see us going for Kuszcczak on a free and paying a fee for a different player.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on February 27, 2012, 09:03:22 AM
Tony Godden for me is the best keeper i have seen in an Albion shirt but i have no problem paying 4 million for Foster.
Like someone has said Blues will run out of steam
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: jonny on March 02, 2012, 08:45:01 PM
I think the max we should go up to should be £6m.

He seems really settled and I think we will be at the head of the que should he become available.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbako on March 02, 2012, 09:03:22 PM
Foster is the best keeper i've seen in the 20 years I've been going down the Albion and I would love to keep hold of him. That said, I don't want to be held to ransom by Small Heath. In my eyes 4-5 mill would be a damn good offer, and considering their dire financial situation, one they'd be daft to turn down. Just have to hope they stay in the Chumpionship and we stay up with the big boys.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on March 03, 2012, 01:12:01 AM
In a completely open market Foster who is a top quality keeper at his peak would command a fee and wages way beyond our means. However given the players reluctance to leave the Midlands it is not really an open market assuming Blues do not win promotion the market consists of ourselves Villa wolves and Stoke

In the absence of any strong interest from elsewhere and  Blues needing the money my guess is we could get away with about £4m. 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Rich99 on March 03, 2012, 01:22:31 AM
The guys quality for me, however I get the feeling he may not even stay at Blues or us though.  I hope I'm wrong.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggie Artist on March 03, 2012, 02:57:23 AM
Probably around £4.5 million, which even that is a lot for a goalkeeper but he can be an investment for the next few years hopefully and we don't have any pressing concerns in other areas, so we can afford to spend a large chunk of budget on Foster.

I don't have too much of a worry about us missing out on him to other clubs, there aren't a lot of clubs who can afford to splash out on a goalkeeper at the moment and lots of teams have settled number ones. QPR if they stay up are probably the biggest threat.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: beechyboy90 on March 03, 2012, 03:00:48 AM
5mill
not many keepers better then him who are in our price range!
hopefully we get him, he was slow starting for me but the last 2 months he has been solid
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on March 03, 2012, 07:15:03 AM
I think we have to do all we can to keep Foster.
Since we've had a solid keeper the back four look more confident.
If it means we have to pay the going rate then that's what we have to do.
On the plus side Brum's finances are not in a good state so maybe finances will dictate that blues have to look at selling regardless of what division they are in.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RowleyBaggie2 on March 03, 2012, 09:35:08 AM
I've a feeling he will end up at Spurs sadly.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: HampshireBaggie on March 03, 2012, 09:38:00 AM
I've a feeling he will end up at Spurs sadly.

Any basis to this mate? i can't see it. I think Friedel will go for 1 more year, he is still quality.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RowleyBaggie2 on March 03, 2012, 09:52:03 AM
Just a feeling really, both their keepers are very old. I'm also alive to the fact its totally out of our hands.

Whatever happens I'm sure the club have a contingency plan.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Londonbaggymike on March 03, 2012, 10:57:46 AM
Just a feeling really, both their keepers are very old. I'm also alive to the fact its totally out of our hands.

Whatever happens I'm sure the club have a contingency plan.

It's swings and roundabouts really. He's had a very good season for us (which is great) and this highlights him to clubs with more cash than us (which is a shame).

I agree that there is a contingency plan; that's what DA does!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on March 03, 2012, 06:17:18 PM
Another fantastic save today, this time from Essien. Also a lot of people are saying Essien should've easily scored when he was through after the Reid mistake, maybe he could of done better, but I think it was fantastic play from Foster that any defender would be proud of.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: royhan on March 03, 2012, 06:18:20 PM
Up to £6 million, but put him on a long term contract to ensure that we recoup much of this if he moves on during the next 2-3 years.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on March 03, 2012, 06:20:22 PM
Six million I went for, I carnt really remeber him making a massive mistake for us this season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Rich99 on March 03, 2012, 06:21:20 PM
Superb today I thought. Commanding, faultlessly caught everything he could and made a great save. He even ran out and sort of sold one of their oncoming players through on goal, a dummy, to take the ball from him :D.  I thought his distribution was very good too, particularly his throwing which set us off on attack several times.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on March 03, 2012, 06:31:23 PM
Six million I went for, I carnt really remeber him making a massive mistake for us this season.
Stoke at home, but that's about it, he's won us a massive amount of points with the outstanding saves and other contributions he's made this season.

How much? 5 million? Maybe even 6 million. I don't care as long as we get him. We've been extremely lucky to have him for this season, he's a genuine top top class goalkeeper, something not many clubs encounter very often, getting him should be the club's highest priority this summer.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Wbahunty on March 03, 2012, 06:32:31 PM
Hes the diffence, the defenders are confident to pass it back and know he comands his area.|

I dont get nervous at all but i used to worry every time it went back to Carson!

He is the 2nd best english goal keeper... put him in a top 4 team i think he could Hart a run for his money!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: buzzingbaggie on March 03, 2012, 06:36:21 PM
He's worth Prob 6-7 million, jp will get him for £5 and a bag of suck;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: jonny on March 03, 2012, 06:53:10 PM
World class save again today. One handed beaut in the first half.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tipton baggie 80 on March 03, 2012, 07:28:07 PM
Just seen a quote from Ben from the West Bromwich Albion facebook page;

"The fans are class, absolute class - every time i turn around and look at them they're always going wild - they love it"

Seems he's really buying into us. Hope we can keep him
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dexy on March 03, 2012, 08:51:41 PM
Foster is another who falls in the catagory of "If Roy stays" imo,if Roy does stay next season i think we have a much better chance of keeping Ben and a few others who are running low on contract for that matter.
Blues are going to want top money for him if they do sell,we have to remember they sold Johnson to Wolves for a 6/7 million so what on earth would they want for Foster?.
Id love to keep him as we both have been good for each other but im sure as a club we have a back up plan if not.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BaggieJames114 on March 03, 2012, 08:59:58 PM
His celebration when GMac scored today was brilliant. He went mental all on his own, love his passion. In great form. Need to start singing sign him up
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: GrGr on March 03, 2012, 09:13:30 PM
Do you think there is an agreed transfer fee in place, if we stay up and Brum don't get promoted?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Sealandair on March 03, 2012, 09:26:43 PM
Personally , i prefer Scott Carson,more commanding, more agile, an all round better keeper
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Wbahunty on March 03, 2012, 09:56:19 PM
I would pay anything to get him playing with us next year!

He is and has been so important for us!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbako on March 03, 2012, 10:04:40 PM
Personally , i prefer Scott Carson,more commanding, more agile, an all round better keeper

You think carson is a better keeper than Foster? I've drank an awful lot tonight, but I am reading this correctly...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RuncornBaggie on March 03, 2012, 10:08:04 PM
I believe that sealandair was joking!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbako on March 03, 2012, 10:12:22 PM
I believe that sealandair was joking!!

Jolly good!

*returns to can of red stripe*
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on March 04, 2012, 12:31:20 AM
Not really helpful trying to put a figure on him. Depends on lots of things. Albion may be able to do a player part exchange with Blues. However, I think he's got to be a priority signing. Foster is still young enough for a keeper, and he can be one of Albion's building blocks for the long term. We are not going to find another keeper in his class. His saves are winning points for Albion. What's more I like the enthusiasm he's showing on the field, celebrating goals. The best keeper I have seen at the Albion. 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Ogwani on March 04, 2012, 10:26:25 AM
I think 4 million would be fair if he wants to move. I'd pay up to 7 though, I think he is an improvement on anything else we could potentially draw in for a similar price.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: coleyboing on March 04, 2012, 10:32:02 AM
I would pay anything to get him playing with us next year!

He is and has been so important for us!
Agree
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: jonny on March 04, 2012, 10:48:46 AM
I wonder if there is anyway we could re-negotiate the deal with Blues now?

Eg, if Blues don't come up we can sign Foster for say £5m + Myhill?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on March 04, 2012, 01:04:43 PM
Lots of things to consider, the blues may not be able to buy players? Depending on their financial position .
If that's the case they may prefer some money plus players , or loans .
He will definitely be here next season , he is settled, his family is settled , he has been at a "bigger" club before (so has Roy) and these factors all point to our retention.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: saml30 on March 04, 2012, 02:27:56 PM
i would give them Myhill and another and then bid 5Million for him, vital for our development IMO
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on March 04, 2012, 02:48:34 PM
6 mil plus myhill seems fair. Cracking keeper and worth the outlay!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KnaveofAlbion on March 04, 2012, 04:05:39 PM
Assuming therre isn't an agreement already, which i strongly thought there was.

The real issue is what league Brum are in next season. If they make it back to the Prem they would be mad to sell.

If however they don't, then it's just a matter of outbidding anyone else who wants him and he may wish to move to.

I don't think too many Prem teams need a 1st choice keeper. So we may be able to get him for £4-6 million + Myhill assuming Brum don't come up.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on March 04, 2012, 04:12:46 PM
I was under the impression if blues don't come up, a pre arranged fee would kick in. Thought I heard that when we signed him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Jimmy on March 04, 2012, 05:04:32 PM
Need to offer a price that doesn't insult him.

Show Foster what his quality means to us.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Do I not like Wolves on March 04, 2012, 06:31:02 PM
Are we asking how much he is worth or how much we will have to pay? The two figures could be different?
Definitely the best since Hoult.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KnaveofAlbion on March 04, 2012, 09:57:49 PM
Need to offer a price that doesn't insult him.

Show Foster what his quality means to us.

I'm not sure Ben would care. It's a meaningly number to them i'd have thought, apart from it probably reflects on what % he gets as a signing on fee.

If Brum aren't promoted and want to sell and only us come in as a club he'd actually like to go to, then if we can steal him for $3million then so be it. If a bidding war happens and we need to offer £6mill then again, such is life, carry on and make it so.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on March 05, 2012, 06:46:42 AM
Lots of things to consider, the blues may not be able to buy players? Depending on their financial position .
If that's the case they may prefer some money plus players , or loans .
He will definitely be here next season , he is settled, his family is settled , he has been at a "bigger" club before (so has Roy) and these factors all point to our retention.

Sorry, but unless you have some serious insider knowledge I dont see how you can say that.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: geoff on March 05, 2012, 08:24:30 AM
£5-6 million & a steal at that.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JDWest_Brom on March 05, 2012, 09:15:42 AM
As good as Foster has been this season I can't see JP paying upwards of £4-5 million for him. When he can get Kuszczak for free or one of the keepers of the relegated teams for a lot less probably. I can see Foster ending up at Spurs.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: matt_home1 on March 05, 2012, 11:12:51 AM
Looks as if foster enjoys playing at west brom, that alone with Birmingham needing money will save us a few million, I guess jp could throw a few fringe players in too Birmingham do need good players cheap
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Jimbo Baggy on March 05, 2012, 01:28:25 PM
Will easily fetch at least 6 million,time for Jeremy to back Roy,big summer.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hull Baggie on March 07, 2012, 09:27:58 AM
I'd pay up to 6M for him. He has been outstanding this season.

I don't think Blues will get promoted...they looked like they were running on empty last night against Chelsea. I think it's a case of too many games for them. Hope I'm right!

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: PortsmouthBaggie on March 12, 2012, 10:00:20 AM
I'd pay whatever it take and make it number 1 priority!
Upwards of £8M if necessary, but realistically I think between 4-6.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: brummyroader on March 12, 2012, 01:04:41 PM
May be wrong it think Blues got him for £6 mill, guessing if they got that due to their situation they would be more than happy. Can't see us getting for less than £5mill.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on March 12, 2012, 06:05:37 PM
Blues financial situation does not seem to be getting any better. they are currently under a transfer embargo because they have failed to submit accounts on time (never a good sign) and their situation will not be resolved probably before their owner's trial which is not scheduled to November. They cannot afford Foster's wages and will need to sell just to survive if they are not in the premier league. Their negotiating position is as weak as water therefore Foster will not cost anything like £6m.   
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on March 13, 2012, 10:10:52 PM
However their position was quite bad and they still got seven mill for Peter Barlow to the dingles?
I think the deals already in place and around 4m
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on March 14, 2012, 10:12:02 AM
However their position was quite bad and they still got seven mill for Peter Barlow to the dingles?
I think the deals already in place and around 4m

I don't think a deal is in place the loan agreement suited all parties. We were trying to drive a hard bargain on a permanent deal while Blues were trying really hard not to let Foster go at a knock down price but had to get his wages off the book. Twelve months on things will be resolved Blues will still need the money and have run out of saleable assets apart from Zigic and Redmond the cupboard is bare 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: stoxman on March 19, 2012, 08:52:12 AM
I've always been slightly mystified as to why goalkeepers carry such small fees relative to other players. Clubs will happily throw 20m at a striker (or even more for even less in the case of Torres, Carroll etc), 20m on a midfielder or centre half. Liverpool have even spent this on full-backs in the past and yet it is really rare for any club to spend even 10m on a goal keeper. A great keeper can make every bit as much difference as any other position- think about Cech v Drogba, Terry or Lampard or Van der Sar v Rooney, Scholes , Ferdinand. The keeper probably won as many points as any other. 

I find it especially odd when one thinks that a goalkeeper is likely to play at their peak for 5 years longer than an outfield player and also spend a lot less time on the treatment table. Finally, having a great keeper can mean that you can afford to spend a bit less on defenders as we have already seen the cathartic effect of having a great organiser behind them.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: PsalmXXIII on March 19, 2012, 10:50:44 AM
Absolutely have to sign him, but the price, as always with Mr. Peace, needs to be right.

6m I'd say, he'd still be a relatively expensive signing as Goalies go, but you've all seen how much of an Impact he has on the team, and he seems to genuinely like it here.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: the rainbow turn east on March 19, 2012, 11:29:31 AM
I reckon Blues will want around 10M for him which will price us out.
This summer is going to be the most important in Albions history,
Hopefully we`ll get Foster for 5-6M, Odemwingie stays another season , and Hodgson and Olsson sign
new contracts. Ive just got this feeling though that none of these things will happen.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Tonbrom on March 19, 2012, 11:59:25 AM
foster is worth around 5 million. 10 is a bit of a stretch IMO.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JDWest_Brom on March 19, 2012, 04:29:16 PM
A blue nose I work with reckon that Birmingham City value Ben Foster at £9 million. Which is an unrealistic figure if you ask me. Unless a Spurs or Arsenal come in for him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Greenock Baggie on March 19, 2012, 06:36:54 PM
I voted 7 - 8 million as the amount I would pay but wouldnt expect J.P to pay over 6. There are other options, not as good I grant you but they are out there !
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on March 19, 2012, 10:19:19 PM
I think getting a Foster is first priority. If we can't get him for a cash sum, I would put Wood , Cox or Shorey  into the equation.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: costa blanca baggie on March 20, 2012, 12:04:18 AM
I've always been slightly mystified as to why goalkeepers carry such small fees relative to other players. Clubs will happily throw 20m at a striker (or even more for even less in the case of Torres, Carroll etc), 20m on a midfielder or centre half. Liverpool have even spent this on full-backs in the past and yet it is really rare for any club to spend even 10m on a goal keeper. A great keeper can make every bit as much difference as any other position- think about Cech v Drogba, Terry or Lampard or Van der Sar v Rooney, Scholes , Ferdinand. The keeper probably won as many points as any other. 

I find it especially odd when one thinks that a goalkeeper is likely to play at their peak for 5 years longer than an outfield player and also spend a lot less time on the treatment table. Finally, having a great keeper can mean that you can afford to spend a bit less on defenders as we have already seen the cathartic effect of having a great organiser behind them.
Jeez!!! Give us a break...we´re but simple footie fans.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Ben1983 on March 20, 2012, 12:20:13 AM
I thought a fee had been agreed if Blooz do not come up i remember reading when deal was announced?

Something like £4.5million!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggies on March 20, 2012, 06:51:17 PM
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7612722/?

Foster hints at Baggies move

On-loan keeper playing waiting game

Ben Foster: Enjoying his time at West Brom

Goalkeeper Ben Foster has hinted at making his loan move to West Brom a permanent one come the end of the season.

The former England international is currently enjoying a season-long loan from West Midlands rivals Birmingham City and Albion boss Roy Hodgson claimed recently that the club have a good chance of signing the 28-year-old this summer.

Foster, who has enjoyed a solid season between the sticks at The Hawthorns, admits it will be easier to push through a permanent deal if Blues stay in the Championship.

Enjoyment

"I am enjoying it here," the former Manchester United keeper told the Express & Star. "It was nice to stay in the area and coming to West Brom was a nice way to do that for me.

"As the season has gone on I have enjoyed it more and more. It's such a good club and I have made a lot of new friends and we will just have to see what happens at the end of the season.

"We don't know what's going to happen. West Brom are in a very good position for next season so it's down to Birmingham.

"They're doing very well in the Championship at the moment and going for promotion and I'm sure a decision will be made at the end of the season.

"Should Birmingham get promotion, I'm sure that would change things a bit, but we'll just have to wait and see."
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: MulumbuPower! on March 22, 2012, 12:16:09 AM
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/transfer-news/Transfer-gossip-West-Brom-want-buy-Ben-Foster-from-Birmingham-after-loan-spell-was-success-article881277.html

Quote
West Brom have told Birmingham they want keeper Ben Foster permanently this summer.

Albion signed the 28-year-old England keeper from relegated cash-strapped City on a season-long loan

Blues agreed to the deal just to get Foster's £27,000-a-week salary off their books after relegation to the Championship.

The star, who moved to Birmingham from Manchester United in 2010 and has been capped five times by England, has impressed at The Hawthorns with a string of fine displays.
And Birmingham may sell £4million-rated Foster as they have highly-rated teenager Jack Butland, who they rate as future Premier League class, coming through.

Their goalkeeping coach Dave Watson, who has coached Joe Hart as well as Foster, believes the 19-year-old is the potentially most best of the three.

Blues know they must give Butland - currently gaining first-team experience on loan at League Two promotion chasers Cheltenham - a chance next season, whatever division they are in, to keep the talented shot-stopper, amid interest from Arsenal.

Looks like we might get our wish :)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DaveWBA on March 22, 2012, 11:00:58 AM
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/transfer-news/Transfer-gossip-West-Brom-want-buy-Ben-Foster-from-Birmingham-after-loan-spell-was-success-article881277.html

Looks like we might get our wish :)

If rumours are to be believed that Butland kid is off to Chelsea in the summer, would leave them very short if they sold us Foster.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on March 22, 2012, 11:52:57 AM
not heard anything from Butland. But yeah looks like Foster wants to be here, Albion want him here and Blues haven't got the highest cards to play, it's dependent on what hapens at the end of the season.

Let's hope we call their bluff.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: MulumbuPower! on March 22, 2012, 01:23:04 PM
I heard the blues kid is off to Arsenal.. ? Either way I like that we seem to want to make progress with this, even if its only in the press.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wobbs68 on March 24, 2012, 08:23:06 AM
Not sure if I've missed this but surely we should be starting to put pressure on the Board to keep Ben Foster.
He obviously enjoys playing for us as it shines through in his body language and as a relatively local lad he's happy being a Baggie as he is close to his family in Leamington.
Time for the fans to show their desire to keep him, sing his name and tell the board that 'Foster must stay'.  Best keeper at the Hawthorns since Hoult and probably in my all time top 3 keepers here.

Boing
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BoingFlyer on March 24, 2012, 09:50:47 AM


Does anyone know how long remains on his contract with the blues? If they fail to gain promotion I would think he is as good as ours.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionBest on March 24, 2012, 11:09:33 AM
Would be a key pivotal signing if we got him - noticed Roy was putting a little pressure on the Board yesterday with his comments about signing quality like Foster.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TLMS17 on March 24, 2012, 11:21:10 AM
Keeping him could depend how well we do next season. Keep him and we have a good chance to kick on, lose him and I doubt we could replace him with a keeper as good as he is. Must sign in my opinion
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: leeiswba on March 24, 2012, 11:26:51 AM
'Hodgson, Hodgson sign him up!'
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: johnthebaggie on March 24, 2012, 11:28:48 AM
It's not in our hands, regardless of any pressure.

If blues come up I really can't see them selling.

However if they stay down I'd be annoyed if we didnt try to sign. As long as stupid money isn't involved, ie 10 million. We should get him. I would imagine we are paying his wages so that side shouldn't be an issue.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on March 24, 2012, 12:34:22 PM
I believe that Albion (or just Hodgson) has asked Blues for a verdict before season's end. It looks like we're trying to force their hand already  :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: up_the_baggies on March 24, 2012, 12:40:58 PM
Pretty sure everyone at the club is in one mind, and that's to sign him up if possible. Ben himself looks to be really enjoying his time at Albion, which will obviously go in our favour.

If Blues fail to come up, will we have competition from more established PL club's to sign him?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RuncornBaggie on March 24, 2012, 01:22:55 PM
I think that if it takes 8-9-10 million then we need to pay it.  The best keeper I have ever seen in an Albion jersey.  We could try and get someone else in for a few million and they turn out to be Zuberhuler! Just pay it, we know what he can do......we know he wants to come......dont play the waiting game to save fifty quid and miss out to someone else who can come in and make a quick transfer deal!

Come on JP......you know it makes sense.....I think he is worth somewhere between 5-8 million for what its worth!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: jjb0rdell0 on March 24, 2012, 02:19:59 PM
if foster doesn't sign I hear there's this young hotshot who recently moved to turkey... ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: johnthebaggie on March 24, 2012, 02:32:22 PM
Pretty sure everyone at the club is in one mind, and that's to sign him up if possible. Ben himself looks to be really enjoying his time at Albion, which will obviously go in our favour.

If Blues fail to come up, will we have competition from more established PL club's to sign him?
Possibly, not sure how many on a higher level that Albion could offer first team, regular football.

We should be able to compete with the majority of clubs at our level.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KnaveofAlbion on March 24, 2012, 02:39:48 PM
. Not sure it's a smart move. Everyone already wants him, so it's not like you're trying to convince anyone. But if it's seen the Albion crowd are baying for board blood unless we sign Foster it will help Blues negotiate a better deal maybe?!

Everyone (near enough) wants Foster and Hodgson to stay. I'm sure the board will do all they can
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on March 25, 2012, 12:16:00 AM
If Blues fail to come up, will we have competition from more established PL club's to sign him?
Was just thinking about who else would be interested in him...

Arsenal - unlikely, Szczesny's looks a good and very promising young keeper
Aston Villa - no, unless they lose Given
Blackburn - no, unless they lose Robinson
Bolton - unlikely, they still have Jaaskelainen and young Bogdan who's keeping him out the team
Chelsea - unlikely, I think they'll stick with Cech, if they don't they'll probably go for a bigger name from abroad
Everton - no, unless they lose Howard
Fulham - no, I think they'll either stick with Schwarzer or promote Stockdale
Liverpool - no, unless they lose Reina
Man City - no
Man Utd - no
Newcastle - no, unless they lose Krul (don't think they will)
QPR - if they stay up (which I can't see happening) then maybe, they have the funds to afford him, but I doubt Foster would interested in going there which could play a big part.
Stoke - they'll probably be linked with him since they always are with our potential signings, but I doubt they'll want him when they have Begovic and Sorensen. No.
Sunderland - unlikely, they have Mignolet and Westwood and now Gordon seems to be coming back from injury.
Swansea -  no, unless they lose Vorm, even if they did lose him I'd be surprised if they were willing to splash out on Foster
Tottenham - Spurs are who worries me the most. Friedel's had a good season, but at 40 I'm wondering whether they'll see him as too old and will want to replace him with someone younger. I can't see them persisting with Gomes who's been a calamity and Cudicini will always be a back-up. I don't think Foster would turn down a move there either.
Wigan - no, if they stop up they'll stick with Al-Habsi unless they lose him
Any of the promoted sides (bar Blues) - can't see any of the potential promoted sides being able to afford him or willing to pay the asking price.


Don't really know why I took the time writing that list, but basically, Spurs are the team worrying me the most. Friedel has had a good solid season with them so hopefully they'll see his age as just a number and no reason to bring in a younger replacement and will stick with him for another season.

On top of all the other PL teams seemingly being sorted for a number 1, numerous other factors seem to be in our favour. It's pretty clear Hodgson and the club want him and that Foster wants to stay here. A lot seems to depend on whether Birmingham go up or not, but does it? Even if they did go up their finances would still be poor, cashing in on Foster so they can afford to buy a few players would probably be in their best interests, especially when they have a very highly rated keeper in Doyle who could possibly be as good or even better than Foster. A few bigger clubs are sniffing around Doyle, so taking the chance and making him number 1 would probably be the only way they could keep him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on March 27, 2012, 10:43:12 AM
Foster has spoken

http://www.newrossstandard.ie/breaking-news/sport/foster-keeping-his-options-open-3062004.html
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on March 27, 2012, 11:33:26 AM
BCFC stance as emailed to #WBA is Foster not for sale. Rethink if not promoted but say only then sell to bigger, richer clubs than #WBA!

James Nursey (Mirror) via Twitter
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dexy on March 27, 2012, 11:35:35 AM
Qpr worries me the most,big money and he would be number 1 there straight away.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dexy on March 27, 2012, 11:37:29 AM
Foster has spoken

http://www.newrossstandard.ie/breaking-news/sport/foster-keeping-his-options-open-3062004.html
Like the way he puts family first,i think he wants to stay tbh.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on March 27, 2012, 11:38:57 AM
Qpr worries me the most,big money and he would be number 1 there straight away.
Not so sure, Paddy Kenny is having an excellent season and is rated highly. Spurs are the ones to watch as Friedel is 40-41 and Cudicini not far behind him!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggiebof on March 27, 2012, 12:28:06 PM
I really like Foster and want him to stay however I would not break the bank to ensure that he does. I would hope and expect that we have other excellent stoppers on our radar if Foster becomes out of our reach.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on March 27, 2012, 11:18:35 PM
I think we have to prioritise securing Foster. If money becomes a problem with BCFC, then we have players who we could offer who would get into their first team, Cox,  Andrews, Shorey. Wood may be an extra to throw in.
I think having a sound keeper behind you, does wonders for the confidence in a defence. Think of all the defensive problems previous keepers have caused. So we should pull all out all the stops to get Foster.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on March 27, 2012, 11:28:38 PM
Could Foster possibly play for them in the play-offs? They take place after the Premiership season ends, which means he'll return to Blues in time for them.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on March 28, 2012, 12:58:48 AM
Blues obviously want to sell him for as much as possible but every time Foster talks in the press he stresses how important family life is to him and the family are settled were they are and he ain't moving so the market consists of teams who can afford his £30k a week wages in the Midlands and if only one of those teams is looking for a keeper well the price ain't going to be great. If Blues are in the Championship they cannot afford to him keep that is for sure so they do have to sell.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DanSinar Odemwingie on March 31, 2012, 01:30:23 PM
Stoke at home .


Personally i think that was tamas if in doubt smash it into row z not just move out of the way but i can see where your coming from aswell
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: clintsmoker on March 31, 2012, 03:00:56 PM
bad as carson is we needed a striker
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: 63Brummie on April 01, 2012, 03:00:28 PM
Hypothetical question here as I am very bored:- Do you think we'd have stayed up?!

I remember the season fairly well, here is the table:
http://www.wsn.com/football/english-premiership-league-table-2008-2009/ (http://www.wsn.com/football/english-premiership-league-table-2008-2009/)
We were 3 points off 17th! (Although, we also had worse goal difference)

As you can see, a VERY tight relegation ending - albeit I think most would agree we were relegated about 2 weeks prior to the final day, and in fact it looks a lot closer on paper than it actually was.

My point is, Foster has been excellent for us this season, and has not only done the spectacular (various quality saves) but has also done the basics right, with no fumbles, confidence from set-pieces and looks solid at stopping long-range shots. My point is, not only is he good - but he is reliable too.

Now, I don't want this to turn into a Carson bashing or comparison to Foster, I think we all agree Foster is the superior keeper. However, as the question says - if we had Foster, would we have stayed up?!

Off the top of my head I can remember a few Carson errors, such as his fumble/own goal which allowed Villa to win 2-1, or perhaps Foster would've saved Pompey's late/lucky equaliser which looped under his bar. Even, Foster may have saved Blackburn's penalty at home which would have seen us with the game.

I think it's fair to say, Carson dropped at least around 4 points for us. He wasn't a terrible keeper, but his errors could be quite fatal. It sounds astonishing to even think we could have stayed up, even insulting to an extent (we were relegated for a while if honest) - but would it have been the same with Foster?!

Now, I don't want this to turn

The simple answer to that is that the defense would still have been too porous...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbarich on April 03, 2012, 02:29:45 PM
I voted 8m+ I would pay any amount for him, I would sign him at all costs!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggies on April 06, 2012, 06:07:50 PM
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/04/06/3017527/foster-keen-on-permanent-west-brom-move-even-if-birmingham?

Foster keen on permanent West Brom move even if Birmingham are promoted - report
The former England shot-stopper is on a season's loan from St Andrew's but wants to make the move permanent, even if his parent club gains a return to the Premier League


On-loan West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster has said he wants to stay at the Hawthorns even if his club Birmingham City win promotion to the Premier League.


According to The Daily Mirror, 29-year-old Foster is enjoying life at the Baggies' and has spoken to club bosses saying he’s very keen on a permanent move to the Hawthorns in the summer.

The Midlands side are currently fourteenth in the table and look set to secure another season in the top flight despite losing their last two games to Everton and Newcastle.

The former England keeper joined Roy Hodgson's on a season-long loan after Birmingham were relegated to the Championship and needed to offload players reduce their wage bill, with Foster earning £27,000 a week.

The Blues are fourth in the Championship and could return to the top flight via the playoffs, and they are believed to have told West Brom they are not interested in a deal as they expect Foster to move back to St Andrew’s should they earn promotion.

Foster’s wish to leave Birmingham for West Brom echoes the path of teammate Liam Ridgewell, who made the same switch in January after submitting a transfer request to Birmingham last summer.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: FallOutBoy on April 06, 2012, 09:44:32 PM
Thing is, with Carson Yeung still being investigated and his assets frozen, Blues could still need to reduce the wage bill come the summer. Foster remains their most saleable asset, and if the right bid comes in, they would be forced to take it.

Alternatively, we could play chicken with them as the season approaches to try and drive the price down as they get desperate.

Or we could go for another keeper, and urine Blues right off. I'm beginning to think I would prefer this, simply to get at them (management and fans), knowing their top player wants to leave them for us.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bigt on April 07, 2012, 05:15:28 PM
We must sign Him.what a performance today,he should also conciser coming out of his England retirement.
Top Keeper!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: MICKYMEL on April 07, 2012, 05:23:39 PM
His saves are one thing, Carson was a decent shot stopper. It's his organising of defence and his handling/coming off his line so quick impresses me.
The mulumbu pass back is a prime example.

Hope blues stay down, cant se us keeping him if they dont.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bigt on April 07, 2012, 05:30:49 PM
He wants to be a Baggie,hopefully we will!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bangkokbaggie on April 07, 2012, 05:32:58 PM
Be interested to know what Blues fans would accept wherever their club ends up. Would they be happy to keep Myhill and 2/3 million from us for Foster?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on April 07, 2012, 05:39:31 PM
We must sign Him.what a performance today,he should also conciser coming out of his England retirement.
Top Keeper!!
I believe he's said that his improvements have come BECAUSE he's not worrying about England
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbako on April 07, 2012, 05:40:25 PM
What. A. Save.

Best keeper I've seen in an Albion shirt...by far.

Sign him up, sign him up, sign him up.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: paul_47 on April 07, 2012, 05:47:19 PM
For a SPINE player I think we would struggle to get better = No Brainer (whatever that means)  :D Sign him up!!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bigt on April 07, 2012, 05:55:05 PM
I believe he's said that his improvements have come BECAUSE he's not worrying about England

Well in that case for get about the England place,we must make his move permanent!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on April 07, 2012, 05:57:20 PM
What. A. Save.

Best keeper I've seen in an Albion shirt...by far.


Sign him up, sign him up, sign him up.
You never saw Russel Hoult?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbako on April 07, 2012, 06:09:49 PM
You never saw Russel Hoult?

Affirmative.

Foster is on another level.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on April 07, 2012, 06:27:52 PM
Brilliant again today.
We need to keep him, never mind signing an equal! there isnt one we could afford.
If we want to move on as a club, we must also move on the wage structure.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: jonny on April 07, 2012, 06:30:39 PM
The way he played today he needs to be our number one priority this summer!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: jonny on April 07, 2012, 06:33:13 PM
I did find it amusing that when the Blackburn player was down with the head injury he went mental at the Blackburn players for not kicking the ball out!

Passionate lad and loving it here!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: rajesh-wba on April 07, 2012, 07:31:21 PM
I think we will sign him. In our favour, is that he wants to stay in the West Midlands. I think we'll get him for £4m.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: hardtobeat on April 07, 2012, 07:53:47 PM
whatever it takes,not only for his own contribution but get it sorted early enough and it will send out a message of intent.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albion79 on April 07, 2012, 08:50:47 PM
I know for a fact when Foster first joined he saw it as a loan move and wanted to go back to Brum, i think he was quite open about it, however something has obviously clicked with us because it appears he is desperate to stay now.

He loves us, we love him, do the decent thing, sign him up! He is still young in goalie years so by investing a decent sum now we could have a keeper with us for a good many years.

When he first joined i felt he would be slightly better than Carson but as the season has gone on he has got better and better and now i think he could be massive in the future for us, a good reliable keeper who wins us points, Carson may of done it this year, we will never know, but Foster has done it this year!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionBest on April 07, 2012, 09:08:26 PM
The guy's becoming a more vital cog in the team as the weeks go by - a player we can build a defence around for years to come.

We are now all but safe so should be planning for next season in the Prem - keeping Foster is a mustand will show how serious Peace is regarding moving the Club forward each season. Blooze will have dire money troubles even if they are promoted so will probably have to offload him so just depends what other clubs might be in for him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Rich99 on April 07, 2012, 09:18:02 PM
I'd love us to keep him, but I doubt we will to be honest.  I think we'll be priced out of it sadly.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionBest on April 07, 2012, 09:26:00 PM
I'd love us to keep him, but I doubt we will to be honest.  I think we'll be priced out of it sadly.


All depends who comes in for him and where he prefers to go I suppose.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mooncat on April 07, 2012, 09:45:14 PM
Should have got man of the match today. OUtstanding player, and as ManU have proved over the years, a good keeper breeds confidence in the players in front of him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Rich99 on April 07, 2012, 09:46:06 PM

All depends who comes in for him and where he prefers to go I suppose.

I think our biggest savior may well be that there aren't too many Premiership sides looking for a new keeper right now.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Norfolk Baggie on April 07, 2012, 09:50:45 PM
Best keeper in England bar Joe Hart.  Fantastic today. Really great the rapport he has with the fans as well.  WE NEED TO SIGN HIM !!!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Rich99 on April 07, 2012, 10:43:46 PM
Yes, after a near season gone now, I think it fair now to say that he's an improvement.  :P ;)

Hindsight, what a wonderful thing.

Ribbing aside, I think he will be gone in the summer though sadly and if he does stay I'd be worried about the kind of money a club our size would be throwing at him.  In a way it's a bit of a double edged sword.

I'd love him to stay though, I think he's a quality keeper, but if he does stay it's going to come with a financial cost for sure.  On the whole he's played superbly well for us this season and that's bound to have caught the attention of some other clubs.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RowleyBaggie2 on April 07, 2012, 10:51:46 PM
He's just got better and better as the seasons gone on. Our defence as a whole is umpteen times better than last season.

From what I see he seems happy here and wants to stay, hopefully blues stay down to seal the deal but even if they do come up any money that goes into that club seems to go in one door and out the (china bound) other.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: GrGr on April 07, 2012, 10:54:26 PM
Yes, after a near season gone now, I think it fair now to say that he's an improvement.  :P ;)

Hindsight, what a wonderful thing.

Ribbing aside, I think he will be gone in the summer though sadly and if he does stay I'd be worried about the kind of money a club our size would be throwing at him.  In a way it's a bit of a double edged sword.

I'd love him to stay though, I think he's a quality keeper, but if he does stay it's going to come with a financial cost for sure.  On the whole he's played superbly well for us this season and that's bound to have caught the attention of some other clubs.

Foster is just now hitting his prime and he has had an excellent season with us. If we can secure him for a reasonable price, ie where we don't unbalance our budget for one single player, then we would be fools not to. But we will be lucky if we can sign him, as I've said before teams like Tottenham would be fools not to make a serious pitch for him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Rich99 on April 07, 2012, 11:03:07 PM
Foster is just now hitting his prime and he has had an excellent season with us. If we can secure him for a reasonable price, ie where we don't unbalance our budget for one single player, then we would be fools not to. But we will be lucky if we can sign him, as I've said before teams like Tottenham would be fools not to make a serious pitch for him.

Oh, he's quality for sure and dare I say it, one of the best keepers in the league right now.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RowleyBaggie2 on April 07, 2012, 11:04:32 PM
I'm keeping a clear mind as its not in our hands, we can only do our best.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: rubyruby on April 07, 2012, 11:48:44 PM
key factor in this one could be location since foster has already said he and his family are settled in this area. as is usual her indoors will likely have the final say  :)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on April 08, 2012, 01:43:10 AM
This is a no brainer. Foster is a top keeper. We will not find a better one. Today, it was not just the double saves in the second half. He looks so comfortable handling the ball and makes quite difficult shots look quite routine saves.  He also seems to be a good communicator with his defenders, which people will remember has not always been the case with other keepers. What is more, Foster shows a helluva lot of team spirit on the pitch.

As I've said on here before, we may need to do a part exchange with Blues, and I'd be happy to see one of our better players used, in order to secure a deal.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Aixelsyd on April 08, 2012, 01:55:31 AM
Be interested to know what Blues fans would accept wherever their club ends up. Would they be happy to keep Myhill and 2/3 million from us for Foster?


I don't care what their Fans think....... would rather know what their management think!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Rich99 on April 08, 2012, 03:20:23 AM
Blues paid 4 rising to 6 million for him and I'd say he's perhaps more established as a keeper now.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JohnnyStampa on April 08, 2012, 07:07:28 AM
I believe he would be our biggest signing of the summer if we make it happen
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WSBaggie on April 08, 2012, 12:07:52 PM
Blues paid 4 rising to 6 million for him and I'd say he's perhaps more established as a keeper now.

They paid 7 for Zigic too... If they go up it will be well over 6 mil for him, if they stay down we could get him for 3-4 I reckon.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: gerry m on April 08, 2012, 12:16:35 PM
Best keeper in England bar Joe Hart.  Fantastic today. Really great the rapport he has with the fans as well.  WE NEED TO SIGN HIM !!!!

spot on mate :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TROCAL on April 08, 2012, 12:29:24 PM
I cant believe,that Mr Peace hasnt got a deal in place ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mooncat on April 08, 2012, 01:04:11 PM
There's no deal in place because Blues wouldn't agree to one. If they come up they know what an essential a keeper like Foster is, or they want to sell him to the highest bidder to ease their £££££ issues.

And if we were to go for any of their other players, Burke & Redmond would be first on my list. Very highly rated wingers/midfielders and would strengthen the areas where we have looked light when Thomas has been injured
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JtheMull on April 09, 2012, 07:08:37 AM
I would pay £5m + Myhill and Shorey.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: A5HB on April 09, 2012, 09:31:56 AM
Could Foster possibly play for them in the play-offs? They take place after the Premiership season ends, which means he'll return to Blues in time for them.
No I don't think he can because we loaned him until the end of the season he is registered to us for a whole year! I remember last year when Wood, Mattock and Dawson returned from their loans before our season finished but we couldn't play them because of this. The same will apply this year to Thorne (injured anyway), Allan, Jara, Mattock etc.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Do I not like Wolves on April 09, 2012, 11:26:44 AM
Don't forget he has only 12 months left on his Blues contract. He will have to leave or sign a new deal and even if Blues go up I think they will be limited in what they can pay.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mike on April 09, 2012, 11:54:01 AM
Luckily for us, Blues have an exceptional young goalkeeper and one of the best goalkeeping coaches in the game. 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Frankowba11 on April 10, 2012, 02:30:26 PM
I dont think anyone can say that Ben Foster hasn't been the signing of the season, With his faultless displays and his consitantly good performances week in week out, which we havn't had scince houlty i think the last away game at bolton should be all about him in the theme game. I was thinking everybody could wear goalkeeper gloves or we could all wear green which is the albion gk top ( permitting we wear it on that day) I think this could really swing it for us to keep him on a permenant deal. What do you all think?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hull Baggie on April 10, 2012, 02:48:42 PM
No need for this IMHO.....Foster knows we appreciate him and that we want him at this club.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: boinging_along on April 13, 2012, 07:27:28 PM
We should be snapping him up right now.  Unless it's for a really mental amount of money like £10m+.  £4-£5m plus a player or two (as someone says, Myhill and Shorey would be idea) would be the about the max I expect Brum to want.

We'll struggle to find a better keeper.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: saml30 on April 15, 2012, 12:05:28 PM
We should be snapping him up right now.  Unless it's for a really mental amount of money like £10m+.  £4-£5m plus a player or two (as someone says, Myhill and Shorey would be idea) would be the about the max I expect Brum to want.

We'll struggle to find a better keeper.

could even add cox to that to further sweeten the deal
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: OldburyWBA on April 20, 2012, 12:35:24 PM
(http://www.eplindex.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/England-GK-comparison.png)

England GK comparison Englands Best Starting XI | Part 1: Defence | Opta Stats Analysis

The goalkeepers chosen for this comparison are: Joe Hart, Ben Foster, Paul Robinson and John Ruddy due to the fact that these are the only English goalkeepers that start for their respective Premier League teams.

The first two statistics that were compared was how many goals the goalkeepers had conceded this season and how many goals per game they had conceded. As you can see from the table Hart came out on top in both these statistics by conceding 20 less goals this season than his nearest rival Foster and conceding 0.59 less goals per game than the West Brom goalkeeper.

Joe Hart also has the joint best penalty save ratio with Paul Robinson as both goalkeepers have saved 33.33% of the penalties that they have faced this season. This statistic will give England fans a bit of comfort knowing that Hart has saved 1 in 3 of the penalties he has faced this season, especially when it comes to the knockout stages of the competition.

The only area where Foster performs better than the other goalkeepers is coming out for crosses. Foster has caught the ball 53 times from crosses this season which is 7 more times than Ruddy, 18 more times than Hart and 22 more times than Robinson. He has also only missed 1 cross this season which is marginally better than Robinson and Ruddy who have missed 2 crosses and slightly better than Hart who has missed 3 crosses this season.

Therefore, due to fact that Joe Hart comes out 1 point better off then Ben Foster in the comparison and the fact that Hart has kept more clean sheets, conceded less goals and saved more penalties than any of his rivals he is the obvious choice for the number one spot.

Goalkeeper Choice: Joe Hart


Not a bad record is it when you consider the defence a club like Man City can afford and then compare ours who cost a lot less and on much less money.

Only 4 English keepers starting in the Prem this season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: johnny Cash on April 20, 2012, 12:40:39 PM
So basically Hart wins because he plays for Man City.

If someone scores a penalty past Hart this weekend then Foster suddenly has more points.

Hart is probably the best english keeper, but we all know what they say about stats. 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Quakes Fan on April 20, 2012, 02:37:50 PM
So basically Hart wins because he plays for Man City.

If someone scores a penalty past Hart this weekend then Foster suddenly has more points.

Hart is probably the best english keeper, but we all know what they say about stats. 

Exactly. But stats are just numbers; it's the unjustified conclusions being drawn that mislead.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionLegend on April 20, 2012, 04:14:31 PM
Very interesting especially as Hart has a much better defence playing in front of him. Shows how important it is to keep foster.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: VVVAlbion on April 20, 2012, 05:01:03 PM
It doesn't show how many saves to shots and therefore is pretty worthless as a comparison of the position.

As pointed out earlier, Hart's defense doesn't generally consist of three free transfers and a "cheap" Swede.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggies on April 20, 2012, 09:42:32 PM
It makes you wonder if Foster would do a good job in goal for Manchester City. It's a shame that  he has retired from international football as he is clearly the second best English goal keeper around today and if Hart was to be injured he would be a brillaint replacement.

I just hope he is still here next season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: geoff on April 21, 2012, 07:41:34 AM
It makes you wonder if Foster would do a good job in goal for Manchester City. It's a shame that  he has retired from international football as he is clearly the second best English goal keeper around today and if Hart was to be injured he would be a brillaint replacement.

I just hope he is still here next season.

There's retired & there's retired  ;) Just think he did what was best for him at the time by keeping clear of the England camp & the presser that go's with it,if asked again it wouldn't surprise me if he said yes.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionBest on April 28, 2012, 10:15:27 PM
Well, No.2 after Roy I suspose !   BUT

BEN FOSTER
"sign him up" as the song goes
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on April 28, 2012, 10:23:17 PM
Believe me we've tried forcing the issue, showing interest in others to drive price down, using foster to say he wants to remain in the area to reduce the number of offers, used Myhill to provoke a trade as he wants to go there.

We can do nothing till Birmingham are ready, till then he's off the market sadly
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Joust on April 29, 2012, 11:52:14 AM
He has won us a lot of points this season. A lot imo. If you've got a good keeper you've got half a chance in this league and Ben Foster is a quality keeper. We wouldn't be sitting where we are this year without him
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: 87Baggie on April 29, 2012, 12:15:23 PM
The thing I like about Foster is that hes a quick thinker and doesnt hesitate to take the initiative when he sees danger. There have been so many occasions where we've been in trouble and where a less aggressive, less headstrong keeper would have had us concede.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: johnthebaggie on April 29, 2012, 02:40:03 PM
It's going to be a drawn out affair I think.

Blues transfer embargo has been extended to end of July as well. Does this mean they can't sell players as well as buy them?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on April 29, 2012, 03:01:13 PM
no, they can sell. But does that mean we can't do part exchange? Foster for Myhill and a few million?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JBullyWBA on April 29, 2012, 05:10:44 PM
Blues transfer embargo only means that they can't buy, which may impact on a Myhill plus cash offer, but it all depends on if Blues get promoted or not. SO COME ON BLACKPOOL!!!
He's won us plenty of points this season, we'd be sitting closer to villa if we didn't have Foster.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wardy65 on April 29, 2012, 07:54:28 PM
Knowing Blues they'll want about 8 million for him & the Baggies won't pay that. Can only be done by using the likes of Wood, Myhill & perhaps Shorey in part ex  :(
Hope we can keep him but i'm prepared for the worst. On the flip-side, the Albion are an attractive proposition now & if we do need to replace him, i'm sure Dan Ashworth's already ringed a few names.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: rubyruby on April 29, 2012, 11:18:11 PM
I notice today that blues have failed for the fourth time to file the company accounts on time. One suspects a huge financial mess is lurking in the background. I sense this might work in our favour on both the player and manager front.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBA 59 on April 30, 2012, 07:29:41 AM
I would like to think we could get him for 4/6 million but IMO we should go and get him. His form this year is outstanding
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on April 30, 2012, 07:57:23 AM
Blues have other problems.
Because they have not filed tax returns they have a transfer embargo now until July.
I assuming the embargo will be on ins and outs, so any potential deals done with Blues will be almost at the start of the season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lippybaggie on April 30, 2012, 10:48:18 AM
Benny's made this site's team of the week - wasn't that happy with given getting the gig on soccernet... anyways check it out: www.footballfortheday.com (http://www.footballfortheday.com)

#teamwoy
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on April 30, 2012, 10:58:51 AM
Not a good idea to be changing theme at this stage when some have already purchased whatever they are going in but if you want to honour Foster you honour him with my grace :)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: filipinobaggie on April 30, 2012, 12:48:59 PM
I am (along with a number of Albion fans) gutted that Hodgson is filling the missing piece in his career jigsaw by taking the England manager's post.

Ben Foster opted out and has 'retired' from international duty. Given the goalkeeping situation do you think Roy will be able to coax him back into the set-up given that they have worked together for the last season? God forbid anything happens to Harte and in the event it does Foster is the 2nd best English keeper (I feel) and would be great for the squad.

Also who do you reckon will stay now Hodgson is gone? Genuinely believe Olsson will go and Foster if we do not make the 'right' appointment.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: FallOutBoy on April 30, 2012, 12:52:04 PM
Losing Hodgson will probably hurt our chances of keeping Foster / Olsson, but we will have to wait and see.

I think if anybody can lure Foster back to international football, its probably Hodgson.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bigbadjohn on April 30, 2012, 01:15:23 PM
Priory No 3 If we dont sign Foster Go Get Paul Robinson Fast !!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Scion on April 30, 2012, 02:00:07 PM
I wouldn't bet against Hodgson making Foster his No.1, either.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Moggas barmy army on April 30, 2012, 02:24:06 PM
I don't think Ben will come out of retirement, he stated he didn't want to sit on the bench and would rather focus on his club career. Joe Hart should rightfully so still be England's number 1 he's younger and is a better keeper than Foster (no offence to Ben as I think he's one of the best but Hart is the best keeper in the prem) so i don't think anything has changed, Foster would still be sitting on the bench under Roy.

I don't think Roy leaving changes much in regards to us. Blues could still be in the championship and even if they do come up he's got 1 year remaining on his contract and with their financial situation may not be able to match our offer to him. He also has more security at Albion now we have been here for 3 years instead of playing for a newly promoted team with a very real chance of relegation.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on April 30, 2012, 04:03:58 PM
I think we will keep foster, only if hughton is our managerial replacement. His former boss who he liked to work under, i think him and LR will have a chat with CH if he gets offered the job, to say how good our club is etc.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionBest on April 30, 2012, 04:36:03 PM
I wouldn't bet against Hodgson making Foster his No.1, either.

I don't giving a t8ss about England as long as we get him signed up.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JBullyWBA on April 30, 2012, 06:36:35 PM
Blues have other problems.
Because they have not filed tax returns they have a transfer embargo now until July.
I assuming the embargo will be on ins and outs, so any potential deals done with Blues will be almost at the start of the season.

Blues can still sell, just not buy. It only means we can't do a cash+ players offer. If they stay down Blues will probably be in serious financial trouble and have to sell. My worry is that a bigger team like Spurs will come in for him as Blues will probably sell to the highest bidder. Lets just hope that there was some truth in rumours that he is settled in the midlands.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on April 30, 2012, 07:43:25 PM
Most thing im bothered about, is getting him signed up for next season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Sessegod on May 01, 2012, 09:18:32 PM
Roy now gone unfortunately, but if we lost Foster would that be a bigger blow to the club?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on May 01, 2012, 11:33:50 PM
Roy now gone unfortunately, but if we lost Foster would that be a bigger blow to the club?
No. He's good but he's not the be all and end all. Robinson from Blackburn a superb alternative.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on May 02, 2012, 12:28:46 AM
Robinson has been rubbish this season, a shadow of his former self.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Rich99 on May 02, 2012, 11:59:14 AM
"Foster: Roy a better coach than Sir Alex

"Mr Alex Ferguson is obviously the whole caboodle with man-management and things like that. But as far as coaches go, Roy is definitely the best I have worked under. He is fantastic," Foster told the Mirror. "He has a few of the fans and stuff to win over but I am sure he will get results to start with and that will be it, he will be flying.

"I have read a few interviews saying he is a bit of a yes-man and things like that. It is definitely not true. Those people have obviously never worked with Roy Hodgson before. He is a lovely guy and knows his stuff.

"But behind closed doors he is a tough character. He won't take any rubbish from anyone, and rightly so. You should respect your manager.

"This is the first time I have got to work with him. But the time I have been with him, he knows football in and out. He is absolutely meticulous in his preparations, and goes into the fine details of the team we are going to be playing against.

"He lives and breathes football. It is everything to Roy Hodgson."

"A lot of people are hanging on to the Liverpool thing as well and bringing that up. If you look at his record and compare it to Kenny Dalglish it is pretty similar," he said. "It didn't go too well for Roy but I don't think you can keep hanging on to that. I can only go from what I have seen this season.

"He has been absolutely fantastic and a pleasure to work with."

......

"I stick by my decision. I am happy with the decision I made. Rob Green has had a good season in the Championship and John Ruddy is up and coming and done well.

"It would be very unfair on people like that if I just changed my decision and got straight back in."

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1060791/ben-foster:-roy-hodgson-a-better-coach-than-sir-alex-ferguson?cc=5739#
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: paulosull on May 06, 2012, 06:41:04 PM
has come on big time under roy be soon pushing harte for england s no1
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on May 06, 2012, 06:42:16 PM
has come on big time under roy be soon pushing harte for england s no1

He won't, because Foster retired from international football a while ago.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: jonny on May 09, 2012, 08:35:42 PM
Looking promising now  ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smethwickw on May 09, 2012, 08:37:43 PM
Looking promising now  ;)

The same could apply to Hughton though which doesn't excite me personally.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: jonny on May 09, 2012, 08:54:17 PM
The same could apply to Hughton though which doesn't excite me personally.

Agreed, he has done extremely well to get an average squad this far after 62 games
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KnaveofAlbion on May 09, 2012, 09:15:22 PM
Looking promising now  ;)

Looking even better now. As long as West Ham don't win the final this'll be possibly my fav season ever!

I may have cursed us!?! I take it back..... I take it back!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: jonny on May 09, 2012, 09:44:39 PM
Now Blues have stopped down, surely the price will lower?

Maybe JP had this in mind?!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Wbahunty on May 09, 2012, 09:53:05 PM
He won't, because Foster retired from international football a while ago.

He didnt retire, he pulled him out of the frame for a while!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on May 09, 2012, 09:56:19 PM
Now Blues have stopped down, surely the price will lower?

Maybe JP had this in mind?!
May be a queue to sign him cheaply too, hopefully we have spoken to him already about staying here if blues stay down, fingers crossed!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: royhan on May 09, 2012, 10:03:13 PM
Get that chequebook out now JP and snap up Foster immediately.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mooncat on May 09, 2012, 10:13:25 PM
Regardless of the cost we MUST sign him - we're told he want's to stay in the Midlands (one of the reasons we signed him last year) and even if Blues do get the rumoured new investment, his reported wages of £30k per week are probably too much to sustain in the Championship.
Myhill plus another (although most players will be looking to force their way into the new managers thoughts) to help sweeten the deal and keep the £££ down.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on May 09, 2012, 10:17:48 PM
Cant help thinking that we still have a fair bit of work to do on this one
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KnaveofAlbion on May 09, 2012, 10:27:03 PM
Give the chappy £30k and pay Brum anything they reasonably want. get it done quickly and throw Myhill their way!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on May 09, 2012, 10:28:16 PM
Regardless of the cost we MUST sign him - we're told he want's to stay in the Midlands (one of the reasons we signed him last year) and even if Blues do get the rumoured new investment, his reported wages of £30k per week are probably too much to sustain in the Championship.
Myhill plus another (although most players will be looking to force their way into the new managers thoughts) to help sweeten the deal and keep the £££ down.
with their transfer embargo are we still allowed to do that? otherwise this will be delayed till august if thats how it goes or we spent way more than planned
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: westbrom4ever on May 09, 2012, 10:41:18 PM
Depends on the manager and the budget.

I can't see us blowing most of our budget on him, especially if the new manager wants to strengthen other areas of the team as well.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: chipperclark on May 10, 2012, 07:47:06 AM
 :( The Spuds are after a keeper....have put feelers out for Rob Green,but he is going to Europe.
They could offer massive money for Foster.
Gooners also looking!!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smethwickw on May 10, 2012, 09:14:18 AM
Unless a deal is already in place then I can't see this happening for a few weeks if at all.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on May 10, 2012, 09:22:24 AM
:( The Spuds are after a keeper....have put feelers out for Rob Green,but he is going to Europe.
They could offer massive money for Foster.
Gooners also looking!!!
Only thing in our favour there is he left Man Utd and England set up because he didnt want to be on the bench, at Arsenal he would be no.2 behind 'Chesney' and at Spurs for a year at least behind Friedel, out of the 2 it would be Spurs that would worry me the most though due to Friedels age.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: mulliganstired on May 10, 2012, 09:36:19 AM
Give the chappy £30k and pay Brum anything they reasonably want. get it done quickly and throw Myhill their way!
Agree.  I think he's the key for next year, probably worth 10-15 points over the season, didn't Downing just say something like that?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dexy on May 10, 2012, 11:22:20 AM
Only thing in our favour there is he left Man Utd and England set up because he didnt want to be on the bench, at Arsenal he would be no.2 behind 'Chesney' and at Spurs for a year at least behind Friedel, out of the 2 it would be Spurs that would worry me the most though due to Friedels age.
If they stay up QPR worry me regarding Foster,they wont keep Kenny with all due respect.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: ian on May 10, 2012, 11:56:43 AM
Either we get foster or we go for robinson both of them would be good for us
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BobTaylor on May 10, 2012, 12:05:31 PM
Foster wants to stay in the midlands and is happy with us it seems, the only issue would be blues asking price.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BaggieJames114 on May 10, 2012, 12:09:03 PM
With his contract up at Blues next summer, and their financial uncertainty. I dont think this will be as massive a problem as people suggest. Give them some money and Myhill and have it done with ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: GrGr on May 10, 2012, 12:47:15 PM
With his contract up at Blues next summer, and their financial uncertainty. I dont think this will be as massive a problem as people suggest. Give them some money and Myhill and have it done with ;)

Is that so with his contract? Then we just loan him for another season and get him for free next summer.  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BaggieJames114 on May 10, 2012, 01:02:25 PM
Well i checked on the Blues website on the profiles. He signed a 3 year deal. Spent one with Blues, one with us. So next season should be his final year unless something else has happened since then
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: geoff on May 10, 2012, 03:06:21 PM
Would hope that we made contact with them this morning  ;) about signing Ben & offered them a deal. The sooner this deal is done the better im sure we will all feel.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: jonny on May 10, 2012, 03:27:23 PM
I think its been well documented he wants to stay in the Midlands.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: MulumbuPower! on May 10, 2012, 10:47:16 PM
Mirror Football is reporting that this summer Spurs are going to bid for foster unopposed as we cant afford him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on May 10, 2012, 11:16:59 PM
Mirror Football is reporting that this summer Spurs are going to bid for foster unopposed as we cant afford him.

All the more reason to get this sorted quickly!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: royhan on May 11, 2012, 05:38:23 AM
Mirror Football is reporting that this summer Spurs are going to bid for foster unopposed as we cant afford him.

Here's the Mirror story - my worst fears are growing by the day:

Ben Foster has been earmarked as Spurs’ long-term replacement for veteran keeper Brad Friedel.
Tottenham have been checking on Foster’s form during his season-long loan spell at West Brom, and are poised to snatch him from parent club Birmingham.
Foster, 29, is the leading candidate to succeed Friedel, who has been outstanding since Harry Redknapp signed him, but is entering the final year of his contract.
Birmingham are ready to sell their former England keeper after being beaten by Blackpool in the Championship play-offs and the Baggies are unlikely to be able to afford him, opening the door for a Spurs swoop.
However, Foster would have to compete for the jersey with Friedel.
Boss Redknapp rates the American – who is 41 next week – so highly that he does not want to upset him, but Foster is one of the few keepers good enough to challenge the old warhorse.­
Tottenham plan to make a move now, rather than risk losing Foster to a rival
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on May 11, 2012, 06:33:16 AM
Here's the Mirror story - my worst fears are growing by the day:

Ben Foster has been earmarked as Spurs’ long-term replacement for veteran keeper Brad Friedel.
Tottenham have been checking on Foster’s form during his season-long loan spell at West Brom, and are poised to snatch him from parent club Birmingham.
Foster, 29, is the leading candidate to succeed Friedel, who has been outstanding since Harry Redknapp signed him, but is entering the final year of his contract.
Birmingham are ready to sell their former England keeper after being beaten by Blackpool in the Championship play-offs and the Baggies are unlikely to be able to afford him, opening the door for a Spurs swoop.
However, Foster would have to compete for the jersey with Friedel.
Boss Redknapp rates the American – who is 41 next week – so highly that he does not want to upset him, but Foster is one of the few keepers good enough to challenge the old warhorse.­
Tottenham plan to make a move now, rather than risk losing Foster to a rival

If it comes down to just cash then we cant compete, there are other factors to be copnsidered. If Foster is true to his word and wants to stay in the area we will have a slight edge on prospective buyers.
If its a  cash shoot out then we could be onto a loser.
I said earlier, there's still a lot of work to do on this one.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on May 11, 2012, 08:27:44 AM
Off to Spuds then?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on May 11, 2012, 08:30:24 AM
don't know, but that'll be two times in a row they've stolen a keeper we wanted to buy. we were looking at Freidel last season, and when he went we could only loan foster with the time we had
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: gerry m on May 11, 2012, 08:35:53 AM
who says we can afford him?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Do I not like Wolves on May 11, 2012, 09:04:07 AM
It is The Mirror!!!!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on May 11, 2012, 10:04:09 AM
who says we can afford him?
haven;t we been paying his wages this season? pretty sure we have. anyway we wouldn't have tried to force anything with brum if we couldn't pay
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smethwickw on May 11, 2012, 10:11:28 AM
haven;t we been paying his wages this season? pretty sure we have. anyway we wouldn't have tried to force anything with brum if we couldn't pay

Wages aren't the problem. The size of the transfer fee will be and other interested parties. I can't see us offering any more than £3-4m.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: saml30 on May 12, 2012, 01:41:16 PM
Wages aren't the problem. The size of the transfer fee will be and other interested parties. I can't see us offering any more than £3-4m.

maybe not but the players we may be able to give them as part of the deal will make up the money, if their financial problems are as bad as being documented then they are going to have to sell numerous players, we will essentially help them have a playing squad for next season whilst reducing our wage bill and getting the keeper we all want

win win situation
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: MICKYMEL on May 13, 2012, 04:01:33 PM
Sign him!!  Sign him now!!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Floydy on May 13, 2012, 06:01:56 PM
Is anybody reading anything into the injury today?

Today has underlined at the most timely manner possible that a good keeper is imperative in the Premier League.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on May 13, 2012, 06:04:36 PM
Please stay Foster, don't leave us alone with Fulop and Myhill :'(.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: westbrom4ever on May 13, 2012, 06:20:52 PM
Too much doom and gloom in here, if he doesn't sign there are plenty of cheaper alternatives just as good.

Robinson and Jussi for example.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on May 13, 2012, 07:46:16 PM
Too much doom and gloom in here, if he doesn't sign there are plenty of cheaper alternatives just as good.

Robinson and Jussi for example.

Why settle for alternatives when we have one of the best keepers in the country within touching distance? Not only is Foster absolutely a top keeper, he is the right age and he is from the Midlands and wants to stay in the Midlands. He can be our keeper for years to come.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on May 13, 2012, 07:49:35 PM
Too much doom and gloom in here, if he doesn't sign there are plenty of cheaper alternatives just as good.

Robinson and Jussi for example.
Jussi's not even the best keeper at Bolton any more.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggies on May 13, 2012, 07:51:23 PM
The reception he got at the end of the game should leave him in no doubt of the high esteem the fans hold him in.

It has been announced that Foster is staying home this summer and will not be going to the Euro's so hopefully that should make it easier to sign him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smethwickw on May 13, 2012, 07:57:48 PM
Why settle for alternatives when we have one of the best keepers in the country within touching distance? Not only is Foster absolutely a top keeper, he is the right age and he is from the Midlands and wants to stay in the Midlands. He can be our keeper for years to come.

He may prefer to stay in the midlands but his head will be turned by money or a bigger club. I remember Vaughan wanting to stay near Crewe yet signed for Sunderland.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kris_boing on May 13, 2012, 08:00:32 PM
I really hope we sign him permanently.  We'd have won that game today with him between the sticks.
 
If we cant get him then my 2nd choice would be Robinson but if I was Peace/Ashworth I'd pull out all the stops to try and get who I think is one of the top 3 'keepers in the Premier League.
 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbako on May 13, 2012, 08:05:38 PM
Too much doom and gloom in here, if he doesn't sign there are plenty of cheaper alternatives just as good.

Robinson and Jussi for example.

Foster is on another level to both those you have named.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on May 13, 2012, 08:19:49 PM
Robinson's had a poor season really, looks really on the way down. Likewise Jaaskelainan has lost his place at Bolton and had been looking quiet dodgy prior to that, certainly no replacement for Foster.

The danger will be QPR I think who now they're up will probably want to replace Kenny and have funds to back them up. I imagine Spurs may well be in the market for a keeper as well.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggies on May 13, 2012, 08:26:21 PM
People naming Robinson are those who remember him 2 or 3 years ago. He is going backwards now. Foster is much better than he is.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1993dave on May 13, 2012, 08:34:08 PM
Spurs are our main threat. QPR would be a downwards move for him ok they may offer more money but would he want to move his family again to London? I dont think so. But if Spurs came if the lure of Champions League football could lure him there. If i was JP i would put a offer of 5 million on the table on Monday. Lets gets him signed quickly!!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggie79 on May 13, 2012, 09:52:29 PM
Problem is that if we have a transfer budget of £6-8m would you spend it all on Foster and not sign any outfield players?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on May 13, 2012, 10:29:15 PM
Depending on who goes though I don't think we need to sign that many outfield players, a pacey/tricky winger to compete with Thomas is the only need I would say. Otherwise the squad has proven itself to be strong throughout this season. Defence if we can manage to keep Olsson is pretty fine, midfield with Thorne and Allan to compete next season should be competitive, and Odemwingie/Long/Fortune up front have proven themselves to be an effective bunch over the season so I wouldn't say there's a pressing need there either.

Surely the whole point of building as we have been is we don't need big spending summers or mass overhauls any more. Just slight tweaks. And away from the transfer market we'd do well to look to use the loan market well this season which we rarely seem to do in recent years - Swansea got Siggurdson, Norwich had Naughton doing well all season, Wolves had Frimpong till he unluckily got injured. All of these were players we could have got and missed out on.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: paulosull on May 13, 2012, 10:29:49 PM
Problem is that if we have a transfer budget of £6-8m would you spend it all on Foster and not sign any outfield players?
foster has to be signed, and the transfer buget has to be at least 15 million in my opinion
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kris_boing on May 13, 2012, 10:57:22 PM
No way will we spent £15mil.  It seems to me that we are pushing for this Academy status and Peace will plough funds into that.
 
We are also at bursting point in terms of wages.  Scharner leaving will help reduce that but I honestly expect the sale of one of our better players to generate transfer funds.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JBullyWBA on May 13, 2012, 11:45:19 PM
Realistically, how much do you think we will have to pay for him?
Considering he is in the last year of his contract at small heath and is attracting interest from Tottenham and QPR.
My gut says Blues will demand double figures and Tottenham will nick him from us especially if Chelsea lose the Champions League final.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on May 13, 2012, 11:55:18 PM
Realistically, how much do you think we will have to pay for him?
Considering he is in the last year of his contract at small heath and is attracting interest from Tottenham and QPR.
My gut says Blues will demand double figures and Tottenham will nick him from us especially if Chelsea lose the Champions League final.
Is there any confirmed interest in him from QPR and Tottenham? From what I can tell people have just hypothesised that QPR will be interested because they'll have plenty of money to spend and Tottenham will be interest because Friedel is 40. I can't recall seeing anything in the press.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on May 13, 2012, 11:58:07 PM
Is there any confirmed interest in him from QPR and Tottenham? From what I can tell people have just hypothesised that QPR will be interested because they'll have plenty of money to spend and Tottenham will be interest because Friedel is 40. I can't recall seeing anything in the press.

I heard Tottenham have bid 7million for Foster. There are obviously a lot of rumours flying about but I hope we have quality alternatives lined up - I'm not confident we will get him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BB74 on May 14, 2012, 12:00:18 AM
I heard Tottenham have bid 7million for Foster. There are obviously a lot of rumours flying about but I hope we have quality alternatives lined up - I'm not confident we will get him.

A tweet from Foster today kind of implied he won't be coming back. He thanked the fans and said he has great memories.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on May 14, 2012, 12:06:02 AM
Quote
Thanks for everything this season baggies fans, love you all so much, been a great year with great memories. Interesting summer coming up!

Think you're reading too much into it tbh. He'll be off I imagine but that tweet gives little indication of it not being us.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on May 14, 2012, 12:09:58 AM
A tweet from Foster today kind of implied he won't be coming back. He thanked the fans and said he has great memories.

Ben Foster ? @BenFoster

Thanks for everything this season baggies fans, love you all so much, been a great year with great memories. Interesting summer coming up!

I assume you mean that one. Don't think it really indicates anything. I don't have any inside knowledge but I don't think he will sign for us. There will be a lot of rumours fly about. We all hope he will stay but there is nothing we can do about it. We knew he may not necessarily be our keeper next season so I'm sure we have alternatives waiting in the wings.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on May 14, 2012, 12:17:10 AM
A tweet from Foster today kind of implied he won't be coming back. He thanked the fans and said he has great memories.
I don't think he'll be coming back either, my money's on him going to Tottenham (I think Friedel was a stopgap solution for them, I don't think a team competing at the top of the league will want to rely on a 40 year old keeper for another season, Tottenham also tend to buy good solid British players), but I can't see anything in that Tweet to be honest. It just looks like your generic 'thanks fans! It's been a great season' message to me, nothing more, nothing less, I think Foster at the moment knows as much as everyone else.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: geoff on May 14, 2012, 12:25:47 AM
Mid way through the season I said that we would have a fight on our hands to sign Ben as other higher placed clubs would try to buy him from blues ahead of we and it looks like my worst fears could coming true.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on May 14, 2012, 06:41:46 AM
The lads stuck to his guns about England by the looks of it

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/9263638/England-manager-Roy-Hodgson-suffers-double-blow-as-Ben-Foster-rejects-his-overtures-and-Scott-Parker-is-doubt.html
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: chipperclark on May 14, 2012, 07:31:15 AM
 ;D Whatever it takes after that Fulop horror show yesterday....need 2 strong keepers...Daniels should be given the chance as #2 Keeper.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: sing on our own on May 14, 2012, 01:42:03 PM
Daniels should have started yesterday and i said that before Fulop chucked 3 in,we have spent a lot of time and money on him and he's never played or never will by the look of things,as for Foster if he only has 12 months left at Blues hes only worth 4 million regardless of how good he is,but he is priceless to us
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: leeiswba on May 14, 2012, 01:57:58 PM
Cant defend Fulop yesterday was poor, but unfair to judge after one game. Saw him play against everton in the Carling Cup and he was very very good.

But pay whatever it takes to get Foster!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JBullyWBA on May 15, 2012, 02:29:28 PM
I don't think people should shun Fulop just based on the Arsenal performance, he hasn't played in ages and his confidence was shot after the first goal.
I still think he should be given a chance but Foster is priceless.
Personally I'd pay double figures for him. He gets us at least 15 points a season.
With a few Bosman transfers I think we could get another 12-10th placed finish.
However, if that's not possible I'd think about Gordon from Sunderland, I think he's leaving on a Bosman this summer unless he's offered another contract.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on May 15, 2012, 11:07:43 PM
Sorry to ruin the flow of negativity on here but unfortunately .......mr Ben Foster appears to be one of the nicer individuals in football who rates family time and seems content to live where HE wants not where some galactico team will tell him?
Add that to the facts that we want him, he likes us, blues cant buy so would like player exchange and.......we are actually quite good .
Sorry I think we will sign him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: COWBACK on May 17, 2012, 02:06:13 PM
It`s not down to the fee it`s what will we pay him !   If you believe what you hear  Spurs are very interested in Ben but i believe he is very keen on staying in the midlands. I would guess that he will be sold for 3>4 Mil  but will he be happy with what we can offer £40k > £50k. Time will tell  :-\
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WoysWunderful on May 17, 2012, 11:04:05 PM
I voted 4-5 but thats mainly his wages on a 3 year deal (doubt we will get longer). Nobody will pay 5 mil for a player out of contract in 12 months.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: geoff on May 18, 2012, 08:41:49 AM
some times in life you pay over the odds for some think but looking back you would do it again i think BF could turn out to be like that for the Albion.     
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: graka on May 18, 2012, 11:22:49 AM
if you look at fosters age this could fill the position for the next 10 years. so for me if we have to go the extra mile or million then do it. lets start acting like a top ten club if thats what we want to stay.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Savvas78 on May 18, 2012, 11:27:05 AM
some times in life you pay over the odds for some think but looking back you would do it again i think BF could turn out to be like that for the Albion.   

Another couple of seasons with performances like that, and we'll make a handsome profit on the transfer fee should a "big club" come knocking.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on May 20, 2012, 10:05:22 PM
I hope the delay waiting for a new manager doesn't prejudice Albion's chance of securing Foster. We could find that in the interim other clubs move quicker and get a deal sorted out. If we are waiting for a new manager to be in place, who may not be fully aware of what Foster achieved last season, and maybe wants to wait to see the full squad before drawing up a list, we could be nearly into July. I think DA should take a lead here and get a deal done. There must be little or no risk in securing a keeper of top quality, as Foster is. Most new managers have to work with whoever is already on the club's books anyway.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: billvis on May 22, 2012, 12:06:03 PM
Sorry to ruin the flow of negativity on here but unfortunately .......mr Ben Foster appears to be one of the nicer individuals in football who rates family time and seems content to live where HE wants not where some galactico team will tell him?
Add that to the facts that we want him, he likes us, blues cant buy so would like player exchange and.......we are actually quite good .
Sorry I think we will sign him.

Although it goes against my naturally cynical nature when it comes to football, I agree with you.
There was all that talk about him staying in the midlands when we signed him on loan and he does come across as a principled bloke who loves the club.
Just hope we're both right.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Smooth Lad on May 24, 2012, 10:02:14 AM
Reid tweeted him last night saying:

STEVEN REID ?@stevenreid12
"@BenFoster looks horrible that Fossy... would rather be in Birmingham like me!! see you July 4th pal haha"

Meaning, persumably, when they go back to training for pre-season.

Then Foster tweeted him back saying:

Ben Foster ?@BenFoster
"@stevenreid12 that's going to start all sorts of rumours flying!!!!!!!!!"

See it how you want...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on May 24, 2012, 10:32:16 AM
Thats Reidy wanting the same result as every other Albion player and fan and probably Foster too!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on May 29, 2012, 06:42:18 PM
@BenFoster: Don't know why people assume players should know who the new manager would be, #chairmansdecision

Am I reading to much into this, or does this sound like he is going to be ours?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JBullyWBA on May 29, 2012, 07:01:43 PM
I reckon Foster knows about as much as we do. The lad is stuck between two clubs he genuinely likes and I think he deep down wants to stay here for the Premier League football at the very least.

Reid's probably just reiterating what everyone involved with our club wants.

If we do get him permanently, that's an extra 15 points pretty much in the bag.

Personally i'd shell out £7-8m for him, I think he's definitely worth it.

However, I did read on Small Heath Alliance that apparently there is an extra 2 years in Blues' favour, this could push the price up somewhat to more like my previous valuation.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on May 29, 2012, 10:40:52 PM
If ....and it's a big IF , blouse where to end up like Rangers due to their financial mismanagement , is there a chance that we could get him for nowt ?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on May 29, 2012, 10:45:29 PM
If ....and it's a big IF , blouse where to end up like Rangers due to their financial mismanagement , is there a chance that we could get him for nowt ?

What do you mean 'end up like Rangers'? Any players Rangers have sold have generally gone for large fees. Take Jelavic for example. The players who weren't apart of the first team were asked to leave. If Blues got into that position they would see Foster as there ideal chance to bring in some money and will try to get as large a fee as they possibly can.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: royhan on May 31, 2012, 11:40:21 PM
Worrying news about Ben Foster interest in today's Daily Mail:

QPR are ready to step up interest in Birmingham goalkeeper Ben Foster by making a £5million bid.
Manager Mark Hughes had also shown interest in Sunderland's Craig Gordon, Tottenham's Heurelho Gomes and Aston Villa's Shay Given but Foster's form following a strong season on loan at West Bromwich Albion has convinced Hughes he is the right man.
Once Foster is signed, Hughes will allow Paddy Kenny to join Leeds United.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2152936/QPR-prepare-5m-bid-Ben-Foster.html#ixzz1wUPg4BUz

The sooner we get our managerial situation sorted the better. We can ill afford to lose out on Foster who helped us gain so many points last season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: crazedwbafan18 on May 31, 2012, 11:41:56 PM
QPR sniffing around foster. GO AWAY!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Aixelsyd on June 01, 2012, 02:18:31 AM
Very scatter gun approach by QPR  :P


or is it just the media again linking every player they can think of.


Every Report you see about QPR they name so many players it impossible for me to keep up...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on June 01, 2012, 06:23:46 AM
Maybe a £5m bid coming in from QPR according to todays papers
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dont ask me to choose luv on June 01, 2012, 07:23:48 AM
Presenter on ssn just said QPR will offer 'WEST BROM' £5 Million for goalkeeper Ben Foster  ::)

Well if we're not going to get him we may aswell make a few bob (before Blues find out)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Barrington on June 01, 2012, 07:27:32 AM
Maybe a £5m bid coming in from QPR according to todays papers

....and the best part is Sky Sports News just reported that they were going to offer WEST BROM £5 million for him. Peace will be over the moon!

Seriously though, that is incredibly poor and lazy journalism by some absolute moron at Sky.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Aixelsyd on June 01, 2012, 09:21:02 AM
....and the best part is Sky Sports News just reported that they were going to offer WEST BROM £5 million for him. Peace will be over the moon!

Seriously though, that is incredibly poor and lazy journalism by some absolute moron at Sky.

just made it up
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: graka on June 01, 2012, 10:10:18 AM
it does show how important we get the new head coach in asap to get this sorted one way or another wether its true or not.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KnaveofAlbion on June 01, 2012, 04:57:49 PM
Ben's on his Hols at the mo and he's hardly going to move to whoever makes the first bid for the sake of them being first.

We don't need a head coach to buy Ben, JP and co know what they're doing.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggyman68 on June 01, 2012, 06:50:13 PM
When we signed foster on loan last season, it was said that if blues stayed down, that we would be able to buy him in the summer.
Does this mean that Peace has already put a deal in place? Could this be why he's not kicking the door down at St Andrews and why Sky Sports said QPR have made us a £5m bid for him?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hong Kong Phooey on June 01, 2012, 10:43:42 PM
Maybe a £5m bid coming in from QPR according to todays papers

Would not be at all surprised and that is the reason I wanted them to go back down.

Now that they have survived this nouveax riche club is bound to attract quality players that we will not be able to compete with financially.

If they are struggling for funds, all they need to do is hand Joey Barton his long overdue P45, and they have freed up 30-40k per week in wages  :'(
 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: darby009 on June 02, 2012, 08:07:23 AM
you all keep forgetting one important thing........ ben does not want to move from the area, he does not want to up root his family.... do not underestimate how important this is.  it is one of the reasons that he chose to go on a family holiday rather than go to the euros and not be guaranteed pitch time... his family means every thing to him. 

this all narrows down who he will sign for massively
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: rubyruby on June 02, 2012, 08:11:53 AM
you all keep forgetting one important thing........ ben does not want to move from the area, he does not want to up root his family.... do not underestimate how important this is.  it is one of the reasons that he chose to go on a family holiday rather than go to the euros and not be guaranteed pitch time... his family means every thing to him. 

this all narrows down who he will sign for massively

Im not totally sure but I think I read somewhere he lives out Warwick Leamington way. Could travel down M40 no problem from there if the money was there. That might widen the possibilities a bit! North London and all that. If I was JP he would be the one player I would offer a longer contract to.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Londonbaggymike on June 02, 2012, 10:59:30 AM
Robert Green leaving West Ham- maybe for QPR or Spurs? He's turned down a double your money contract apparently so he won't be coming to us!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: monkey nuts on June 02, 2012, 01:50:39 PM
Ben lives in a small hamlet/village called Morton Bagott a short walk from Studley.

i'm not saying he will sign for us but no one should underestimate the pull of his family life and the area he lives in
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Londonbaggymike on June 03, 2012, 01:00:39 AM
Rumour has it we've contacted Green.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on June 03, 2012, 08:24:57 AM
Rumour has it we've contacted Green.

hope that's all its is.

Green = Carson
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionBest on June 03, 2012, 08:31:27 AM
hope that's all its is.

Green = Carson

Just about to post the same about Green being on a par with Carson !
Huge disappointment if we end up with him after raising the bar with Foster.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Galahad on June 03, 2012, 04:33:17 PM
hope that's all its is.

Green = Carson

Not forgetting we need to sign a "backup keeper" as well  ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smethwickw on June 03, 2012, 05:17:50 PM
Green is a better keeper than Carson imo. Carson hasn't even made the England squad as a back up. Apart from one mistake at the last WC I don't think Green has done much wrong.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on June 03, 2012, 06:27:49 PM
It will be a major setback if a deal for Foster doesn't come off now. I don't buy all this stuff about people being on holiday. This situation has been staring everyone in the face for the last 10 months since the loan deal was negotiated. Once it was clear to everybody down to the tea lady that Foster's the perfect fit for the keeper's position, a clear strategy needs to have been set out. We should be in the driving seat.  It's not the same situation as going for a player who's never played for us, and neither we nor the player know if it would work out. Foster himself makes it pretty clear he'd like to stay here (but obviously couldn't embarass his employer by stating it). If we hold off much longer, we will lose out simple as. We know QPR and Tottenham are interested and they have financial clout. Blues will probably want to sell to whoever can offer most. All we have then, is Ben's wish to live in the Midlands.
message to the Albion board: please get the Foster situation sorted before it is too late.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smosher34 on June 03, 2012, 07:16:18 PM
Not forgetting we need to sign a "backup keeper" as well  ;)

we have myhill dont forget any went on loan for the season
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: weareblueweare white on June 03, 2012, 08:22:56 PM
If we don`t sign Foster then I hope we go  for Jaaskelainen
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: OldburyWBA on June 03, 2012, 10:49:42 PM
If we don`t sign Foster then I hope we go  for Jaaskelainen

Looks like he could be West Ham bound
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: rubyruby on June 03, 2012, 11:02:11 PM
Looks like he could be West Ham bound

Personally Id like us to pull out all the stops and secure Foster on a long contract. Failing that I would like us to go for a younger keeper. Perhaps from a top european league if no domestic candidate
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: graka on June 04, 2012, 01:03:32 PM
please for once dont go down the cheap option with this. foster is by far the best goalie we could hope to attract. green is out of contract and looking for a lot more money than we pay. jussi is in the twilight of his career and gordon injury prone. the main point being ben is far better than all of these aswel so lets start acting like a top 10 team !!!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: OldburyWBA on June 04, 2012, 01:25:26 PM
please for once dont go down the cheap option with this. foster is by far the best goalie we could hope to attract. green is out of contract and looking for a lot more money than we pay. jussi is in the twilight of his career and gordon injury prone. the main point being ben is far better than all of these aswel so lets start acting like a top 10 team !!!!

Seems to be 3 clubs linked with Green, us QPR and Malaga. Only one option really, Malaga they can offer Champions League football next season and are now a very wealthy club (even though they have problems paying wages on time and paying other clubs)

I'm hoping we are keeping Foster informed that we want him every day.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: MulumbuPower! on June 04, 2012, 01:40:40 PM
I'm more worried about the Foster situation than the management situation. I know he would like to stay but there are supposedly three wealthy(ish) London clubs sniffing about.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on June 07, 2012, 01:59:26 PM
http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-qpr/2012/06/07/82029-31132641/?

QPR are closing in on the £5million capture of Birmingham City keeper Ben Foster.

Rangers boss Mark Hughes has made bringing in another shot-stopper one of his main priorities in the summer transfer window after leaking 66 goals in just 38 games last season.

QPR have been linked with Rob Green, Shay Given, Heurelho Gomes and Craig Gordon, but the Birmingham City star has jumped to the top of the list.

Foster, who still has a year to run on his contract at St Andrews, was a big hit on loan at West Brom last season, and is keen to remain in the Premier League.

Hughes will give the green light for current number one Paddy Kenny to leave Loftus Road once he brings in another keeper, with Leeds United waiting in the wings.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on June 07, 2012, 02:35:37 PM
not a lot we can do really is there?
I would imagine that Ashworth had a word with him before he went back to bloose. The bloose team he went back to is not the one he left so I doubt he feels at home there anyway.
I would think we're in pole position funds permitting.
The player himself will have a big say in where he ends up.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionLegend on June 07, 2012, 04:11:10 PM
Agree, If the fee is 5 million then surely we would be able to pay that (I would hope). That just leaves it down to Ben's personal preference.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1993dave on June 07, 2012, 04:39:39 PM
I feel sick that a club like QPR is richer than us :-X Surely we must have 5 million to spend  :-\. I dont know why Ben would go there, Hughes is a arrogant so and so, Joey Barton thinks he's  should be playing for England and loves to brag about being on 60 k a week. And you have a chairman who asks fans on twitter who they to want sign  ???And your be playing in a tin pot stadium. We may not have a lot of money but atleast were not used like a toy. Hopefully Ben joins us :)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lewisant on June 07, 2012, 04:52:09 PM
now would be a good time to strie for him, when theyre managerless so DA go get our man!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggie Artist on June 07, 2012, 06:37:56 PM
I knew it'd be a bad thing if QPR stay up.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Sessegod on June 07, 2012, 07:33:33 PM
I knew it'd be a bad thing if QPR stay up.

if you go by bbcs latest gossip ston will be splashing cash too... good job we are a well run club
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionBest on June 07, 2012, 07:36:59 PM
Agree, If the fee is 5 million then surely we would be able to pay that (I would hope). That just leaves it down to Ben's personal preference.

Of course we have the cash - look how much the club gets each season allied to the profit/dividend/owner payments taken out of the Club.

Where we choose to spend it / invest in the team / speculate is an old argument that will always rage on and on under Peace........
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on June 07, 2012, 10:01:44 PM
Would Clarke of worked with Green at West Ham?

He is available on a free, unlike Foster, and he may want to spend his transfer kitty elsewhere.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: rubyruby on June 07, 2012, 10:06:06 PM
Would Clarke of worked with Green at West Ham?

He is available on a free, unlike Foster, and he may want to spend his transfer kitty elsewhere.

Thats a very good point but the keeper issue is the big one for us. Steve Clarke im ok with. If JP gives up on Foster I will be very frustrated. Behind Hart and Reina he is the best in the PL
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smethwickw on June 07, 2012, 10:14:43 PM
I don't see how us not having a 'coach' in place delays a move for him TBH. After all Ashworth does all the dealing according to most and is responsible for all of our 'good' signings. I suspect we are 'monitoring' the situation.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on June 07, 2012, 10:15:06 PM
Thats a very good point but the keeper issue is the big one for us. Steve Clarke im ok with. If JP gives up on Foster I will be very frustrated. Behind Hart and Reina he is the best in the PL

I agree.

 I don't think Green is a bad keeper though. If you were in SC's position who would you go with?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: rubyruby on June 07, 2012, 10:45:05 PM
I agree.

 I don't think Green is a bad keeper though. If you were in SC's position who would you go with?

Has to better the devil you know. Foster was our player of the season so its a no brainer for me and on a decent contract too!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on June 08, 2012, 12:28:09 AM
Having missed out on the club's first managerial choice (not that I attach blame to JP/DA for that), the club could improve the mood of alot of supporters by ensuring that Ben Foster is secured. He must have won us 10-12 points last season, he's been voted Player of the Year, he's from the Midlands and I'm 99% sure he'd be happy to stay. This is of the utmost urgency as we know of at least 2 other  clubs with funds that would like him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bobcracker on June 08, 2012, 01:01:00 AM
I agree.

 I don't think Green is a bad keeper though. If you were in SC's position who would you go with?

In my opinion, Rob Green is not a Premier League number 1. I know i may seem like I've been spoilt by Foster but most teams in the league last season had a top class keeper they were really happy with (one of the reasons we could get Foster in the first place).
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on June 08, 2012, 01:14:28 AM
Having missed out on the club's first managerial choice (not that I attach blame to JP/DA for that), the club could improve the mood of alot of supporters by ensuring that Ben Foster is secured. He must have won us 10-12 points last season, he's been voted Player of the Year, he's from the Midlands and I'm 99% sure he'd be happy to stay. This is of the utmost urgency as we know of at least 2 other  clubs with funds that would like him.

I thought Foster was from manchester!  ???
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 08, 2012, 01:17:39 AM
I thought Foster was from manchester!  ???

Born in Leamington mate.

Yanited don't get all their kids from the Salford slums....


 ::)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Avonbaggie on June 08, 2012, 04:29:54 AM
I thought Foster was from manchester!  ???

Deano is from Salford. Ben is local and started his career at Racing Club Warwick!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: chipperclark on June 08, 2012, 06:01:58 AM
 :D Think we will get Robinson or Cudicini (worked with Steve Clarke at Chelsea) if we don't get Ben. Myhill will return as backup(would be ok did well with Bloose).
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on June 08, 2012, 06:38:14 AM
I agree.

 I don't think Green is a bad keeper though. If you were in SC's position who would you go with?

If Fosters signed on SC's watch that would at least get some of our fans onside.
Good PR.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mister AT on June 08, 2012, 08:36:31 AM
Id very much expect Foster to be signed around a week after Clarke is announced, kind of a fan sweetner to get them on his side.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Smooth Lad on June 08, 2012, 03:29:24 PM
Id very much expect Foster to be signed around a week after Clarke is announced, kind of a fan sweetner to get them on his side.

Nah, that's too easy and too good to be true.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: spencer Baggie on June 08, 2012, 06:45:04 PM
Priority signing.

Green is another Scott Carson waiting to happen.

There are a few championship goalies worth a look though. I just want a smug, arrogant goalie with confidence. He'll need it if Olsson goes and we don't replace him! 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bigbadjohn on June 09, 2012, 02:15:19 AM
Foster will keep us up on is own he's that good , sign him up ASAP !!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on June 09, 2012, 05:53:40 AM
Deano is from Salford. Ben is local and started his career at Racing Club Warwick!
Thanks guys, i remember being told he was born and raise in the Manc. I see I was wrong.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: off_foo_182 on June 09, 2012, 09:08:08 AM
Foster will keep us up on is own he's that good , sign him up ASAP !!

Couldn't do it at the blues... I really want us to sign foster but at the end of the day you know we wont be signing him. Too expensive. We'll go for a decent free replacement like green or gordan or pig ect.
Just the way the albion work and i guess if you accept that its not as dissapointing. We all know olsson is going as well. You have to look forward to the next Mcauley.
We are a superbly run club and have the ability to sign some real gems.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: devonbaggiecjaj on June 09, 2012, 09:32:12 AM
I'm sure they are doing everything possible to ensure Ben is signed, as the last game of the season will still be fresh in JP & DA's minds and sever as a reminder of the standard of keeper needed in this league.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: off_foo_182 on June 09, 2012, 09:38:04 AM
Foster is out of our price range. Otherwise we would have bought him or agreed a fee last year. We simply saw the opportunity to get a class keeper for a year for free and took it. I really wouldn't get any hopes up of signing him... I hope i am proved wrong though.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: devonbaggiecjaj on June 09, 2012, 11:21:32 AM
thought blues wanted to loan him out only , so if they had come straight back up then he would have returned.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Brummie Road on June 09, 2012, 11:31:08 AM
Foster is out of our price range. Otherwise we would have bought him or agreed a fee last year. We simply saw the opportunity to get a class keeper for a year for free and took it. I really wouldn't get any hopes up of signing him... I hope i am proved wrong though.

You will be (proved wrong that is).
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbarenno on June 10, 2012, 09:30:24 AM
Ive really got a feeling we wont even bid for foster and we will just go for the free options in green,gordon or the pole. I hope im wrong but with albion track record a free transfer is more likely
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionBest on June 10, 2012, 09:36:14 AM
Seems very quiet on the Foster front - just hope we are doing everything we can in the background to secure him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DudleyBaggieFan on June 10, 2012, 11:36:09 AM
Not sure if it means anything, probably doesn't, but his name and player profile is still on the OS. I thought he returned to blues at the end of the season?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Londonbaggymike on June 10, 2012, 11:39:25 AM
Seems very quiet on the Foster front - just hope we are doing everything we can in the background to secure him.

I really want foster and don't think £5m is out of our budget and fairly good value based on class and age.

However, Green has been voted player of the year at WHU two years running which suggests the people who see him week in week out rate him highly. So I won't be too disappointed if we end up with him instead.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: hardtobeat on June 10, 2012, 01:53:45 PM
IMO if we are baulking at paying 5mil for Foster we might as well pack in, i know we cannot afford to be stupid with money fees wages etc but that cuts both ways,no longer can the premier league be done on the cheap to NOT pay 5mil for Ben would be stupidly naive!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: rubyruby on June 10, 2012, 02:03:26 PM
IMO if we are baulking at paying 5mil for Foster we might as well pack in, i know we cannot afford to be stupid with money fees wages etc but that cuts both ways,no longer can the premier league be done on the cheap to NOT pay 5mil for Ben would be stupidly naive!

Im with you on this one HTB. In general I dont think the climate should lean towards big transfer fees but for me a top GK is a pre requisite in the PL and should be a cornerstone of the squad. behind Hart and Reina he is the best and we should make every effort to secure him on a permanent.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: timdon on June 10, 2012, 03:00:15 PM
Since QPR bid 5 million for him, it's all gone very quiet. Does anyone know whether that bid was accepted by Blues or not?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: monkey nuts on June 10, 2012, 04:32:28 PM
QPR havn't bid for him and Ben is still on hols and as i have said before money is not as important to him as some players don't under estimate how important his family is
to him
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: stubba on June 10, 2012, 06:12:42 PM
cant see anyone bidding 5mill for a player in the last year of his contract.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on June 10, 2012, 06:16:27 PM
cant see anyone bidding 5mill for a player in the last year of his contract.

He isn't in his last year of his contract. The club have a 2year option after this year.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: glosterbaggie on June 10, 2012, 08:33:00 PM
He isn't in his last year of his contract. The club have a 2year option after this year.
Really!! That puts its into different territory worth £5 mill
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: moggie on June 10, 2012, 09:31:14 PM
I wonder whether our chairman or Dan Ashworth negotiated a price for the transfer at the time of setting up the loan, subject to Blues not getting promoted?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on June 11, 2012, 12:07:47 AM
I wonder whether our chairman or Dan Ashworth negotiated a price for the transfer at the time of setting up the loan, subject to Blues not getting promoted?
Assuming signing Foster is a priority for the club, we should be a step ahead of any other interested clubs. He has been at the club for 10 months and so there has been more than enough opportunity to arrive at a clear strategy to finalise a deal, once it became clear he was a perfect fit. Of course there has been the delay over finding a manager, but securing Foster is so important that we shouldn't have taken the risk of waiting this long.

If in spite of that, QPR or Tottenham manage to snap him up at this stage, then I'm afraid that's an enormous b@lls-up by our management team. Even if another club offers more money, by all accounts Foster wants to stay in the area, and a commute to London is stressful enough for those living alot closer than Leamington. However, by delaying things, we are giving other clubs the chance to turn his head.  If he went to a rival club, that could literally be the difference between relegation or survival next season.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on June 11, 2012, 09:37:18 AM
Assuming signing Foster is a priority for the club, we should be a step ahead of any other interested clubs. He has been at the club for 10 months and so there has been more than enough opportunity to arrive at a clear strategy to finalise a deal, once it became clear he was a perfect fit. Of course there has been the delay over finding a manager, but securing Foster is so important that we shouldn't have taken the risk of waiting this long.

If in spite of that, QPR or Tottenham manage to snap him up at this stage, then I'm afraid that's an enormous b@lls-up by our management team. Even if another club offers more money, by all accounts Foster wants to stay in the area, and a commute to London is stressful enough for those living alot closer than Leamington. However, by delaying things, we are giving other clubs the chance to turn his head.  If he went to a rival club, that could literally be the difference between relegation or survival next season.

Hugh's is lining up a bid for Given according to today's papers.
If Given goes a natural replacement would be Foster, thus he still has the option to stay in the area!  ???
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mister AT on June 11, 2012, 09:48:20 AM
Think he would choose Villa over us IF we offered the same terms.

Part of me thinks we wont sign this guy though.

Cant see Norwich signing a keeper with them rating Ruddy so highly.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on June 11, 2012, 09:52:52 AM
QPR will be linked with hundreds of players this summer as everyone knows they have money to spend and that Hughes likes to shell out on players. I'm pretty sure they have already been linked with about 10 keepers in the papers.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: timdon on June 11, 2012, 07:52:49 PM
I reckon there are two possible scenarios:
1 We agreed a fee with Blues when we were lent him, dependent on Blues not being promoted. This would explain the QPR interest being switched to other goalies and Spurs interest appearing not to have come to anything. They may have made an enquiry and been told "Sorry we have an agreement in place with West Brom"
2 It will go to a bidding auction once the Euros finish, in which case I don't think we have a chance of signing him because someone will offer to pay more than we are willing to + pay him bigger wages
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on June 11, 2012, 07:54:32 PM
Foster will sit for us ..
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on June 11, 2012, 09:02:08 PM
Hugh's is lining up a bid for Given according to today's papers.
If Given goes a natural replacement would be Foster, thus he still has the option to stay in the area!  ???
Another reason for JP/DA to get this sorted.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: devonbaggiecjaj on June 11, 2012, 10:15:16 PM
dose anyone know how much foster is getting at blues
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on June 11, 2012, 10:33:20 PM
dose anyone know how much foster is getting at blues
Due to the embargo he now gets
Duck wraps , prawn balls and as much egg fried rice as he can handle.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: devonbaggiecjaj on June 11, 2012, 10:42:54 PM
Due to the embargo he now gets
Duck wraps , prawn balls and as much egg fried rice as he can handle.

He'll be able to feed the family then  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on June 12, 2012, 12:14:23 AM
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/shepherds-bush-green-qpr-expect-872923?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Interesting developments at QPR if true would appear to take them out of the running for Foster. The contractual situation with Foster is that he is the last year of his which I heard was worth £1.5m p.a. Blues do have the option to extend that contract for a further 2 years. Their problem is they really cannot afford to pay those wages in the Championship there is a real danger they would go broke before they get to the point where they can take up the option so it is almost worthless.

As has been mentioned on numerous occasions there is no deal in place for Foster. There were a number of reasons for this firstly Blues wanted to retain Foster in the hope that they could bounce straight back to the premier league and whatever deal would have been struck would have been on the basis of his then 2 year unexpired term plus the option and Blues wanted to turn a profit on the £6m they paid for him. Foster did not want to leave the Midlands and was quite happy to stay at Blues however they needed him off the wage bill the loan deal worked for all concerned. 

Twelve months on Blues are still deep in the mire financially they lost £10m in their last year in the Premier League and the banks are really not keen on lending them money because of Carson Yeung's difficulties with the Hong Kong Authorities. Therefore Foster is for sale and in an ideal world (from a Blues perspective) would go for a tidy sum to a big club and that would leave us out in the cold .

However if Foster insists on not moving from Leamington and cannot be bribed to change his mind then Blues options are narrowed down to us and Villa (who are not in the market for a goalkeeper). Under those circumstances Blues can forget £5m or anything close to it.

So the whole Foster deal boils down to the willingness of the player to leave Leamington if he is we have no chance of signing him if he isn't then it is very likely. My guess is that Ashworth and Peace know where Foster stands on this but it is likely to take time work this through with Blues.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on June 12, 2012, 12:23:52 AM
No sooner than I finished typing my last post  >:(

The Mirror come up with this

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-brom-want-ben-foster-873032

I wished they would make up their minds about QPR going for Green or Foster I think signing one precludes signing the other.

£3m bid sounds about right.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on June 12, 2012, 07:49:32 AM
No sooner than I finished typing my last post  >:(

The Mirror come up with this

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-brom-want-ben-foster-873032

I wished they would make up their minds about QPR going for Green or Foster I think signing one precludes signing the other.

£3m bid sounds about right.

I'll get the car warmed up and fetch him myself
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dont ask me to choose luv on June 12, 2012, 07:55:32 AM
No sooner than I finished typing my last post  >:(

The Mirror come up with this

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-brom-want-ben-foster-873032

I wished they would make up their minds about QPR going for Green or Foster I think signing one precludes signing the other.

£3m bid sounds about right.

If we got him for £3m some of our fans wouldn't be happy because JP should be paying the 'going rate'  :P
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lewisant on June 12, 2012, 09:57:47 AM
i suspect the mirror know nothing hence all these stories that clash
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: mulliganstired on June 12, 2012, 11:59:51 AM
Sorry if anyone's already said this, but if we keep Foster the bottom line is we almost certainly stay up.  Simples.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on June 12, 2012, 12:03:19 PM
Sorry if anyone's already said this, but if we keep Foster the bottom line is we almost certainly stay up.  Simples.

He didn't keep blues up.  8)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on June 12, 2012, 12:06:29 PM
He didn't keep blues up.  8)

Or Watford
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1993dave on June 12, 2012, 12:09:00 PM
3 million plus Boaz Myhill would be a good deal for them and for us.

* We get a top quality keeper
*They get a  nice fee of 3 million and they get a top Championship Keeper

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lewisant on June 12, 2012, 01:11:15 PM
3 million plus Boaz Myhill would be a good deal for them and for us.

* We get a top quality keeper
*They get a  nice fee of 3 million and they get a top Championship Keeper

including players i think always complicates deals but if he wanted to go there it certainly could help us compete with other clubs with more financial clout
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mister AT on June 12, 2012, 01:33:31 PM
I think 3 million and Myhill on a permanant would be a good deal, and possibly offer Wood again for a season loan if they wanted more...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hull Baggie on June 12, 2012, 02:14:32 PM
I think £3M is a "test the water" bid...I think we'll get him but pay around £4 - 4.5M.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: geoff on June 12, 2012, 02:19:53 PM
I think £3M is a "test the water" bid...I think we'll get him but pay around £4 - 4.5M.


A steal at that price i would say on the open market (were he was up to move any were)
he would fetch £8-10 million
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hull Baggie on June 12, 2012, 02:43:34 PM

A steal at that price i would say on the open market (were he was up to move any were)
he would fetch £8-10 million

I agree with bthat but still feel we'll get him for a lot less, personally I'd pay up to £8M for him as a 10 clean sheets a season goalie is hard to come by.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: johnny Cash on June 14, 2012, 11:42:00 AM
Does a change of manager at spurs take them out of the race for Foster?

New man, new ideas and Redknapp was definately in charge of his transfers rather than a DOF who may still be keen.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 14, 2012, 11:56:20 AM
Does a change of manager at spurs take them out of the race for Foster?

New man, new ideas and Redknapp was definately in charge of his transfers rather than a DOF who may still be keen.


Include Mulumbu and Olsson too, oh and Pete probably thought he was good enough for them aswell
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mister AT on June 14, 2012, 12:26:45 PM
Olssons 'transfer' may well be well and truely over now.

All depends on who the new manager is however, its a foreign bloke im guessing Olsson wont be going there.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on June 14, 2012, 06:12:23 PM
Olssons 'transfer' may well be well and truely over now.

All depends on who the new manager is however, its a foreign bloke im guessing Olsson wont be going there.

Foster's reluctance to move to London takes Spurs out of the running. If Moyes goes to Spurs it will not diminish the likelihood of h im going to Spurs.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Avonbaggie on June 15, 2012, 07:03:02 AM
Foster tweeted that he still wasn't sure what was going on but loves bcfc and wbafc very much
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on June 15, 2012, 08:04:08 AM
Foster tweeted that he still wasn't sure what was going on but loves bcfc and wbafc very much

Just shows that in the Premier League even the players are a commodity to be used and abused.
If the cant be bothered to keep the players informed what respect are they likely to have for us as fans
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Adder on June 15, 2012, 08:20:32 AM
£3m sounds a bit too low to me for a proven keeper who's at his peak and with at least 4-5 peak years left.
Think we should offer £4m and not mess about.
Also, Blues may not want Myhill anymore as if they plan to keep Butland they may well use him as No. 1 this year and they still have Doyle also I think.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on June 15, 2012, 08:56:49 AM
£3m sounds a bit too low to me for a proven keeper who's at his peak and with at least 4-5 peak years left.
Think we should offer £4m and not mess about.
Also, Blues may not want Myhill anymore as if they plan to keep Butland they may well use him as No. 1 this year and they still have Doyle also I think.
If you are to believe the papers (James Nursey) Blues turned down a 3.5m bid from QPR for Foster as it was too low so I think £4m plus add ons taking it to £5m on appearances etc could be enough to tempt them.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mister AT on June 15, 2012, 09:43:54 AM
Im sure we may be able to force their hand.

With Qpr signing Green, and no one else really needing a keeper, should give us a clear run at Birmingham to get the best deal for Foster.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BaggieJames114 on June 15, 2012, 10:41:33 AM
Reidy stirring the pot by tweeting Foster that he'll see him July 8th ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on June 15, 2012, 12:02:03 PM
Just shows that in the Premier League even the players are a commodity to be used and abused.
If the cant be bothered to keep the players informed what respect are they likely to have for us as fans

I think Ben knows a little bit more than he will let on to in public, would be amazed if his agent is not all over this. Premier League players are anything but commodities they really do call the tune when it comes to their future if it was purely down to the clubs he would be sold to the highest bidder and that would unlikely to be us.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: mank baggie on June 15, 2012, 01:08:51 PM
I think Ben knows a little bit more than he will let on to in public, would be amazed if his agent is not all over this. Premier League players are anything but commodities they really do call the tune when it comes to their future if it was purely down to the clubs he would be sold to the highest bidder and that would unlikely to be us.
i think your bang on fella
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Floydy on June 16, 2012, 01:13:57 PM
Im sure we may be able to force their hand.

With Qpr signing Green, and no one else really needing a keeper, should give us a clear run at Birmingham to get the best deal for Foster.

I'm starting to become optimistic too.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1993dave on June 16, 2012, 01:56:10 PM
I think Ben will sign very soon, spurs have no manager and green is going to QPR. Am pretty certain that JP and Ashworth are working on the deal as we speak.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on June 16, 2012, 02:50:39 PM
Although I believe our chances of signing Foster are very good I can see us playing the long game with this transfer to try and get the best deal possible for the club. The longer it goes on with no other clubs looking to make a solid move for him the more chance we have of Blues settling for a lower price to get his wages off their bill.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on June 16, 2012, 02:53:47 PM
I think Ben will sign very soon, spurs have no manager and green is going to QPR. Am pretty certain that JP and Ashworth are working on the deal as we speak.

I'm not so sure Spurs not having a manager will make much difference, they will have been planning early for the summer without Redknapp anyway with the amount of speculation about him leaving for the England job. I don't think its a deal we will rush, we will want to wear them down to get the best deal possible.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smethwickw on June 16, 2012, 04:45:22 PM
He'll sign on 31st August after weeks of haggling for £2.5m.  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on June 16, 2012, 06:45:00 PM
Although I believe our chances of signing Foster are very good I can see us playing the long game with this transfer to try and get the best deal possible for the club. The longer it goes on with no other clubs looking to make a solid move for him the more chance we have of Blues settling for a lower price to get his wages off their bill.

The longer we leave it, the more chance some other club will jump in, and then there is every chance we will be out bid. We need to nail this now quickly. Its such a no brainer when you hear some of the other alternatives being mentioned (including Green of WHU). He really connected with the fans last season and I'd like to see a stronger Midlands presence in our team, especially if they have Foster's quality.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KnaveofAlbion on June 16, 2012, 08:25:10 PM
The longer we leave it, the more chance some other club will jump in

Ben's been on Holiday in the states with his kids for the past few weeks. So no rush there. Plus he very much wants to stay in the Midlands. The only team we'd have to fear is Villa and they've got Given. I think he's ours.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on June 16, 2012, 09:17:51 PM
The longer we leave it, the more chance some other club will jump in, and then there is every chance we will be out bid. We need to nail this now quickly.

As Solo has already said he's not even in the country at the moment and not a lot is happening with transfers anywhere. As for being outbid I don't see anyone out there that needs a number 1 goalkeeper especially as QPR look to be signing Green. Foster has made it clear that he wants to remain in the Midlands so I think that even though it may take a while there is a very good chance he will be ours in the summer and for a reasonable price too.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on June 16, 2012, 10:34:23 PM
As Solo has already said he's not even in the country at the moment and not a lot is happening with transfers anywhere. As for being outbid I don't see anyone out there that needs a number 1 goalkeeper especially as QPR look to be signing Green. Foster has made it clear that he wants to remain in the Midlands so I think that even though it may take a while there is a very good chance he will be ours in the summer and for a reasonable price too.
The problem is that if Blues and Albion can't reach a settlement, he would have to look at his other options. If indeed he is intent on staying in Leamington, I hope he isn't tempted into commuting out of the region. Commuting to London is a nightmare given how the M25 is, and I hear the M6 can be pretty gruesome. However, I wouldn't be too surprised if the Stokies put in a cheeky bid, which would be just about within travelling distance. It wouldn't be the first time we'd been pipped by them. If he was seriously considering an option like Stoke, it would be good for someone with direct experience to write to him about how awful a daily commute would be. I just think that Albion have a history of being slow off the mark when going for players. 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on June 16, 2012, 10:40:03 PM
I think its more a history of trying to get very good deals for the club. No doubt we have lost out in the past by not moving quickly enough or simply not wanting to pay what someone else will but with the situation at Blues I can understand them wanting to get the best possible deal as they will be desperate to get his wages off their bill before the window closes so the valuations the clubs have will hopefully come a lot closer together in the not too distant future.

As for Stoke I don't believe they would spend on another keeper, I'm pretty sure Sorenson signed a new deal last season and Begovic is a good keeper so they are well stocked for me. He will want a move where he will be the number one and there aren't any clubs looking for one except maybe QPR and possibly those that got promoted.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WorcsWBA on June 17, 2012, 12:14:59 PM
Whether or not we sign Foster will be a statement of intent (or lack of it) in my view. If we sign him, it will be a pointer that we're not just there to make up the numbers. If we don't sign him, it'll be an indication that a make do and mend attitude is prevalent and would be great cause for concern in my view.

Let's also hope that transfer fee brinkmanship doesn't become a factor, as we could quite easily lose out whilst indulging in it.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Londonbaggymike on June 17, 2012, 11:39:59 PM
When asked about foster today CL said there is nothing new but "I wouldn't worry about it". He thinks it's just a matter of time and agreeing a fee.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on June 18, 2012, 01:19:44 AM
Whether or not we sign Foster will be a statement of intent (or lack of it) in my view. If we sign him, it will be a pointer that we're not just there to make up the numbers. If we don't sign him, it'll be an indication that a make do and mend attitude is prevalent and would be great cause for concern in my view.

Let's also hope that transfer fee brinkmanship doesn't become a factor, as we could quite easily lose out whilst indulging in it.

Nothing of the sort Foster is almost a one off. If the player is intent on staying in the Midlands then we are pretty much his only option if he is prepared to move then we have no chance whatsoever of signing him. It is all down to the player.

However if it happens it cannot be taken as sign of serious intent on behalf of the club nor does it have any bearing on any other deals over the summer beyond the more we spend on Foster the less there is to spend elsewhere.

 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on June 18, 2012, 06:09:47 AM
When asked about foster today CL said there is nothing new but "I wouldn't worry about it". He thinks it's just a matter of time and agreeing a fee.

Didn't he say something along those lines about Ralph a well?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on June 18, 2012, 01:47:17 PM
WBAFCofficial ?@WBAFCofficial
Ashworth: We're in talks with B'ham City about Ben Foster. Price has to be right for us and Blues. I'm hopeful we can find common ground.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on June 18, 2012, 02:06:21 PM
Didn't he say something along those lines about Ralph a well?
no, he said he wasn't in the running. as it turned out he wasn't
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on June 18, 2012, 05:11:32 PM
http://www.wba.co.uk/page/News/0,,10366~2815517,00.html

The last time the club put something on the official site about potentially signing a specific player was Hargreaves, and before that Carew, and we all know how they turned out.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KnaveofAlbion on June 18, 2012, 05:42:18 PM
http://www.wba.co.uk/page/News/0,,10366~2815517,00.html

The last time the club put something on the official site about potentially signing a specific player was Hargreaves, and before that Carew, and we all know how they turned out.

In both instances I think it was a case of said player using us to put themselves in the window. I honestly don't think Ben is like that. He'll do what is best for him and his family no doubt. But football is just a job to him. He wants to stay in the midlands and not flit about chasing big money moves.

If he signs for Spurs or QPR i'd be really surprised. I think Brum will try to raise interest as will his agent, but i think he's ours.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TLMS17 on June 18, 2012, 06:08:41 PM
http://www.wba.co.uk/page/News/0,,10366~2815517,00.html

The last time the club put something on the official site about potentially signing a specific player was Hargreaves, and before that Carew, and we all know how they turned out.
And would I be right in saying before that Djemba Djemba  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on June 18, 2012, 06:38:11 PM
They're not saying he's signing though they are saying dialogue has started between the clubs even if that is successful there are still terms to be discussed so it's a long way off still
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Black Pearl on June 18, 2012, 10:40:29 PM
Missed this.


West Bromwich Albion have confirmed they are "in talks" with Birmingham City about keeper Ben Foster, who spent last season on loan at The Hawthorns.

"But the price has to be right for us - and Blues," said sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth.

Ben Foster's fact file
•Born Leamington Spa, April 1983
•First kept goal for Racing Club Warwick as 16-year-old
•2001 - Signed by Stoke City, spending five spells on loan at Bristol City, Tiverton Town, Stafford Rangers, Kidderminster Harriers and Wrexham in four years at club
•2005 - Signed by Manchester United. Loaned out for two seasons at Watford. Made only 12 appearances for United
•2010 - Signed by Birmingham City, but ended up being relegated from the Premier League for a second time
•Won five caps for England, but made himself unavailable for international duty in May 2011

Ashworth also dismissed speculation surrounding Albion's Swedish centre-half Jonas Olsson, who has been linked with both Tottenham and West Ham.

"We certainly haven't heard anything from anyone," said Ashworth.

"Jonas is still under contract here, he's an important player and an important part of our future."

Olsson, 29, who has one year left on his Baggies contract, admitted following Roy Hodgson's departure as manager in May that he would wait to see who Albion appointed before considering his long-term future at the club.

He has spent the past month with Sweden at Euro 2012 but following their exit at England's hands on Friday night, he can now turn his attention to his Albion future.

Leamington Spa-born Foster was a £6m capture for Blues from Manchester United in May 2010.

He has 12 months of his three-year deal to run and will be out of contract at the end of next season.

Albion's Premier League rivals Queens Park Rangers are also reportedly
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WSBaggie on June 19, 2012, 12:31:27 AM
He has a year left on his contract and Blues are in dire straits financially. We are the club least likely in the PL to go gung ho and splash unneeded money on a player.

We will agree a fee eventually it's just a matter of time. If he doesn't want to leave the area then time is on our side, if he doesn't mind leaving then we best act quickly.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on June 19, 2012, 06:54:55 AM
Somebody obviously thought this one out

http://www.oftenpartisan.co.uk/archives/5703/the-ben-foster-deal.html
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KYA on June 19, 2012, 07:18:30 AM
Interesting link.
The fact blues may have a 3yr option on Foster is immaterial he wants to play premier football and they can't afford his wages.
Like most Albion negotiations a slow burner to get the best deal possible.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mister AT on June 19, 2012, 09:59:17 AM
I think he'll sign for a inital 3 million deal raising to 5 due to certain factors etc etc.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albion79 on June 19, 2012, 11:49:20 AM
I think a few things will decide this -

1) If Blues get taken over it wouldnt surprise me they sell Foster still (they seem to push that Butland though) but can charge what they want which would rule Albion out.

2) If they do or dont get taken over another clubs comes in and has a bit accepted meaning we would have to match it, i think if that was around the £5m mark which i think its reported Blues want then i think he wont join

3) Nobody takes them over and nobody elses bids for him, Blues want £5m, we sit it out til either the day before the new season starts or the end of the transfer window and offer them £2.5m with a few addons which due to their financial plight they have to accept as something is better than nothing when you have the debts they currently have!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: rubyruby on June 19, 2012, 01:39:37 PM
Personally I think this will get done its just a case of the two clubs meeting in the middle and Foster wants to stay at the Albion.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lewisant on June 19, 2012, 02:02:04 PM
i just hope its done before pre season games begin rather than seeing brinkmanship. Would be good for our back line (inc Foster) and Steve Clarke to have a full pre season together
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBArgo on June 19, 2012, 02:02:38 PM
Personally I think this will get done its just a case of the two clubs meeting in the middle and Foster wants to stay at the Albion.
I'd agree with this, but football can be funny sometimes. I haven't looked at the deal too closely but it seems both sides are bargaining and the outcome is inevitable.
Foster wants to stay in the midlands, preferably at the top level and the Blues can't afford his wages (their financial scenario has worsened since last year). So, basically they have to sell and Foster will happily go to us.

The only outside threat is a late bid from someone like Stoke (Similar club size but too Northern?), Tottenham (Did not achieve Champions League plus too Southern?) and Reading (In range from Leamington Spa but seem completely off the radar).

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on June 20, 2012, 06:36:00 AM
Looks like we may have given them something to chew on

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/257723/Last-West-Brom-bid-for-Ben-Foster/
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bednarsboingboing balls on June 20, 2012, 08:14:26 AM
I tell you what if we dont keep foster , it`s a 15-20 point mistake, he is well worth 5 million, give them the money albion. >:(
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1993dave on June 20, 2012, 08:22:45 AM
Bit of a poor offer if true , I hope we don't go cheap just give them 5 million or can't we afford that?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: off_foo_182 on June 20, 2012, 08:47:46 AM
Why waste the extra money with no other interested parties. That 1.25 million could be used to bump up olssons contract...

Have some faith/ Don't start a career in poker.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JDWest_Brom on June 20, 2012, 09:03:48 AM
If that figure is true it's a good offer. I was expecting us to seriously low ball them and offer £2 million or something. It definitely gives Blues something to think about.

I would hope Albion are prepared to offer an odd on of £500,000-£750,000 if we stay up or appearance based as a compromise.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on June 20, 2012, 09:16:20 AM
One thing is for sure from previous experience is we will not be bullied into paying a penny more than we think he is worth, we have lost so many potential signings because of this in the past so this will not be any different.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mister AT on June 20, 2012, 09:19:29 AM
Thing is, Birmingham cant really afford to turn away 3.75 million for a player they didnt have there last season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: monkey nuts on June 20, 2012, 10:14:55 AM
why pay more than 4m when they can't activate the 2 yr option they have because they are skint, so theoretically he is in his last year
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on June 20, 2012, 10:27:55 AM
I tell you what if we dont keep foster , it`s a 15-20 point mistake, he is well worth 5 million, give them the money albion. >:(

For it to be a 15 to 20 point mistake would imply the alternative to Foster would be terrible that is not the case. Foster might be the best keeper we could sign but there are alternatives which would cost less than £5m who a perfectly competent.

Birmingham have to sell or loan Foster because they cannot afford to pay his wages. Why should we pay the asking price? It is not our fault they paid too much for him in the first place and gave him a contract they could not afford to pay in the Championship. Equally part of Birmingham's problem with Foster is he seems extremely reluctant to move from Leamington and therefore the market they are selling into is limited to ourselves and Villa who don't need a keeper. However if we ever came to sell  Foster we would probably find ourselves in the same boat which is another good reason not pay £5m and negotiate a flex down clause in his contract.

Birmingham City's current plight is the reason why we should never just pay the asking price for any player. They did and look where they are now.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: rubyruby on June 20, 2012, 12:42:19 PM
See the press are reporting WBA as having a take it or leave it offer. I dont buy that they make it up as they go along! I would be surprised if the clubs are that far apart. If you look at recent dealings between the clubs it would appear the communication is more than co operative
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on June 20, 2012, 02:06:04 PM
3.75m plus Tamas or Woods job done!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lewisant on June 20, 2012, 03:02:05 PM
we cant just throw players at brum, they have a transfer embargo, players going in must be a necessity
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on June 20, 2012, 03:18:57 PM
They are hoping to have embargo lifted this week, Foster transfer will probably be going on well into July knowing us!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: leeiswba on June 20, 2012, 04:38:01 PM
A transfer embargo doesnt necessarily mean they cant sign players but it has to be authorized by the FA or FL first. For instance the FA or FL wouldnt just leave Birmingham with one goalkeeper so a money offer plus Myhill is realistic
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Tipton Baggie on June 20, 2012, 05:05:31 PM
Hes worth a minimum of £5M !
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KnaveofAlbion on June 20, 2012, 05:51:27 PM
Hes worth a minimum of £5M !

He's "worth" whatever the highest bidder is willing to pay.

If you had to sell your car and it was "worth" £5k and i offered £3k and i and was the only person interested, then i end up getting it for £3k.... Not surprised at all that JP is undercutting Foster's true market value. The man is very good at what he does.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: johnthebaggie on June 20, 2012, 06:16:48 PM
See the press are reporting WBA as having a take it or leave it offer. I dont buy that they make it up as they go along! I would be surprised if the clubs are that far apart. If you look at recent dealings between the clubs it would appear the communication is more than co operative
Two papers reporting it are the sun and the star......nuff said

Personally I think we will sign him for about 4 million, might take a few weeks though.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: gerry m on June 20, 2012, 06:39:07 PM
the best English keeper behind Joe Hart! if we get him for under £5m it will be a steal as far as im concerned :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: j_dog_1980 on June 20, 2012, 09:18:23 PM
 Top keeper! He's the one player I wanted to keep from last year. Makes the difference with him between the sticks and the defence seem more confident with him behind them. 2, 3, 4 ,5, 6 million, I dont care! Just Sign him Albion!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: rubyruby on June 20, 2012, 10:19:01 PM
£6 million cash for Foster and Redmond......................... ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on June 20, 2012, 10:31:25 PM
I'll be majorly dissappointed if this deal falls through. Blues may well be prepared to sit it out and wait for another club.Ok he wants to stay in the Midlands, but if none of the 3 Midlands Prem clubs can take him, he'll have to stay with Blues or retire. Or re-think what his options are.  Foster is probably the second best English keeper so he's bound to attract interest. I think Albion need to nail this. Offer them Cox, Tamas, Scharner, I'm not sure which positions they need strengthening. Foster has really connected with the fans, through his whole attitude and the confidence he has given the defence. 95% of a recent poll voted for him to stay.  If we don't get Foster, it really will  be a second best solution.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: the lords my shepherd on June 20, 2012, 10:50:52 PM
Over the years we have had some top keepers since i've been going to games with the likes of John Osborne, Tony Godden, Alan Miller and Russell Hoult but i honestly believe Foster is as good if not better than all these. He loves it here and has a great rapport with the supporters. I too would be very disappointed if we didn't sign him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Aixelsyd on June 20, 2012, 11:11:46 PM
I actually doubt the "Blues"will play too hard ball on Foster..

They need the cash, by the sounds of it, and if they need to get new players in they will need to show the FA some solvency..... i.e. Cash from a Foster deal in the bank ;)


Just my take but I think it will happen pretty soon :)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Londonbaggymike on June 21, 2012, 12:38:42 AM
Over the years we have had some top keepers since i've been going to games with the likes of John Osborne, Tony Godden, Alan Miller and Russell Hoult but i honestly believe Foster is as good if not better than all these. He loves it here and has a great rapport with the supporters. I too would be very disappointed if we didn't sign him.

Interesting.  I've called foster the best since Godden on here before then wondered if he was better after posting. Better than Osborne? Only saw him a couple of times as a little kid but held in very high regard. Do you think he's better than Ossie? I know the game has moved on (I've watched it happen!) but if you're right then Ben could be an Albion legend because Osborne most definately is!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WSBaggie on June 21, 2012, 12:48:13 AM
I reckon we will get this deal done. Blues are desperate for money and us playing hard ball will only work in our favour by getting us a lower price and giving us the opportunity to invest the 'saved' cash elsewhere.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: the lords my shepherd on June 21, 2012, 07:32:13 AM
Interesting.  I've called foster the best since Godden on here before then wondered if he was better after posting. Better than Osborne? Only saw him a couple of times as a little kid but held in very high regard. Do you think he's better than Ossie? I know the game has moved on (I've watched it happen!) but if you're right then Ben could be an Albion legend because Osborne most definately is!

 It was probably wrong of me to mention Ossie as like you i was only young when he was between the sticks and quite rightly is an Albion legend.  Godden was a very good keeper who had a fantastic team in front of him. All i will say that i didn't realise how good Foster actually was till he signed on loan last season and he definately saved us points. Needs to be signed and yes he too could in years to come write his name in Albion folklore.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mister AT on June 21, 2012, 09:53:20 AM
I wouldnt call him a legend JUST yet.

Dont get me wrong he is a quality goalkeeper, but dont think he warrants legendary status at the club yet.

If he is to sign, hell most like end his career here (guessin he would sign a 2/3 year deal with 1 in clubs favour) which would take him to 33ish.

I think if he continued to be as good as he has this season then he will 100% go down as one of our best keepers.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: mulliganstired on June 21, 2012, 10:37:46 AM
Foster is (IMHO) a better all round goalie than Godden, who was a great shot stopper but not always too clever under the high ball. Oh and that Dalglish goal... >:(
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LoxleyBaggie on June 21, 2012, 10:41:28 AM
Foster is (IMHO) a better all round goalie than Godden, who was a great shot stopper but not always too clever under the high ball. Oh and that Dalglish goal... >:(

My dad always said Godden was a great keeper if he didn't have time to think. Crosses he was suspect (fortunately Batson and Statham prevented them coming in and Wile and Robertson dealt with them when they did) and yes, the Dalglish goal cost us dear!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: mulliganstired on June 21, 2012, 10:45:43 AM
That's hit the nail on the head- when Godden didn't have time to think he was instinctively a brilliant stopper, probably as good as Schmeichel or Cech.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: up_the_baggies on June 21, 2012, 11:41:28 AM
Robert Green to join QPR from West Ham on free transfer

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18531050 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18531050)

Good news! Hopefully we can wrap up the Foster deal soonish.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: howard62baby on June 21, 2012, 01:21:15 PM
When you consider his contribution for last season its vitally important that we sign him up and would break our current transfer record to get him on a four year deal + a one year option,especially when you recall some of the out standing point saving saves,I know people will say he's a keeper and that's his job but he's been the best we've had for years.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: mulliganstired on June 21, 2012, 01:34:04 PM
When you consider his contribution for last season its vitally important that we sign him up and would break our current transfer record to get him on a four year deal + a one year option,especially when you recall some of the out standing point saving saves,I know people will say he's a keeper and that's his job but he's been the best we've had for years.
I think so.  This is not one to let slip for the sake of half a million or so.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on June 21, 2012, 01:53:02 PM
I wouldnt call him a legend JUST yet.

Dont get me wrong he is a quality goalkeeper, but dont think he warrants legendary status at the club yet.

If he is to sign, hell most like end his career here (guessin he would sign a 2/3 year deal with 1 in clubs favour) which would take him to 33ish.

I think if he continued to be as good as he has this season then he will 100% go down as one of our best keepers.

he'll STILL have a good 8 years of a career left. Goal keepers can just keep going and going
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on June 21, 2012, 03:13:41 PM
If Foster signs he could be our keeper for a long while. I am fairly sure were it not for the fact that Blues cannot afford his wages he would not be moving. He seems to be disinterested in chasing fame and fortune so providing he was first choice I think he could be our keeper for the best part of a decade.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WSBaggie on June 21, 2012, 06:25:15 PM
If Foster signs he could be our keeper for a long while. I am fairly sure were it not for the fact that Blues cannot afford his wages he would not be moving. He seems to be disinterested in chasing fame and fortune so providing he was first choice I think he could be our keeper for the best part of a decade.

He comes across as a man who loves his football. You're right about he wouldn't move if Blues could afford his wages, he is pretty indebted to them for taking the gamble on him for the amount of money they paid.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on June 21, 2012, 07:22:43 PM
Why waste the extra money with no other interested parties. That 1.25 million could be used to bump up olssons contract...

Have some faith/ Don't start a career in poker.
At last someone with rationale ....
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on June 27, 2012, 02:57:59 PM
Martin Swain?@MartinSwain1

Back from Lee Clark presser - where not much doubt was left that he expects Foster to sign for #wbafc in time. Good news for Albion
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbastrollers on June 27, 2012, 03:34:57 PM
Martin Swain?@MartinSwain1

Back from Lee Clark presser - where not much doubt was left that he expects Foster to sign for #wbafc in time. Good news for Albion

Yep-Lee Clark on Talk-Sport, he expects Foster to West Brom the only player leaving  ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: VANDERLEI on June 27, 2012, 06:28:07 PM
It will be a massive signing for us. He was immense last season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Avonbaggie on June 27, 2012, 07:09:38 PM
Clark said that he didn't want to sell Redmond to anyone but he didn't say the same for Foster.  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Andio on June 28, 2012, 12:21:51 AM
This is our single most important transfer for this season IMO.

Yes we could do with strengthening elsewhere but this is more important than the rest in my book, if it goes through I'll be absolutely delighted.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on June 28, 2012, 09:09:14 AM
I can see this one going tits up.
Everyone is so cock sure that he will be coming back here, its got gazumping written all over it
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Avonbaggie on June 28, 2012, 09:33:23 AM
I can see this one going tits up.
Everyone is so cock sure that he will be coming back here, its got gazumping written all over it

By who though? He's always stated he wants to remain in the Midlands and has apparently turned down interest from London clubs in the past as he wants to stay locally. He has to sign the forms at the end of the day.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: boinger1968 on June 28, 2012, 10:19:17 AM
I can see this one going tits up.
Everyone is so cock sure that he will be coming back here, its got gazumping written all over it
I can't imagine any Baggies fans being cock sure to be honest. We are eternal pessimists. Just hope that we can come to some agreement but I won't believe anything until it's official one way or the other.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Smooth Lad on June 28, 2012, 10:21:31 AM
With Southampton offering £6m for Butland, i hope Birmingham think he'll be worth more in a season or two, rather than cash in on him now and keep Foster, because they need a keeper then maybe they can get more for Butland and keep Foster. Hopefully though, they'll keep Butland for a season or two longer and really cash in on him and let us have Foster this summer.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on June 28, 2012, 10:39:52 AM
With Southampton offering £6m for Butland, i hope Birmingham think he'll be worth more in a season or two, rather than cash in on him now and keep Foster, because they need a keeper then maybe they can get more for Butland and keep Foster. Hopefully though, they'll keep Butland for a season or two longer and really cash in on him and let us have Foster this summer.

The critical difference between Foster and Butland is wages Birmingham can afford Butland's they cannot afford Foster's.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Floydy on June 29, 2012, 01:30:19 PM
A friend of a friend believe's a deal for Foster was completed this morning.

Here's to hoping [fingers crossed].
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: else on June 29, 2012, 01:32:36 PM
A friend of a friend believe's a deal for Foster was completed this morning.

Here's to hoping [fingers crossed].

Thats whats going around twitter too after Reidy posting about good news being announced that will make everyone happy. I can only hope its true.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KnaveofAlbion on June 29, 2012, 01:48:51 PM
Thats whats going around twitter too after Reidy posting about good news being announced that will make everyone happy. I can only hope its true.

Yeah, has posted three times about something happening today to "make alot of people very happy"..... he's been winding up Foster all summer about seeing him in training in July. So it's a strong chance i'd say.

Also of note, Zoltan is apparently in full training now and things are looking good on that front also.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on June 29, 2012, 01:52:24 PM
I may be ahead of myself here and may not be the best detective in the world but.....around 20 mins before Reidy started tweeting that stuff Ben Foster was on retweeting some saft bird who had been dumped. One could presume that he sent Reid a DM stating he would see him July 8th after all, thats my conclusion anyway!  :P
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on June 29, 2012, 01:57:52 PM
STEVEN REID?@stevenreid12

@fabwba a great signing.. Saying no more or I might get a club fine lol
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on June 29, 2012, 02:10:12 PM
DONT WANT TO GET YOU ALL EXCITED BUT........when I asked the Blues insider if its Foster this was his reply!!!!

Colin Tattum?@colintattum

@hodge2802 made a few calls. probably is....ha ha
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kris_boing on June 29, 2012, 02:11:12 PM
Been confirmed now by Ben Foster himself on CLs twitter page.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on June 29, 2012, 02:11:45 PM
Ben Foster?@BenFoster

Really happy to have just signed for West Bromwich Albion, thx to the fans for making me feel so welcome last year,can't wait to get started


Get in!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BobTaylor on June 29, 2012, 02:12:46 PM
Great signing, would have been a big loss to the team if we missed out on him, big well done to ashworth and peace.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on June 29, 2012, 02:13:53 PM
Most important signing we could have possibly made, Foster is a genuinely excellent goalkeeper, the type who wins 10 plus points a season, it was absolutely crucial we did the deal.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on June 29, 2012, 02:14:42 PM
Good news delighted to have this wrapped up early
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: ABaggie on June 29, 2012, 02:16:28 PM
Ben has just tweeted...

Really happy to have just signed for West Bromwich Albion, thx to the fans for making me feel so welcome last year,can't wait to get started

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on June 29, 2012, 02:17:30 PM
Undisclosed as usual. Would be nice to know what we got him for.

Fantastic signing.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on June 29, 2012, 02:17:56 PM
http://www.wba.co.uk/page/News/0,,10366~2826603,00.html

ALBION have won the race to make key target Ben Foster their first summer signing for an undisclosed fee.

The 29-year-old goalkeeper rejoins the club on a permanent deal after starring for the Baggies on loan from Blues last season.

He has penned a three-year contract, plus a further two-year option in the club's favour, committing his future to the club until June 2017.

And Head Coach Steve Clarke is delighted to have made the 6ft4in custodian the first capture of his Hawthorns reign.

"Ben's been a priority signing all summer," said Clarke.

"His performances last season were exceptional and it was important for the club to strike a permanent deal for him.

"It's a great signing for me and an even better one for the club.

"I think the supporters will be delighted we've been able to keep him on board - and make him our player.

"In any league in the world you want a goalkeeper that is going to make match-winning saves, turn draws into wins and defeats into draws.

"A quality goalkeeper is worth ten or 12 points a season to you - and that's certainly what we think we've got in Ben Foster."

Foster's outstanding form last term made him a firm fans' favourite, with a series of superb individual performances helping Albion secure a best-ever tenth-placed Barclays Premier League finish.

He dominated the voting as he was named Albion's Supporters' Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year.

He kept ten clean sheets, equalling the club record for the most shut-outs in a Barclays Premier League campaign.

And only a groin injury ahead of the final game of the season against Arsenal prevented him from playing all 38 top-flight league games for the second successive year.

Sporting & Technical Director Dan Ashworth added: "The players, the staff and supporters will be delighted Ben has agreed to join us permanently.

"Ben showed to everyone last season how important he is to us, making vital saves at key moments in games.

"He was happy here, enjoyed the goalkeeper coaching under Dean Kiely, the facilities, the supporters, and everything about the club.

"And the fact Ben was with us on loan put us in a prime position to sign him."
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BoingFlyer on June 29, 2012, 02:19:12 PM


Good to see, shows real intent from the board for another successfull season and IMO a vote of confidence in the new manager.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lewisant on June 29, 2012, 02:19:25 PM
Yes!! Well done WBA for making this crucial signing and doing it way before pre season, im so chuffed!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Lib on June 29, 2012, 02:19:40 PM
YES!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: up_the_baggies on June 29, 2012, 02:20:37 PM
The picture of him on the site was me in the kitchen when I saw this thread!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on June 29, 2012, 02:20:55 PM
Undisclosed as usual. Would be nice to know what we got him for.

Fantastic signing.
Colin Tattum?@colintattum

I understand that Ben Foster transfer from Blues to Albion deal worth £4 million. #wba #bcfc #blues
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: leonidas on June 29, 2012, 02:21:15 PM
All over Twitter now. Finally! :D

http://www.footytwits.com/en/inglaterra/west-bromwich_152
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Chipperfan on June 29, 2012, 02:21:20 PM
Fantastic! Brilliant work by Dan A.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: popbaggie28 on June 29, 2012, 02:21:36 PM
Colin Tattum?@colintattum

I understand that Ben Foster transfer from Blues to Albion deal worth £4 million. #wba #bcfc #blues
If thats true its a steal!!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: mulliganstired on June 29, 2012, 02:22:08 PM
Brilliant - best goalie we've had since the 70s. :)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Floydy on June 29, 2012, 02:22:14 PM
Boom Boom Boom  - Let me hear you say Foster....

Chuffed to bits.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lewisant on June 29, 2012, 02:22:35 PM
The picture of him on the site was me in the kitchen when I saw this thread!

sames, fist clenching celebration! A good start!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on June 29, 2012, 02:23:03 PM
Great news, a top keeper really good start to the summer.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: reiss on June 29, 2012, 02:24:02 PM

 great signing , hope he will be as good as last year
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggie50 on June 29, 2012, 02:24:57 PM
Of all the transfer deals we do or dont pull off this summer, this was the most important. Relieved!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: don1thedon on June 29, 2012, 02:25:31 PM
Excellent news!!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on June 29, 2012, 02:25:55 PM
Colin Tattum?@colintattum

I understand that Ben Foster transfer from Blues to Albion deal worth £4 million. #wba #bcfc #blues

We shouldn't be cheapskates and just paid what they wanted from the beginning  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Floydy on June 29, 2012, 02:26:29 PM
Rubbish - We should be bettering what we had last season. Not spending a reported £4m to mainatain exactly what we had.

Peace shows no ambition. Peace Out. Booooooooo   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBArgo on June 29, 2012, 02:27:15 PM
Great news, already saved us a minimum of 5 points for next season which could be vital.

For £4 million he really is a bargain, now we just need to shift Myhill for £500k and find a freebie then we're sorted for keepers!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on June 29, 2012, 02:27:41 PM
We shouldn't be cheapskates and just paid what they wanted from the beginning  ;D
I know and we took our time...i mean waiting until a week BEFORE pre season starts and 2 days BEFORE the window officially opens, typical Albion  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Signor_Maresca on June 29, 2012, 02:28:09 PM
Class signing. Wonder what we paid for him in the end
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: vikingbaggie on June 29, 2012, 02:28:51 PM
Best and most important signing for many, many years..... Very happy with this!!!  :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on June 29, 2012, 02:29:40 PM
Talking of signing, here he is doing just that!

(http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx80/phbaggies/Awj1yDACQAMQklN1.jpg)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Floydy on June 29, 2012, 02:30:33 PM
Talking of signing, here he is doing just that!

(http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx80/phbaggies/Awj1yDACQAMQklN1.jpg)

I knew he was tall - but he makes that dining table look tiny.

He must've been somewhere nice on holiday - that is a deep tan.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Andio on June 29, 2012, 02:30:40 PM
This is our single most important transfer for this season IMO.

Yes we could do with strengthening elsewhere but this is more important than the rest in my book, if it goes through I'll be absolutely delighted.

I stand by this.

Excellent news.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on June 29, 2012, 02:31:20 PM
4m is an absolute bargain for a keeper of his quality, given his performances last year and Birmingham paid more than that in the first place I believe.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie-boy-ethan on June 29, 2012, 02:32:36 PM
Biggest signing of our summer in my opinion, delighted!  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hull Baggie on June 29, 2012, 02:34:03 PM
brilliant news....don't want to bring the tone down but the missus is getting it tonight!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on June 29, 2012, 02:34:12 PM
The best keeper I've seen at the Albion since I have been a fan, he must have won us 7 or 8 points last season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: boinging_along on June 29, 2012, 02:39:58 PM
Excellent news.  £4m is a great price.  Really happy with that.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: rubyruby on June 29, 2012, 02:42:44 PM
Really happy that BF has committed to the Baggies and for effectively 5 years!......you knew it made sense Fozzie. Very happy with the way our back 5 looks......................solid and dependable. Now for some fine tuning up front?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: koren on June 29, 2012, 02:44:45 PM
A great signing after a very successful long spell,a key player in last season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: A5HB on June 29, 2012, 02:45:32 PM
He was our priority signing this summer do to get it sorted so early is brilliant. Getting him for £4 million is a stall too for a top quality premier league keeper. Hopefully the start of a good summer . . .
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: danwatson on June 29, 2012, 02:45:41 PM
Perfect foundation for us to build on this summer. Hopefully we can raise a bit more money from sales of fringe players and get a top class winger in. Could be a big year for George Thorne with Scharner and Andrews leaving, massive opportunity for him to grasp.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on June 29, 2012, 02:51:08 PM
Fandabidozy  :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on June 29, 2012, 02:53:33 PM
Four million is a very good price when you think that as long as he stays fit then we might have signed a first choice keeper for the next decade.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: sie_davo on June 29, 2012, 02:56:43 PM
Absolutely chuffed to bits!!!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mister AT on June 29, 2012, 02:56:56 PM
Fantastic bit of news!

Glad this is all sorted now.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on June 29, 2012, 03:00:20 PM
Talking of signing, here he is doing just that!

[picture]
Strange how he's left footed despite being right handed.


What an absolutely fantastic bit of work by the club. I've got to be honest, I didn't think we'd get him, I expected the richer clubs to come calling for him, us to be priced out and instead end up with a much cheaper alternative. But no, the club went and got the man we all wanted, they didn't mess around causing it to drag on and on, yet still managed to get him at a bargain price. Now we've signed a fantastic, world class, goalkeeper (as good as anyone else in the league in my opinion) who was amazing for us last season winning us many points. Signing him was by far the biggest transfer priority this summer, and that priority has been sorted. Usually everybody wants to criticise the club, but you can't deny they've done excellently today.

Also, where have all those 'ITK' Blues fans who said there was no chance he was coming here gone? They've turned into a really bitter bunch lately, knowing we've drunk them off even more by not only taking one of their players but taking him for a budget price makes this great transfer even more satisfying.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on June 29, 2012, 03:03:21 PM
If you look closely you can see me on top of this cloud!!  :D

(http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx80/phbaggies/underlay-cloud9-underlay1.jpg)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kc56wba on June 29, 2012, 03:09:36 PM
Well done to everyone concerned in the signing of Foster. Loads of Baggies fans very happy :-*
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DaveWBA on June 29, 2012, 03:11:18 PM
£4m?! Penny pinching again, absolutely no ambition signing players from Championship clubs. JP out!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggyjon on June 29, 2012, 03:17:26 PM
Fantastic, we got Foster and Wolves got what they deserve
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Roolee on June 29, 2012, 03:17:48 PM
Best picture this year!

Talking of signing, here he is doing just that!

(http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx80/phbaggies/Awj1yDACQAMQklN1.jpg)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: pageboy on June 29, 2012, 03:19:38 PM
The way to go....... lets hope this is the first of many good signings this summer... :)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: gerry m on June 29, 2012, 03:25:35 PM
goes without saying! wonderful news :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kc56wba on June 29, 2012, 03:27:12 PM
Now lets hear from the people who said Foster would not sign for Albion as we could not afford him. Come on be honest. Once again we have a chairman to be proud of
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dudleylad on June 29, 2012, 03:30:04 PM
if some of our fans had the pruse strings we would be out of business in a week. 8 million they said we should pay hes more than likely only come for just under 4....JP and his poker face
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: PsalmXXIII on June 29, 2012, 03:31:15 PM
Absolutely disgraceful signing. Conducted poorly, and rushed into it. I mean, the window isn't even open and Birmingham City asked us for more. Disgrace. Sack the board. I'd rip my season ticket up if it wasn't a thick plastic card with some electronics in.

Hang your heads in shame Peace and Ashworth, you tight fisted scumbags.

(Excellent capture, extremely happy with it. Now for 4 or 5 absolute unknowns who turn out to be bloomin' marvellous.)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: leeiswba on June 29, 2012, 03:33:10 PM
Absolute magic news! Ill put my hands up and be honest I didnt think we would get him. Boing Boing
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: VVVAlbion on June 29, 2012, 03:34:42 PM
Hopefully he can now afford some socks.

Great signing.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KnaveofAlbion on June 29, 2012, 03:35:57 PM
I'm confused, where are all the misery guts?! :-X I was lead to believe we'd have Appleton as a manager and Boaz in goal this season!? I think I've been mislead!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on June 29, 2012, 03:45:01 PM
Delighted to see him return to the club and also delighted with the reported fee, there was never any need for us to go straight in and pay over the odds for him with few genuine alternative options for Foster and Blues especially when it comes to them needing to shed his wages from their bill. I expected it to take us longer to finalise the deal I must admit but I was always confident it would happen and for this kind of price too.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WoodmanCornerFan on June 29, 2012, 03:49:21 PM
Most important signing in years!! Welcome back Ben
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: mig on June 29, 2012, 03:57:34 PM
Get in! Magnificent signing for a bargain price. I wouldn't have complained if we'd payed double the reported fee, so the club deserve massive praise for this, as well as for getting the deal done so early
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Nocky on June 29, 2012, 03:59:22 PM
Has made my weekend seeing this. What an absolutely fantastic signing. For £4m aswell # Bargain.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1993dave on June 29, 2012, 04:05:23 PM
4 million for one of the best keepers in the Premier League. Add to the fact that he is only 29 so we could have him for quite a long time. Personally i thought we might of had to pay a little more like 6-7 million. All we need now is to keep olsson,mulumbu,odemwingie and add a few players out wide and upfront and am sure we will have another good season :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albion79 on June 29, 2012, 04:09:00 PM
Tremendous signing, well chuffed!

I thought JP might haggle it over the summer and leave it late but fair play once again to everyone at the Albion, we got our man! He could possibly prove the key signing of the summer, i didnt realise how good he was until he signed for us but not only that he seems to be very likeable and the other lads seem to love him which goes a long way.

Foster in, Gera back in training, so far so good! Wonder if John Carew is available!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionLegend on June 29, 2012, 04:22:51 PM
Well done Albion for not dragging this one out, really pleased to have a top quality keeper now.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tipton baggie 80 on June 29, 2012, 04:26:18 PM
Does this mean Fulop won't be starting?  :P
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bedfordbaggie on June 29, 2012, 04:28:48 PM

Foster in, Gera back in training, so far so good! Wonder if John Carew is available!

Now why did you have to go and spoil it  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Sessegod on June 29, 2012, 04:31:59 PM
this is quality news and a huge relief.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 29, 2012, 04:40:18 PM
I'm glad we've sorted it out quickly to be honest as it gives folk on here a massive breather!  :D

There was talk of us being cheap yet again and not paying straight upfront £6m-£8m, but I think what JP has proved is that its about first and foremost getting value for money and also getting the right fee which suits both clubs. To think we all spoke about the fee being above £6million and it appears the fee was in £4million reigon. Fantastic negotiating.

Welcome back, Fozzy!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tgd26 on June 29, 2012, 04:47:51 PM
Great news!

Well done to all those involved in the process.

Brilliant way to start the weekend. Time for a beer in the sun to celebrate!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Wbahunty on June 29, 2012, 05:30:24 PM
Sounded like he was always going to sign for us!

Loyal and mentioned how much he is respected by the fans and he has respect them aswell by staying with us!

However, he was in a postion last year to impress. Hopefully he wont let the standards drop now he is gaurenteed 3 years of decent money!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Rich99 on June 29, 2012, 05:34:43 PM
A great signing.  The best news for a while.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Slimbo on June 29, 2012, 05:51:29 PM
Most important signing in years!! Welcome back Ben
Here here - well done Baggies
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on June 29, 2012, 05:55:04 PM
Sounded like he was always going to sign for us!

Loyal and mentioned how much he is respected by the fans and he has respect them aswell by staying with us!

However, he was in a postion last year to impress. Hopefully he wont let the standards drop now he is gaurenteed 3 years of decent money!

I really hope he doesnt
But I dont think he will do, top quality player.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: VANDERLEI on June 29, 2012, 05:58:48 PM
Absolutely superb piece of business. Foster for me is worth 8 figures. I am over the moon.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: socalbaggie on June 29, 2012, 06:02:10 PM
What's left to be said? What a great signing at a great price. Top class proven keeper for 4M great business!!! I must admit I was pretty confident with this signing only because the word was Foster is happy in the area, is a good family man, and so would rather sign with us than pick up and move the family chasing glory and money with a bigger club elsewhere! Not only have we got a class keeper who is only 29 but a keeper without a ego and who has his head on right a rare quality with footballers these days!! All pluses with this signing!! Welcome Foster happy to have you, made my summer!! Also two thumbs up to DA and JP they deserve the credit for landing this they have some happy fans!! Now let's convince Olsson to sign a new deal, then we can move on to finding some new blood to add to the squad!!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggiebof on June 29, 2012, 06:03:42 PM
To be fair we did pay a reported £1-1.5million to have him on loan for last season, whilst paying all of his wages. Therefore the fee is probably nearer £6million in reality, which is still good business.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: divinewind on June 29, 2012, 06:04:53 PM
Best news of the summer so far.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on June 29, 2012, 06:05:56 PM
To be fair we did pay a reported £1-1.5million to have him on loan for last season, whilst paying all of his wages. Therefore the fee is probably nearer £6million in reality, which is still good business.

I'm sure it was reported that we didn't actually pay a loan fee, as we let Birmingham have Myhill on loan, and they just wanted Foster off the wage bill.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smosher34 on June 29, 2012, 06:07:54 PM
the one i have been waiting for  :D west brom is a better place with ben foster in goal this is a great start to season
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kris_boing on June 29, 2012, 06:11:35 PM
Chuffed this has now happened.  Makes a massive difference that our defence will have worked with him and have faith in him.
 
Genuinely feel we have one of the top 5 keepers in the Premier League.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbako on June 29, 2012, 06:37:05 PM
Ben is an absolutely fantastic goalkeeper. So happy that he is our player outright now.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lippypig on June 29, 2012, 06:51:46 PM
Congratulations Ben and more importantly congratulations West Brom the best keeper since Tony Godden
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionLegend on June 29, 2012, 07:43:58 PM
Genuinely feel we have one of the top 5 keepers in the Premier League.

I made this point on another forum about him being one of the leagues best keepers but when I thought about it found it hard to include him in a top 5. Who would be in your top 5 with Foster as one of them?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on June 29, 2012, 07:50:11 PM
Sounded like he was always going to sign for us!
according to my source (admittedly it's one of those friend of a friend sources) Foster agreed weeks ago but us and Brum agreed to say nothing till near the end of the Euros. I mean like just after the end of the season weeks ago.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionDaz on June 29, 2012, 08:06:31 PM
Congratulations Ben and more importantly congratulations West Brom the best keeper since Tony Godden
what about Alan Miller and Dirty boy Hoult ;p
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kris_boing on June 29, 2012, 08:14:28 PM
I made this point on another forum about him being one of the leagues best keepers but when I thought about it found it hard to include him in a top 5. Who would be in your top 5 with Foster as one of them?

Hart is the best and I'd class Cech as better but Foster IMO is up there with Reina & Howard. Foster is better than Szczesnya, Freidel, Krul and De Gea IMO. 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Bomberblueand white on June 29, 2012, 08:17:03 PM
Judging by all the twitter banter the players are as pleased as us, superb signing +9 points over the season at least.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: divinewind on June 29, 2012, 08:36:43 PM
Congratulations Ben and more importantly congratulations West Brom the best keeper since Tony Godden

Much better than Godden who i felt was the weak link in a very good side.

If we had had someone like Foster back then we would have won trophies.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggie79 on June 29, 2012, 08:40:35 PM
Absolutely disgraceful signing. Conducted poorly, and rushed into it. I mean, the window isn't even open and Birmingham City asked us for more. Disgrace. Sack the board. I'd rip my season ticket up if it wasn't a thick plastic card with some electronics in.

Hang your heads in shame Peace and Ashworth, you tight fisted scumbags.

(Excellent capture, extremely happy with it. Now for 4 or 5 absolute unknowns who turn out to be bloomin' marvellous.)

Probably my favorite post for ages.

In all honesty a very good signing and will almost certainly be the most important signing we make this window.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Kicking Pigeons on June 29, 2012, 08:49:17 PM
I made this point on another forum about him being one of the leagues best keepers but when I thought about it found it hard to include him in a top 5. Who would be in your top 5 with Foster as one of them?
In no particular order:
Given and De Gea are just shot stoppers, neither of them can come for a ball. Friedel and Schwarzer are too old. Szczesny's got potential but he's still error prone which showed in the Euros. Gordon is never fit. Vorm and Krul are very good but I'd still put Foster above them. Al Habsi, Kenny, Mignolet, Ruddy, Sorensen, Begovic etc we can safely say Foster is better than despite them all being good keepers.

Nearly everything about Foster's game last season was top-draw. Shot stopping - excellent, communication - excellent, coming for balls - excellent,  distribution - very good... he didn't make many mistakes either, in fact the only real mistake I can remember is the one in the Stoke game and even then he was fouled. Also you have to remember Hart, Everton, Cech, Reina play for Man City, Everton, Chelsea and Liverpool respectively, Foster plays for West Brom (and in the past made his name playing for other lower-Prem sides in Watford and Blues), obviously Foster has a lot more to do than those keepers. Take Hart for example, everyone raves about him, but how much of that hype is down to him playing for Man City? I'm not denying he's an excellent player, but what about his game is so much better than Foster's and what has he done over the past two seasons that's so much better than what Foster's done over the past two seasons especially when you consider how much more Foster has to do in a game? I can't see it myself.

Keepers are much less varied than other players, for every other position you have different types of players who are skilled in different ways (Fortune and Odemwingie for example are both good forwards but they're different types of player who both have their own respective strengths and weaknesses), however keepers however are generally either bad keepers, good keepers and excellent keepers. A good keeper is someone like De Gea who's a good shot-stopper but is let down by the rest of his game, or someone like David James who's all-round game is good but is error prone. An excellent keeper is someone whose game is strong in all departments (shot-stopping, coming for balls, distribution, communication...) and is very reliable - Hart, Foster, Cech, Reina, Howard and Krul fall into this category so I'd say they're all roughly as good as each other.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tommcneill on June 29, 2012, 09:04:34 PM
Superb...absolutely ecstatic we signed him

played Albion...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WorcsWBA on June 29, 2012, 09:21:41 PM
Absolutely delighted by this news. I'm sure many regard him as being the best keeper ever to have played for Albion.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Quakes Fan on June 29, 2012, 10:02:16 PM
In no particular order:
  • Hart
  • Reina
  • Cech
  • Howard
  • Foster
Given and De Gea are just shot stoppers, neither of them can come for a ball. Friedel and Schwarzer are too old. Szczesny's got potential but he's still error prone which showed in the Euros. Gordon is never fit. Vorm and Krul are very good but I'd still put Foster above them. Al Habsi, Kenny, Mignolet, Ruddy, Sorensen, Begovic etc we can safely say Foster is better than despite them all being good keepers.

Nearly everything about Foster's game last season was top-draw. Shot stopping - excellent, communication - excellent, coming for balls - excellent,  distribution - very good... he didn't make many mistakes either, in fact the only real mistake I can remember is the one in the Stoke game and even then he was fouled. Also you have to remember Hart, Everton, Cech, Reina play for Man City, Everton, Chelsea and Liverpool respectively, Foster plays for West Brom (and in the past made his name playing for other lower-Prem sides in Watford and Blues), obviously Foster has a lot more to do than those keepers. Take Hart for example, everyone raves about him, but how much of that hype is down to him playing for Man City? I'm not denying he's an excellent player, but what about his game is so much better than Foster's and what has he done over the past two seasons that's so much better than what Foster's done over the past two seasons especially when you consider how much more Foster has to do in a game? I can't see it myself.

Keepers are much less varied than other players, for every other position you have different types of players who are skilled in different ways (Fortune and Odemwingie for example are both good forwards but they're different types of player who both have their own respective strengths and weaknesses), however keepers however are generally either bad keepers, good keepers and excellent keepers. A good keeper is someone like De Gea who's a good shot-stopper but is let down by the rest of his game, or someone like David James who's all-round game is good but is error prone. An excellent keeper is someone whose game is strong in all departments (shot-stopping, coming for balls, distribution, communication...) and is very reliable - Hart, Foster, Cech, Reina, Howard and Krul fall into this category so I'd say they're all roughly as good as each other.

The only other "mistakes" I can recall were perhaps two? early-season occasions on which Foster dangerously ventured far from his goal that resulted in nothing worse than causing me to jump in my seat.  :)

I watched most of Hart's games for BCFC and was adamant at the time he should have been England's number 1 in South Africa. He isn't noticeably better now than he was then; the current hype is all down to a trend-following public finally reaching a consensus (i.e. the Man City shirt).

Having seen as much of Foster now as I have of Hart, I agree that there is very little between them.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kris_boing on June 29, 2012, 10:08:37 PM
Having seen as much of Foster now as I have of Hart, I agree that there is very little between them.

Should comfortably be Englands number 2 at the very least.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: j_dog_1980 on June 29, 2012, 10:14:55 PM
Great signing!!!!

Boing Boing!!

 :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on June 29, 2012, 10:47:52 PM
Fantastic news!! A confident defence is built on having a top and trustworthy keeper behind them. I don't need to mention the affect an untrustworthy keeper has got. Judging from his tweets, looks like he's completely committed to the Albion cause. I'll certainly be jogging up to the Hawthorns with a spring in my step for the new season....
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Semaj Riatsila on June 30, 2012, 01:23:41 AM
Great signing! Hopefully the beginning of some further amazing signings and at a bargain price, if the reports of how much we paid for foster are true.

Boo to all those doubters and well done JP & DA.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionBest on June 30, 2012, 07:25:27 AM
So pleased that we have managed to get this sorted - as good a signing as any in recent history for us and the foundation we can build uponfor years ahead.
The guy has the potential for lengendary status if he continued in last season's vain.

Good start for Stevie Clarke !   ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Webby on June 30, 2012, 09:51:24 AM
England's no. 1 ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Londonbaggymike on June 30, 2012, 10:17:25 AM
Out drinking last night and not on here or twitter. Didn't notice it when looking for new posts earlier and went on OS just to see if anything was new. WOW!!! What a brilliant surprise!

Essential signing as if we'd ballsed this up we couldn't have hoped to sign as good a keeper as Ben from anyone else.

So now we can look to improve the squad having at least maintained what we had last season.

Chuffed!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: saml30 on June 30, 2012, 02:47:29 PM
Great signing! Hopefully the beginning of some further amazing signings and at a bargain price, if the reports of how much we paid for foster are true.


I don't think the are true, I thinks its even less than £4M, I reckon its around £2M with add ons, just a hunch, last season blues stated they got £7M for Johnson, in reality it was nearer £4M
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: rubyruby on June 30, 2012, 03:00:59 PM
I don't think the are true, I thinks its even less than £4M, I reckon its around £2M with add ons, just a hunch, last season blues stated they got £7M for Johnson, in reality it was nearer £4M

Dont think the fee matters all that much. No doubt both clubs were reasonably happy with the deal. The fact that we got him to pen a deal for effectively 5 years! is the real bonus for me.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggie Man on June 30, 2012, 03:28:29 PM
Lets just sum up this summer. At the end of last season after Hodgson going I really thought we were going to cock it up and things were going to go down the pan. How wrong I was. Below we have a list of what has already happened with another two months to go yet until end of business if you like.
1. Steve Clark- After Hodgson going I expected and genuinely thought Hughton would come. However the role is not manager it is Head Coach and who could possibly be better at the role of a coach after working under Mourinho, Dalglish, Robson, Zola and Gullit and has had plenty of experience with a range of players and clubs. He will excel as head coach as he does not have the pressures of dealing with signings but will still have a say. Finally he was free of compensation. And would be on less wages than others.
2. Ben Foster - Here we have a top class goalkeeper for 3.75 mil as that was our take it or leave it and as we know JP and DA can be incredibly stubborn so they will have stuck to that. An absolute bargain who is happy, a fan favourite and will not have to settle in. A massive confidence boost for players and may influence certain other players decisions in terms of staying (Mulumbu/Odemwingie/Olsson). Bargain of the decade.
3. Improved Training Facilities- Yet more improvements to our already good youth facilities enhancing our bright future- enough said.
4. Retaining of players- DA has said Olsson leaving is doubtful and we have had no bids for him, Mulumbu or Odemwingie- looking like they will stay.

The only down point in my opinion is Scharner leaving as i liked him but he is getting older and we are evolving. But loads of positives already this summer with two months to go. So all those boo boys who are always 'peace out' and we are moving backwards. The boo boys are not necessarily on here but i mean the idiots who we sometimes see at the games either live or on telly. Anyway i think after this they need to shut it and just think three years ago we were in championship and had a rubbish squad compared to now.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: jsam on June 30, 2012, 03:36:53 PM
Agree with everything that has ben said.

Happy days.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: paulosull on June 30, 2012, 06:11:07 PM
great news on ben signing well worth the undisclosed fee [4 million were led to believe, peace probably got him for less] now lets kick on and sort out ollson get second choice keeper and bring in some more quality players ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: garry on June 30, 2012, 07:12:23 PM
Agree with everything that has ben said.

Happy days.
Are you trying to ben funny?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: boinger1968 on June 30, 2012, 07:34:23 PM
Best news of the summer. Well done Baggies and welcome Ben  :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: crazedwbafan18 on July 01, 2012, 09:10:02 PM
echo the sentiments of many here, a real step in the right direction. bring on the pre season friendlies and liverpool now the euros are all but finished.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: off_foo_182 on July 02, 2012, 06:40:20 AM
Great statement of intent. Hold my hands up i thought we would lose him! Sets a great tone for the rest of the summer!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Savvas78 on July 02, 2012, 09:33:46 AM
This is our signing of the season no doubt! Great stuff!

I was in Madchester Friday for the Stone Roses comeback gig and the Foster news just capped off a perfect weekend!  :P
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 02, 2012, 05:14:18 PM
Welcome to the Albion Ben. The only money to be spent by us this widow spent wisely
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Greenock Baggie on July 02, 2012, 05:42:08 PM
Welcome to the Albion Ben. The only money to be spent by us this widow spent wisely
Eh ??, you been on the Cider again Glyn ?? Can we have that again in English  :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on September 13, 2012, 07:29:20 PM
WBAFCofficial ?@WBAFCofficial

@BenFoster I didn't have any talks with QPR in the summer and I wouldn't have gone there anyway. I'm settled in the area

WBAFCofficial ?@WBAFCofficial

@BenFoster Since I retired from England I've enjoyed my life a lot more as I get to see my kids a lot more. Family life is everything to me

WBAFCofficial ?@WBAFCofficial

@BenFoster If someone tried to chip me at a penalty I'd love to stand there and catch it, it's just rude! #don'ttakethemickey


Good to know that. Got serious man love for this bloke  :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: gav_sw20 on September 20, 2012, 01:09:13 AM
Well after years of living in the same town as him and following the Albion home and Away for 16 years I've finally bumped into Foster  :D

I play in the local District Snooker League and came up against the team that he represents and must say he's a really genuine bloke. He walked in the snooker room and I was like a kid in a sweet shop...I'm 35 by the way !!!

I played against his Dad and Ben reffed and I had a bit of a natter with him throughout the game, then had a proper chat after. It's nice to see a different side to footballers having a laugh and a joke down the local rather than them being splashed all over the media etc...

He's a really nice guy who was happy to talk honestly about the game and was genuinely happy to be playing for the Club.

He even walked up to me later and said "hey Gav, fancy a pint ?" later on in the evening too. Could you imagine "insert Prem footballer here" remembering someone's name in a club let alone buying them a drink !

Proof that regardless of what you see in the media about £200k a week footballers there really are some good guys out there.

#overthemooneventhoughhisdadbeatmeonthepink
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WSBaggie on September 20, 2012, 01:12:56 AM
Well after years of living in the same town as him and following the Albion home and Away for 16 years I've finally bumped into Foster  :D

I play in the local District Snooker League and came up against the team that he represents and must say he's a really genuine bloke. He walked in the snooker room and I was like a kid in a sweet shop...I'm 35 by the way !!!

I played against his Dad and Ben reffed and I had a bit of a natter with him throughout the game, then had a proper chat after. It's nice to see a different side to footballers having a laugh and a joke down the local rather than them being splashed all over the media etc...

He's a really nice guy who was happy to talk honestly about the game and was genuinely happy to be playing for the Club.

He even walked up to me later and said "hey Gav, fancy a pint ?" later on in the evening too. Could you imagine "insert Prem footballer here" remembering someone's name in a club let alone buying them a drink !

Proof that regardless of what you see in the media about £200k a week footballers there really are some good guys out there.

#overthemooneventhoughhisdadbeatmeonthepink

Good to hear mate. He strikes me as a real bloke and down to earth with the rest of us. If I was to pick a player to meet I wouldn't mind it been him, Ridgewell or Morrison. They all come across as real decent guys which is difficult to find nowadays in football.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Quakes Fan on September 20, 2012, 01:18:18 AM
The real news will be when someone doesn't come away thinking what a top bloke that Ben Foster is.  ;) Hasn't happened yet, to my knowledge.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBArgo on September 20, 2012, 01:34:41 AM
Does he live in Leamington? If so where was it you met him/where abouts? #stalker.

I remember when I met Gera and he was quite quiet and humble, probably not as confident as Foster sounds but it really did make my day :)

Some footballers are genuinely nice people!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tremtastic on September 20, 2012, 09:46:20 AM
I reckon our scouts consider the players' personalities when looking at them. All of our players seem down to earth blokes. We don't want any prima donnas in the dressing room.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: rubyruby on September 20, 2012, 11:29:03 AM
I reckon our scouts consider the players' personalities when looking at them. All of our players seem down to earth blokes. We don't want any prima donnas in the dressing room.

Shouldnt be under estimated this aspect of our recruitment policy. I think it has been given far more consideration than a lot of clubs give it. Pulling the right group together is possibly more important than putting together the best.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dont ask me to choose luv on September 20, 2012, 11:44:31 AM
Well after years of living in the same town as him and following the Albion home and Away for 16 years I've finally bumped into Foster  :D

I play in the local District Snooker League and came up against the team that he represents and must say he's a really genuine bloke. He walked in the snooker room and I was like a kid in a sweet shop...I'm 35 by the way !!!

I played against his Dad and Ben reffed and I had a bit of a natter with him throughout the game, then had a proper chat after. It's nice to see a different side to footballers having a laugh and a joke down the local rather than them being splashed all over the media etc...

He's a really nice guy who was happy to talk honestly about the game and was genuinely happy to be playing for the Club.

He even walked up to me later and said "hey Gav, fancy a pint ?" later on in the evening too. Could you imagine "insert Prem footballer here" remembering someone's name in a club let alone buying them a drink !

Proof that regardless of what you see in the media about £200k a week footballers there really are some good guys out there.

#overthemooneventhoughhisdadbeatmeonthepink

Great story mate (one for the grand kids).

Kind of restores your faith in top sportsmen when someone like Ben does this & out playing snooker with his Dad, the reports of him being a big family man are obviously bang on.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: gerry m on September 22, 2012, 12:05:59 PM
just read in the Daily Star that Ben has over 300 pairs of trainers with the most expensive costing £4,000 :o he states 'it does border on the obsessive but i just love trainers' :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Sessegod on September 22, 2012, 01:01:14 PM
just read in the Daily Star that Ben has over 300 pairs of trainers with the most expensive costing £4,000 :o he states 'it does border on the obsessive but i just love trainers' :D

I think his 4k ones the money went to charity.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: the rainbow turn east on September 22, 2012, 01:45:45 PM
I also love my trainers and buy a pair almost every month,
the most ive ever paid is £120 for some Air Jordans.
If Ben Foster spent £4K on some sneakers then surely they must be made of gold.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on September 22, 2012, 02:21:30 PM
I also love my trainers and buy a pair almost every month,
the most ive ever paid is £120 for some Air Jordans.
If Ben Foster spent £4K on some sneakers then surely they must be made of gold.
I believe they are the limited editions of the boots worn by Marty McFly in Back to the future II. There aren't many in existence so they fetched a pretty penny at initial auction
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Quakes Fan on October 15, 2012, 08:00:11 PM
Ben Foster lauds West Bromwich Albion coach Dean Kiely


Ben Foster has cited the guidance and help of Dean Kiely as the key to his excellent form for Albion since his arrival from Blues. The goalkeeper was named the club’s player of the year during his loan spell at The Hawthorns last year. He has continued his consistency so far this season.

Kiely, Albion’s goalkeeping coach, has been key to Foster’ progress over the last 14 months or so – not least as he knows how to gauge the No.1’s fitness during the course of a week.

“He’s exactly what I need as a goalkeeper,” said Foster. “I’m 29 and have had a few injuries in the past. He knows I might not be able to train early on in the week, knowing it’s a good time for me to have a little rest and get the body right. Once we get into Wednesday, Thursday and Friday we work very hard and he tailors training towards my requirements. He’s like me – he’s very laid-back, he takes things in his stride and I appreciate that. He doesn’t put pressure on me. He’s calm, just like I am.”

Albion hope to continue their good start to the season against Manchester City this weekend. Despite the club’s opening seven games, Foster is well aware that Albion’s main objective is to avoid any threat of relegation. Survival remains the club’s initial aim.

“The target is 40 points,” he added. “Once we get to 40 points only then can we start to reassess things and start looking at things differently. Let’s get safe first. If we do that and still have five, six or seven games left then we’ll move on to other aims onwards and upwards. But there are probably about 14 teams in this league who want to just get safe.

“The top six will have other battles on their minds, for the rest of us we are in a scrap. But, saying that, if you put the Premier League into tiers in terms of resources, etc, then the likes of Everton and Newcastle are probably above us but we’re not too far away. The gap between the 14 and the rest is getting smaller, which is why the likes of Manchester City and United are finding it tougher this season.”


http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/west-bromwich-albion-fc-news/2012/10/15/ben-foster-lauds-west-bromwich-albion-coach-dean-kiely-97319-32032185/
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Tipton Baggie on October 15, 2012, 09:21:21 PM
foster seems really down to earth, more to life than football he says...which i think is absoloutley bang on and fair play to him for coming out and saying that, to many footballers these days say the same old thing
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dudleylad on October 15, 2012, 09:35:54 PM
Interestingly last season Kiely commented how Foster was a pleasure to work with after Kielys experience coaching other keepers.


Kiely in all fairness knows everything their is too know about keeping in this country and he seems to have found a willing pupil in Foster.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on October 16, 2012, 04:30:47 PM
So great to hear that Foster and Kiely have a great relationship, too very good keepers.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on October 16, 2012, 09:48:00 PM
I said at the time and I'll say it again, Foster is the most important signing this summer.
You need a good, positive communicator at the back who will give the defence confidence and Foster sounds all of that. Hope he will be there for years to come.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: A5HB on October 17, 2012, 09:20:36 AM
So great to hear that Foster and Kiely have a great relationship, too very good keepers.
Pretty sure they were friends before Foster came here. They are from the same area so think Kiely has followed his career and they have become close during their playing careers. Kiely, and Hodgson, was a big reason why Foster initially decided to come last year.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggies on October 20, 2012, 12:39:39 PM
With Clarke this week calling Ben the "best keeper in the world" (he admitted this was because he played for us more than anything), it does beg the question, where does Foster rank amongst the other keepers in the league?

Joe Hart is seen at the moment as up there with the best goalkeepers in the world and as the best English goalkeeper, but Ben Foster must be the second best goalkeeper around today. Looking elsewhere, David Ge Gea still struggling to find his feet at Man Utd, Petr Cech aging at Chelsea and Pepe Reina going through a tough spell at Liverpool, I dont think it is that over the top to suggest Ben Foster has  shout to be the second best goalkeeper in the league at the moment. Certainly on form you cant really argue with him and since we have signed him we have stopped worrying about there being a calamity when te ball goes towards the box.

Am i Crazy o suggest he would push for a place in any team in the league?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on October 20, 2012, 12:43:00 PM
On current form he is the best goalkeeper in the league in my opinion.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on October 20, 2012, 01:22:55 PM
I wouldn't say best, Hart is a better keeper and is less prone to gaffs throughout his career. Just as clarke said, Hart is the best in the country because he plays for England, Foster's the best because he plays for me.

I'd say realistically if every keeper's on his game, he'd be around 5-6th in the table in my brain. because of those that you listed, Foster isn't quite Cech, but is better than De Gea, but there is still Linndergard (who still isn't quite as good but imo very good)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on October 20, 2012, 06:58:57 PM
I would say he is up there, Hart and Cech are too of the best keepers in the Prem at the mintue.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on October 20, 2012, 08:04:43 PM
 He's made two bad mistakes in his last 3 games... I'd put him between 6th and 8th in the Premier League. Best keeper we've had for donkey's though.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: FallOutBoy on October 20, 2012, 09:01:22 PM
I wouldn't say that Cech is all that great. He's made a few mistakes, and since the incident at Reading he isn't as brave in coming out for the ball (understandably so).

I couldn't begin to put a rank on keepers, but hes the best we've had in years, and thats all that matters.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dexy on October 20, 2012, 09:05:53 PM
One thing i will say about that mistake from Foster today is i blame G-Mac and Olsson just as much, to allow Dzeko room to get a run together and pretty much a free header is poor by their high standards from a free kick.Im guessing Foster saw this and tried to deal with it but couldn't get there in time.Take the blame as a team.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on October 20, 2012, 10:06:38 PM
In nearly fifty games for us, I can only think of a handful of errors that he has made.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: rubyruby on October 20, 2012, 10:23:39 PM
One thing i will say about that mistake from Foster today is i blame G-Mac and Olsson just as much, to allow Dzeko room to get a run together and pretty much a free header is poor by their high standards from a free kick.Im guessing Foster saw this and tried to deal with it but couldn't get there in time.Take the blame as a team.

To answer the thread right up there in the top 5 or 6. But I agree Dexy the defence didnt deal with the ball but Dzeko is a superb player. How Fannytelli gets in their team ahead of him is a mystery? He looks a great team player too which is more than you can say about MB
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on October 21, 2012, 04:31:51 PM
One thing i will say about that mistake from Foster today is i blame G-Mac and Olsson just as much, to allow Dzeko room to get a run together and pretty much a free header is poor by their high standards from a free kick.Im guessing Foster saw this and tried to deal with it but couldn't get there in time.Take the blame as a team.

I can't agree with that Dexy I'm afraid.

Foster made a judgement call and got it horribly wrong. Watching it again on Football First was incredibly painful because it looked so basic just to stay on your line. Foster came, stopped, and then decided to come again and that in-decision has killed him. The more annoying thing is that if he does stay on his line he probably catches it anyway.

We were defending a few yards to deep in my opinion. Saying that, credit to Dzeko for getting there, he's an absolute brute in the air and he, Kompany and Yaya Toure certainly made us defend a yard or two deeper than what we normally would.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on October 21, 2012, 04:45:21 PM
 The more annoying thing is that if he does stay on his line he probably catches it anyway.


That's with hindsight. It could just as easily have flown past him either side, if he'd stayed on his line.  I think he tried to  do the right thing coming out for it, but Dzeko is very tall and powerful in the air.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on October 21, 2012, 05:03:07 PM
Thought this was interesting. Enjoy!

http://thepremierleagueowl.com/why-ben-foster-is-perfect-for-west-brom/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=why-ben-foster-is-perfect-for-west-brom
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on October 21, 2012, 05:05:02 PM
Thanks for the link mate, a good read.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on October 21, 2012, 05:16:50 PM
The more annoying thing is that if he does stay on his line he probably catches it anyway.


That's with hindsight. It could just as easily have flown past him either side, if he'd stayed on his line.  I think he tried to  do the right thing coming out for it, but Dzeko is very tall and powerful in the air.

I guess it is with hindsight but given the nature of the delivery it would have been extremely hard for Edin Dzeko to have directed the ball anywhere else. Given the nature of the cross the only place he could have put it was down the middle which is where Foster should have been but instead he's tried getting to a ball he has no chance of claiming.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on October 21, 2012, 05:24:30 PM
MOTD live commentary (for what they're worth) believed he came out the second time to cover Richard's jump as he came in behind. Maybe he did trust his CB's to cover Dzeko but couldn't cover Richards too... We'll never know now sadly, but still had a decent game bar that.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albion79 on October 21, 2012, 05:49:30 PM
The Premier League Owl makes some good  points but i think to highlight their point they would of been better to of identified other errors Foster has made in the Premier League this season which have led to goals (to which i am pretty sure there are none - Premier League (not Capital One cup!)

A lot of what they say i agree with but i think to call that he has found his level because of a mistake vs Man City, on that basis Joe Hart shouldnt really be England keeper because he did the same vs Poland, he came and missed it, Foster did the same.

If they do this reguarly then you have a problem but to my knowledge i cant remember Foster doing it so far this season or last, it is quite possibly true what the Premier League Owl says but i think you need a bit more than one mistake, no matter who its against to say a keeper cannot play for a top club, that doesnt apply to just Foster with my Albion bias glasses on, it applies to any goalie who that fault is levelled at.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dexy on October 21, 2012, 08:03:42 PM
I can't agree with that Dexy I'm afraid.

Foster made a judgement call and got it horribly wrong. Watching it again on Football First was incredibly painful because it looked so basic just to stay on your line. Foster came, stopped, and then decided to come again and that in-decision has killed him. The more annoying thing is that if he does stay on his line he probably catches it anyway.

We were defending a few yards to deep in my opinion. Saying that, credit to Dzeko for getting there, he's an absolute brute in the air and he, Kompany and Yaya Toure certainly made us defend a yard or two deeper than what we normally would.
You said it yourself though Liam," Dzeko gets there" but for me he gets there far too easy as ive posted earlier in the thread.Foster makes the mistake but theres no way Dzeko should get a run like that made all the more annoying as that sort of defending is what we do well in general.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: spencer Baggie on October 21, 2012, 08:39:51 PM
Aside from the mistake, he made some terrific saves yesterday. The one from Balotelli was top draw.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: botters on October 21, 2012, 09:02:00 PM
I think that you really have to give Dzeko credit, he is suberb in the air and he beat both our keeper and defenders to the ball. To me Dzeko is City's best forward the game changed dramatically when he came on!
   
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hong Kong Phooey on October 21, 2012, 09:33:53 PM
Without doubt on a par with Joe Hart at Manchester City.

He would improve every other club in the PL with the possible exception of Chelsea and Liverpool - and that only as he would struggle to displace Cech and Reina due to their status and experience at those clubs.

The fact that he is here, and enjoys it here, keeps us one step ahead of a possible relegation battle.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: chipperclark on October 21, 2012, 11:41:07 PM
The more annoying thing is that if he does stay on his line he probably catches it anyway.


That's with hindsight. It could just as easily have flown past him either side, if he'd stayed on his line.  I think he tried to  do the right thing coming out for it, but Dzeko is very tall and powerful in the air.
:D A lot of people on this forum are having a bit of a go at Foster (I am an ex Keeper),not one person on the forum applauded the astonishing save he made from Tevez,which was world class and would have been a certain goal.
I think he has made 2 mistakes in 2 years,and probably stopped 50 goals with outstanding saves.
I agree with SC we have the best keeper in the world.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: GrGr on October 22, 2012, 12:05:32 AM
:D A lot of people on this forum are having a bit of a go at Foster (I am an ex Keeper),not one person on the forum applauded the astonishing save he made from Tevez,which was world class and would have been a certain goal.
I think he has made 2 mistakes in 2 years,and probably stopped 50 goals with outstanding saves.
I agree with SC we have the best keeper in the world.

The best keeper in the world? Ok, that's a bit of hyperbole. The very best keepers do not make such vital mistakes with 10 mins to go. I think Ben is a brilliant keeper for us but he cannot make such mistakes as they are so damn costly, and I hope he learns from this one. Don't make trouble for yourself where there is none to start with. Hart stood calmly on his line and saved Lukaku's header and overhead kick. That saved the game for City, while Foster's mistake, imo, played a big part in us throwing the game away. 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on October 22, 2012, 12:32:38 AM
The best keeper in the world? Ok, that's a bit of hyperbole. The very best keepers do not make such vital mistakes with 10 mins to go. I think Ben is a brilliant keeper for us but he cannot make such mistakes as they are so damn costly, and I hope he learns from this one. Don't make trouble for yourself where there is none to start with. Hart stood calmly on his line and saved Lukaku's header and overhead kick. That saved the game for City, while Foster's mistake, imo, played a big part in us throwing the game away.
I'm sure Buffon and Lloris and cech and Casillas and Reina and Neuer and Hart have all made mistakes in their carrers like this, hell we KNOW Hart has.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on October 22, 2012, 01:31:41 AM
:D A lot of people on this forum are having a bit of a go at Foster (I am an ex Keeper),not one person on the forum applauded the astonishing save he made from Tevez,which was world class and would have been a certain goal.
I think he has made 2 mistakes in 2 years,and probably stopped 50 goals with outstanding saves.
I agree with SC we have the best keeper in the world.

He's dropped two clangers in the last 4 weeks...

I love Fozzy but he has to take the blame for the equaliser and he is most certainly not the second or third best keeper in the division.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Quakes Fan on October 22, 2012, 05:12:00 AM
:D A lot of people on this forum are having a bit of a go at Foster (I am an ex Keeper),not one person on the forum applauded the astonishing save he made from Tevez,which was world class and would have been a certain goal.

One did.

Wonderful save by Foster.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on October 22, 2012, 08:08:29 AM
MOTD live commentary (for what they're worth) believed he came out the second time to cover Richard's jump as he came in behind. Maybe he did trust his CB's to cover Dzeko but couldn't cover Richards too... We'll never know now sadly, but still had a decent game bar that.
To extend what I put earlier, now that I've seen their first goal in clear video a few times it does look to me that Foster only comes out to cover Micah Richards' run, it's who he runs to and it's who he tries to punch above, I don't think Dzeko was even in his mind at getting there.

So it looks like this:-
Foster comes to block Dzeko
Foster sees Both CB's on Dzeko so stops
Foster sees Richards and comes again to out punch Richards
Foster gets above Richards but Dzeko gets the ball, too late to turn and save.
goal.

seems about right
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Signor_Maresca on October 22, 2012, 12:05:35 PM
I would say Hart is the best goalkeeper in the league at the moment.

Then I don't think there's too much between Foster, Al Habsi and Krul.  Foster's not far off Hart, but Hart has a few more years of development on Foster.

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/west-bromwich-albion-keeper-ben-294814
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: rubyruby on October 22, 2012, 04:38:33 PM
I would say Hart is the best goalkeeper in the league at the moment.

Then I don't think there's too much between Foster, Al Habsi and Krul.  Foster's not far off Hart, but Hart has a few more years of development on Foster.

Cant mention Al Habsi or Krul without Pepe Reina who for me is better than both those two Maresca.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Quakes Fan on November 07, 2012, 06:01:27 AM
This was the conversation on about the 15th minute during the Southampton game between ESPN commentators Ian Darke and Steve McManaman.


Ian Darke: "Strangely, he [Foster] said he doesn't want to play for England, unless it becomes some kind of emergency. Does seem pretty odd to me. Only twenty-nine years of age still."

Steve McManaman: "I think he just feels aggrieved, Ian, he's been overlooked that many times -- in what, an eight-, nine-year career? -- that he just feels like he's never going to play."

Ian Darke: "Well I don't go along with that."

Steve McManaman: "No, I know. I know."

Ian Darke: "I mean does he deserve to be the number one?"

Steve McManaman: "No, I don't think so."

Ian Darke: "No. Well there you go."

Steve McManaman: "And he feels now that Joe Hart's going to be number one for a long time."

Ian Darke: "So he doesn't fancy traveling to be the reserve."

Steve McManaman: "Correct. Correct."

Ian Darke: "Just as well everybody doesn't have that attit-...approach."

Steve McManaman: "I agree."


 ::)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on November 07, 2012, 11:12:26 AM
Whenever asked about Foster its a bit like eing a judge on xfactor , whatever you say will either be boooooed or applauded.
I think he is a good guy , genuinely happy to be here and is a generally good goal keeper and decent enough for us.
I also think he is prone to one mistake per match , distribution is not as good as Carson , slightly overated by our fans.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Signor_Maresca on November 07, 2012, 11:48:03 AM
Cant mention Al Habsi or Krul without Pepe Reina who for me is better than both those two Maresca.

Would have agreed with you 18 months ago, not anymore though, his form has been in decline for a while.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dexy on November 07, 2012, 12:11:22 PM
This was the conversation on about the 15th minute during the Southampton game between ESPN commentators Ian Darke and Steve McManaman.


Ian Darke: "Strangely, he [Foster] said he doesn't want to play for England, unless it becomes some kind of emergency. Does seem pretty odd to me. Only twenty-nine years of age still."

Steve McManaman: "I think he just feels aggrieved, Ian, he's been overlooked that many times -- in what, an eight-, nine-year career? -- that he just feels like he's never going to play."

Ian Darke: "Well I don't go along with that."

Steve McManaman: "No, I know. I know."

Ian Darke: "I mean does he deserve to be the number one?"

Steve McManaman: "No, I don't think so."

Ian Darke: "No. Well there you go."

Steve McManaman: "And he feels now that Joe Hart's going to be number one for a long time."

Ian Darke: "So he doesn't fancy traveling to be the reserve."

Steve McManaman: "Correct. Correct."

Ian Darke: "Just as well everybody doesn't have that attit-...approach."

Steve McManaman: "I agree."


 ::)
As usual regarding media and the Albion their wrong, Foster as most will know had a lot of injuries when younger and in fact it's not unusual he misses a day or two training with us after a game so that's one major factor. The other major factor is Foster is a big family man as we know when he signed for us permanently,clearly he feels Premier football takes up enough time away from his kids. I was lucky enough to bump into him on holiday during the summer and as everyone says he really is a true family bloke.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbastrollers on November 07, 2012, 12:15:07 PM
Whenever asked about Foster its a bit like eing a judge on xfactor , whatever you say will either be boooooed or applauded.
I think he is a good guy , genuinely happy to be here and is a generally good goal keeper and decent enough for us.
I also think he is prone to one mistake per match , distribution is not as good as Carson , slightly overated by our fans.

Unbelievable!! :o should we get Carson back? and live in fear every time the ball goes anywhere near our goal.
I presume by your comments you are an ardent fan of Carson  :)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: rajesh-wba on November 07, 2012, 12:46:11 PM
Whenever asked about Foster its a bit like eing a judge on xfactor , whatever you say will either be boooooed or applauded.
I think he is a good guy , genuinely happy to be here and is a generally good goal keeper and decent enough for us.
I also think he is prone to one mistake per match , distribution is not as good as Carson , slightly overated by our fans.

One of Foster's greatest assets is the confidence he gives off. I think that goes unnoticed. Yes - he is prone to the odd error - which Goalkeeper isn't? But I believe there is still development in his game. Many tend to forget he is only 29. They generally say the peak years for a Goalkeeper are 30-35. I would also have to disagree with you on distribution. For me he's an excellent all-round Goalkeeper.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on November 07, 2012, 03:54:59 PM
Carson v Foster is a no contest. I was not Carson's biggest detractor on here but Foster is far better at dealing with crosses and dominates the area in a way that Carson never did. All players make mistakes, goalkeepers included but Foster makes less than most.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on November 07, 2012, 04:07:04 PM
well comparing the two as a whole is no contest but as the original post that got this going said, Carson was very good at distribution.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on November 07, 2012, 04:39:45 PM
Scott Carson at times was good but I never had that much confidence when the ball came into the penalty area. Carson was also a confidence player. I would have Ben Foster all day long over Carson.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Sessegod on November 07, 2012, 05:18:38 PM
Whenever asked about Foster its a bit like eing a judge on xfactor , whatever you say will either be boooooed or applauded.
I think he is a good guy , genuinely happy to be here and is a generally good goal keeper and decent enough for us.
I also think he is prone to one mistake per match , distribution is not as good as Carson , slightly overated by our fans.

Having a joke i think.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: OldburyWBA on November 07, 2012, 05:46:31 PM
Can we not turn this into another Carson bashing thread please.

The bloke has gone so lets leave him in the past.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on November 08, 2012, 10:59:48 AM
Having a joke i think.
Godemwhingie, I'm using your post to reply to a few..
Firstly I am not "having a laugh " nor "a Carson fan" , as is the norm on here people seem he'll bent on a him v him whenever a debate is started on 1 player..
I think my point about being booed or applauded as been proven,
I actually like Foster and think he is a good keeper , as stated by a previous post he still has time to learn , genuinely if you look at the kicking of Carson it was quite good and the outlet to brunt on the wing usually worked well, whilst I get behind all of our players and would never turn on any of them I also like to think I can talk objectively, there have been many situations were foster could / should have been better , man city(coming when he had no chance/got in way of centre back) kick v Everton, kick v qpr, pulling out v stoke , there are many , this does not make him bad just human and points towards a good keeper not one that is awesome....yet
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Signor_Maresca on November 08, 2012, 12:22:41 PM
CL's twitter:

'Ben Foster has gone to overseas' sports clinic to determine extent of groin injury.  Major doubt for Sat, maybe beyond.'

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/west-bromwich-albion-keeper-ben-294814
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Sessegod on November 08, 2012, 02:37:33 PM
Godemwhingie, I'm using your post to reply to a few..
Firstly I am not "having a laugh " nor "a Carson fan" , as is the norm on here people seem he'll bent on a him v him whenever a debate is started on 1 player..
I think my point about being booed or applauded as been proven,
I actually like Foster and think he is a good keeper , as stated by a previous post he still has time to learn , genuinely if you look at the kicking of Carson it was quite good and the outlet to brunt on the wing usually worked well, whilst I get behind all of our players and would never turn on any of them I also like to think I can talk objectively, there have been many situations were foster could / should have been better , man city(coming when he had no chance/got in way of centre back) kick v Everton, kick v qpr, pulling out v stoke , there are many , this does not make him bad just human and points towards a good keeper not one that is awesome....yet

Nice play on words - the whole thing is simple, how confident were you when a shot was aimed at Carson from outside the box to now with Foster in goal. Do you not think the back four have an insurmountable amount of confidence in Foster to when Carson.

I'm not bashing Carson, I like him at the Albion and thought he was a good keeper and just lacked confidence.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lewisant on November 08, 2012, 03:16:06 PM
rubbish!

We should have faith in Myhill he's very good back up but losing foster would be a big blow no doubt.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: rubyruby on November 08, 2012, 08:34:24 PM
Lets just hope he has better luck and form than Marton Fulop.................................... :o
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggies on November 08, 2012, 10:53:30 PM
Myhill will be adequate short term cover if necessary and the last time I saw him, pre season against Walsall he was the man of the match, but if Fosters injury starts to look more serious we will need to buy a goalkeeper in January.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on November 09, 2012, 12:42:59 AM
Lets just hope he has better luck and form than Marton Fulop.................................... :o
yeah, i mean Fulop's only issue was luck, bar the one game he looked decent, shame.  :(
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on November 09, 2012, 02:40:11 AM
yeah, i mean Fulop's only issue was luck, bar the one game he looked decent, shame.  :(

Not really, should have done a lot better with Fellaini's equaliser in the league cup and was horrific on the last day...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Quakes Fan on November 09, 2012, 03:47:54 AM
Not really, should have done a lot better with Fellaini's equaliser in the league cup and was horrific on the last day...

That Arsenal game was the worst goalkeeping I've ever seen.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BrummieBaggie68 on November 09, 2012, 06:56:10 AM
If myhill plays instead of foster, I don't know if I'll be able to get out of bed tomorrow, let alone get on a train to Wigan.

Nothing personal against the guy, but him playing would put a completely different complexion on the game. Indeed, I think it would make it considerably more likely that we will lose.

(I'm joking about not going, but I do feel completely differently about it. If myhill plays, it will feel like one of those games where you travel expecting to lose, rather than what it was: one where you feel there's at least an evens chance we'll win).
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Sessegod on November 09, 2012, 07:40:12 AM
I think Foster will play, like Clarke said they will manage the injury like Longs.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Adder on November 09, 2012, 08:11:31 AM
If myhill plays instead of foster, I don't know if I'll be able to get out of bed tomorrow, let alone get on a train to Wigan.

Nothing personal against the guy, but him playing would put a completely different complexion on the game. Indeed, I think it would make it considerably more likely that we will lose.

(I'm joking about not going, but I do feel completely differently about it. If myhill plays, it will feel like one of those games where you travel expecting to lose, rather than what it was: one where you feel there's at least an evens chance we'll win).
Can understand that - obviously hope that Myhill proves himself if he does play, but can't help thinking it would swing a fairly even difficult game from say 55-45 in Wigan's favour to more like 65-35.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albion79 on November 09, 2012, 10:03:09 AM
Would obviously much prefer Foster to play but Myhill is no mug, he is a good keeper too and i have no doubt short term if needed he would be fine.

To be fair the only real times he has played for us was when we were awful at the back, for him to come in behind a steady defence will be a big confidence boost to him personally and then he can hopefully give that confidence back to his defence.

Myhill also may have a point to prove, he is quite possibly playing for his future, maybe not with us but for a move elsewhere, worth remembering when he joined us the seasons leading upto it he was touted as a quality keeper, think he lost his way the last 3-4 months when Hull went down but when they got  promoted, first season in the Prem i think he was regarded as very good.

My concern with Fosters injury, and i dont know a lot about this sort of thing, its obviously an ongoing problem and something went a bit before the game Monday and it must be a concern for them to fly him to Germany 48 hours before a game, for me if its the case of resting it a couple of games and he is fine the rest of the season  then i would do that (of course he could get another injury but you know what i mean!) if its taking it game by game then so be it!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mat15(MH) on November 09, 2012, 11:08:52 AM
Can understand that - obviously hope that Myhill proves himself if he does play, but can't help thinking it would swing a fairly even difficult game from say 55-45 in Wigan's favour to more like 65-35.

I don't see that one player can effect the result so much. If a few players were out injured I would understand, but I can't see that the possibility of no Foster tips the scales heavily in Wigan's favour, particularly with the defence we have in front of him this time around compared to how it was under RDM.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DaveWBA on November 09, 2012, 11:43:41 AM
Hope Myhill comes in a performs. Foster needs some competition, seems a little complacent this season. At fault for our Carling Cup exit and cost us a point against Man City.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Adder on November 09, 2012, 01:02:29 PM
I don't see that one player can effect the result so much. If a few players were out injured I would understand, but I can't see that the possibility of no Foster tips the scales heavily in Wigan's favour, particularly with the defence we have in front of him this time around compared to how it was under RDM.
fair comment but just my feeling - losing a key player especially the keeper can slightly dent the confidence of the team as a whole even though no-one would admit it.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Londonbaggymike on November 10, 2012, 09:13:44 AM
I seriously doubt that Ben will be involved today. Olsson has been giving Myhill the big build-up on the OS so I'd expect him to play today. He is a decent keeper (I was very pleased when we signed him) I just hope he is match sharp and ready.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Black Pearl on November 10, 2012, 10:28:24 AM
I seriously doubt that Ben will be involved today. Olsson has been giving Myhill the big build-up on the OS so I'd expect him to play today. He is a decent keeper (I was very pleased when we signed him) I just hope he is match sharp and ready.

He is only just back from injury himself, hope he does himself justice, I agree, its likely he will play.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BrummieBaggie68 on November 10, 2012, 05:56:14 PM
If myhill plays instead of foster, I don't know if I'll be able to get out of bed tomorrow, let alone get on a train to Wigan.

Nothing personal against the guy, but him playing would put a completely different complexion on the game. Indeed, I think it would make it considerably more likely that we will lose.

(I'm joking about not going, but I do feel completely differently about it. If myhill plays, it will feel like one of those games where you travel expecting to lose, rather than what it was: one where you feel there's at least an evens chance we'll win).

Just to note how completely wrong I was. Very solid performance after so long out at this level. All credit to him.

In the unlikely event that you're reading this: sorry Boaz.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on November 10, 2012, 08:29:54 PM
 ;D
Just to note how completely wrong I was. Very solid performance after so long out at this level. All credit to him.

In the unlikely event that you're reading this: sorry Boaz.
Accepted, however after my first kick faux par, I admit I was a little nervous :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on November 23, 2012, 07:30:07 AM
Seems Fosters problem is worse than anticipated.

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/foster-groin-problem-gives-myhill-a-chance-8344623.html
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albionwarrior on November 27, 2012, 02:11:40 PM
Didn't hear Steve Clarke speak but from the sports comments it implied Foster may need further treatment/additional operation to sort his groin problem out.

The Silver lining being that the next group of games couldn't be better for Boaz when all things are taken into consideration ......... Swansea (A), Stoke (H), Arsenal (A) .... could be a busy day at the office. West Ham & Norwich (H), QPR (A).

If there is such a thing, a good time as any to be without Foster and given Myhill a chance to really bed in.


"We know what we are"
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on November 27, 2012, 03:00:33 PM
Even with the other surgery they seem to think he will only be out for a couple of weeks so nothing major.

I'm not convinced by Myhill one bit despite him doing ok so far, he pushes so many efforts straight back into a dangerous place so the sooner we get Foster fully fit the better.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on November 27, 2012, 03:13:14 PM
Even with the other surgery they seem to think he will only be out for a couple of weeks so nothing major.

I'm not convinced by Myhill one bit despite him doing ok so far, he pushes so many efforts straight back into a dangerous place so the sooner we get Foster fully fit the better.

My thoughts exactly.
No problems with him pushing shots away but he got out of jail on two occasions last week, becuase he pushed shots back into an area where strikers should be following up.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: rubyruby on November 27, 2012, 03:58:43 PM
My thoughts exactly.
No problems with him pushing shots away but he got out of jail on two occasions last week, becuase he pushed shots back into an area where strikers should be following up.

Although to be fair ive seen Fozzie do that a few times too. I think if you asked them they would tell you that the balls are so light and susceptible to movement in the air catching the thing is becoming a thing of the past particularly if its a stinger. Its actually the percentage play to parry the ball and rely on your defenders to react and clear. Not saying thats definately the case but it wouldnt surprise me
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: GrGr on November 27, 2012, 04:06:04 PM
Yeah, the modern ball dips and swerves in all kinds of directions. Some players like Gardner for Sunderland even try to hit them with under spin (both his free kicks) so the ball will dip suddenly (a favourite of Ronaldo's).

I'd rather see the keeper knock the ball anywhere than let is slide into the net or getting a hand to it but not managing to push it to the side and it ending up in the net. Fine, if you can steer it to the side but if not just save the bleeping thing. 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on November 27, 2012, 04:40:41 PM
Real shame about Foster, I would say on the whole Myhill has done well, one or too iffy moments on Saturday though.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Critical Baggie on November 27, 2012, 04:44:46 PM
Am I right in thinking Myhill has never kept a clean sheet in all of his league appearances for us?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on November 27, 2012, 04:50:51 PM
He has made 9 league apps for us and he hasn't kept a clean sheet. In cup games he has kept won at Leyton Orient when we won 2-0 10/11 season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BearwoodBaggie on November 27, 2012, 05:13:26 PM
Think he was unlucky with the 2 goals on Sat, but could maybe have done better... I think as others have said, he does not fill you with as much confidence as Ben. But Foster is a top quality keeper, one of the best in the league. Boaz is a more than decent back-up.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Londonbaggymike on November 27, 2012, 10:48:01 PM
On Saturday he was already moving when the ball cannoned of MAF's head then he made one hell of a save against fletched that dropped at sessignon's feet (nothing else he could have done). The Chelsea goal was also a wicked deflection. Cut the guy some slack. He's done well and who do you expect as our back up goalie? Peter shilton?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionBest on November 27, 2012, 11:06:05 PM
On Saturday he was already moving when the ball cannoned of MAF's head then he made one hell of a save against fletched that dropped at sessignon's feet (nothing else he could have done). The Chelsea goal was also a wicked deflection. Cut the guy some slack. He's done well and who do you expect as our back up goalie? Peter shilton?

Too be fair he played very well at Wigan and against Chelsea............it was only Saturday that he looked a little out of sorts. He's no Ben Foster but he's doing ok so far so let's get right behind him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BrummieBaggie68 on November 30, 2012, 09:21:48 AM
Does anybody know what is going on with his injury? Last I heard he'd had another minor operation on his groin and definitely wouldn't be playing tomorrow? Anybody any idea when we can expect him back?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on November 30, 2012, 09:28:18 AM
Does anybody know what is going on with his injury? Last I heard he'd had another minor operation on his groin and definitely wouldn't be playing tomorrow? Anybody any idea when we can expect him back?
another couple weeks expected, so probs back by West ham or the next game
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BrummieBaggie68 on November 30, 2012, 09:40:14 AM
Good. Thanks. As long as they do fix it and he's back within a couple more weeks or so, I'll settle for that.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: GrGr on November 30, 2012, 10:28:29 AM
Good. Thanks. As long as they do fix it and he's back within a couple more weeks or so, I'll settle for that.

Out of curiosity, what will you do if Ben isn't back in a couple of weeks or so?  :P
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BrummieBaggie68 on November 30, 2012, 01:38:38 PM
Out of curiosity, what will you do if Ben isn't back in a couple of weeks or so?  :P

I will probably collapse under the stress of it all.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smudger 2007 on November 30, 2012, 02:07:56 PM
Could do with Ben back rather quickly.I actually think myhills done ok so far. but the defence looks alot less certain these last few games. Myhill doesn't seem to command his box or come for any crosses.Which i think foster does well.Cant slate myhill though by any means.Cant remember any of the goals hes let in since he has been back in the team being solely his fault. possibly could have done better with a couple perhaps.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: east-stand-nick on December 01, 2012, 07:42:15 AM
I just hope this isn't one of those injuries where the player is ALWAYS a couple of weeks away from returning =/
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggieboyfred on December 01, 2012, 08:26:40 AM
I just hope this isn't one of those injuries where the player is ALWAYS a couple of weeks away from returning =/
its a worrying thought but you are right he would not be the first
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: chipperclark on December 11, 2012, 10:52:48 PM
 :o Anybody heard how he is getting on with his recovery???
Seems to be no news on his progress?......Hope this is not going to be a Mozza (with his heel problem)out for 3-4 months?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: east-stand-nick on December 11, 2012, 11:36:38 PM
The fears in my earlier post are becoming increasingly realised :(
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on December 12, 2012, 01:00:03 AM
The fears in my earlier post are becoming increasingly realised :(
hardly, the club said it would be at least two weeks..... It has now been two weeks. He's not been delayed, injured again or anything else, we'll find out closer to the play date if he's fully fit or not risked.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hull Baggie on December 12, 2012, 09:55:57 AM
On 27th November he had second groin operation. Club said it'd be 7-10 days which should mean he's fit this weekend......no updates on O/S though.

Agree that defence, Olsson in particular, don't seem to have much faith in Myhill, but he's what we have so better to get behind him (literally maybe!).
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on December 12, 2012, 09:57:26 AM
On 27th November he had second groin operation. Club said it'd be 7-10 days which should mean he's fit this weekend......no updates on O/S though.

Agree that defence, Olsson in particular, don't seem to have much faith in Myhill, but he's what we have so better to get behind him (literally maybe!).

That sounds really good then, cant wait to see him between the sticks again.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on December 12, 2012, 01:42:54 PM
On 27th November he had second groin operation. Club said it'd be 7-10 days which should mean he's fit this weekend......no updates on O/S though.

When the injury update before arsenal came out, it said we had a clean bill of health (before Yacob's obviously) bar Foster but he was on schedule, but that West Ham may be too soon.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wdbroun on December 18, 2012, 09:47:36 PM
Allow me to scoot out onto a limb here, perhaps a fairly short and sturdy limb, but nonetheless a potentially very breakable branch of my footy logic:

More than any other single factor, the injury to Ben Foster nether-parts has hurt us in the last four games.

Could it be that simple? Does it explain something that goes beyond the sum of the various errors and shortcomings?

Do many of Albion's European dreams now lie prone at the altar of a certain goalkeeper's hip abductor muscles???
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on December 19, 2012, 09:32:22 AM
Allow me to scoot out onto a limb here, perhaps a fairly short and sturdy limb, but nonetheless a potentially very breakable branch of my footy logic:

More than any other single factor, the injury to Ben Foster nether-parts has hurt us in the last four games.

Could it be that simple? Does it explain something that goes beyond the sum of the various errors and shortcomings?

Do many of Albion's European dreams now lie prone at the altar of a certain goalkeeper's hip abductor muscles???

Have to say your probably right. Defense looks a bit more edgy (see Olsson taking the abll away from Myhill against Stoke), I think when he's back the defence will be more confident and the distribution from the keeper should be better as well. I've said it before Myhill is an adequate stand in but not a direct replacement.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Black Pearl on December 19, 2012, 09:52:35 AM
The role of a keeper these days goes way beyond shot stopping, (which Myhill is arguably better at than Foster), the distribution is vital, the change of phase of play from defence to attack is one of the key areas of the modern game, the communication between keeper and defence and the control of the penalty box, all of these areas, Foster is superior to Myhill, plus Foster has a certain authority which all the best keepers have.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on February 28, 2013, 10:58:43 AM
According to SKY sources, Foster has now made himself available to play for England.

He's been very good the last few games, especially after his performance at Anfield. He was superb that day and backed it up against Sunderland with some fine saves. The one from Stephanne Sessegnon in the second half when he dribbled around three players was top drawer.

England, England's number one!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on February 28, 2013, 11:02:14 AM
Yeah I saw it mentioned in the Brum Mail earlier that he was considering ending his England exile. Slightly surprising if true but he's certainly good enough to compete with Hart.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on February 28, 2013, 11:09:44 AM
I guess the prospect of going to a world cup (which should England qualify he'd almost certainly make) is a huge draw to a player, he might not be able to oust Hart (although on current form they're a lot closer than status suggests) but he's by far and away England's second best keeper.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Bilston Dan on February 28, 2013, 11:48:34 AM
According to SKY sources, Foster has now made himself available to play for England.

He's been very good the last few games, especially after his performance at Anfield. He was superb that day and backed it up against Sunderland with some fine saves. The one from Stephanne Sessegnon in the second half when he dribbled around three players was top drawer.

England, England's number one!

Haha we can finally chant that without being laughed at now!

I'm sure, form wise, that Foster is possibly one of the best keepers in the league. Hart has dipped in recent months, it could be an opportunity for Ben. Good luck and fair play to him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on February 28, 2013, 12:28:49 PM
Haha we can finally chant that without being laughed at now!

I'm sure, form wise, that Foster is possibly one of the best keepers in the league. Hart has dipped in recent months, it could be an opportunity for Ben. Good luck and fair play to him.
Until he drops a rick in an England match, gets vilified by media and away fans every week so his confidence is shot to pieces and we suffer as a consequence!  :-X
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Gaffer on February 28, 2013, 12:37:04 PM
Until he drops a rick in an England match, gets vilified by media and away fans every week so his confidence is shot to pieces and we suffer as a consequence!  :-X


Nothing like looking on the bright side is there?  ::)

Lets put it this way, Foster is a completely different league to the last goalkeeper we had associated with England (Carson).

I think he is certainly good enough to be England's number two keeper and to genuinely push Hart for the first choice spot.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Quakes Fan on February 28, 2013, 12:47:13 PM
You'd have to think RH and DA have been working on him to play for England.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: the rainbow turn east on February 28, 2013, 01:27:55 PM
Got to be the best 4M Jeremy Peace has ever spent and if it wasnt for Foster then I doubt Albion would be
where they are in the league.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on February 28, 2013, 04:03:32 PM
Hart needs more competition, Hart is a great keeper but I don't really see that much competition. Would love to see Foster in an England shirt.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: costa blanca baggie on February 28, 2013, 04:14:47 PM
This could possibly re-ignite my interest in watching England games.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lordbaggie on February 28, 2013, 08:37:18 PM
Anyone notice how, suddenly - now he's coming back to the international scene - Ben is now described not as the West Brom keeper but the ex - Man Utd keeper.

You have to laff  ::)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggieboyfred on March 01, 2013, 09:44:21 PM
no doubt about it  foster along with hart are the best 2 english keepers around at the moment by a country mile, Hart deservedly has the number one spot at the moment, but should he get injured or have a poor run of form, foster will not weaken the england team, i am glad he has reconsidered  i would like to think that he changed his mind about making himself available again, partly because he is in a good place at the moment and very happy being at the baggies
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: gerry m on March 01, 2013, 09:52:03 PM
Anyone notice how, suddenly - now he's coming back to the international scene - Ben is now described not as the West Brom keeper but the ex - Man Utd keeper.

You have to laff  ::)

shows how pathetic the media are >:(
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggies on March 01, 2013, 10:37:57 PM
It is always nice to be able to say you have an England international playing for you, even if the standards has slipped nowadays.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: rubyruby on March 02, 2013, 08:51:56 AM
It is always nice to be able to say you have an England international playing for you, even if the standards has slipped nowadays.

Take your point Baggies although Bens certainly havnt judging on recent form. Would of thought he would be pressing for inclusion in some of the more illustrious squads of the past?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on March 02, 2013, 07:17:51 PM
He had another excllent game today, a simply fantastic keeper who I hope we see for England soon.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dudleylad on March 03, 2013, 12:11:49 PM
Sly Roy and Dan in the crowd yesterday shows just how highly thought of Foster is.

Given Fosters comments in the past you would think hes been given some sort of assurances regarding the part they want him to play.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on March 03, 2013, 01:25:30 PM
He deserves a chance in the England side, he has performed well all season. This would also give Hart more competition which I feel he needs.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on March 03, 2013, 07:53:25 PM
Have always said that hart , whilst ok is overated.
There is a concern that foster can be persuaded, remember when he said he wanted to stay local?, what happens after a few trips to team up with England and he thinks 60mins on the m40 ain't too bad if arsenal, spurs, Chelsea put a bid in?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: crazedwbafan18 on March 03, 2013, 11:58:55 PM
great guy, passionate for the club and honest. quite laid back as well, so glad hes at the hawthorns.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BrummieBaggie68 on March 04, 2013, 05:37:01 AM
I would pick foster over hart.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on March 04, 2013, 08:12:11 AM
He has got ot be one of the best keepers in the Country.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Adder on March 04, 2013, 06:21:01 PM
Have always said that hart , whilst ok is overated.
There is a concern that foster can be persuaded, remember when he said he wanted to stay local?, what happens after a few trips to team up with England and he thinks 60mins on the m40 ain't too bad if arsenal, spurs, Chelsea put a bid in?
I don't think we've got worries there. If we stay in the prem he'll stay with us. He doesn't seem over motivated by the need to win trophys or get a fatter paycheck.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Pelsall_Baggie on March 04, 2013, 06:48:55 PM
It is always nice to be able to say you have an England international playing for you, even if the standards has slipped nowadays.
I don't see that being the case at all. I believe the standard, with Foster in the mix now, is better than its been for a long time.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on March 10, 2013, 09:36:38 AM
I can only think of tame shot from Swansea that he had to deal with Yesterday.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Adamstv on March 10, 2013, 10:29:21 AM
I can only think of tame shot from Swansea that he had to deal with Yesterday.

Is that a testimony to how well the defence played or how poor Swansea were in attack   ( bearing in mind they hadn't scored for 7 hours previous away from home!!!)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Londonbaggymike on March 10, 2013, 10:49:25 AM
I can only think of tame shot from Swansea that he had to deal with Yesterday.

Came out and saved well at someone's feet in 2nd half. But to be fair he wasn't busy which is credit to the defence.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on March 10, 2013, 10:55:30 AM
Big credit to the defence. Its a great feeling to restrict a side like Swansea to so few shots on target.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Londonbaggymike on March 10, 2013, 11:53:39 AM
Big credit to the defence. Its a great feeling to restrict a side like Swansea to so few shots on target.

On bbc match report the possession stat was 49% Albion. This is way higher than I expected before the game due to their style of play. Shots and shots on target was well in our favour.

As I've said, well deserved win on balance of play.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on March 10, 2013, 11:56:56 AM
In the opening 25 minutes Swansea had a lot of the ball. Probably about 70 per cent.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 14, 2013, 04:19:46 PM
Well Done Ben on your England call up
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on March 14, 2013, 06:53:38 PM
Well done Ben much derserved hope to see him in an England shirt next week.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albionwarrior on March 14, 2013, 07:19:05 PM
Fantastic ....... when was the last time we saw a serving Albion player in an England shirt ?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: gerry m on March 14, 2013, 07:25:41 PM
well deserved call up :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Philly88 on March 14, 2013, 07:46:59 PM
Fantastic ....... when was the last time we saw a serving Albion player in an England shirt ?

Kieron Richardson?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: leeiswba on March 14, 2013, 08:10:57 PM
Carson played for england when playing for us I think against Germany.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dudleylad on March 14, 2013, 08:20:12 PM
Scott Carson played while here.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on March 14, 2013, 09:47:35 PM
I remember Carson playing that game came on as a second half sub.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: geoff on March 15, 2013, 09:37:43 AM
Well done Ben your call up is just reward for your consistent performs  over a fair few seasons. I believe its your time to step up  & take the No1 shirt for England full time,
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Greenock Baggie on March 15, 2013, 11:45:31 AM
Not saying he has, BUT......................maybe, just maybe Hart has peaked too early and now its Bens time to come to the fore. Am really pleased for Ben to finally get the recognition he deserves from his country for some class performances over the certainly the last few years.

Of course it does help that Hodgson was here last year as it gives the England management first hand knowledge of a player at WBA, something they very rarely get in normal circumstances.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on April 28, 2013, 01:42:56 PM
He made a couple of great saves Yesterday really pleased that he managed to keep a clean sheet.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Andio on April 28, 2013, 08:30:20 PM
Not saying he has, BUT......................maybe, just maybe Hart has peaked too early and now its Bens time to come to the fore. Am really pleased for Ben to finally get the recognition he deserves from his country for some class performances over the certainly the last few years.

Of course it does help that Hodgson was here last year as it gives the England management first hand knowledge of a player at WBA, something they very rarely get in normal circumstances.

Hart dropped another clanger yesterday as well, and looked shaky on another occasion.

On current form I would have Foster as number 1.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionBest on April 28, 2013, 09:05:46 PM
He made a couple of great saves Yesterday really pleased that he managed to keep a clean sheet.

Looks back to his confident best.

Very commanding at crosses recently - something you definately cannot say about an out-of-sorts Hart !!

Foster is currently the best option though he probably wasn't when he looked a bit shakey mid-season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on April 29, 2013, 05:25:33 PM
Overall he has been fantastic for us over the last couple of seasons. Cant think of Foster having any blips since he has been there, been very consistent through out.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on May 05, 2013, 03:36:25 PM
I didn't think he could have done anything with the Wigan goals Yesterday, also cant seem to remember him having to make any saves either.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on May 20, 2013, 06:26:24 PM
What a season he has had, Yesterday he made a great tip over the bar. He gives me so much confidence as his game has improved so much over the last couple of seasons and he has a very good partnership with Olsson and Mcauley. In recent seasons he is up there with the best signings that we have made and I hope that we have him here until he retires.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dont ask me to choose luv on May 20, 2013, 07:09:16 PM
Love the fella & I think he loves it at the Albion but have to say he's made a few ricks recently, last week against Norwich was at fault for a couple goals & yesterday looked dodgy at times, made me laugh when he flat kicked the ball that hit Mozza on the back, still great to have him between the sticks. #englandsnumber1
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KnaveofAlbion on May 20, 2013, 08:53:27 PM
Love the fella & I think he loves it at the Albion but have to say he's made a few ricks recently, last week against Norwich was at fault for a couple goals & yesterday looked dodgy at times, made me laugh when he flat kicked the ball that hit Mozza on the back, still great to have him between the sticks. #englandsnumber1

The problem is the same age old one with keepers. A striker can mess up ten things and score 1 and people are ok with him.

A keeper does ten things right and two things wrong and people call him a liability.

Foster is a great keeper overall and by far the best we could ever realistically hope for.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dont ask me to choose luv on May 20, 2013, 09:27:18 PM
The problem is the same age old one with keepers. A striker can mess up ten things and score 1 and people are ok with him.

A keeper does ten things right and two things wrong and people call him a liability.

Foster is a great keeper overall and by far the best we could ever realistically hope for.

Couldn't agree more with the last line & couldn't disagree more with the rest, I think maybe you underestimate 'peoples' view point on various different scenarios, if Lukaku misses 10 sitters & scores 1, I will happily point that out, likewise if Foster pulls off 10 great saves & throws 2 in the net then thats exactly how I will call it, very rarely do I criticise Albion players on this forum as they don't have the ability to defend themselves, my original post was clearly complimentary to Ben whilst also pointing out he is not without his faults, no one should be above constructive criticism.     
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KnaveofAlbion on May 20, 2013, 10:28:48 PM
I wasn't knocking what you wrote "luv", I think you read my thing as a snipe. It wasn't, I was agreeing with you and adding my own point.

Whenever I think about next season's team, him and Yacob/Mulumbu are the only rock solid certainties we've got i think.

GMac would be, with fingers crossed age doesn't catch up on him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dont ask me to choose luv on May 21, 2013, 06:04:08 AM
I wasn't knocking what you wrote "luv", I think you read my thing as a snipe. It wasn't, I was agreeing with you and adding my own point.

Whenever I think about next season's team, him and Yacob/Mulumbu are the only rock solid certainties we've got i think.

GMac would be, with fingers crossed age doesn't catch up on him.

Fair play solo 8) having read through many of your previous posts (& agreeing with most) I didn't think it was a snipe, my point was more to do with individual opinion as opposed to those that sometimes follow the crowd.

One of my best & worst traits......very opinionated  ;D 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on August 24, 2013, 07:14:41 PM
Looked like a ruptured groin at the time. I may be completely wrong.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KnaveofAlbion on August 24, 2013, 07:21:30 PM
Apparently he heard/felt a pop in his foot.... bit odd, fair amount of pain.

I thought Luke Daniels did himself proud. Reacted well to the slight deflection from Ridgewell.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on August 24, 2013, 07:28:21 PM
It would be a massive blow if he is out for any length of time. I thought Daniels did well though.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: OldburyWBA on August 24, 2013, 07:31:39 PM
With Myhill also injured, not sure how serious, we may have to either get Keily in the squad or a new keeper on a short term deal.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RedHead_Baggie on August 24, 2013, 07:40:17 PM
With Myhill also injured, not sure how serious, we may have to either get Keily in the squad or a new keeper on a short term deal.

Myhill back in training Monday
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Barrington on August 24, 2013, 08:16:43 PM
It's incredibly important to have a top goalkeeper in this league. I seriously worry if Foster is out for any lengthy period of time. Just look at the way he kept us in the game today.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbarenno on August 24, 2013, 08:50:45 PM
Looked like a ruptured groin at the time. I may be completely wrong.

Clarke said its his foot on the official site
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie82 on August 25, 2013, 12:14:51 PM
Sounds like a fracture or ligament damage. Could be his metatarsal. Either way I can't see him playing anytime soon. This could be a disaster.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on August 26, 2013, 10:24:53 AM
Terrible news.Did anyone see Joe hart yesterday.Ben might have got a game for England
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbarenno on August 26, 2013, 10:33:40 AM
Sounds like a fracture or ligament damage. Could be his metatarsal. Either way I can't see him playing anytime soon. This could be a disaster.

Were did you hear this? There's been no official news yet has there?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbastrollers on August 26, 2013, 10:51:01 AM
Terrible news.Did anyone see Joe hart yesterday.Ben might have got a game for England

Yes-I am afraid Joe Hart was ok until he started believing his own publicity!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WorcsWBA on August 26, 2013, 05:31:30 PM
I'm seeing suggestions elsewhere that he's broken his foot and is out for 3 months.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kc56wba on August 26, 2013, 05:33:30 PM
I'm seeing suggestions elsewhere that he's broken his foot and is out for 3 months.
I hope your wrong, have the club said anything yet?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WorcsWBA on August 26, 2013, 05:38:41 PM
I hope your wrong, have the club said anything yet?
Not that I'm aware of. Someone claims to have a mate who works with Foster's brother.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: johnthebaggie on August 26, 2013, 06:25:14 PM
It's not ideal, but Myhill did ok last season when he came in, not as us at crosses but I don't recall any major cock ups.

I think we're doing Bo a disservice by saying its a disaster for Ben to be out.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Greenock Baggie on August 26, 2013, 06:48:49 PM
It's not ideal, but Myhill did ok last season when he came in, not as us at crosses but I don't recall any major cock ups.

I think we're doing Bo a disservice by saying its a disaster for Ben to be out.
It is a disaster for Foster with the World cup coming up and him out for god knows how long. Its bad for WBA to be without its best goalkeeper but not a disaster.......yet !!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Legend on August 26, 2013, 06:59:39 PM
Let's hope it's not serious, he's got a great chance of becoming England's number one.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: GrGr on August 26, 2013, 07:14:21 PM
Let's hope it's not serious, he's got a great chance of becoming England's number one.

Hart went from England number #1 to number #2 to number #3 yesterday... I'm kidding but he really made such basic errors, a keeper at least has to command his six yard box. You can't let people score from corners into the six yard box, we know that well ourselves.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Frankowba11 on August 27, 2013, 10:00:07 AM
If foster only came back with 3 games to go of the season (praying that doesn't happen) he will still be on the plane to rio, the obvious thing is Roy wants him as number 1 and this may scupper his chances, especially with Hart lacking confidence.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie82 on August 27, 2013, 12:24:01 PM
I couldn't care less about the England team. It's WBA that matter and the silence coming out of the club regarding Ben is frightening. I get the feeling that the news is either going to be very bad or worse. For the last few seasons we have improved the team year-on-year. Now for a range of reasons we have gone backwards by a long way. Our attack has been decimated and now our GK is injured.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: johnthebaggie on August 27, 2013, 01:49:16 PM
It is a disaster for Foster with the World cup coming up and him out for god knows how long. Its bad for WBA to be without its best goalkeeper but not a disaster.......yet !!!
As long as it doesn't keep him out for nine months, which in fairness would be a problem, Foster is a definite for the World Cup squad as there are no other choices.

As for Albion, of course it's best to have your best goalie fit, but my point is that Myhill is a decent understudy. But wouldn't want it to be long term.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie96 on August 27, 2013, 01:55:25 PM
Out for up to twelve weeks.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RowleyBaggie2 on August 27, 2013, 01:57:02 PM
Well the experts who went to Reading away in the cup a couple of seasons ago declared extremely loudly that Myhill was "Albions Number One".

Whats the problem? Don't tell me it was only to get at the bloke sat on the bench that day?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Umpshire Baggie on August 27, 2013, 02:01:19 PM
It's going to be a long hard season which we have failed to build on the success of last season. It's a fine line between success and failure. I now fear the worst.... :'( loosing Ben is a massive blow.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on August 27, 2013, 02:06:10 PM
Bad loss is that.
Foster can be the difference between one point or three. Myhill is obviously the cover, not capable of dethroning Foster but should do a accetable job.
That said if there was better cover available I'd go for it.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Topman on August 27, 2013, 02:07:31 PM
Although whilst I fear the worst for our season, myhil I feel can do a decent job for us
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Chipperfan on August 27, 2013, 02:15:19 PM
This season is beginning to feel like quite an unlucky one for us, and only two games played.

Let's hope things turn our way soon!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: breakfastbaggie on August 27, 2013, 02:28:04 PM
Although whilst I fear the worst for our season, myhil I feel can do a decent job for us

12 weeks is missing 9 games...8 if Ben is quick healer.  All in all it really isn't that bad.  If he was lost for the month of December and early January he would have missed more games...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on August 27, 2013, 02:29:09 PM
We stayed up with Carson in goal so anything is possible! :) Joking aside 9 games out is a big blow on paper, but we cannot afford the luxury of 2 top class keepers on the books just in case one gets injured so Myhill it is, if he fluffs a few then someone only needs to take him out in training then we can use our emergency loans after the window!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: crazedwbafan18 on August 27, 2013, 02:34:30 PM
its a blow but lets be honest most of the work shouldn't have to be done by the goalie in the first place if the defence play their part, im sure daniels and myhill have a point to prove so lets see them perform to their potential first before we feel too sorry for ourselves
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on August 27, 2013, 02:34:47 PM
We must move to sign cover. Myhill is not good enough for any length of time and Daniels didn't fill me with confidence in his 12 minutes on Saturday.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RowleyBaggie2 on August 27, 2013, 02:37:28 PM
Get ready for 9 games of "Foster would of saved that"  ::)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on August 27, 2013, 03:38:10 PM
We must move to sign cover. Myhill is not good enough for any length of time and Daniels didn't fill me with confidence in his 12 minutes on Saturday.
Whats the point in having them then?? They are what they are, back up! You wont get keepers on a par of Foster sitting on the bench all season waiting for an injury so it is obvious we are going to be weakened but we have to go with what we have got and not waste a loan on somebody elses back up not deemed good enough for their first team!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Londonbaggymike on August 27, 2013, 03:39:07 PM
Get ready for 9 games of "Foster would of saved that"  ::)


More like 4 as there will be 5 clean sheets!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Quakes Fan on August 27, 2013, 03:45:58 PM
We must move to sign cover. Myhill is not good enough for any length of time and Daniels didn't fill me with confidence in his 12 minutes on Saturday.

What did Daniels do in twelve minutes that was so terrible? He looked ok to me.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KnaveofAlbion on August 27, 2013, 03:55:17 PM
What did Daniels do in twelve minutes that was so terrible? He looked ok to me.

I agree, Daniels did fine I think. I was impressed by his save to the slight deflection off Ridgewell.

We can't go buying another keeper for the want of Ben being out for three months. If it was a season then maybe. But Boaz is ok and Luke may even step in as number 1. He does has over 100 league appearances don't forget.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: pete on August 27, 2013, 04:02:48 PM
We must move to sign cover. Myhill is not good enough for any length of time and Daniels didn't fill me with confidence in his 12 minutes on Saturday.
This has to be a wind up!  ???

He made a cracking save from a deflection as well! Rushed out to clear a dangerous attack within 2 minutes of him coming on. He may be young and he may not be Foster but he is decent! I would be happy with him as cover for Foster regularly!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Wbamitch on August 27, 2013, 04:12:02 PM
Lets hope Myhill can replicate some of the form he showed when he stepped in last season, during one of our best spells I believe??

Hopefully this Foster injury isn't one that lingers on and on......

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on August 27, 2013, 04:19:28 PM
The 9 games are below, Man Utd, Liverpool and Chelsea are away games that would be absolute bonuses even with Foster in goal so really we are talking 6 games of which all are very winnable with either back up keeper in goal, no need for loans or freebie has beens IMO

Swansea
Fulham
Sunderland
Man Utd
Arsenal
Stoke
Liverpool
Palace
Chelsea
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Black Pearl on August 27, 2013, 04:43:47 PM
Lets hope the fans get behind the keeper, which ever one it is and the boo boys stay in their box, although I doubt if they will. :-X
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on August 27, 2013, 04:46:11 PM
Myhill is a brilliant back up goalkeeper for a team like ours, he's easily the best you'll find. Even the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea have what I would say are comfortably weaker back up keepers (Turnbull and Brad Jones, both disasters waiting to happen), Myhill is a decent player who's obviously not as good as Foster but no one who is as good will be happy to sit on our bench!

Goalkeeper is just a position where unless you have a particularly good young player coming through (who will want first team football soon enough) you have to accept there will almost always be a drop off in quality with the backup as obviously there's very little opportunity for the back up keeper compared to other positions. Myhill is a perfectly capable keeper, solid in his performances, I can't recall him actually costing us anything in the games he's played, and he seems happy to be here. He was also apparently excellent for Wales against Ireland the other week (the reason they got a draw) so he comes into our games in something like good form as well.

And as for the poster writing off Daniels after 12 minutes, the mind boggles.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: rons on August 27, 2013, 06:03:46 PM
yeah, buts its the same bloke  who has written Dorrans off regardless of how well he plays
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on August 27, 2013, 11:34:35 PM
9 games out is only one more than a Suarez ban!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: charlebaggie on August 27, 2013, 11:44:45 PM
We must move to sign cover. Myhill is not good enough for any length of time and Daniels didn't fill me with confidence in his 12 minutes on Saturday.
. Daniels pulled off a great one on one save this eve against Newport early on in the match Give him a chance How can you say he fills you with no confidence is beyond me  8)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on August 28, 2013, 09:54:50 AM
Massive loss, clear he is a class or three above Myhill.

In support of Daniels he appears to have bulked up a little since the last time I saw him play but I do have my concerns about his command of his area. I would be happy to see Daniels given a few games to see how he gets on, we won't sign cover I'm sure of that.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WoysWunderful on August 28, 2013, 10:09:36 AM
Daniels after waiting 8 years deserves a chance. He joined as part of the kuszach deal didnt he?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Jack Russell on August 28, 2013, 10:10:57 AM
Give the shirt to Daniels, if not whats the point him being here
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: mulliganstired on August 28, 2013, 10:13:32 AM
Give the shirt to Daniels, if not whats the point him being here
Exactly
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JDWest_Brom on August 28, 2013, 10:24:11 AM
Daniels is the man in possesion of the shirt as far as I'm concered. Give him a run of games and only take him out if he starts to struggle.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Floydy on August 28, 2013, 10:46:12 AM
Daniels after waiting 8 years deserves a chance. He joined as part of the kuszach deal didnt he?

No - that was Luke Steele (along with Paul McShane). Daniels was on our books before even then (since 2004). He has been a pro for 8 years, but was on youth terms prior to that.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: jonny on August 28, 2013, 11:37:32 AM
I wouldn't want him. Makes far too many mistakes, his kicking is poor and we don't need a great shot stopper.

Now he's England's number 1 :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on August 28, 2013, 03:18:41 PM
I haven't written him off... I said he doesn't fill me with confidence long term. When he's 30 he may be an excellent keeper. Re Everton he let a cross deceive him and nearly drop in, it hit the bar. The save from the Ridgwell deflection was going wide. Made one good save with his legs last night but looked far from comfortable on crosses. He constantly kicked the ball back to a league 2 side conceding possession at every turn. If you're happy with that in a period of the season that contains our most winnable games then that is your perogative.

 :-*
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on August 28, 2013, 03:44:05 PM
I haven't written him off... I said he doesn't fill me with confidence long term. When he's 30 he may be an excellent keeper. Re Everton he let a cross deceive him and nearly drop in, it hit the bar. The save from the Ridgwell deflection was going wide. Made one good save with his legs last night but looked far from comfortable on crosses. He constantly kicked the ball back to a league 2 side conceding possession at every turn. If you're happy with that in a period of the season that contains our most winnable games then that is your perogative.

 :-*
In. Fairness it could have been a bit of nerves, I said previously foster was also quite bad v Southampton.
You would hope that if we have kept him for over 8 years he should be ok?
Additionally you could say he is less risk in more winnable games?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dont ask me to choose luv on August 28, 2013, 04:51:23 PM
I haven't written him off... I said he doesn't fill me with confidence long term. When he's 30 he may be an excellent keeper. Re Everton he let a cross deceive him and nearly drop in, it hit the bar. The save from the Ridgwell deflection was going wide. Made one good save with his legs last night but looked far from comfortable on crosses. He constantly kicked the ball back to a league 2 side conceding possession at every turn. If you're happy with that in a period of the season that contains our most winnable games then that is your perogative.

 :-*


Come on Jacko, I thought you were better then that  :o
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on August 28, 2013, 08:08:28 PM
If it's the shot I think then it was going wide of the near post. I was right behind it.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dont ask me to choose luv on August 28, 2013, 09:21:47 PM
If it's the shot I think then it was going wide of the near post. I was right behind it.

Maybe you should of told Daniels, it would of saved him the need to dive for it.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: sportygirlwba on August 29, 2013, 07:52:16 AM
You can't really say that Luke Daniels played well or bad because he only had 12 minutes to show himself.
Hopefully Myhill will make a speedy recovery and if Luke Daniels plays well then they will compete against each
other for who should get the start. After the few blunders that Myhill dropped last season then Daniels immediately
gives me more confidence than Myhill but on the other hand Myhill is older so therefore has more experience.
I do think though that if Fosters out for 3months its going to take him a few more weeks on top of that to get back
to match fitness.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RowleyBaggie2 on August 29, 2013, 08:27:25 AM
I haven't written him off... I said he doesn't fill me with confidence long term. When he's 30 he may be an excellent keeper. Re Everton he let a cross deceive him and nearly drop in, it hit the bar. The save from the Ridgwell deflection was going wide. Made one good save with his legs last night but looked far from comfortable on crosses. He constantly kicked the ball back to a league 2 side conceding possession at every turn. If you're happy with that in a period of the season that contains our most winnable games then that is your perogative.

 :-*

Me thinks you are looking too deep in an effort to discredit the kid.

If your going to talk about his kicking you'll have to mention the excellent save he made from a one on one against Newport and him coming quickly off his line to thwart an Everton attack about 10 seconds after coming on.

In the interests of balance and all that.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smethwickw on August 29, 2013, 08:33:30 AM
If neither keeper are ready to step in then why are they still here? I thought Myhill did ok last season. It would be criminal to use our last loan on a keeper. Especially someone like Butland who has very little experience.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on August 29, 2013, 11:09:26 AM
Me thinks you are looking too deep in an effort to discredit the kid.

If your going to talk about his kicking you'll have to mention the excellent save he made from a one on one against Newport and him coming quickly off his line to thwart an Everton attack about 10 seconds after coming on.

In the interests of balance and all that.

Mentioned the one on one mate. Didn't give credit for the Everton 'rush' though.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggienath7 on August 29, 2013, 03:34:57 PM
i can't believe some fans on here slating the lad already, im sorry but until recently fozzy was prone to fair few mistakes, didn't always claim crosses and flapped at shots, however the main point is he kept the ball out and its cleared. what im saying is when we first saw him he didnt save like a 'normal' keeper should save the ball, very unconventional, however he kept the ball away from his goal.
To think people are writing off Luke Daniels after keeping 2 clean sheets in his first team performances, to me that's pretty good going. The lad who was so critical of his 12 minute cameo against Everton clearly has never played in goal or have no footballing experience. He is like any other human, he would of been nervous and very anxious to get his first touches in, im sure foozy, Joe Hart and every other keeper a like are nervous before they even kick off. How about Ben when he came on the other week for England? he looked very Ropey, but we know how good he is so it doesn't matter. The point i am getting at, is give the young lad a break, he's a very good young goalkeeper, and he hasn't conceded so far, which is what being a G.K is all about, lay off him  >:(
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on August 29, 2013, 03:55:19 PM
i can't believe some fans on here slating the lad already, im sorry but until recently fozzy was prone to fair few mistakes, didn't always claim crosses and flapped at shots, however the main point is he kept the ball out and its cleared. what im saying is when we first saw him he didnt save like a 'normal' keeper should save the ball, very unconventional, however he kept the ball away from his goal.
To think people are writing off Luke Daniels after keeping 2 clean sheets in his first team performances, to me that's pretty good going. The lad who was so critical of his 12 minute cameo against Everton clearly has never played in goal or have no footballing experience. He is like any other human, he would of been nervous and very anxious to get his first touches in, im sure foozy, Joe Hart and every other keeper a like are nervous before they even kick off. How about Ben when he came on the other week for England? he looked very Ropey, but we know how good he is so it doesn't matter. The point i am getting at, is give the young lad a break, he's a very good young goalkeeper, and he hasn't conceded so far, which is what being a G.K is all about, lay off him  >:(
To be honest, it looks more like a fan. which he's allowed to do as long as he back that up.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: chipperclark on October 03, 2013, 07:03:07 AM
Quote from BBC Sport :D Joe Hart's goalkeeping rivals
Costel Pantilimon
For Manchester City

Costel Pantilimon: 26-year-old Romania international who was signed from Poli Timisoara for an undisclosed fee in 2011

For England

Fraser Forster: The 25-year-old Celtic goalkeeper continues to impress for the Glasgow side both in the Scottish Premiership and in the Champions League. Uncapped by England, though

John Ruddy: The 26-year-old Norwich keeper has only one cap to his name, as a substitute against Italy in a friendly

   They seem to have missed the most important option of Our Ben Foster, playing better than any of these keepers.
I am sure when he is fit will come into the England set up big-time as Roy thinks a lot of him. :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on October 03, 2013, 08:29:50 AM
Obviously now Foster is injured so he cannot compete with Hart , but how many more blunders can Hart have before there are serious questions being asked about his status as first choice England keeper? Foster could well be England's number one by the summer.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Bob on October 03, 2013, 09:21:46 AM
Thought this for a while. Hart has gone backwards during the last couple of years despite playing behind some of the best defenders about. Put Foster in goal for Man City and he'd do much better in my opinion.

Bad time for Foster to get injured (not that there is a good time).
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albion79 on October 03, 2013, 10:57:14 AM
Big test of character for Joe Hart, he hasnt become a bad keeper just like that, he still has all the attributes to be a great keeper but its down to his character now.

I think all England keepers who have a massive high then seem to hit a major low and its where they bounce back will determine how good they are.

David James was brilliant with Watford,then went to Liverpool, made some major errors but eventually built himself back up and became a decent keeper.

Scott Carson was the next big thing after a couple of great seasons, one high profile error for England and he has never got back to that level of performance and sadly doubt he will.

Ben Foster, when on loan at Watford was brilliant, had a iffy season at Man United and they bombed him to Blues, he did well again, then came to us and got better still and now is probably the best keeper in the country again.

Joe Hart two years ago won the league, was brilliant but since has declined a lot, its upto him now, he probably just needs to keep playing and play himself back into form, if he gets dropped, the next time he does come back in there will be more spotlight and focus on him than ever.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Gaffer on October 03, 2013, 11:55:16 AM
Since when has Joe Hart EVER been that great? A decent keeper, granted, but is he really the best English 'keeper around? Is he really better than Ben Foster? For me, no, he never has been.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: devonbaggiecjaj on October 04, 2013, 07:02:57 PM
any news on when Ben starts playing again
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on October 04, 2013, 07:07:05 PM
any news on when Ben starts playing again


Read on twitter earlier that he was still on crutches so I expect he'll be out for a little while longer yet unfortunately.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: graka on December 28, 2013, 03:28:28 PM
am I the only one thinking he was rushed back too soon. the goal against hull went right through him and similar to coles goal today went very close to him. a shocker for the second and looked scared to come off his line for crosses until the last ten minutes. the third west ham goal was in an area the goalie should be coming and claiming. maybe a little harsh but thoughts anyone?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: mulliganstired on December 28, 2013, 03:34:32 PM
Second goal seemed to take a very slight deflection, changed the trajectory enough to wrong foot him
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on December 28, 2013, 03:37:35 PM
First goal (thanks to the camera behind the net) you can see Foster's expecting it on his right side (either a shot or pass into space) so is off balance. ANY keeper could do that, as a keeper you have to make a decision (a la in a penalty). With the second it depends on whether you think it hit Nolan's hand on the way, would explain the reactionary way Foster moved his hand to be ball rather than get his whole body there, as he may have believed it was going wide (personally I am of the opinion it hit Nolan).

Let's be fair though, could you Guarantee that Myhill would have saved all three?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbalucas on December 28, 2013, 03:38:34 PM
Second goal was his fault but 1st and 3rd goals were just bad defending same as the hull goal when players go through one on one they should score.and he may have made a mistake for the second goal he did a brilliant save a couple of minutes before and a great double save against hull
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: graka on December 28, 2013, 03:48:28 PM
if you look at his reaction to the first he thinks he should have done better. wether the second took a slight deflection or not he was close enough to it to have done better. the hull goal went underneath him. a great save just before the second goal agreed. I love foster he is a great goalie I just think after only 45 minutes in a reserve game we rushed him back too quick when myhill as been reasonably steady.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WSBaggie on December 28, 2013, 03:51:45 PM
I think its harsh to blame the Hull goal on him it was a good finish and he wasn't helped by the defending in front of him.

You could argue Myhill wouldn't have done much better than Foster did today, he may not even have made the save Foster did before the mistake.

Bringing him back in had to be done. The only way he is going to get back up to the full speed of the PL is by playing, the Under 21's won't do him as much good.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: hunsletbaggie on December 28, 2013, 03:56:04 PM
Second goal deflection or not he could have thrown his cap on it.
For a goalkeeper of Foster's standard it was a bad mistake.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbalucas on December 28, 2013, 03:56:31 PM
Yes myhill is good stand in but goals do go under keepers when hit at speed if you watch the 1st goal ollson and  lurgno were both out of place. Myhill may have saved them but you don't no. And goalkeepers are different after injuries they can not just come on for the last 20 mins to get match sharp they only get that by playing competitive games

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on December 28, 2013, 09:07:51 PM
I'm more than happy with Foster back. Some fantastic saves against Hull and Spurs. His handling is generally pretty sound, and he gives confidence to the defence in front of him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on December 28, 2013, 09:11:32 PM
Made a mistake and he should really have done better with it. However, he reacted well and took a lot of pressure off our defenders by coming and collecting at least three or four crosses at a point where West Ham were looking to build momentum.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: GrGr on December 28, 2013, 09:13:35 PM
I'm more than happy with Foster back. Some fantastic saves against Hull and Spurs. His handling is generally pretty sound, and he gives confidence to the defence in front of him.

Same. Our whole team has a different more positive spirit with Foster in goal.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Black Pearl on December 28, 2013, 09:17:31 PM
Even the second goal took a slight deflection of Nolan's hand, yes a mistake, but it was awkward and bounced right in front of him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: mulliganstired on December 28, 2013, 09:51:27 PM
Second goal deflection or not he could have thrown his cap on it.
For a goalkeeper of Foster's standard it was a bad mistake.

No, split second reaction beyond even the most powerful computers makes you set yourself a certain way, minor deflections make you look wrong/clumsy.  IMHO.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: karlos83 on December 29, 2013, 06:20:15 PM
Pleased he's back, second goal was his fault 9 times out of 10 he saves that. He will as he has done since joining us, help win us more points than he loses us.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: allenkevanastle on December 29, 2013, 06:31:32 PM
We are talking of the best keeper we've had here - and I've seen them for the last 60 years. Yes, he would normally stop that second goal but, as has been mentioned, what the hell Lugano was doing I've no idea. Mistakes all round.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: hardtobeat on December 29, 2013, 06:32:14 PM
He wasn´t at his best yesterday but he is our best keeper he would have to have a Hart like loss of form to be dropped when he is fit.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on December 30, 2013, 12:23:03 PM
Foster could and should have done better with the second West Ham goal but it wouldn't have helped with the deflection and a load of bodies, however he did make one hell of a save just before it. Its great to see him back in the starting eleven as he has been the best keeper we have had in a long time and has been very consistent, and I felt Boaz Myhill was loosing a bit od form and confidence too.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Atomic on June 24, 2014, 09:38:52 PM
Let's give him a big WELL DONE!! for his England performance. I doubt he reads these forums but he probably knows someone that does and I'm sure he'd be pleased to know that all Baggies fans are proud of him.

The first Albion player to play for England at a World Cup since Jeff Astle in 1970 and boy did he do us proud?

A clean sheet (England's only clean sheet) and a near faultless performance.

WELL DONE BEN!! Up the Baggies.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: ex coseley kid on June 24, 2014, 09:50:37 PM
Let's give him a big WELL DONE!! for his England performance. I doubt he reads these forums but he probably knows someone that does and I'm sure he'd be pleased to know that all Baggies fans are proud of him.

The first Albion player to play for England at a World Cup since Jeff Astle in 1970 and boy did he do us proud?

A clean sheet (England's only clean sheet) and a near faultless performance.

WELL DONE BEN!! Up the Baggies.

All stuff I've said elsewhere on the www today.
I reckon we all must be proud of him.

Thanks, Ben (and good post Atomic)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionBest on June 24, 2014, 10:16:46 PM
Did very well and didn't flap at crosses like Hart - well done Ben and let's carry the form and confidence into the new season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: hardtobeat on June 24, 2014, 10:25:11 PM
The Bloke dun good :D :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: sconesy on June 24, 2014, 11:07:54 PM
Well done Fozza, a solid show. ENG's no 1!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: costa blanca baggie on June 24, 2014, 11:20:19 PM
Thought he looked very assured and relaxed. Give the guy a TV advert. :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: don1thedon on June 25, 2014, 07:00:56 AM
Top stuff Ben!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: geoff on June 25, 2014, 07:46:03 AM
Top game by the Top keeper  8) well done Ben.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: ex coseley kid on June 25, 2014, 08:15:10 AM
Also - so he took time out playing for England in the interests of his young family.

I don't blame him.

Top geezer all round in my opinion and he feels like a proper Albion man to me.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on June 25, 2014, 09:04:45 AM
I thought Foster was excellent Yesterday made a couple of great saves and looked solid all round. I imagine this will keep him great confidence in coming into the new season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Stroller on June 25, 2014, 09:33:43 AM
A very good performance. This stood out:
(http://s2.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20140624&t=2&i=911121476&w=580&fh=&fw=&ll=&pl=&r=LYNXMPEA5N0V3)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Bilston Dan on June 25, 2014, 10:12:33 AM
I thought Foster was excellent Yesterday made a couple of great saves and looked solid all round. I imagine this will keep him great confidence in coming into the new season.

Plus he kept one more clean sheet than Hart did against the "in-form" team.  ;D (Yes I know this game meant nothing, that's statistics for you)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Andio on June 25, 2014, 10:27:31 AM
I've always said that Foster's a better keeper than Hart so it was no surprise to me.

Well played Ben, did us and yourself proud. 8)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hull Baggie on June 25, 2014, 02:42:47 PM
Very solid performance. As others have said no flapping at crosses and the save from the free kick was top draw.

Well done and more of the same in Albion colours please.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on June 25, 2014, 05:23:46 PM
He looked very confident last night, I know it wasn't much of a game with nothing to play for but he did everything you would expect of him and did it very well. Was delighted at how commanding of the area he was, hopefully he can carry that form into pre-season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Legend on June 25, 2014, 05:34:39 PM
I have to laugh at clowns like Collymore who state that Forster is better when he's probably watched him in a handful of Champions League games to come to that conclusion. Glad Ben had a good game.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Esso #13 on June 25, 2014, 06:10:13 PM
Collymore is a tool, how is the SPL a tougher test that the BPL??
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: stripes on June 25, 2014, 06:12:04 PM
He is a Sky sports bitch,,along with others who the baggies have upset,like the bitter Southampton duo,traumatised for life when Albion an Pompey got their heads together and sent the "scummers" [pompey name] down.Nine years ago and they are still bitter on the muppet show on sky adverts with celeb has beens and a Walsall boss sacked when I think we sent them down[I think].
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on July 22, 2014, 12:31:02 PM
Has just signed a new long term contract


England keeper delighted to pledge his future to the Baggies



BEN Foster has handed Albion a major pre-season boost by putting pen to paper on a new long-term contract.

The England keeper has signed a four-year deal, plus a further 12-month option in the club’s favour, effectively pledging his future to the Baggies until 2019.

Foster, 31, has become an integral member of Albion’s squad and last season collected both the Supporters’ and Players’ Player-of-the-Season awards – a feat he also achieved in 2011/12.

Foster went on to make history this summer as he became the first Baggies player to represent England at the World Cup in 44 years, keeping a clean sheet in the Three Lions’ goalless final Group D encounter against Costa Rica.

Head coach Alan Irvine said: “This is fantastic news for everyone connected with the club as Ben’s an extremely important player for us – both on and off the pitch.

“He’s a great personality, a great character and leads by example.

“This is a magnificent signing for the club. Ben is one of the best keepers in the country, which he showed when he played really well for England against Costa Rica at the World Cup.

“Ben is extremely professional, which is infectious in training, as he demands high standards of himself and others.”

Foster admitted it was a simple decision to put pen to paper on a new deal.

He said: “When I signed here permanently, I said this is the sort of club I could see myself finishing my career at.

“And that’s exactly how I felt when the club said they wanted to negotiate a new contract.

“It was something I wanted to get sorted as soon as possible. I’m very happy here.

“It was a very obvious and easy decision for me and my family.”

Albion signed the Leamington-born keeper on a permanent basis in the summer of 2012, penning a three-year contract plus a further two-year option in the club's favour.

He arrived for an undisclosed fee from Blues having starred on loan during the 2011/12 season.

That year he kept ten clean sheets in 37 appearances, equalling the club record for the most shut-outs in a Barclays Premier League campaign.

Foster duly went on to enjoy another outstanding campaign in 2012/13 – making 30 Premier League outings.

In February of that season he saved a Steven Gerrard penalty in a headline-grabbing performance as Albion beat Liverpool 2-0 at Anfield.

Foster managed 24 appearances for the Baggies last term and played a crucial role in helping the club retain their Premier League status after four months out nursing a broken foot.

To date, Foster has made 95 appearances for Albion and earned eight England caps, three of which since joining the Black Country club.


http://www.wba.co.uk/news/article/foster-pens-new-long-term-albion-deal-1773913.aspx

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lewisant on July 22, 2014, 12:51:14 PM
What the hellll is going on?!  :o

Loving it!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kris_boing on July 22, 2014, 12:55:25 PM
Great news.  Our most important player signs for the long term. 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on July 22, 2014, 01:23:55 PM
Absolutely delighted he has signed a new deal, one of the best keepers in the country and worth a fair few points a season for us.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: royhan on July 22, 2014, 01:28:03 PM
It is nice to see a quality player wanting to commit to us long term.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on July 22, 2014, 01:56:09 PM
You cannot understate the importance of a good goalkeeper, and we have a great one for another 5 years, fantastic news.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Andio on July 22, 2014, 05:05:20 PM
The excellent news doesn't stop coming lately.  8)

Well done Ben  :)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: addy on July 22, 2014, 05:10:07 PM
Awesome news.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: gerry m on July 22, 2014, 05:24:23 PM
You cannot understate the importance of a good goalkeeper, and we have a great one for another 5 years, fantastic news.

To true :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smosher34 on July 22, 2014, 05:38:51 PM
what I like about foster great keeper and looks a top bloke , always got a smile on his face and  enjoys what he is doing , ow when we score he goes crazy  ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BobTaylor on July 22, 2014, 05:39:04 PM
Best bit of news all summer, Cant be just me who's buzzing for start of the season now, well done peace and.Irvine.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tgd26 on July 22, 2014, 05:50:24 PM
Great news.

As sure as I always felt about him being committed to the club and the Midlands in general it is nice to officially have him sign a nice long contract.

Hopefully this is one less thing to worry about for the next few years.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WorcsWBA on July 22, 2014, 06:18:09 PM
Very good news, although probably one of the easier deals the Club has had to agree, given his keenness to remain in the area.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: hertsbaggiebird on July 22, 2014, 06:34:49 PM
Probably, pound for pound, the best signing we will make in the next four years !

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: glosterbaggie on July 22, 2014, 07:35:58 PM
Great news!! 8)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on July 22, 2014, 09:02:47 PM
Excellent news! Well done Ben! Well done Albion.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kc56wba on July 23, 2014, 10:02:55 AM
Bostin news, well done everyone concerned at the Albion, even JP  ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: PepeMel on July 23, 2014, 10:30:37 AM
Excellent news, get to look at your legs for another 4 years :-*
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on August 13, 2014, 06:13:09 PM
I saw an interview with Ben Foster floating around on the internet yesterday. Another interesting read where he yet again cites his family as one of the important reasons for him dedicating his future to the club. Brilliant to see him engaging with supporters too:

Ben Foster has racked up a total of 95 competitive Albion appearances since he joined the club, initially on loan from Birmingham City in 2011. He became Albion's first England World Cup representitive since the late great Jeff Astle with his appearance against Costa Rica in this summer's tournament in Brazil.

Following our writer Dan McCulloch's chance meeting with Foster on a train last season, the Baggies number one has been a follower of our Twitter feed @BaggiesFacts. We asked the England goalkeeper if he could answer a few short questions for BaggiesFacts.com, and being the gent he is, he happily obliged. Enjoy.

Q - It's great that you've signed a new deal, what would you say were the main factors in you committing your future to the Baggies?

A - The club feels like home! I've got a young family and we're very settled in the area, I get on really well with everyone at the club from the Chairman through to the fans. Working with Bo (Myhill) and Dean (Kiely) every day is a pleasure!

Q - Making your World Cup debut must have been a career highlight. What did it mean to you to represent your country at the highest level?

A - That's my life's footballing ambition right there. It was an incredible honour just to be at a World Cup, but to play a game was the best! My family and friends were so proud, it meant as much to them as it did to me.

Q - Which coach/goalkeeper coach has had the biggest impact on your career to date?

A - The first goalkeeper coach I ever had was a guy called Ronnie Sinclair when I was at Stoke, who pretty much taught me my whole technique. He's a really nice guy and I owe him a lot, he's the Academy goalkeeper coach at Villa now!

Obviously working with Deano (Kiely) is great too, a great guy and a great coach.

 Q - What are your personal aims going forward? What would you class as a successful 2014/15 season for Albion?

A - Trying to finish in the top half would be a great achievement, anything other than the stresses of last seasons relegation fight, I'd be happy with! But I think our aim has to be top half, we've got enough quality and the new manager is great, the lads really like him.

Q - What would you like to do when you retire? Stay in football, media work or something completely different?

A - I want to retire to maybe California, honestly! We go every summer and can't get enough of it! Though I'd love to be a goalkeeper coach also.

Q - Finally, have you got a message for the Baggies fans who can't wait for next season?

 A - I can't wait for it either! I'm so happy to have committed my future to the club I love, let's kick on again and get a top half finish.

http://www.baggiesfacts.com/#!ben-foster-q--a/cicm
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Quakes Fan on August 13, 2014, 06:33:29 PM
Q - What would you like to do when you retire? Stay in football, media work or something completely different?

A - I want to retire to maybe California, honestly! We go every summer and can't get enough of it! Though I'd love to be a goalkeeper coach also.

Ben Foster, goalkeeper coach, San Jose Earthquakes. I can't get enough of it!  8)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Aixelsyd on September 03, 2014, 11:46:03 AM
Anyone know how bad it is?  details?

http://www.thefa.com//news/england/2014/sep/ben-foster-ruled-out-norway-switzerland? (http://www.thefa.com//news/england/2014/sep/ben-foster-ruled-out-norway-switzerland?)

Ben Foster ruled out of Norway and Switzerland games

England goalkeeper Ben Foster picked up a knock in training on Tuesday and has returned to his club for treatment as a precautionary measure.

West Bromwich Albion will provide further guidance on Ben Foster.

At this time, England manager Roy Hodgson will not call up any replacements.

The Three Lions meet Norway in a Wembley friendly on Wednesday night before flying to Switzerland for their opening Euro 2016 qualifier on Monday.


Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: OldburyWBA on September 03, 2014, 11:47:53 AM
Just seen this on Sky Sports News HQ

Apparantely thumb injury
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Morany on September 03, 2014, 12:03:03 PM
** Club update **

BEN Foster has returned from England training due to a hand injury which Albion’s medical team will assess over the next few days.
 
The 31-year-old World Cup representative was due to be involved in tonight’s Wembley friendly against Norway.
 
But he suffered a thumb injury during training yesterday and was allowed to return to his club in a precautionary move.
 
Albion’s Director of Football Administration Richard Garlick said: “We will spend the next few days letting it settle down and then assess it again – but at this stage we are optimistic it is not a serious problem.
 
“It made sense for Ben to take no chances.”

Read more at http://www.wba.co.uk/news/article/foster-thumb-injury-to-be-assessed-1895294.aspx#4RX4hU0LtWGSD86z.99
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: MarkW on September 03, 2014, 12:08:41 PM
Probably a sprain, maybe a bad bruise. Painful yes, but shouldn't rule him out for the Everton game hopefully.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on September 03, 2014, 12:11:59 PM
Hopefully nothing serious, very important player for us. When he's in form he is one of the best in the league in my opinion.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on September 03, 2014, 12:12:49 PM
Agreed. I also would not like us to rely on Myhill for any length of time.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on September 03, 2014, 12:46:44 PM
Agreed. I also would not like us to rely on Myhill for any length of time.

I thought he did very well when he covered for him last season, and Foster hasn't been the same kper since he came back from that injury.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: sing on our own on September 03, 2014, 05:41:47 PM
I agree with the above post, Foster is a great 'keeper but Myhill did nothing wrong last season and was harshly dropped, I think he was rushed back and that may be the reason he hasn't been on top of his game since.... Just my opinion of course.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Legend on September 03, 2014, 07:33:30 PM
Myhill has always been reliable when called upon and I wouldn't have any worries if Foster did miss the Everton game as he is more than capable of doing a good job.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WSBaggie on September 03, 2014, 09:37:38 PM
I really do not rate Myhill so I'm praying this is nothing too serious
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggiebulldog on September 04, 2014, 02:27:36 PM
I rate myhill but would not like to see him in goal against naismith lukaku and eto'o
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Westie on September 07, 2014, 12:20:56 PM
Sadly, I don't think it matters who we have in goal against Everton, as I can't see any team playing under Irvine's direction winning anything.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on September 07, 2014, 12:43:58 PM
Sadly, I don't think it matters who we have in goal against Everton, as I can't see any team playing under Irvine's direction winning anything.
That's the spirit , ask sunderland how comfortable they were?? ::)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Black Pearl on September 07, 2014, 12:48:41 PM
Myhill is actually the better shot stopper, Foster commands his area better, overall, Foster is rightfully our number 1.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie96 on September 07, 2014, 01:33:45 PM
Myhill is actually the better shot stopper, Foster commands his area better, overall, Foster is rightfully our number 1.

Do you honestly believe that?! :o
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Adder on September 07, 2014, 01:44:34 PM
Well Myhill is a very good shot-stopper - not much between them either way on that.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BigFrank20 on September 07, 2014, 03:27:43 PM
I also happen to think Myhill's distribution of the ball is far superior.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Sted1990 on September 07, 2014, 05:40:02 PM
Myhill proved to be fantastic number 2 last season. Foster is rightfully our number one but I have no issues with Myhill.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: geoff on September 17, 2014, 10:56:37 AM
http://www.setanta.com/ie/foster-hoping-to-avoid-surgery/?

This could be bad news if he has to have a operation :'(.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Lloydy on September 17, 2014, 01:22:16 PM
http://www.setanta.com/ie/foster-hoping-to-avoid-surgery/?

This could be bad news if he has to have a operation :'(.

Or a blessing in disguise. He's been woeful recently and his distribution is appalling compared to what it was when he first arrived.

I would point the blame at our goalkeeping coach but clearly the entire coaching team are doing a tremendous job and everyone at the club is happy so who am I to criticise?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: maccbaggie on September 17, 2014, 01:27:03 PM
Or a blessing in disguise. He's been woeful recently and his distribution is appalling compared to what it was when he first arrived.

I would point the blame at our goalkeeping coach but clearly the entire coaching team are doing a tremendous job and everyone at the club is happy so who am I to criticise?
Glad someone has flagged this up. Annoys me when people suggest there is no evidence for Downing and Kiely's poor coaching and players being too comfortable- there is in fact rather a lot of evidence. Just look at our set pieces too, absolute coaching basics one would have thought.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: brummyroader on September 17, 2014, 01:42:13 PM
He's distribution has been woeful for a good 12 months now, also he's made quite a few mistakes during that period yet doesn't seemed to get criticised half as much as some of the others.

One positive.. at least he still came round to clap the fans even though he knew he'd get stick due to the teams performance.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie53 on September 17, 2014, 08:19:13 PM
When he's on his game there's no doubt that Foster is the best keeper we have, but as other people have said, the last few months his distribution has been awful and he's made a few blunders.

When Myhill stood in for him he did nothing wrong and was unfortunate to be dropped.

I heard today Foster's is playing with a fractured thumb, so maybe he should be taken out of the firing line and get over the injury, and give Myhill another chance
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smethwickw on September 17, 2014, 08:54:00 PM
If he's not 100% then he shouldn't be playing. As someone else pointed out Myhill has done pretty well in the past when called upon.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BB74 on September 17, 2014, 09:00:16 PM
It appears from Fosters latest interview re: Brunt, that he has joined the 'elite club'. The clique gets stronger by the day.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on September 17, 2014, 09:03:00 PM
Maybe he should be concentrating more on his own game than worrying about his team mates
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: iwastherein68 on September 18, 2014, 12:50:01 PM
I cannot believe that Ben has been allowed to make public the extent of his injury. Cue shots to his dodgy side, opponents grabbing him and stepping on him at corners etc. What is Martin Swain playing at ? We seem to be able to cover up "disagreements" between players at the training ground, and yet a key player is able to comment openly about an injury which should not be known outside of the club, if the player is going to continue playing with the injury.
Somebody get a grip.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: mulliganstired on September 18, 2014, 01:29:04 PM
If he's not 100% then he shouldn't be playing. As someone else pointed out Myhill has done pretty well in the past when called upon.
Absolutely, the player might want to play, might feel he can cope, but he will be conscious of the injury and it WILL affect split second decisions/reactions.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RuncornBaggie on September 18, 2014, 02:27:09 PM
This criticism of Ben Foster is a very unfair I think.  He is the best keeper that I have ever seen up the Albion! 

Last season some were saying that he was player of the season?  (I am sure that I read it somewhere on here).  Because he is standing up for his colleague and club captain (I would do exactly the same if I were in his shoes) people jump on him! 

Myhill is not as good as Foster.  Not in a milion years.

Don't push him out guys! 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tommcneill on September 18, 2014, 02:41:17 PM
Crticism where criticism is due but Foster has been an outstanding player for us over the years and still is to this day so I dont understand why Albion fans feel the need to keep criticising a player that will be huge for us over the coming years also.

Id hate to lose him as he is truly an outstanding keeper
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hull Baggie on September 18, 2014, 02:49:31 PM
This criticism of Ben Foster is a very unfair I think.  He is the best keeper that I have ever seen up the Albion! 

Last season some were saying that he was player of the season?  (I am sure that I read it somewhere on here).  Because he is standing up for his colleague and club captain (I would do exactly the same if I were in his shoes) people jump on him! 

Myhill is not as good as Foster.  Not in a milion years.

Don't push him out guys!


Nobody's trying to push him out. What people are questioning is whether he should be dropped in order to get over his injury.

His form has dropped since his double hernia operation last season, his kicking/distribution is frankly appalling. After a save he often pushes the ball back into the oncoming rush of players..Naismith on Saturday and Rosenior at Hull after he'd saved the penalty. Most keepers manage to push the ball away to the sides rather than straight out in front.

What happens if playing with this injury makes it worse and we lose him for a big run of games?

Myhill has proven to be a decent understudy in the last 2 seasons and I can't think of any goals where you could say he was at fault. I'd play Myhill against Hull and then against Burnley. Give Foster's thumb a rest!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albionic on September 18, 2014, 02:59:33 PM
Love Ben, he committed to us when i feel sure he could have gone elsewhere.
I think we need him for next 2 games, then if its gone tits up for us, we should let him get his thumb sorted.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Signor_Maresca on September 18, 2014, 03:07:30 PM
This criticism of Ben Foster is a very unfair I think.  He is the best keeper that I have ever seen up the Albion! 

Last season some were saying that he was player of the season?  (I am sure that I read it somewhere on here).  Because he is standing up for his colleague and club captain (I would do exactly the same if I were in his shoes) people jump on him! 

Myhill is not as good as Foster.  Not in a milion years.

Spot on.  Foster is our best player, Myhill is not even in the same league as Foster.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JDWest_Brom on September 18, 2014, 03:35:52 PM
Ben Foster was player of the season last season, but his performances this year have fallen well below his usual excellent standards.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: spencer Baggie on September 18, 2014, 08:00:30 PM
Don't see the point in playing injured player and aggravating injury. Rest for a few weeks, play Myhill.

Would rather have Fozzy at full fitness.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: MarkW on September 18, 2014, 08:06:15 PM
"If he isn't 100% he shouldn't be playing"

But if you're a new signing it's different?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie53 on September 18, 2014, 10:02:03 PM
"If he isn't 100% he shouldn't be playing"

But if you're a new signing it's different?
But we are talking of an actual injury, not match fitness. The only way you get match fit is by playing
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: chipperclark on September 19, 2014, 02:34:19 AM
This criticism of Ben Foster is a very unfair I think.  He is the best keeper that I have ever seen up the Albion! 

Last season some were saying that he was player of the season?  (I am sure that I read it somewhere on here).  Because he is standing up for his colleague and club captain (I would do exactly the same if I were in his shoes) people jump on him! 

Myhill is not as good as Foster.  Not in a milion years.

Don't push him out guys!
;D So agree with this post......How many times has Foster saved our arses??? He is World Class and if anyone says differently they are mugs.
I can count on 1 hand how many errors have lead to goals from his fault and I can count "hundreds" of times he has averted danger to our goal in the last couple of years.
Maybe we should bring Crichton back???? 8)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on September 19, 2014, 05:19:02 AM
Foster made one excellent save against Everton with the hand he has the injury on so I don't think it's causing him any real problems. His performances haven't been up to standard of late but with that said who's have been?

The question of his distribution is an interesting one. His clearances and kicks have always seen the odd few go all over the place but since he got the injury at Everton last year it has got much worse.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on September 19, 2014, 05:22:09 AM
Foster made one excellent save against Everton with the hand he has the injury on so I don't think it's causing him any real problems. His performances haven't been up to standard of late but with that said who's have been?

The question of his distribution is an interesting one. His clearances and kicks have always seen the odd few go all over the place but since he got the injury at Everton last year it has got much worse.

Re his kicking you'd think he would get advised to abandon the Brunt wide header and just keep the ball in the field of play.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on September 19, 2014, 05:27:33 AM
Re his kicking you'd think he would get advised to abandon the Brunt wide header and just keep the ball in the field of play.

Just one of the advantages for dropping Brunt  ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on September 19, 2014, 02:07:55 PM
Just one of the advantages for dropping Brunt  ;)

He does it to the other wing if Brunt has been subbed, or a smaller wide player if Brunt isn't picked.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Morany on September 19, 2014, 02:57:36 PM
He does it to the other wing if Brunt has been subbed, or a smaller wide player if Brunt isn't picked.

Do you have a setting on your westbrom.com profile that sends you an email when someone types the word Brunt?  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: VVVAlbion on September 19, 2014, 04:02:13 PM
Pump it straight up the middle and watch it come flying back. Going wide or having confidence in the back four bringing it out are clearly the best options.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on September 19, 2014, 05:12:10 PM
Do you have a setting on your westbrom.com profile that sends you an email when some one types the word Brunt?  ;D

He quoted my post?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dudleylad on September 19, 2014, 05:53:50 PM
Pump it straight up the middle and watch it come flying back. Going wide or having confidence in the back four bringing it out are clearly the best options.

This is correct in my view as a goalkeeper in the modern game they always tend to play out from the back four or aim wide to bring others into play.

The old fashioned hoof up the middle really has not been a regular option for any side for years even Stoke.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on September 19, 2014, 08:16:08 PM
said a 100 times, Foster is good, but just good not world class, also not beyond mistakes and silly errors , southampton at home last year jumps out as well as woeful distribution at times.
Quite rate myhill, if we sold foster for 10-12mil and played myhill i wouldnt be worried
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie53 on September 19, 2014, 08:17:27 PM
said a 100 times, Foster is good, but just good not world class, also not beyond mistakes and silly errors , southampton at home last year jumps out as well as woeful distribution at times.
Quite rate myhill, if we sold foster for 10-12mil and played myhill i wouldnt be worried
Agree
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on September 20, 2014, 09:17:37 AM
We would never get that much for Foster. Myhill is decent enough but I'm not sure I would want to have him playing every week as I dont think he is as good as Foster.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggieman0 on September 20, 2014, 10:05:06 AM
I think that like goalscorers, 'keepers are confidence players and there is no confidence in the whole team at the moment, you've only got to look at the team sheets to see why we have picked up this season where we left off last. The team is bereft of any new ideas. Foster is a really good 'keeper, he is the best I have seen in my time going up there (currently 22 years) and I am glad he has stuck up for Brunt as this says to me that there is maybe some sort of team spirit there.

I am still hopeful that one win may make a huge difference, although this hope is fading after each woeful performance.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on September 20, 2014, 10:25:44 AM
We would never get that much for Foster. Myhill is decent enough but I'm not sure I would want to have him playing every week as I dont think he is as good as Foster.
Think we would..
I think Myhill is boring in a nice way , just does the job , Foster is a good shot stopper but sometimes he just goes a bit awire..
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BaggiesFacts on September 20, 2014, 04:59:10 PM
Foster just like every other player in our team is susceptible to the odd mistake, it obviously just gets noted more as a goalkeeper.

Trust me if you give Myhill a full season compared to Foster the errors column for the Welshman would be more than double that of Foster's, they're on different levels.

Not to say Myhill isn't a good enough backup though.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BB74 on September 29, 2014, 09:18:48 PM
Would-be WAGs descend on charity shop where England player Ben Foster donated wife's designer clothes


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2773466/Would-WAGs-descend-charity-shop-England-player-Ben-Foster-donated-wife-s-designer-clothes.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2773466/Would-WAGs-descend-charity-shop-England-player-Ben-Foster-donated-wife-s-designer-clothes.html)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on December 21, 2014, 01:20:28 PM
If Ben Foster could come and command his area better we'd have won that game easily. He has been poor for a while now. Deserves a lot more criticism than he has received, far more than Irvine yet this thread is dormant while Irvine's is a hotbed of vilifications. He may be a fan's favourite but it doesn't excuse some of his performances.

Cattermole's goal he should have done better.
Mirallas' for Everton.
Wellbeck's for Arsenal.
First Swansea goal.
Should be catching that one against QPR as well as commanding his area much better from crosses and corners. His kicking has been really poor.
6 clean sheets and only one performance of note in a defeat to Chelsea.

Not good enough.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lewisant on December 21, 2014, 01:33:00 PM
I'm pretty sure 6 clean sheets for a club in our position IS good enough!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on December 21, 2014, 01:35:00 PM
I'm pretty sure 6 clean sheets for a club in our position IS good enough!

It is. But how many were because of him?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lewisant on December 21, 2014, 01:37:57 PM
It is. But how many were because of him?

I couldn't tell you, what I do know is that he's made some cracking saves this season.

Nobody is exempt from criticism though and his distribution this season is poor, which is something that in the past has been one of his strengths.

Myhill is worthy competition though and Foster should only ever be a mistake or 2 away from finding himself on the bench.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on December 21, 2014, 01:45:23 PM
I couldn't tell you, what I do know is that he's made some cracking saves this season.

Nobody is exempt from criticism though and his distribution this season is poor, which is something that in the past has been one of his strengths.

Myhill is worthy competition though and Foster should only ever be a mistake or 2 away from finding himself on the bench.

The fundamental point here is this man, who we all know is a good keeper, has not played up to his standards this season, yet remains immune to criticism. All I expect is a bit of fairness when apportioning blame. It can't always be Irvine's fault simply because he is head coach, it's such an antiquated way of thinking. Recruitment, individuals, club structure and yes the head coach all are factors. It's so reductionist that the sum of the majority of people's analysis is to blame the head coach entirely for anything wrong (or Dorran's and Irvine if you're Jacko).
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: VVVAlbion on December 21, 2014, 03:16:14 PM
Great save to stop Austin from getting his hat trick earlier in the game.

He has his faults, didn't he drop out from the England set up originally partly because of the way they had him clearing the ball and has subsequently had operations to try and sort kicking problems?

Myhill is a good keeper too and an excellent back up but he has been back up for a long time for a reason.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie82 on December 21, 2014, 04:55:00 PM
I don't understand why he was trying to punch the ball under no pressure, just catch it for god sake. Then he makes a massive mess of it and Morrison gives away a cheap pen. Foster's error started the demise. Didn't seem to bother him mind, busy smiling and laughing away during the second half! I agree with the poster who brought his performances up; he's not been good enough this season. Too many mistakes, needs a rollicking like a few others.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: slate on December 21, 2014, 05:04:42 PM
I really don't understand what the debate is about here. Foster is the best goalkeeper we've ever had at the Albion. I think some of you like moaning just for the hell of it at the moment. The current negativity surrounding our club is suffocating.

Merry Bloody Christmas.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Yamaka on December 21, 2014, 05:13:38 PM
I don't understand why he was trying to punch the ball under no pressure, just catch it for god sake. Then he makes a massive mess of it and Morrison gives away a cheap pen. Foster's error started the demise. Didn't seem to bother him mind, busy smiling and laughing away during the second half! I agree with the poster who brought his performances up; he's not been good enough this season. Too many mistakes, needs a rollicking like a few others.

Isn't it the coaches job to help sort these kinds of issues out?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: johnnyg on December 21, 2014, 05:26:07 PM
I think its a very relevant point to debate.
Yes, there is no denying that foster has contributed towards our improved clean sheets, but i would also argue that Fosters inability to command his area has contributed towards our hesitancy at the back. He needs to be more dominant in coming off his line.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on December 21, 2014, 06:10:00 PM
I really don't understand what the debate is about here. Foster is the best goalkeeper we've ever had at the Albion. I think some of you like moaning just for the hell of it at the moment. The current negativity surrounding our club is suffocating.

Merry Bloody Christmas.

He might be the best goalkeeper we've had at the Albion but I don't think his continuous poor form should be over-looked because of what he's done previously. Foster resembles the coaching that he has become too comfortable because nobody has the bottle to drop him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dexy on December 21, 2014, 06:12:06 PM
The fact we have an understudy who seems to be happy or ok with the fact he will always be number 2 to Foster has lead to a bit of complacency in my honest view , it's not healthy to be honest.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Yamaka on December 21, 2014, 06:13:57 PM
The fact we have an understudy who seems to be happy or ok with the fact he will always be number 2 to Foster has lead to a bit of complacency in my honest view , it's not healthy to be honest.

Same coach - where to go?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on December 26, 2014, 03:09:56 PM
That's why he deserves criticism.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: maccbaggie on December 26, 2014, 03:17:01 PM
Has Kiely been sacked yet?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: PepeMel on December 26, 2014, 04:24:36 PM
Big head no it all thinks he owns the place
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: paulosull on December 26, 2014, 05:43:00 PM
Any tweets from calamity foster as how good the coaches are
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on December 26, 2014, 05:50:13 PM
Billy big boots, another one happy to be drawing a cushy salerie . Myhil where are you
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on December 26, 2014, 06:33:24 PM
Slowly been declining over time which is very worrying, should be in his prime right now.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBASPE77 on December 26, 2014, 06:33:31 PM
He has been a great players for us and still can be, but I feel we need more competition. Myhill is happy to play three or four games a season and still pick up a good wage.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: CL3MO on December 26, 2014, 06:33:35 PM
Billy big boots, another one happy to be drawing a cushy salerie . Myhil where are you

What makes him a 'billy big boots'?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on December 26, 2014, 06:35:27 PM
What makes him a 'billy big boots'?


One of the happy gang drawing a nice comfortable salary who's position under the current reseigm is un threatened
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on December 26, 2014, 06:37:42 PM
Yet another mistake from what I seemed a basic bit of goalkeeping.

Give Myhill a chance - reinforce the word competition because Foster like many within this club are too comfortable.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: beechyboy90 on December 26, 2014, 06:40:35 PM
Yet another mistake from what I seemed a basic bit of goalkeeping.

Give Myhill a chance - reinforce the word competition because Foster like many within this club are too comfortable.

Agreed. Knows he's going to play regardless of how he plays. 2 absolute clangers in 2 games. When was the last time he won us a game or kept us in a game?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: 17GD on December 26, 2014, 07:05:44 PM
I think the 'comfort zone' describes too many people at the club - Foster included. He needs to be dropped and some competition needs to be brought in during January. I know most clubs have a number one, but it's no good for anyone, Foster included, to just be the chosen one without thought.

He needs a new coach, not a friend, and he needs some competition.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: geoff on December 26, 2014, 07:46:03 PM
We won't buy a better better keeper than Ben but he has cost us of late maybe its time to change his training rasheem completely
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: paulosull on December 26, 2014, 07:51:59 PM
We won't buy a better better keeper than Ben but he has cost us of late maybe its time to change his training rasheem completely
get rid of kiely he's making him worse
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BigFrank20 on December 26, 2014, 08:15:02 PM
His kicking and general distribution is currently rubbish too!
He kicks 90% of our possession straight back to the opposition the other 10% goes straight out for  throw to them.
He is generally to slow or just plain unaware/unable to make quick throws to our players in space.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Greenock Baggie on December 26, 2014, 08:32:48 PM
He's well into the comfort zone this bloke as his number 2 has no ambition, is happy to play second fiddle to him so Foster has no real competition for his place in the team
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: geoff on December 26, 2014, 08:43:44 PM
get rid of kiely he's making him worse

Thats a great start.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: sing on our own on December 26, 2014, 09:26:31 PM
I've commented about Foster on this forum somewhere before, he isn't half the 'keeper we first signed but with Myhill just glad to pick up a wage for doing nothing where's the compitition? The comment he came out with about finishing 17th sums him up, I wonder if he will still be waving and showing off to his family for us in the championship next season? Or will he have to move 'for his career'?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: ComebackStrodds on December 26, 2014, 09:33:48 PM
Thats a great start.

Is Bruiser Naylor still coaching?.....
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: royhan on December 26, 2014, 09:44:53 PM
Do we really need a full time coach just for goalkeepers? Our two senior keepers are both full internationals with a wealth of experience for their clubs and country. If the keepers keep making elementary mistakes then find replacements.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie82 on December 26, 2014, 10:11:21 PM
Excelled himself today by treating the football like a jelly for the first goal. Then kicked the ball out for Nasri to get treatment with the ref saying play on and the crowd screaming for the game to continue!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smosher34 on December 26, 2014, 10:16:08 PM
he has been going down hill for a while and I blame the coaches at the club .
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: GREGMT on December 26, 2014, 10:24:13 PM
Sack Dean the Dunce now.  Money for old rope for that loser.  I wonder how many hours he works per week?  What can he do or say different to keep Foster motivated on a weekly basis?  Just no point at all.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: maccbaggie on December 27, 2014, 12:30:20 AM
Foster will never be challenged and thus never at the top of his game as long as his coach is his mate. The same goes for most of the outfield squad and Keith Downing. How those at the top thought this arrangement would be conducive to good results, god only knows. They're too comfortable.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: VVVAlbion on December 27, 2014, 09:20:49 AM
His kicking and general distribution is currently rubbish too!
He kicks 90% of our possession straight back to the opposition the other 10% goes straight out for  throw to them.
He is generally to slow or just plain unaware/unable to make quick throws to our players in space.
Making up stats to emphasise a point doesn't strengthen your argument.
Our distribution from the back has been poor at times (yesterday I thought it was much better) but having arguably one of the smallest and least mobile forward lines, long balls from any keeper are going to be meat and drink for opposing back fours.

Foster made the same amount of costly errors in the game yesterday as England's undisputed number one.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RedHead_Baggie on December 27, 2014, 09:50:59 AM
If anyone needs a rocket up the backside at the moment it's Foster.

Wouldn't surprise me if he is left out of the next England squad with Rob Green getting a call up.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: graka on December 27, 2014, 03:45:06 PM
his individual errors are becoming more and more frequent. for me id put myhill in and make him realise his place is not guaranteed regardless.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: spencer Baggie on December 27, 2014, 04:01:38 PM
his individual errors are becoming more and more frequent. for me id put myhill in and make him realise his place is not guaranteed regardless.

Really? Apart from yesterday, can you name any major incidents in the last 10 games?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: OldburyWBA on December 27, 2014, 04:05:22 PM
Really? Apart from yesterday, can you name any major incidents in the last 10 games?

He dropped the ball at QPR which led to their penalty. If he had caught the ball there would have been no penalty.

Complacent along with a little group of others who have one thing in common. They all come out in the press to tell us they think the Head Coach is "nice" and no matter how they perform they keep their place or come straight back in.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JMullen95 on December 27, 2014, 04:12:26 PM
Never really rated Foster, don't really blame Kiely for his bad form at all. Myhill is a much better shot-stopper from what I have seen.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBArgo on December 27, 2014, 04:41:52 PM
He dropped the ball at QPR which led to their penalty. If he had caught the ball there would have been no penalty.

Complacent along with a little group of others who have one thing in common. They all come out in the press to tell us they think the Head Coach is "nice" and no matter how they perform they keep their place or come straight back in.
He also messed up against Everton in the 2-0 loss earlier in the season, which allowed a simple Kevin Mirallas shot to slip under him.

I do like Foster, he's obviously quality and last year he made very few errors. I think he knows his number 1 spot is safe and seems too relaxed at times.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on December 27, 2014, 05:54:12 PM
There was another two incidents in the second half yesterday where he came for a cross and made a complete hash of it.

He then had the cheek to suggest the snow was the reason for him yet again dropping the ball.

His distribution whether from goal kicks or open play is woeful. Either they go flying out of play, fail to reach half way or end up on a totally different side of the pitch to our forwards.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: OldburyWBA on December 27, 2014, 06:20:14 PM
There was another two incidents in the second half yesterday where he came for a cross and made a complete hash of it.

He then had the cheek to suggest the snow was the reason for him yet again dropping the ball.


His distribution whether from goal kicks or open play is woeful. Either they go flying out of play, fail to reach half way or end up on a totally different side of the pitch to our forwards.

To be fair that could have been the case as it was possibly down to the snow that Hart lost sight of the ball for our goal. A couple of players in recent weeks have seemed to lose the ball with the lights on.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on December 27, 2014, 06:26:13 PM
To be fair that could have been the case as it was possibly down to the snow that Hart lost sight of the ball for our goal. A couple of players in recent weeks have seemed to lose the ball with the lights on.

I wouldn't have minded but the snow at this point was hardly coming down thick and fast.

He then tried punching the ball about five minutes later and made a complete hash of that too.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: geoff on December 27, 2014, 07:22:55 PM
Never really rated Foster, don't really blame Kiely for his bad form at all. Myhill is a much better shot-stopper from what I have seen.

 :o :o up unto the last couple of months he was no2 english keeper in the land & when Heart went through his ify spell no1. Who do you think WE could sign who is better than Ben.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Signor_Maresca on December 27, 2014, 09:04:26 PM
I really rate and like Foster but kicking the ball out when Nasri was obviously play acting, where he kicked the ball out and the fact he did despite the ref waving him to play on was one of the most f**king retarded things I have seen one of our players do in a long time.  I'm still fuming about it now. 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Chipperfan on December 28, 2014, 07:37:09 AM
Don't blame Foster. His actions were merely symptomatic of the difference in approach between the two sides. City were ruthless, we were not.

Look at the drop ball when Milner booted it away from Foster for a goal kick, a much less advantageous position for us than Foster having the ball played to his hands. Look again at the throw in after the Nasri incident. Milner threw it short of Foster, meaning he had to go collect it thus giving Milner plenty of time to get back into position.

Either could be viewed as unsporting, but in reality City are a lethal, well drilled, well organised team with a psychology of never giving up any advantage to the opposition.

Foster's action, in putting the ball out when Nasri was play acting, was just a symptom of Albion's weak, muddled approach. He is an allegedly highly trained professional athlete and should know not to do that, and not to surrender an advantage, unless the opponent is unconscious or clearly badly injured otherwise, or alternatively unless the referee instructs him to put it out.

It was a pathetic moment and just about encapsulated why we are where we are.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggies54 on December 28, 2014, 07:44:03 AM
:o :o up unto the last couple of months he was no2 english keeper in the land & when Heart went through his ify spell no1. Who do you think WE could sign who is better than Ben.

I don't think we need sign another Geoff, but a wake up call can do him no harm.  Myhill has not let us down as the stand in keeper so a couple of games on the bench will make Foster fight for his place and give him back his cutting edge......maybe.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: iwastherein68 on December 28, 2014, 08:28:39 AM
Don't blame Foster. His actions were merely symptomatic of the difference in approach between the two sides. City were ruthless, we were not.

Look at the drop ball when Milner booted it away from Foster for a goal kick, a much less advantageous position for us than Foster having the ball played to his hands. Look again at the throw in after the Nasri incident. Milner threw it short of Foster, meaning he had to go collect it thus giving Milner plenty of time to get back into position.

Either could be viewed as unsporting, but in reality City are a lethal, well drilled, well organised team with a psychology of never giving up any advantage to the opposition.

Foster's action, in putting the ball out when Nasri was play acting, was just a symptom of Albion's weak, muddled approach. He is an allegedly highly trained professional athlete and should know not to do that, and not to surrender an advantage, unless the opponent is unconscious or clearly badly injured otherwise, or alternatively unless the referee instructs him to put it out.

It was a pathetic moment and just about encapsulated why we are where we are.
Spot on Chipper, and I would add that another symptom of "nice Albion", our captain whether Brunt or Lescott, never get "in the face" of referees, like just about every other team in the Prem. Watch Shawcross today, challenging every decision. It's a part of the game I don't particularly like, but other teams do it to wear down any but the strongest referees , and it seems to work.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dont ask me to choose luv on December 28, 2014, 08:33:53 AM
I don't think we need sign another Geoff, but a wake up call can do him no harm.  Myhill has not let us down as the stand in keeper so a couple of games on the bench will make Foster fight for his place and give him back his cutting edge......maybe.

Ben's one of the best keeper's we've had for many a long year but I think you're right 54, maybe a couple of games on the bench will help him re-focus  :-\
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Atomic on December 28, 2014, 08:36:15 AM
Spot on Chipper, and I would add that another symptom of "nice Albion", our captain whether Brunt or Lescott, never get "in the face" of referees, like just about every other team in the Prem. Watch Shawcross today, challenging every decision. It's a part of the game I don't particularly like, but other teams do it to wear down any but the strongest referees , and it seems to work.


Totally agree. We're all nicey, nicey like when the players are all nice in their speeches about how great Irvine is.

It's symptomatic of losers and it doesn't get you results. It needs to change.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BobTaylor on December 28, 2014, 08:49:33 AM

Totally agree. We're all nicey, nicey like when the players are all nice in their speeches about how great Irvine is.

It's symptomatic of losers and it doesn't get you results. It needs to change.
Agree with this.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on January 31, 2015, 10:55:05 PM
Poor today and all season. Should have saved the first.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on January 31, 2015, 10:57:17 PM
Badly positioned for their first goal.
Stood too much behind the wall.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KingKoren on January 31, 2015, 10:59:04 PM
I'd play Myhill when he recovers from his injury.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: maccbaggie on January 31, 2015, 11:02:05 PM
I'd play Myhill when he recovers from his injury.
As would I.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Nathan on January 31, 2015, 11:12:54 PM
Foster just appears to be going through the motions at the Albion. Does he really give a monkey's chaff about the club? I think not. If the club meant that much to him I'm sure he would be more focused. Nobody intends to make mistakes on purpose, I just want to see somebody who actually cares wearing an Albion shirt.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: overseas baggie on January 31, 2015, 11:20:53 PM
Poor today and all season. Should have saved the first.

Possibly, but it was a quality free kick.

I think he's now merely a good keeper rather than a very good keeper, and the difference between him and Myhill has got narrower in recent months. I certainly don't think we are materially weakened if Foster misses a game.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WorcsWBA on January 31, 2015, 11:27:49 PM
Hopefully a new goalkeeping coach will be appointed soon and the new incumbent will help Foster to regain his form.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: brummyroader on February 01, 2015, 08:41:21 AM
Fans have mentioned attitude problems of other players, I honestly think Ben has one. Has been below par for a good 18 months but to be fair has had a few cracking games. Distribution been shocking for probably longer than 18 months he just made very few mistakes back then. When your no.2 comes out publicly and says he's happy to be no.2 I think you have problems.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on February 02, 2015, 08:42:10 AM
got it far too cushy
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smosher34 on February 02, 2015, 03:22:10 PM
his form is shocking at the moment , his kicking is pathetic the amount of times it goes out is a joke . 1st goal for spurs down to ben awful goal and 2nd not much better .
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: boinging_along on February 02, 2015, 04:46:47 PM
I've no problem with Foster - after all the years we've suffered with poor keepers, while he may make the odd mistake I think he's as good as we can expect to sign.  If he didn't make errors he'd be at a top club.

First one he could have done better with I think - mistimed the push over the bar.
Second one he had absolutely no chance - the ball was past him before he could react. 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tommi on February 02, 2015, 05:15:30 PM
No problem dropping Foster, would drop anyone else in that form.

Kicking is absolutely HORRENDOUS.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Andio on February 02, 2015, 05:17:24 PM
his form is shocking at the moment , his kicking is pathetic the amount of times it goes out is a joke . 1st goal for spurs down to ben awful goal and 2nd not much better .

Yeah because Norman Wisdom didnt give the ball away initially & Yacob didn't make the foul.

I will however agree that Foster could maybe have done a little better with the freekick but to be fair to Eriksen it was a lovely strike.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tommi on February 02, 2015, 05:19:13 PM
Yeah because Norman Wisdom didnt give the ball away initially & Yacob didn't make the foul.

I will however agree that Foster could maybe have done a little better with the freekick but to be fair to Eriksen it was a lovely strike.

You could tell a mile off where he was going to put it, it wasnt flush in the corner by any means. Better positioning and a stronger wrist would have saved that more comfortably than when you first see the goal.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on February 02, 2015, 05:44:14 PM
I like Foster but I think he's untouchable.
For me Myhill did a cracking job when Foster was injured and didn't deserve to loose his place just because Fozzy was fit.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Nice1Cyrille on February 02, 2015, 06:36:39 PM
I like Foster but I think he's untouchable.
For me Myhill did a cracking job when Foster was injured and didn't deserve to loose his place just because Fozzy was fit.
Agreed. I dont think Foster should keep his place based on a reputation. This year he has looked suspect on many goals and his kicking is awful. Myhill has done a solid job everytime he has come in. No one should be untouchable
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smosher34 on February 02, 2015, 09:05:26 PM
Yeah because Norman Wisdom didnt give the ball away initially & Yacob didn't make the foul.

I will however agree that Foster could maybe have done a little better with the freekick but to be fair to Eriksen it was a lovely strike.

I agree the players infront don't help foster but that free kick goal was very poor and so was the 2nd goal , do you think spurs keeper would have let them in ?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie53 on February 08, 2015, 07:43:53 PM
Foster's kicking was absolutely dire again today
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Tipton Baggie on February 08, 2015, 07:46:24 PM
Foster's kicking was absolutely dire again today
Hes got it too comfortable, needs to be challenged.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on February 08, 2015, 07:49:11 PM
He has to be taughth to throw the ball out to a forward running player, instead of standing there, holding it until he can hoof it.
Quickness should be his watchword.
Don't let us have to keep trying to beat 11 players over and over again.
They (the opposition) are facing the ball when it is hoofed, and can pick it up easier than our players who have their backs to it.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggyman68 on February 08, 2015, 07:52:02 PM
go on about Foster but did you see that save when he tipped it onto the bar? World class!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: MarkW on February 08, 2015, 07:56:01 PM
He's always been a fantastic reflex shot stopper, as witnessed today. It's the other parts of his game like his footwork (see Eriksen freekick last week) and command of area that aren't as strong
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: VVVAlbion on February 08, 2015, 07:58:14 PM
He has to be taughth to throw the ball out to a forward running player, instead of standing there, holding it until he can hoof it.
Quickness should be his watchword.
Don't let us have to keep trying to beat 11 players over and over again.
They (the opposition) are facing the ball when it is hoofed, and can pick it up easier than our players who have their backs to it.
Quite often you see him wanting to release the quick ball but the outfield players not ready or willing to receive it.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Black Pearl on February 08, 2015, 07:58:29 PM
He's always been a fantastic reflex shot stopper, as witnessed today. It's the other parts of his game like his footwork (see Eriksen freekick last week) and command of area that aren't as strong

Have to disagree with that, it's one of his strengths.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Adder on February 08, 2015, 08:00:56 PM
Fantastic save - on a par with Lloris save from Morrison last week.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Big Al on February 08, 2015, 08:04:01 PM
Best keeper we have had for sometime, yes his kicking is weak and form has dipped the last month, But few keepers have a great all around game, very few dominate there area I am not sure we could attract anyone better.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: MarkW on February 08, 2015, 08:07:07 PM
Have to disagree with that, it's one of his strengths.

I'm never particularly confident with him under a high ball (Man City at home for example)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: CL3MO on February 08, 2015, 08:07:32 PM
Fantastic save - on a par with Lloris save from Morrison last week.

Nowhere near his best lately, but that save was just outstanding. Agility at its best.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on February 08, 2015, 08:08:29 PM
He has to be taughth to throw the ball out to a forward running player, instead of standing there, holding it until he can hoof it.
Quickness should be his watchword.
Don't let us have to keep trying to beat 11 players over and over again.
They (the opposition) are facing the ball when it is hoofed, and can pick it up easier than our players who have their backs to it.
He already does try to, it the opposite problem.. the outfield have to get into position to give him the option.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on February 08, 2015, 08:10:43 PM
I do feel for him a bit in terms of distribution.

I've watched him quite closely today on restarts and he's always looking to get an option away quickly but when he looks up all he's faced with is one man on the same wavelength looking to break away quickly as the rest slowly dawdle back with their heads down.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WorcsWBA on February 09, 2015, 08:16:35 AM
I've watched him quite closely today on restarts and he's always looking to get an option away quickly but when he looks up all he's faced with is one man on the same wavelength looking to break away quickly as the rest slowly dawdle back with their heads down.
If we have any ambitions towards fast counter-attacks, this really shouldn't be difficult to sort out. It used to happen, but has now almost completely stopped for whatever reason.

However, Foster rolled it out to a full-back on a couple of occasions yesterday and landed them straight in trouble as they already had Burnley players bearing down on them. There's certainly no point rolling the ball out for the sake of it.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: koren on February 28, 2015, 05:18:03 PM
2014/2015 Race for the Golden Glove
 
                                  Clean Sheets
1st  Fraser Forster               12
2nd Ben Foster                 11
3rd Lukasz Fabianski            9


Ben just need one more clean sheet to level with Fraser Forster.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on February 28, 2015, 06:18:04 PM
His kicking was appalling today - either placed it off the pitch or in no mans land. Weird how he has declined so much in that area. He can have no complaints with his booking for time wasting either.

Loved his emotion at the end though. The sort of stuff that supporters take to.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: elmo_in_swansea on February 28, 2015, 06:27:58 PM
not sure its all his fault really, yes I wish he'd roll it out but does he have the option the way we play at the moment? certainly his kicks come straight back because saido & brown very rarely win a header against big ch's - difficult one really! can see why Pulis favours a Crouch type forward!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on February 28, 2015, 07:42:03 PM
Could have gone to work in his best suit today. The wall infront of him looked very good
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albionwarrior on March 01, 2015, 08:49:41 AM
Isn't it just great to have a 'Good Stopper' who just wants to be at the club
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dexy on March 03, 2015, 10:57:14 PM
Worst ever game for us tonight, not sure where that came from but I'm not going to hang him out too much.To compare him to Carson is a joke , Foster is the best keeper we have had in years and Pulis will sort him out I'm sure.
Get behind him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on March 03, 2015, 11:07:00 PM
Firstly , I've said for ages I prefer Myhill,so won't need a leg up on to the bandwagon!!
But
The threats and abuse is ridiculous,so those that are responsible please grow up..
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: east-stand-nick on March 03, 2015, 11:17:41 PM
There are bad games...and then there's that one.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: ronnie_allen on March 03, 2015, 11:20:24 PM
His worst games for the Baggies.
Given its a Cup game, may be worth throwing Myhill in.
In immediate aftermath, nearly hated Foster as much as Hutton, but overall a great servant. Once he can learn and push on from this. Just would have much preferred if the mare happened against Hull or Palace or someone rather than bloody Villa.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Nathan on March 03, 2015, 11:31:57 PM
It's been on the cards for a while I think, this performance from Foster tonight. His kicking and general distribution was appalling,as it has been for much of the season. I know he has got an impressive record with the clean sheets but his general goalkeeping has left a lot to be desired. His handling tonight was some of the worst I've ever seen from a goalkeeper at this level, he didn't look comfortable all evening. In my opinion, he was at fault for the first goal too, if he had stayed on his line, G.Mac would have got closer and probably closed down the shot,got a foot in or if not, narrowed the angle. Foster made it easy for Agbonlahor. Enough has probably already been said elsewhere about the winner.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: ranvir wba90 on March 03, 2015, 11:35:46 PM
Foster been fantastic for us. Kept us in plenty of games. Just hurts that it was the vile. He's going to end up playing a blinder  on saturday. Bring it on. Boing Boing
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: 17GD on March 03, 2015, 11:47:45 PM
If I was TP I'd drop him, and then drop him from the team.

Idiot cost us tonight, big time, as now Villa will be up for Saturday.

Shocking.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lindenbaggie on March 03, 2015, 11:53:39 PM
Just like the Batson moment in 1981 wasn't it. When they need help, we seem to oblige.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bangkokbaggie on March 04, 2015, 12:03:11 AM
Based on reports during the season his form seems to have been inconsistent and with some saying this latest performance is his worst ever for us I think TP should seriously think of dropping him.

Myhill did nothing wrong when coming in during Foster's injury period and in cup games. He should be given a chance for an extended run.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: slugga1 on March 04, 2015, 08:22:24 AM
I rate myhill buy my god foster is hands down the best keeper we have had in a long while and will be very very hard to replace when the time comes.
Maybe,  just maybe having a solid defence now has left him a little more rusty as he hadn't been having so much to do as of late? We all make mistakes but the amount of clean sheets we have had this season surely shows he doesn't need dropping.  The lad would be gutted I'm sure he will come back with a point to prove next game.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Astle1968 on March 04, 2015, 08:28:43 AM
Anyone abusing Foster needs to get a grip. He had a nightmare last night but everyone has one occasionally and it was just a bad time for his to come. He has far less shockers than most.

Saying that, I'd drop him for Saturday. Myhills a good keeper and I think with it being an unusual circumstance with same team, same ground on Saturday its a risk to chuck him back in straight away.

Still our Number 1 moving forward though, 2/3 games out could do him good
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: elmo_in_swansea on March 04, 2015, 08:30:12 AM
I've calmed down a bit after last night! Foster is a decent GK - He made a seasons worth of gaffes in that match last night alone! never mind the calamity in the 93rd min of a derby relegation game! Its a pity it had to be against our bitter rivals.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on March 04, 2015, 08:44:43 AM
'@BenFoster: Sorry to let the lads and fans down tonight, I love you all
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: seteefeet on March 04, 2015, 08:47:53 AM
Anyone abusing Foster needs to get a grip. He had a nightmare last night but everyone has one occasionally and it was just a bad time for his to come. He has far less shockers than most.

Saying that, I'd drop him for Saturday. Myhills a good keeper and I think with it being an unusual circumstance with same team, same ground on Saturday its a risk to chuck him back in straight away.

Still our Number 1 moving forward though, 2/3 games out could do him good
I agree with you here. Foster is miles better than Myhill, but returning to the scene of the crime straight away is not a good idea. Pulis has the chance to use squad rotation to take Foster out of the firing line and should do in my opinion. The Villa fans will have a field day if he does play.
Craig Beattie once scored a hatrick for us but it didn't make him a great player and by the same token one 'mare' does not make Foster a bad one.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Lloydy on March 04, 2015, 08:50:24 AM
'@BenFoster: Sorry to let the lads and fans down tonight, I love you all

You've missed the extremely ill-advised and insincere kissing emojis he used at the end of his tweet.

I'm still livid to be honest. Serious question - is this guy actually a Villa fan? It's not the first time he's done something like this against them, for us and for Blues.

Probably the most embarrassing goalkeeping performance I've ever seen. Carson got dog's abuse and never sunk to the catastrophic levels that Foster somehow reached last night. He's been in decline for a while now and needs to be dropped - command of his area and distribution in particular are quite frankly embarrassing for a supposed international standard goalkeeper.

If he starts on Saturday it's a disgrace to be honest and I will lose a bit of respect for Pulis if he keeps him in there to throw another game down the drain.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: nick_wba on March 04, 2015, 08:58:15 AM
I can't believe what I'm hearing. He's been the best keeper we've had for a long, long time. He's saved us that many points I've lost count.

Yes he made a big mistake, all keepers make mistakes, he's human. The fact some of you are calling for him to be sold is just shocking. But also be replaced by Myhill?! Please.

Chin up Fozzy, I'll be yelling your name the loudest on Saturday!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: stokelad84 on March 04, 2015, 09:08:36 AM
You've missed the extremely ill-advised and insincere kissing emojis he used at the end of his tweet.

I'm still livid to be honest. Serious question - is this guy actually a Villa fan? It's not the first time he's done something like this against them, for us and for Blues.

Probably the most embarrassing goalkeeping performance I've ever seen. Carson got dog's abuse and never sunk to the catastrophic levels that Foster somehow reached last night. He's been in decline for a while now and needs to be dropped - command of his area and distribution in particular are quite frankly embarrassing for a supposed international standard goalkeeper.

If he starts on Saturday it's a disgrace to be honest and I will lose a bit of respect for Pulis if he keeps him in there to throw another game down the drain.

That's where man management comes into play. Some players react well when being dropped, whereas others need a cuddle and to be told they're ace. Pulis will keep an eye on him and decide whether to drop him or to back him in the cup game.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: fatboy_coach on March 04, 2015, 09:25:29 AM
That's where man management comes into play. Some players react well when being dropped, whereas others need a cuddle and to be told they're ace. Pulis will keep an eye on him and decide whether to drop him or to back him in the cup game.

You're spot on! Having slept on it I can be more objective now, I think Foster will be given the chance to redeem himself on Saturday. TP will leave him in no doubt as to what he thinks but I think he'll give him the chance.

As we all know he had a rotten game, clearly the early spill sent him into a tailspin from which he never recovered.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: sing on our own on March 04, 2015, 09:31:48 AM
Foster has been average for the last two seasons and last nights performance has been on the cards for a while, I've said before Myhill is as good as he is and shouldn't have been dropped as soon as Foster was fit from injury last season as it sends the wrong message imo
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Astle1968 on March 04, 2015, 09:33:47 AM
You're spot on! Having slept on it I can be more objective now, I think Foster will be given the chance to redeem himself on Saturday. TP will leave him in no doubt as to what he thinks but I think he'll give him the chance.

As we all know he had a rotten game, clearly the early spill sent him into a tailspin from which he never recovered.

I dont think we can take the risk. It was just nerves with Foster, you could see how the early fumble affected him and he dropped/spilled nearly everything even when there was nobody near him. The pressure on that first cross/shot on Saturday will already be playing in his mind this morning.

Fosters a great goalie at our level and should still be our Number 1, but Myhills a perfectly good PL level keeper and wont let us down on Saturday. Take Foster out and give him a couple of weeks break. Another bad performance now would have far more long term consequences than being dropped for 2 weeks would.

As I say, if this was QPR away I'd probably keep Foster in, but same team, same ground just 4 days later in a huge game and I'd play Myhill
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: leeiswba on March 04, 2015, 09:40:42 AM
Id say he has won us three times as many points as he has given away in his albion career. Shame most people choose to remember the mistakes
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Signor_Maresca on March 04, 2015, 09:46:48 AM
Foster is a class goalkeeper, we are lucky to have him.  Last night was a horrific performance, Carson esc, but these things happen from time to time.  Even the best keepers have off days.  The impressive thing about Foster is he never lets a mistake damage his confidence, he seems to return better after a mistake.  Some of the stuff being directed at him is embarrassing.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on March 04, 2015, 09:57:39 AM
His game hasn't been right for a number of weeks, I think he needs to get back to basics with the coaching staff ie. catching and kicking.
That said he's still our number 1 keeper and if we look back at some of the exemplory performances he's put in we should look beyond last night and realise we have the best keeper we could possibly hope to attract.
If the coaching staff thinks he needs taking out of the firing line then I'm sure Myhill will equip himself wellWe shouldn't pillory Foster over last nights performance no matter how much it hurts.
Foster will know he messed up and he will know he needs to put it right.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: ronny boy on March 04, 2015, 10:04:54 AM
Ben seemed really pumped up for the game last night... Probably too much as it affected his decision making and he had a bad game. He needs to calm it down for Saturday. As for dropping him... can't see it, he's still the best we got.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: we8seals on March 04, 2015, 10:11:16 AM
Id say he has won us three times as many points as he has given away in his albion career. Shame most people choose to remember the mistakes

whilst i agree with what you say here and that overall Foster is in credit i very much doubt that stat will stand up over the last couple of seasons and definitely not this season. Last night was more than just a bad day at the office. It was a truly awful performance from start to finish and not the only shocker of the season - outfield players have been dropped for far less.

However bad Foster was we should not let that deflect attention from a dismal show overall, there was only Fletcher that performed at anything like the required level. The other three midfield players were terrible, Brunt had a shocker, Lescott in first half might as well  have been playing up front with Benteke, GM well below par and both strikers well offte pace (injuries off some mitigation and Saido was much better second half). 1 out of ten for the manager too!!

Im still seething at the overall performance and even more at the way we coughed up a point at the end - regardless of the fact that we deserved nothing. Am not looking forward to Saturday at all.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggie Boy on March 04, 2015, 10:12:22 AM
I really hope he comes out on Saturday and gives the performance of his life, just to see the 'Drop for Myhill' brigade have their heads drop.

Foster is the best keeper we've had for the best part of 30 years and we want to drop him for a good but average keeper in Myhill, ridiculous.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BB74 on March 04, 2015, 10:23:54 AM
Man City dropping Hart for a few games did him no harm. In fact, it made him a better keeper.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: east-stand-nick on March 04, 2015, 10:31:35 AM
I think on balance it's best he's dropped on Saturday. He will either come out with fire in his belly or with his confidence totally shot, I don't think it's worth the risk.

But he is still our best keeper.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: weareblueweare white on March 04, 2015, 10:49:10 AM
It hasn't taken long for the Gould curse to strike
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 04, 2015, 10:55:24 AM
'@BenFoster: Sorry to let the lads and fans down tonight, I love you all


And his pay packet of course, he needs to make up for his poor performance  this coming Saturday , I wouldn't drop him just yet
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: hunsletbaggie on March 04, 2015, 12:17:08 PM
Personally I think it was harsh to drop Myhill for the West Ham game as he had played in both the Gateshead and Birmingham cup games and hadn't done a lot wrong apart from get injured against city.
I'd play him Saturday he won't let us down.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wardy65 on March 04, 2015, 12:26:34 PM
Went last night & was absolutely seething at Foster's 'rush of blood' at the end, but I think he was just so eager to atone for not catching that he panicked a bit. Totally wrong choice given we'd got Baird there to clear, but that's the type of keeper Ben is. Costly error, not his first & it won't be his last, but anyone suggesting he's not a good keeper? Really? He had a poor game last night & was visibly shaken by his 'let-off' when he just managed to scramble the ball off his own goal-line in the first half, & i think it affected his game thereafter, but all top keepers have a blip now & again. One of the best keepers I ever saw play was Peter Shilton, & I remember having the odd howler, but he always came back better & stronger for it!
Foster's a good keeper, so let's back him! We don't get many players that constantly talk in such a positive light about the club, especially when they've been away with the England squad, but Foster's a Breath of fresh air in that respect, even saying he'd like to end his career with the club. We're not talking Paul Crighton or Scott Carson here, players that just couldn't keep a clean sheet to save their lives, but Ben Foster, who now has 11 this season! Yes, I understand that TP, sets us up defensively & you might argue that he has less to do, but when needed, like at Burnley, he's still a class act!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Big Al on March 04, 2015, 12:27:45 PM
If it was a league game Foster would be a shoo in for  Pulis however I think he may have brought Myhill in for a cup game. Last night clouds the issue slightly and I believe Pulis will prove his faith in Foster by playing him Saturday. It's that case it could go either way but let's hope he is outstanding or preferably has nothing to do because the team plays better.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kris_boing on March 04, 2015, 12:40:11 PM
Foster is a top keeper and he wins us more points than he loses no doubt about it.

Last night he had a 'mare. Don't know whether the occasion got to him but he was all over the place.

I would pull him out of the side against Villa on Saturday.  The Villa fans will be cheering and jeering his every touch and he'll either fold or rise to the occasion.  We can't afford the former to happen again so I'd go for the steady Myhill.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Nathan on March 04, 2015, 12:51:43 PM
It's a really difficult one knowing what to do for the best on Saturday. As I said on here late last night in the aftermath, I've seen this performance coming for a few weeks now, Foster hasn't been on the top of his game for a while despite the impressive number of clean sheets. His distribution is awful,the time it seems to take him to make decisions seems very slow, as if he is caught in two minds constantly.
Saying all that, a Goalkeeper is the only position on the pitch where if you make a mistake it invariably leads to it being punished. Defenders, midfielders, forwards can all have nightmare games, make numerous errors, give away silly fouls,etc, but none of which may lead to conceding a goal. A goalkeeping error will always seem to be a lot worse.
With dropping Foster, I just don't know. TP is going to have a big decision to make. If it was any other game I would say without hesitation that he should play. TP will have a couple of days to talk to him, attempt to get his head right and get last night out of his system. I've just got a feeling though that if Foster plays on Saturday, the Villa players and fans will have half the job done for them. He will get so much abuse,get constantly goaded and wound up,I can't see how that will have a positive effect on someone like Foster who appears to be very much a confidence player. He will have what's left of his confidence completely shot to pieces. For us, the club and him personally, I think it may be best for long term prospects that he is taken out of the firing line on Saturday.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dangerman on March 04, 2015, 12:54:23 PM
He has conflicting interests.

It's no surprise that the two players who it seems are standing out as having 'bad' games (I.e. Foster and Lescott) are both villa fans.

I'm not saying they did it deliberately but I'm sure neither gave 100% towards the game.

Foster is a good keeper however he has no worries about his position, myhill has already said he's happy being number two, so what incentive has foster got?

In the summer we need to ship out myhill and get in a keeper to challenge for the number on short.

Then I believe we will see a massive improvement in foster.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: seteefeet on March 04, 2015, 12:57:39 PM
Take him out of the firing line for the cup game, if he has another mare it will have far more long term effect. Playing him will give the Villa players and fans a common target from the off and the first errant kick or fumble will put our entire team, and fans, on edge.
Back in for the next league game unless Myhill has a worldy.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: johnny Cash on March 04, 2015, 12:58:46 PM
Foster is a class goalkeeper, we are lucky to have him.  Last night was a horrific performance, Carson esc, but these things happen from time to time.  Even the best keepers have off days.  The impressive thing about Foster is he never lets a mistake damage his confidence, he seems to return better after a mistake.  Some of the stuff being directed at him is embarrassing.

The confidence is why he is better than Carson. Carson was not a bad shot stopped at all, and in form was a very good keeper, but he had a weaker character than Ben. You see Ben nearly get caught out at times or kick badly and he stands there grinning or laughing about it, he gets its a mistake and it happens and he seems to be able to move past it. Carson would look like he was going to cry it would effect him for weeks, rather than just minutes or even a game.

I'd throw him back in to be honest. When he was injured and he came back straight back in, it was a joke, but In this circumstance I think he should get back on the horse.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Webby on March 04, 2015, 01:01:43 PM
Foster is a top keeper and he wins us more points than he loses no doubt about it.

This season I would debate that
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: seteefeet on March 04, 2015, 01:04:11 PM
He has conflicting interests.

It's no surprise that the two players who it seems are standing out as having 'bad' games (I.e. Foster and Lescott) are both villa fans.

I'm not saying they did it deliberately but I'm sure neither gave 100% towards the game.

Foster is a good keeper however he has no worries about his position, myhill has already said he's happy being number two, so what incentive has foster got?

In the summer we need to ship out myhill and get in a keeper to challenge for the number on short.

Then I believe we will see a massive improvement in foster.
Sorry but just not having this are you seriously saying that these two played badly because they support Villa?? If so then they should be sacked not dropped!
Lescott has scored more goals against Villa than any other team and Foster kept a clean sheet in the home game.
Gardner was equally poor but supports Blues apparently so would have wanted to win more than anyone.
Modern day footballers support the paymasters, nostalgia plays little part.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RuncornBaggie on March 04, 2015, 01:09:25 PM
He is clearly the best keeper that we have had up the Albion in many, many years! 

OK he had a bad game, and it was an absolute stinker and it was against our rivals but how many times has he saved us!  How many clean sheets has he had recently. 

I hope that he plays on Saturday and has a blinder. 

The reason that Myhill was dropped when Foster became fit was because he is our number one.  Boaz knows this, and should understand.

Some of the stick that Foster is getting is absolutely ridiculous. 

Stick together guys!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smethwickw on March 04, 2015, 01:10:57 PM
The confidence is why he is better than Carson. Carson was not a bad shot stopped at all, and in form was a very good keeper, but he had a weaker character than Ben. You see Ben nearly get caught out at times or kick badly and he stands there grinning or laughing about it, he gets its a mistake and it happens and he seems to be able to move past it. Carson would look like he was going to cry it would effect him for weeks, rather than just minutes or even a game.

I'd throw him back in to be honest. When he was injured and he came back straight back in, it was a joke, but In this circumstance I think he should get back on the horse.

Spot on. Carson was mentally weak which is why he fell from grace pretty quickly.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie53 on March 04, 2015, 01:21:48 PM
He is clearly the best keeper that we have had up the Albion in many, many years! 

OK he had a bad game, and it was an absolute stinker and it was against our rivals but how many times has he saved us!  How many clean sheets has he had recently. 

I hope that he plays on Saturday and has a blinder. 

The reason that Myhill was dropped when Foster became fit was because he is our number one.  Boaz knows this, and should understand.

Some of the stick that Foster is getting is absolutely ridiculous. 

Stick together guys!

It's not a case of sticking together, it's saying it like it is. While I agree Foster has been top drawer for us in the past, his form has deteriorated over the last 18 months. His kicking and generally distribution have been poor for a while, and his handling has got worse.

People will cite the number of clean sheets, but a lot of these, particularly since Pulis took over, are due to the protection from two banks of four. Taking the game against Southampton as an example, he didn't actually have much to do, yet people credit the keeper with the clean sheet

Myhill is a good PL keeper and has never let us down. Foster should be taken out of the firing line for a bit. As someone else said. it did Joe Hart good when he was dropped for a spell
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: east-stand-nick on March 04, 2015, 02:39:48 PM
Foster is a top keeper and he wins us more points than he loses no doubt about it.

Last night he had a 'mare. Don't know whether the occasion got to him but he was all over the place.

I would pull him out of the side against Villa on Saturday.  The Villa fans will be cheering and jeering his every touch and he'll either fold or rise to the occasion.  We can't afford the former to happen again so I'd go for the steady Myhill.

The thing is though, this is a man who has played in cup finals at Wembley, and played in a World Cup. I would have thought he of all people would have been able to rise above the occasion.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on March 04, 2015, 03:06:46 PM
He had an absolute shocker last night, no point in hanging him out to dry by dropping him straight away though. I was a little disappointed by some of the comments aimed at him on twitter last night but then again I do understand that emotions were running high but still no need for the insults that were hurled at him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: koren on March 04, 2015, 03:24:31 PM
He had a horrible performance last night,I think he should be dropped for a few games,he need a break(mentally) .
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lindenbaggie on March 04, 2015, 03:33:38 PM
He had an absolute shocker last night, no point in hanging him out to dry by dropping him straight away though. I was a little disappointed by some of the comments aimed at him on twitter last night but then again I do understand that emotions were running high but still no need for the insults that were hurled at him.

Punsheon missed a critical penalty for Palace last season, but Pulis stood by him. I expect Pulis will do the same here.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albionwarrior on March 04, 2015, 04:35:49 PM
Guys,

Give Ben Foster a break ......

Yes mistake last night, but the number of clean sheets that have happened this season have also been a result of his contribution.

Yes we point the the penalty, which it was, and being 10 seconds from the end of the 3 minutes extra time is gutting ... however

After the first half we could of been 4-0 down .... yes we equalised and every man and his dog expected that to be the final result ... but for the final moment of chaos.

Get real guys .... we were poor overall last night, would of considered ourselves fortunate to get a draw but Saturday is another day ... clean sheet ... and away we go.

Tim surewood with his "Little Albion" comment and "They will need to play better than last night to beat us on Saturday" .... I think shows the man to be at best arrogant, and it's probably petulance that he wasn't emploted by us in part maybe?, either way lets get of Fosters back ... he doesn't deserve it.

"You give it, you take it but you don't complain"
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Adder on March 04, 2015, 06:48:24 PM
Unfortunately it wasn't just the penalty last night. He was poor throughout and it was 3 mistakes in the last 90 seconds ending with the actual penalty offence.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: collins101 on March 04, 2015, 07:06:07 PM
The parry from Delphs 45 yard shot summed up his lack of confidence last night
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bam101 on March 04, 2015, 07:16:58 PM
Totally agree Ben had a shocker. However he has been a loyal and fntastic servant for the club. His parry from Delphs shot was poor should have gone behind giving us a chance to reshape and defend properly. When the ball came back in from the parry and was cleared to Craig Gardner who had time and space to do the right thing and put the ball out at the half way line or beyond,again giving us chance to reform and defend,what did he do a totally poor punt directly to the thug Hutton who put a good ball back. Yes Ben shouldn't have impersonated a bull in a china shop, but there were a lot of opportunities to deal with the situation prior to this.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: ex coseley kid on March 04, 2015, 07:32:05 PM
Guys,

Give Ben Foster a break ......

Yes mistake last night, but the number of clean sheets that have happened this season have also been a result of his contribution.

Yes we point the the penalty, which it was, and being 10 seconds from the end of the 3 minutes extra time is gutting ... however

After the first half we could of been 4-0 down .... yes we equalised and every man and his dog expected that to be the final result ... but for the final moment of chaos.

Get real guys .... we were poor overall last night, would of considered ourselves fortunate to get a draw but Saturday is another day ... clean sheet ... and away we go.

Tim surewood with his "Little Albion" comment and "They will need to play better than last night to beat us on Saturday" .... I think shows the man to be at best arrogant, and it's probably petulance that he wasn't emploted by us in part maybe?, either way lets get of Fosters back ... he doesn't deserve it.

"You give it, you take it but you don't complain"

I rather like this - even though that point of view is the opposite to the hopping mad loony I was last night. It will (hopefully) remain Fozzie's worst match of all time by a huge margin, though I am concerned that his game has pretty much gone off the boil for a while now, clean sheets or not. Up til now thought it's just been about distribution for me.

I think we should get off his case now, give him room to hopefully get some confidence back.

Tactically though, I really don't know - risk playing him again in the same situation or slot Myhill in? Tough call, not as simple as it might seem.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on March 04, 2015, 07:42:00 PM
Several facets of his game have declined an awful lot of the past 12 months or so. Last night was just a complete and utter horror show. He knows that he is a much better keeper than last nights performance. As for Saturday, then I too would be making the suggestion for Boaz Myhil to be given a game.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on March 05, 2015, 09:33:28 AM
Several facets of his game have declined an awful lot of the past 12 months or so. Last night was just a complete and utter horror show. He knows that he is a much better keeper than last nights performance. As for Saturday, then I too would be making the suggestion for Boaz Myhil to be given a game.

They haven't had a real coach for a good while now just the development team lad filling in, until Gould was appointed the other week.

I do wonder if he is carrying some kind of knock that is affecting his game, he went down the other week holding his leg with no one anywhere near him and had a little treatment and I doubt it was just time wasting techniques.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: seteefeet on March 05, 2015, 11:13:10 AM
He had an absolute shocker last night, no point in hanging him out to dry by dropping him straight away though. I was a little disappointed by some of the comments aimed at him on twitter last night but then again I do understand that emotions were running high but still no need for the insults that were hurled at him.
What was being said on Twitter?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albionic on March 05, 2015, 01:13:22 PM
I was horrified by Ben's performance, so out of character. His worst ever by a country mile. There must be an underlying cause, until that is understood I would drop him.

The cup game is simply too big a game to risk a repetition.

What is the goalkeeping coach situation now ??
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BB74 on March 05, 2015, 01:35:43 PM
I was horrified by Ben's performance, so out of character. His worst ever by a country mile. There must be an underlying cause, until that is understood I would drop him.

The cup game is simply too big a game to risk a repetition.

What is the goalkeeping coach situation now ??

Bobby Goulds son is the goalkeeping coach now.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: robnewbold on March 05, 2015, 01:57:01 PM
Ben Foster is a hero and we should be proud he chose to stay with us this season. He had a bad game because he was as nervous as we all were and we had so much to lose and those idiots in C&B had the best of both worlds. under-dogs and nothing to lose.
Acting like victims is pandering to those imbeciles in Witton....if we play Ben he will have a blinder and we will win 2-0, as long as we believe. Plaster that dump with Blue and white and scream our heads off all afternoon and walk out heads held high, regardless of the result, we are Albion, they are dog poo.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on March 05, 2015, 02:46:38 PM
What was being said on Twitter?

Just a few personal insults aimed at him for his performance in the heat of the moment, I'm sure a fair few will have regretted making them the next day. To be fair I couldn't have any kind of social media account if I was a well known sportsman or celebrity.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: collins101 on March 05, 2015, 02:51:20 PM
Anyone else see Odemwingie having a pop at him on twitter ?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: OldburyWBA on March 05, 2015, 03:00:36 PM
Anyone else see Odemwingie having a pop at him on twitter ?

This one


Peter Odemwingie @OdemwingieP  ·  Mar 4

Heard another blonder from the wonder happened yesterday. Would be fair if boys threw the words he uses indoors at him. He without sin.....😃
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on March 05, 2015, 03:04:15 PM
Anyone care to translate that into English?  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dexy on March 05, 2015, 03:12:10 PM
I really rate Foster but as with a few others maybe he has got a bit too comfortable , his game seems to have slipped a bit over the last year or so . His kicking used to be great yet now borders on poor , it can't help having somebody behind him seemingly happy to be number 2 either. I honestly don't know what's best , drop him for Villa or stick by him .
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wodenson46 on March 05, 2015, 03:35:05 PM
Stick by him.
Yes he had a poor game, made a couple of errors against the vile and probably cost us the match but others might have also done a lot better than they did that night. I include Pulis and the ref in this as well as those playing for West Brom. Wrong sub decision at the wrong time, and that thug hutton should have been sent off immediately for the assault on Saido. (might even be a case for the lawyers herefor a deliberate attempt to cause serious injury ABH?). and therefore would not have been in a position to colect the clearance.

Ben Foster is a top goalkeeper Who has not in all honesty had a lot to do in many matches since TP took over. Maybe needs more practice or at least a better pair of gloves.

Form is temporary class is constant. Don't worry about saturday  - class will tell (unless they pay off the officials again)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: costa blanca baggie on March 05, 2015, 03:42:38 PM
Quote from: B_H_Baggie link=topic=2063.msg368779#msg368779  ???date=1425567783
Anyone care to translate that into English?  ;D
I've read it half a dozen times now, but still none the wiser.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wappingbaggie on March 06, 2015, 02:49:43 AM
I've read it half a dozen times now, but still none the wiser.

are you being serious or sarcastic?  meaning pretty obvious isnt it?

"another error by someone who is supposed to be Albion's best player.

foster has a tendency to be quite critical of his teammates, albeit in private. it will be interesting to see whether he is on the receiving end of similar after that error.

in that regard, remember the biblical saying, 'let he who is without sin cast the first stone".


bit tricky to cram all that into a twitter post.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on March 06, 2015, 06:20:09 AM
are you being serious or sarcastic?  meaning pretty obvious isnt it?

"another error by someone who is supposed to be Albion's best player.

foster has a tendency to be quite critical of his teammates, albeit in private. it will be interesting to see whether he is on the receiving end of similar after that error.

in that regard, remember the biblical saying, 'let he who is without sin cast the first stone".


bit tricky to cram all that into a twitter post.

Pretty much how I read it as well.
Seems also to infer that Foster is critical of those around him ('would be fair if the boys threw the words he uses at him')
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: VVVAlbion on March 06, 2015, 06:48:37 AM
Sums up why Odemwhingy is a nob and Foster remains at the club. Professionals criticise each other outside public forums. I have no doubt that words were exchanged in the changing room and I can not imagine that Foster is not his own fiercest critic anyway.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: east-stand-nick on March 06, 2015, 08:59:54 AM
And some people on here still stick up for that cretin, unbelievable.

I still think Foster should be dropped for tomorrow, we can't risk his lack of confidence costing us another game against this lot.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Black Country Pride on March 06, 2015, 10:40:27 AM
Play him. He hadn't been at his most convincing for a few games and had a mare Tuesday. He strikes me as the kind of lad who'll be determined to put things right and will bounce back. Top player.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on March 06, 2015, 10:59:20 AM
Play him. He hadn't been at his most convincing for a few games and had a mare Tuesday. He strikes me as the kind of lad who'll be determined to put things right and will bounce back. Top player.

I think that's where his calamity came from on Tuesday, he was anxious to right his previous wrong.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionFan on March 06, 2015, 07:17:07 PM
He has to play for me as he is our best keeper.

Additionally, fans should get behind him and he will repay TP's confidence and the fans support times over in my opinion.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lindenbaggie on March 06, 2015, 08:08:30 PM
He has a great opportunity to prove a lot of people wrong tomorrow night, both locally and nationally. I expect him to take it.

On a side note, we have Anthony Taylor as the referee. Since mid-December, he has sent a few off. He has a pattern of sending one off in a game, nothing for the next two games and then a sending off in the next. If he's following that pattern tomorrow, someone's having an early bath.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: geoff on March 07, 2015, 11:05:58 AM
This one


Peter Odemwingie @OdemwingieP  ·  Mar 4

Heard another blonder from the wonder happened yesterday. Would be fair if boys threw the words he uses indoors at him. He without sin.....😃


Worry about your new club, team "MATES, LOL" & supporters. Move  on you bell end.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albion79 on March 07, 2015, 11:20:53 AM
I think Foster has been a great signing and is one of our best players, he has his mad moments where he does something stupid but i bet he has gained us loads more points than he has lost us.

If you drop a keeper every time he has the odd bad game then you will use a lot of keepers, if those one off games because more frequent then that becomes a problem, also i cant remember the exact stat but we have kept a lot of clean sheets lately and Foster deserves part of the credit for that too.

All that said i dont think anybody is undroppable, i think if there was any complaceny from him it may be to with that since he has been here, no matter how well Myhill played when Foster was injured (and Myhill has played well) Foster always knows he is coming back in once fit, i dont think he has ever spent a spell on the bench has he? Whats a shame is i remember reading an interview with Myhill and he pretty much said he accepts his role is number 2, i would hope he would be saying when he gets the chance he wants to keep it, he is a very good keeper himself.

I would 100% stick with Foster today and hope that if there was any complaceny it went Tuesday night, he seems a strong character so no doubt he will bounce back, but he knows he will be watched, Villa will play on him, etc so its down to him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBArgo on March 07, 2015, 05:05:07 PM
Myhill starts, a lot have got what they wished for.
I will say this however, against Bournemouth this year (when we lost 2-1) he was dreadful and gave them the winner. He is not the answer to Ben Foster although he is a good #2.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: iwastherein68 on March 08, 2015, 09:15:43 AM
A moment of madness from an International goalkeeper was the catalyst for back to back defeats that we will never be allowed to forget.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Legend on March 12, 2015, 09:02:32 AM
Foster nominated for a player of the month award for February.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: labaggies on March 12, 2015, 11:08:12 AM

I do agree that Foster is a good keeper, one massive mistake, but by miles our best for a long time.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbarenno on March 12, 2015, 11:32:31 AM
Foster nominated for a player of the month award for February.

The villa game alone means he dosent deserve this award.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on March 12, 2015, 11:47:46 AM
The villa game alone means he dosent deserve this award.

You mean the Villa game that was in March?

That comment aside I can't remember him making many saves in February that won us points, there were games I can't remember him having anything to do.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BaggieBirdRus on March 12, 2015, 12:10:55 PM
Harry Kane deserves to win this months award.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbarenno on March 12, 2015, 01:27:09 PM
You mean the Villa game that was in March?

That comment aside I can't remember him making many saves in February that won us points, there were games I can't remember him having anything to do.

 ðŸ˜³ðŸ˜³ðŸ˜³ðŸ˜³ðŸ˜³ i forgot that 😃
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smethwickw on March 12, 2015, 01:52:47 PM
A top keeper who like all players will make the occasional mistake. Still the best we've ever had at this level.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Adder on March 12, 2015, 01:59:48 PM
think he'd be quite happy not to get this one - even if the Villa game was in March
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on March 15, 2015, 09:26:03 PM
Any one heard what was/is wrong with his leg?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Avonbaggie on March 15, 2015, 09:40:25 PM
Any one heard what was/is wrong with his leg?

I was more concerned what was wrong with his hands  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: sing on our own on March 17, 2015, 10:22:20 AM
Confirmed by the club he is out for at least a month, I'm confident in Myhill but not sure what happens if he gets injured....has anybody seen much of Jack Rose? I remember they wouldn't let Newcastle bring in an emergency loan signing.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on March 17, 2015, 10:25:17 AM
Well then now is the time to see if those calling for Foster to be dropped after the Villa game are right or not. Myhill has done well in short spells before so I'm hopeful he'll be okay, tough game to go into with Man City away though.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on March 17, 2015, 10:38:41 AM
I think Myhill is more than adequate to cover for Foster.
Fosters been off his game for some time now especially distribution and decision making wise.
He proved he had the credentials when he covered for Foster the last time his knee popped. 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albionic on March 17, 2015, 11:07:40 AM
Boaz will do the job, yes he may make a mistake, but who doesn't??
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mister AT on March 17, 2015, 12:35:59 PM
Be nice to see Myhill get some game time, has always done a good job for us, and could potentially see the rest of the season out as number 1 if he performs.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: hunsletbaggie on March 18, 2015, 12:21:38 PM
Think TP should be looking to bring a new number 1 in in the summer these two have had it far too. comfortable.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Adamstv on March 18, 2015, 08:05:33 PM
Think TP should be looking to bring a new number 1 in in the summer these two have had it far too. comfortable.

I know it's your opinion which is what forums are about but we have now recorded the 3rd best set of clean sheet statistics behind Forster and Courtois, why do we need to get another no 1 ?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KnaveofAlbion on March 19, 2015, 01:17:22 AM
Think TP should be looking to bring a new number 1 in in the summer these two have had it far too. comfortable.

Or to put it another way, the fee and wages of a third keeper, actually able to displace Foster would mean that one of them wasn't playing and Boaz was nowhere near... Is that really a good use of our kitty and wage bill?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tommcneill on March 19, 2015, 07:03:23 AM
I know it's your opinion which is what forums are about but we have now recorded the 3rd best set of clean sheet statistics behind Forster and Courtois, why do we need to get another no 1 ?

We don't

When you see the amount of clean sheets he keeps you begin to realise how good a keeper he is

Personally I think some of the fans are going stale rather than the players
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kris_boing on March 19, 2015, 07:24:32 AM
Madness thinking Foster isn't good enough. I know he has the odd bad game but the good games far outweigh the bad. The best Albion goalkeeper I've seen and surely one of our best ever.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: overseas baggie on March 19, 2015, 07:30:53 AM
We are very unlikely to ever get a keeper as good as Foster.  That's just being realistic. Like any good keeper he's going to have an occasional poor spell.  If that wasn't the case he would be playing for a Champions League club, rather than for Albion.

I'm also happy with Myhill as a very capable number 2. 

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: royhan on March 19, 2015, 07:50:45 AM
We are very unlikely to ever get a keeper as good as Foster.  That's just being realistic. Like any good keeper he's going to have an occasional poor spell.  If that wasn't the case he would be playing for a Champions League club, rather than for Albion.

I'm also happy with Myhill as a very capable number 2.
[/b]
By all accounts youngster Jack Rose could be challenging both keepers for the No1 spot in the next 12 months or so.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Chipperfan on March 19, 2015, 08:21:59 AM
As a big fan of Foster I do think his kicking particularly but also his overall game has suffered a little over the last few months. He doesn't always appear 100% confident and it's fair I believe to say that occasionally he flaps.

Boaz is a very good back up, but I can't help but wonder that the fact that publicly at least he appears content to be second choice and dropped whenever Ben is fit means that Foster is a little more relaxed than is good for him?

Great news if Rose does indeed pose a serious challenge to the top two. It can be nothing but good for Albion if we have three good goalies all capable of holding down the first team job.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: seteefeet on March 19, 2015, 09:02:47 AM
As a big fan of Foster I do think his kicking particularly but also his overall game has suffered a little over the last few months. He doesn't always appear 100% confident and it's fair I believe to say that occasionally he flaps.

Boaz is a very good back up, but I can't help but wonder that the fact that publicly at least he appears content to be second choice and dropped whenever Ben is fit means that Foster is a little more relaxed than is good for him?

Great news if Rose does indeed pose a serious challenge to the top two. It can be nothing but good for Albion if we have three good goalies all capable of holding down the first team job.
Boaz might feel differently now he has a run of games. If he does well and keeps a few clean sheets, can we really drop him? Might just give Foster a nudge also.
Personally, I think we are lucky to have two very good Prem keepers and wouldn't swap with many outside the top 6.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mister AT on March 19, 2015, 09:32:32 AM
Find it quite bizarre that people are considering the thought of selling Foster.

Outside the top4/6 he is arguably the best keeper.

Easily the best keeper I have seen us have in my lifetime.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on March 19, 2015, 09:48:46 AM
Would personally expect Foster to end his career here unless something drastic happens. He's still one of the top keepers in the league when in form, he has suffered a little with his form lately but he's still been keeping plenty of clean sheets without too much bother especially for a team that has been struggling towards the bottom of the league all season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: ronnie_allen on March 19, 2015, 10:12:44 AM
Find it quite bizarre that people are considering the thought of selling Foster.

Outside the top4/6 he is arguably the best keeper.

Easily the best keeper I have seen us have in my lifetime.
I'd have Begovic ahead of Foster (and not just based on Saturday), but agree that we have a strong pair of keepers. Our outstanding clean-sheet record, which was decent under Irivine and further improved so far under Pulis hasn't properly sunk in with me to be honest. Just a shame that he had his nightmare of a game in probably our (the fans') biggest week of the season. 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mister AT on March 19, 2015, 10:22:37 AM
I'd have Begovic ahead of Foster (and not just based on Saturday), but agree that we have a strong pair of keepers. Our outstanding clean-sheet record, which was decent under Irivine and further improved so far under Pulis hasn't properly sunk in with me to be honest. Just a shame that he had his nightmare of a game in probably our (the fans') biggest week of the season.

Yeah I agree mate.

The clean sheet thing didnt really sink in with me until the other day when you compare how many plaudits Forster and Southampton have got, and Courtois arguably being the best keeper in the league, to having Foster being 3rd in that list and we arent exactly challenging for Europe, is a remarkable achievement.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AshD on March 19, 2015, 10:28:51 AM
I wonder whether Foster has been carrying an injury, which has added to his dip in form lately? I say dip in form, he's had a few below standard performances but he's hardly been terrible, and without his tip onto the bar at Burnley, we would have been 3-0 down!

Keepers have bad runs of form - Joe Hart had a shocker start of last season and was dropped for a while...I don't think we can write Foster off because of a few questionable performances!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: VANDERLEI on March 19, 2015, 11:27:59 AM
Foster has been one of our top performers consistently for years, a run of bad form doesn't detract from this. It wouldn't be possible to bring in a keeper that improves upon him and frankly we don't need to. Top class keeper, top class pro.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mister AT on March 19, 2015, 11:35:23 AM
Just to add to the debate, for those of you who think we should be bringing in a new number 1:

I would like you to name 1-2 targets that we realistically could get, that are better than Foster.

Just out of interest.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionFan on March 19, 2015, 11:59:12 AM
Simply the best we've had in many a long year and I can go back a few, goalkeepers and years.

As well as his goalkeeping prowess, I like his attitude on the field, he can raise a smile even when he's made a minor retrievable error and share that with his defenders, which says a lot about his character and temperament which are also important facets of a good goalkeeper.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Black Country Pride on March 19, 2015, 12:10:27 PM
Everyone has the odd bad patch and makes mistakes. Overall he is an outstanding keeper and we should be thanking our lucky stars we have him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: hunsletbaggie on March 19, 2015, 12:20:35 PM
Just to add to the debate, for those of you who think we should be bringing in a new number 1:

I would like you to name 1-2 targets that we realistically could get, that are better than Foster.

Just out of interest.
Tom Heaton for one
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionFan on March 19, 2015, 12:30:57 PM
Tom Heaton for one

During his career he's played for 9 different clubs, made 209 appearances, his highest number of appearances have been for Burnley 75, the overwhelming majority of appearances his made have been in the lower leagues and no club has ever paid a fee for him.

Not saying he's a bad keeper as I haven't seen enough of him to make that judgement, but is he better than BF, and if so how much should we shell out for him?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Signor_Maresca on March 19, 2015, 01:20:23 PM
Everyone has the odd bad patch and makes mistakes. Overall he is an outstanding keeper and we should be thanking our lucky stars we have him.

Spot on.  Foster is an exceptional keeper, his ability is befitting of a club bigger than ours, we are lucky to have him; to have some fans advocating selling him is laughable.  He had a dodgy game; I expect that when he next performs superbly he will be lauded as better than Hart again etc etc.  Typical reactionary bullsh1t you get from the modern day football fan.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KnaveofAlbion on March 21, 2015, 04:07:48 PM
Someone on twitter who has a couple of decent followers has said they understand Foster has done his ACL and is out for 8 months. Only place I've seen it, so don't believe it myself. Just passing it on.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbasoprano on March 21, 2015, 08:23:01 PM
Shame if true but I'm more than confident in Myhill.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tommcneill on March 21, 2015, 08:44:29 PM
Nope it's true 6 months out

Thought he landed funny.. He has history with his cruciate as well
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbasoprano on March 21, 2015, 08:45:27 PM
Club announcement that he's out for 6 months, real shame for the lad.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: royhan on March 21, 2015, 08:49:42 PM
A real blow for Foster. We'll obviously have to bring in a new keeper for next season but once we reach safety I hope TP gives Jack Rose some first team experience.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on March 21, 2015, 09:00:47 PM
Terrible news, he's a truly excellent keeper, one of our best ever really. Player of the season in 2 of his 3 seasons doesn't lie.

Myhill's a decent enough keeper and a safe pair of hands to be in goal for a while, but I do fear for Foster. With his past history with knee injuries this could finish him.

A real blow for Foster. We'll obviously have to bring in a new keeper for next season but once we reach safety I hope TP gives Jack Rose some first team experience.

I'm not sure we do, Myhill is good enough to to be a starter in this division really, he's not as good as Foster but he's better than most teams back ups in this league. Then Rose by all accounts seems highly rated, gets to the point of you have to trust him to sit on the bench and maybe play the odd game otherwise why bother with an academy? All going well Foster will be back early next season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: stokelad84 on March 21, 2015, 09:16:11 PM
With it only being 6 months I can't see TP splashing out on a new number 1. There's nobody available unless you are willing to pay well over the odds.

Best bet would be somebody like Ruddy if Norwich don't get promoted.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Semaj Riatsila on March 21, 2015, 09:26:06 PM
6 months my god! Sorry for him been excellent over the years.

But based on Myhill's performance against City (and other games) we can rest assured we have an excellent replacement on hand.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on March 21, 2015, 09:47:02 PM
Club announcement that he's out for 6 months, real shame for the lad.

A real shame for the club.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mo on March 21, 2015, 09:49:13 PM
It may be my perception but in the games he has played I've always wondered what Myhill's shots to save ratio is . He's had a decent game today but I'm not sure about him at all.

I just hope we get the points we need ASAP .
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: brummyroader on March 21, 2015, 10:25:13 PM
Just gone on his Twitter page to see if he had put anything about his injury and it seems he has deleted it!?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: ex coseley kid on March 21, 2015, 11:25:11 PM
Shame about Fozzie, really like him even if he does sometimes hoof it! Hope he gets back to full fitness.

That said, I've always liked Boaz and look forward to him seeing this season out and helping us steady the ship.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: koren on March 22, 2015, 06:21:41 AM
Bad news for Ben and the team.With his age,it's difficult to fully recover,but it is hoped that he can back on the pitch as soon as possible.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dangerman on March 22, 2015, 09:32:15 AM
Just gone on his Twitter page to see if he had put anything about his injury and it seems he has deleted it!?

He deleted his Twitter account after the villa game because of the abuse he was getting of some 'fans'.

It's a shame for him and the club however he needed time away to get his head sorted as he seemed to be going through a bad patch.

Hopefully he comes back stronger and we see what a good goal keeper he is!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggieboyfred on March 22, 2015, 11:05:37 AM
really sad news for Ben and the club , but i think in Myhill we have one of the better back up keepers in the league, and although i am sure they will address the situation in close season if necessary , BM will do for me for the rest of the season
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on March 23, 2015, 05:34:25 PM
Losing Foster is a massive blow - no doubting that.

He has been poor though for a while, certainly his performances have been in decline and mistakes have started creeping into his game - that alongside his appalling distribution. In Myhill however we have a very able back up so we are fortunate in that respect. Will also be good for Jack Rose to get some continued experience in and around the first team squad.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: MarkW on March 23, 2015, 05:43:00 PM
Agree with Liam about Rose. Hopefully Myhill's finger/hand is fully healed and he'll be able to step in for the remainder of the season, but it can only be a good thing if Rose has a few games on the bench, getting used to life in and around the match-day squad. I don't know what the club think of him, but if the club are happy him being the number 2, and aren't looking for an emergency loan, I'd say I'm happy for him to there.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mister AT on March 24, 2015, 03:25:21 PM
Agree with Liam about Rose. Hopefully Myhill's finger/hand is fully healed and he'll be able to step in for the remainder of the season, but it can only be a good thing if Rose has a few games on the bench, getting used to life in and around the match-day squad. I don't know what the club think of him, but if the club are happy him being the number 2, and aren't looking for an emergency loan, I'd say I'm happy for him to there.

I know he is highly thought of by the academy bosses and people at the club, was one of the major factors in finally letting Daniels leave.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: stubba on June 26, 2015, 06:16:56 PM
dont get the criticism of Ben foster one bit, having supported the club 48 years he is easily the best we've had!! & having met him I must sat a true gent to boot!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on June 27, 2015, 12:10:54 AM
dont get the criticism of Ben foster one bit, having supported the club 48 years he is easily the best we've had!! & having met him I must sat a true gent to boot!
Well no offence but I don't get why people try to defend honest criticism with "he's a nice bloke"?
Pepe Mel, Ben foster,Paul raven, they may all be nice blokes but it's about winning and competitive edge?, John terry is an backside but I'd take him for CB..
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LoxleyBaggie on June 27, 2015, 06:52:45 AM
Well no offence but I don't get why people try to defend honest criticism with "he's a nice bloke"?
Pepe Mel, Ben foster,Paul raven, they may all be nice blokes but it's about winning and competitive edge?, John terry is an backside but I'd take him for CB..

With due respect I think stubba's defence of Ben Foster was the part where he said he'd been a supporter for 48 years and Foster was the best we'd had in that time.  The bit about him being a nice bloke I think he meant was a bonus.  For me Foster is a very good keeper although like most keepers he has a mistake in him, but I certainly rate him higher then Hennessey.  He has a good rate of clean sheets although under Pulis he will get a lot of protection.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: stubba on June 27, 2015, 12:57:22 PM
With due respect I think stubba's defence of Ben Foster was the part where he said he'd been a supporter for 48 years and Foster was the best we'd had in that time.  The bit about him being a nice bloke I think he meant was a bonus.  For me Foster is a very good keeper although like most keepers he has a mistake in him, but I certainly rate him higher then Hennessey.  He has a good rate of clean sheets although under Pulis he will get a lot of protection.
Precisely correct my friend what I meant was that not only is he a good keeper but he actually cares which today is a rare commodity
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on June 27, 2015, 05:19:15 PM
http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2015/06/27/reading-close-on-west-broms-myhill/

Can we afford to lose his back up?
He played well for those few games he had.

Edit....Who will start the season for us, if we let him go?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LongBridge Baggie1 on June 27, 2015, 09:37:20 PM
http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2015/06/27/reading-close-on-west-broms-myhill/

Can we afford to lose his back up?
He played well for those few games he had.

Edit....Who will start the season for us, if we let him go?

Wouldn't worry too much if you click on the Birmingham mail link it takes you to a story 17 days old.  then there's ths on the official site  http://tinyurl.com/p3yo92u
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: cuckfield1704 on June 28, 2015, 07:13:49 AM
http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2015/06/27/reading-close-on-west-broms-myhill/

Can we afford to lose his back up?
He played well for those few games he had.

Edit....Who will start the season for us, if we let him go?
The pursuit of Hennessey means that either Myhill wants out or that Foster's knee injury puts a question mark over his future.
It looks like it is the former....let's hope that it is not both.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kie the baggie on August 03, 2015, 12:14:49 PM
Foster looks like is back into proper training. Shot stopping and diving around. Also posted a picture on twitter. To me looks like he is recovering well.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: phbaggies on August 03, 2015, 12:20:43 PM
Sky have opened a next club market on him to leave this summer, he is 1/5 to stay and the 4/1 favs to sign him are Villa. If you have a lump sum in the bank then that 1/5 is buying money, he will still be here end of August regardless.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Lloydy on August 03, 2015, 12:34:14 PM
Sky have opened a next club market on him to leave this summer, he is 1/5 to stay and the 4/1 favs to sign him are Villa. If you have a lump sum in the bank then that 1/5 is buying money, he will still be here end of August regardless.

Wouldn't surprise me at all given how fond he is of Villa.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RowleyBaggie2 on August 03, 2015, 12:51:28 PM
There is absolutely no chance of him being anywhere near fit before early October.

Pictures of him doing light training do not change this.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on August 03, 2015, 03:07:38 PM
I doubt very much if there would be interest in a player coming back from a serious knee injury before he is fully rehabilitated, as others have said 1/5 for him to be here at the end of the month is still generous but obviously someone has asked them for a price.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: overseas baggie on August 03, 2015, 06:05:16 PM
http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/west-brom-albion/injury-news/news/ben-foster-returns-to-training_237093.html

Foster back in training.......
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggyman68 on September 02, 2015, 11:41:21 PM
Any idea when he will be back?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: SmethDan on September 03, 2015, 12:08:35 AM
Any idea when he will be back?

October 1st if all goes to plan.
Just follow the link below and scroll down.
 8).

http://www.physioroom.com/news/english_premier_league/epl_injury_table.php (http://www.physioroom.com/news/english_premier_league/epl_injury_table.php)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: don1thedon on September 24, 2015, 10:56:32 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34354390

I guess this may have been known for a while hence the need to sign a back up ...

Good luck Fossie!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Sessegod on September 25, 2015, 09:57:38 AM
Myhill doing a decent job between the sticks, no need to rush him back for the sake of it
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: beechyboy90 on September 25, 2015, 12:54:43 PM
Further delay to his return suggests getting another senior goalkeeper was the right thing to do
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: liverbaggie on November 26, 2015, 11:25:13 AM
It's gone a bit quiet about his return anybody  know anything?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on November 26, 2015, 02:16:48 PM
I did post before that there were complications, the injury was not straight forward but the big problem was a subsequent infection.
Now this info was passed on from someone who has no reason to tell fibs, and doesn't even like football , just what they had been told about.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BB74 on November 26, 2015, 02:51:53 PM
I did post before that there were complications, the injury was not straight forward but the big problem was a subsequent infection.
Now this info was passed on from someone who has no reason to tell fibs, and doesn't even like football , just what they had been told about.

Is this like Jimmy Morrisons poorly heel?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on November 26, 2015, 11:00:03 PM
Sure there was something in the press a few weeks ago saying he had suffered a minor set back and his return was more likely to be in the new year.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on November 26, 2015, 11:07:48 PM
Only a couple weeks ago Foster tweeted the doctors finally let him put boots on!! He's in limited training far as I can tell.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: A5HB on November 26, 2015, 11:09:35 PM
I think he had a set back earlier in his rehab but he is still on track to be back in a few weeks, by which I mean back to something approaching normal training with the team. He was hoping for an October return originally so a likely December/January return is already a fairly significant but not unexpected delay. It was always going to be very tough to be back from an ACL repair in 6 months. 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Foster#1 on December 18, 2015, 11:35:06 AM
Back in training.

Few reports he could be knocking on the first team door in 2-3 weeks.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on December 18, 2015, 11:48:48 AM
Back in training.

Few reports he could be knocking on the first team door in 2-3 weeks.

Superb news!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Morany on December 18, 2015, 11:54:25 AM
Superb news!!

Agreed.

Myhill has been decent, but I can't stand that he sticks to his line so much. He could have stopped the Alli goal, and the Vardy one I think.

Fosters distribution is poor though, hopefully he can work on it.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: hunsletbaggie on December 18, 2015, 12:15:26 PM
Back in training.

Few reports he could be knocking on the first team door in 2-3 weeks.
Lets hope  it's after the Vile game.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AshD on December 18, 2015, 12:58:35 PM
Whats all this 'Vile sympathiser' b0ll0cks??? He has a shocker of a game against them and now its used as a stick to beat him with???

He has been the best keeper at the club in my lifetime (born 85) - he has saved us on numerous occasions...I really don't get the stick he gets?

Myhill has done well, and for me, deserves to keep his place for the moment as he's done nothing wrong, but Foster for me is the best Keeper we have got, and I fully expect him to eventually get back in the team and stay there!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smethwickw on December 18, 2015, 01:18:44 PM
Agreed.

Myhill has been decent, but I can't stand that he sticks to his line so much. He could have stopped the Alli goal, and the Vardy one I think.

Fosters distribution is poor though, hopefully he can work on it.

I disagree. 2 centre halves left it. Either should have attacked the ball but didn't.

Foster is a top keeper but will be very unfair on Myhill if he's dropped straight away IMO.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: sing on our own on December 18, 2015, 01:48:32 PM
I'm a big Foster fan but do people really think after all this time out he's going to be anywhere near as good as he was before? I think if he's fit in January we should loan him out to a championship team to get match sharpness back.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tommcneill on December 18, 2015, 02:35:37 PM
I'm a big Foster fan but do people really think after all this time out he's going to be anywhere near as good as he was before? I think if he's fit in January we should loan him out to a championship team to get match sharpness back.

Nah, stay in the squad with us....you dont loan out your best goalkeepers he will get his sharpeness back here, its a different type of sharpness to an outfield player that a keeper needs

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tommcneill on December 18, 2015, 02:36:30 PM
I disagree. 2 centre halves left it. Either should have attacked the ball but didn't.

Foster is a top keeper but will be very unfair on Myhill if he's dropped straight away IMO.

Although I agree that the Centre Halves should have eaten that ball up the keeper should have come for it look where it was when the ball landed on Alli's foot
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: PepeMel on December 18, 2015, 03:23:07 PM
He has to earn his place in the team. I hope he don't just waltz back in, myhill is an un song hero
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on December 18, 2015, 07:26:02 PM
Although I agree that the Centre Halves should have eaten that ball up the keeper should have come for it look where it was when the ball landed on Alli's foot

I think you have to take into account the conditions on the day, the wind was very strong and will have cast doubts in his mind. I think he should have come to claim it but I understood his reluctance on the day even though he's clearly not the most commanding of keepers the best of times.

Getting back to Foster though I think he's the best keeper we have when fit but I don't want us to rush him back when Myhill is performing well.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Jeremy Roland Peace on December 18, 2015, 08:10:00 PM
Agreed.

Myhill has been decent, but I can't stand that he sticks to his line so much. He could have stopped the Alli goal, and the Vardy one I think.

Fosters distribution is poor though, hopefully he can work on it.

Funnily enough The keeper at Norwich's distribution wasn't looking great at the weekend just gone.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: OldburyWBA on January 05, 2016, 04:27:41 PM
Playing 45 mins in a behind closed doors friendly against Kidderminster today
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JDWest_Brom on January 05, 2016, 05:07:00 PM
And may be involved on Saturday.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Morany on January 05, 2016, 05:23:14 PM
And may be involved on Saturday.

Pulis has come out and said that he has been training and has asked the medics on Fosters availability for Saturday.

Be good to have him back, doesn't say much for Lindergaard though
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionBest on January 05, 2016, 05:36:10 PM
Great to see him back at last.......
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Smooth Lad on January 05, 2016, 05:40:25 PM
Official facebook account has just shared a video of him making a decent save from a kiddy free-kick. It's only kiddy though...  ;D No, seriously, fingers crossed he's still as good.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on January 05, 2016, 05:50:56 PM
Cannot wait to get Fozzie back in this team.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on January 05, 2016, 06:32:30 PM
Can't wait to have him back.

I've missed him kicking the ball out of play every five minutes..  ::)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Adder on January 05, 2016, 06:39:07 PM
Hopefully the lengthy time out will have got him missing the game and determined to get back to his best....which is not where he was for some time before his injury.

It also showed that we can survive without him ....Myhill a very able deputy.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: sing on our own on January 05, 2016, 06:40:37 PM
Always makes me smile how players always get better in supporters eyes when they are out injured!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie53 on January 05, 2016, 06:59:40 PM
He might make the team for the Villa match - oh dear :(
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: VVVAlbion on January 05, 2016, 07:42:10 PM
Always makes me smile how players always get better in supporters eyes when they are out injured!

Football fans have short and selective memories.  :P

For what it is worth, if he is truly over the injuries and can return to the player he was when he first arrived, then I think we have a cracking keeper. I believe his form before he was sidelined was impacted by the knocks that he was playing with but we shall see...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on January 05, 2016, 08:02:18 PM
Always makes me smile how players always get better in supporters eyes when they are out injured!

Don't get this, Foster has always been one of our best players since we signed him, and was player of the year one year I believe, he was poor in his last game for us, unfortunately it was at Vile Park, but it was obvious he was carrying an injury. Agree with Liam, his kicking has room for improvement to say the least.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: sing on our own on January 05, 2016, 08:14:32 PM
Not knocking him I'm a fan but before his injury lots of people were saying maybe he should have a rest and Myhill should have a run, he dropped a few clangers apart from Villa park and his kicking is dreadful. He was player of the year in his first year and was amazing but since then I don't think he's much better than Myhill. But since the injury he's somewhere between Neuer and Lloris apparently.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie53 on January 05, 2016, 09:43:05 PM
Not knocking him I'm a fan but before his injury lots of people were saying maybe he should have a rest and Myhill should have a run, he dropped a few clangers apart from Villa park and his kicking is dreadful. He was player of the year in his first year and was amazing but since then I don't think he's much better than Myhill. But since the injury he's somewhere between Neuer and Lloris apparently.

100% agree, he's not the demigod he's made out to be by some. On his day he's slightly better than Myhill, but there's not much in it - and his distribution is usually woeful. Sometimes I think he's playing with the wrong shape ball the way he kicks it into touch
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on January 05, 2016, 09:56:51 PM
He's miles better than Myhill. No slightly about it. Myhill dropped by Hull the season he played PL there and a number two ever since. If anything Myhill is the one being overrated.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: overseas baggie on January 05, 2016, 09:59:56 PM
Don't get this, Foster has always been one of our best players since we signed him, and was player of the year one year I believe, he was poor in his last game for us, unfortunately it was at Vile Park, but it was obvious he was carrying an injury. Agree with Liam, his kicking has room for improvement to say the least.

Am amazed that his kicking is as bad as it is.  Seems very 'coachable' to improve it!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie53 on January 05, 2016, 10:22:45 PM
He's miles better than Myhill. No slightly about it. Myhill dropped by Hull the season he played PL there and a number two ever since. If anything Myhill is the one being overrated.

All about opinions isn't it? And they are quite divided on the subject of Foster
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionBest on January 05, 2016, 10:25:47 PM
100% agree, he's not the demigod he's made out to be by some. On his day he's slightly better than Myhill, but there's not much in it - and his distribution is usually woeful. Sometimes I think he's playing with the wrong shape ball the way he kicks it into touch

IMHO Foster is far superior to Myhill though Boaz has done a decent job as back up.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: liverbaggie on January 05, 2016, 10:46:56 PM
I totally agree with albionbest, big Ben has been one of our best keeper's ever,he will come back and give our defence the boost it needs at just the right time,for the final push home to I think  the next 14 points then I think we'll end up with around 54 points in total.   
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on January 05, 2016, 10:54:35 PM
Would always go with Myhill, about the same at shotstopping, foster shades commanding area, but Myhill wets all over him at distribution.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: overseas baggie on January 05, 2016, 11:02:56 PM
Pulis has come out and said that he has been training and has asked the medics on Fosters availability for Saturday.

Be good to have him back, doesn't say much for Lindergaard though

Surely Lindegaard now has to be offloaded?   Either that or we sell Myhill and keep Lindegaard as number 2?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on January 05, 2016, 11:05:32 PM
Would always go with Myhill, about the same at shotstopping, foster shades commanding area, but Myhill wets all over him at distribution.

I think Foster is far superior in terms of shot stopping ability and the same goes for command of his area. Distribution in terms of kicking Myhill wins hands down but Foster distributes the ball much better with throws than Myhill ever has done. For me Foster is the better keeper by a good way but I will take nothing away from Myhill he has been a very good stand in.

The interesting thing will be to see what happens with Lindegaard once Foster is fully back in the fold. Given the nature of the injury to Foster I wouldn't be too quick to offload him either way.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBArgo on January 05, 2016, 11:14:03 PM
I'd say they're even at lots of things, with Myhill's distribution being slightly better.

However, the thing which swings it for Foster is that he'll come off his line, unlike Myhill who seems rooted there and has been caught out a few times. Myhill is a nice number 2 to have, but Foster is better in my view.
That being said, big injuries can and do take it out of players so it will be interesting to see if Foster shows any decline after such a big injury.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: don1thedon on January 05, 2016, 11:46:43 PM
Welcome back Ben hopefully between the sticks very soon, undoubtedly our best keeper
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: A5HB on January 05, 2016, 11:57:24 PM
Good to see him back in action and pleased that neither him or the club have rushed things. I suspect Lindegaard will start on Saturday but it wouldn't be a huge surprise to see Foster on the bench, just to get him back involved with a match day squad.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Lloydy on January 06, 2016, 05:42:10 AM
Devastating news that this clown is back just in time to give his beloved Villa a helping hand. I look forward to his condescending tweet afterwards.

Cannot stand this bloke.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: darbolina on January 06, 2016, 08:14:03 AM
Foster is the best keeper we've had for 30 years. He had a dip in form and injuries but he wasn't no.2 to Joe Hart in England for nothing . If he gets consistently fit again, he's much better than Myhill as a no.1
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: seteefeet on January 06, 2016, 08:38:41 AM
Good to see him back in action and pleased that neither him or the club have rushed things. I suspect Lindegaard will start on Saturday but it wouldn't be a huge surprise to see Foster on the bench, just to get him back involved with a match day squad.
Pulis says he's desperate to get him involved in some way on Saturday so will probably play defensive midfield!
Good to have him back though, he had a rough patch last season, but is still a top keeper on his day.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AshD on January 06, 2016, 08:50:56 AM
That spell he had last year was the first bad run of form he had since being at the club. It has happened to pretty much every goalkeeper...yet for some reason, it is should never happen at the Albion!!!

I think people forget just how many games he has kept us in over the years. Compare him to the clown we had before him (Carson) and I can't believe some are slating him.

His kicking could be better, for sure, but the amount of saves he makes more than makes up for it.

The fact some deride him just because he had a shocker at Villa shows how some fans really need to get a grip.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hull Baggie on January 06, 2016, 08:56:48 AM
When Foster first joined us he was fantastic.  But season on season he hasn't reached those heights. His kicking is awful; plenty of height bugger all distance. Makes mistakes but all keepers do.

A fully fit and sharp Foster is a better keeper than Myhill but will we be getting that? I'd be in no rush to put him back in first 11.

 I think I'd start him against Bristol City and give him some U21 games to get his reflexes and sharpness back.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: MarkW on January 06, 2016, 09:00:37 AM
Am I right in saying that this season will be Foster's first with us without Dean Keily as GK coach?

You never know how a player is going to come back from a knee injury, especially when they are the wrong side of 30. Hopefully he will get back to his best but he needs to be judged on how good he is now, not how good he was.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on January 06, 2016, 09:13:07 AM
Overall Myhill for me just
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Morany on January 06, 2016, 09:23:01 AM
I can't for the life of me see how people rate Myhill more than Foster.

Aside from Kicking Foster wins hadns down. Yes, a stupid cock up at the Villa, and some really annoying tweets, but that aside he's arguably the best keeper we've had for years and years.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albion79 on January 06, 2016, 09:30:53 AM
I think Foster was a top keeper, whether he will be after the injury time will tell.

Yes he had a shocker against Villa but every player has had a shocker at some point, admittedly that night he went a bit extreme! But over the years he has been a very good signing.

I do think last season in general he wasnt quite at the level he had been, whether he was getting a few niggles leading upto his injury i dont know but if we get a fully fit Ben Foster back its only a good thing.

That said i think Myhill is a very good keeper too, i think he has done very well and would be in no rush to leave him out the team, knowing Foster is back will hopefully keep him on his toes, it would seem Lindergaard was signed to be a number 2 or 3.

That said unfortunately for Myhill, the last few games he probably could of done better with a few goals, up til the i cant really remember many mistakes he made but i think he could of done better with Bournemouths first, obviously Swansea was a mistake and v Stoke he clearly shouts for the ball and done come. If he is coming into a bit of poor form, it couldnt of happened a worse time for him with Foster getting around the team again!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Morany on January 06, 2016, 09:32:42 AM
I think Foster was a top keeper, whether he will be after the injury time will tell.

Yes he had a shocker against Villa but every player has had a shocker at some point, admittedly that night he went a bit extreme! But over the years he has been a very good signing.

I do think last season in general he wasnt quite at the level he had been, whether he was getting a few niggles leading upto his injury i dont know but if we get a fully fit Ben Foster back its only a good thing.

That said i think Myhill is a very good keeper too, i think he has done very well and would be in no rush to leave him out the team, knowing Foster is back will hopefully keep him on his toes, it would seem Lindergaard was signed to be a number 2 or 3.

That said unfortunately for Myhill, the last few games he probably could of done better with a few goals, up til the i cant really remember many mistakes he made but i think he could of done better with Bournemouths first, obviously Swansea was a mistake and v Stoke he clearly shouts for the ball and done come. If he is coming into a bit of poor form, it couldnt of happened a worse time for him with Foster getting around the team again!

Add to that he should in my opinion have closed the space down for Vardys goal, as well as the Deli Alli goal, although that could be more pinned on the centre halfs.

He's been at the centre of a lot of our goals recently.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: don1thedon on January 06, 2016, 09:38:03 AM
... If he is coming into a bit of poor form, it couldnt of happened a worse time for him with Foster getting around the team again!
It may be no coincidence?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: stokelad84 on January 06, 2016, 10:26:47 AM
Foster got injured in the FA Cup last season didn't he? Replaced by Myhill early on against Birmingham?

I can't see Pulis starting him in the cup so soon after coming back.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on January 06, 2016, 10:27:15 AM
I think people are absolutely right to be cautious about his return. Its a major injury to come back from and even though I'm pretty sure its an injury he had earlier in his career and came back from successfully he's older now and we simply don't know how he will react when back playing.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: A5HB on January 06, 2016, 10:53:10 AM
Foster got injured in the FA Cup last season didn't he? Replaced by Myhill early on against Birmingham?

I can't see Pulis starting him in the cup so soon after coming back.
No it was Myhill who was injured and was replaced by Foster. Foster didn't pick up his serious injury until a month or so later against Stoke at home.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on January 06, 2016, 12:12:46 PM
May come off the bench for the last few minutes, when Bristol have run out of a bit steam?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: darbolina on January 06, 2016, 12:34:39 PM
I thought Foster had been struggling for some time with an injury, hence why his kicking had suffered. He really help us gain a few points each season with some great performances. Myhill has done well this season and should stay no.1 for the time being but it looks like we have three decent premier league keepers who most outside of the top 6 would take in their squads.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smethwickw on January 06, 2016, 01:08:39 PM
As much as I rate Foster I don't think Myhill has done anything wrong and shouldn't be dropped. If Foster is only going to sit on our bench for another month or so then maybe we should loan him out to give him some game time.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on January 06, 2016, 01:42:25 PM
As much as I rate Foster I don't think Myhill has done anything wrong and shouldn't be dropped. If Foster is only going to sit on our bench for another month or so then maybe we should loan him out to give him some game time.

Good idea.
Lets loan him out to villa  :o
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mister AT on January 06, 2016, 01:47:42 PM
As much as I rate Foster I don't think Myhill has done anything wrong and shouldn't be dropped. If Foster is only going to sit on our bench for another month or so then maybe we should loan him out to give him some game time.

My thoughts as well in regards to Myhill.

Hasnt really done much wrong, has kept quite a few clean sheets, may seem a bit harsh to drop him for Foster, as Boaz has waited his turn for a chance.

I would imagine if Foster does come back in as number 1, Myhill will be the one to leave.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Jeremy Roland Peace on January 06, 2016, 02:05:05 PM
weren't there rumours of Lindegaard leaving once Foster returned
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on January 06, 2016, 03:53:54 PM
The way the Pulis interview reads, he can't wait to get Foster in the team and Myhill out of it.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: mulliganstired on January 06, 2016, 06:08:56 PM
May come off the bench for the last few minutes, when Bristol have run out of a bit steam?
Can't really afford to do it that way round, if he comes on as a sub and then his knee goes, we'd be stuffed.  Better to start him and take the chance that way.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kie the baggie on January 06, 2016, 06:09:34 PM
Myhill good shot stopper, but just isn't commanding enough in his area, for me Foster is number 1 hands down by a long way, cant wait for him to be back in the team.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on January 06, 2016, 07:02:59 PM
I think Myhill has done well, but if Foster returns to peak fitness and form he is the better all round keeper. However it is far from certain that he will and I am glad we still have Myhill to step in if necessary and Lingard as further cover. 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: stoxman on January 06, 2016, 07:24:19 PM
Devastating news that this clown is back just in time to give his beloved Villa a helping hand. I look forward to his condescending tweet afterwards.

Cannot stand this bloke.

Why do you think this?  His first tweet said:

Ben Foster ‏@BenFoster
Sorry to let the lads and fans down tonight, I love you all😘😘


Professional footballers generally hate losing. Keepers generally hate letting in goals.  Foster knows what beating V*lla means to us as an Albion player and also from his days with BCFC.    I really struggle to believe that he did what he did because he loves V*lla any more than I believe that Rondon did what he did because he loves Bournmemouth.

Care to elaborate?  You are clearly an experienced poster and may know something I don't
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kie the baggie on January 06, 2016, 07:35:27 PM
Devastating news that this clown is back just in time to give his beloved Villa a helping hand. I look forward to his condescending tweet afterwards.

Cannot stand this bloke.
if villa got 6 points for a win it wont help them now mate, anyway glad Fozzies back, best keeper we have and have had for a good few years!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Signor_Maresca on January 07, 2016, 11:38:30 AM
Devastating news that this clown is back just in time to give his beloved Villa a helping hand. I look forward to his condescending tweet afterwards.

Cannot stand this bloke.
He made a mistake, get over it.  How you can constantly be so dismissive of someone who has served the club you say you support so well shows you to be rather pathetic.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: hunsletbaggie on January 07, 2016, 12:13:58 PM
He made a mistake, get over it.  How you can constantly be so dismissive of someone who has served the club you say you support so well shows you to be rather pathetic.
He's made quite a few over the years the f**k up with Tamas that allowed Shotton to score a last minute winner also stands out vastly over rated by a lot of people on here.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AshD on January 07, 2016, 12:22:10 PM
He's made quite a few over the years the f**k up with Tamas that allowed Shotton to score a last minute winner also stands out vastly over rated by a lot of people on here.

What Keeper doesn't make mistakes? He's made far fewer mistakes the majority of prem keepers over the last 5 or so years, in a team where he has lots to do!

Before his dip in form last season and the clanger at Villa Park, I don't remember anywhere near the abuse he is getting on here from some!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KYA on January 07, 2016, 12:24:49 PM
Foster is a good goalkeeper, as for mistakes they all make them just that he made one at the wrong time against the wrong team.
i confess to never having seen it because i was watching on Sky and nipped to the loo  the wife shouted that they had a penalty and to this day i haven't been able to watch it the pain was bad enough already  :(.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Lloydy on January 07, 2016, 01:58:43 PM
He made a mistake, get over it.  How you can constantly be so dismissive of someone who has served the club you say you support so well shows you to be rather pathetic.

The club I say I support? I must have imagined the last twenty years I've been a season ticket holder and the countless away trips then.

It is my OPINION (everyone has one if you weren't aware) that Ben Foster was in rapid decline before that Villa game and needed to be dropped before conveniently (suspiciously in my OPINION) having the worst game of his life. Didn't good old Ben give away a penalty against Villa when he was at Blues as well? Hmmmm.

Anyway, what do I know. You are clearly incapable of taking anyone else's view on board so I wouldn't worry about replying.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: darbolina on January 07, 2016, 02:16:52 PM
Everyone is entitled to their view - especially after 20 years of season tickets (respect!) However, I don't think you can suggest Foster supports the Villa and so throws matches against them!!! Before his injury lay off, he was in a bit of decline hence why his kicking was poor for a bit too but if you can only recall two big mistakes (Stoke and Villa) in the past few years, then he's done amazing! I recall him almost winning us points single handed-ly against Liverpool away, Swansea away and a few other matches along the way........
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AshD on January 07, 2016, 02:45:26 PM
Is this the same Ben Foster who ran round punching the air when Gardner scored the winner against Villa???

To call him a Villa sympathiser is laughable...my opinion of course.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Lloydy on January 07, 2016, 02:55:38 PM
Is this the same Ben Foster who ran round punching the air when Gardner scored the winner against Villa???

To call him a Villa sympathiser is laughable...my opinion of course.

Fair enough that's your opinion, it's a shame you have to call mine "laughable" but each to their own.

I remember watching the game in question, it wasn't just the mistake it was his overall performance from start to finish. Everyone has off days but on that day his was so, so bad that a Sunday League keeper would have been embarrassed by it. For an experienced, international, Premier League keeper like Foster to put in that kind of "performance", capped off by a rash (to put it kindly) foul in the area to gift Villa 3 precious points, was beyond an "off day" - it was borderline intentional.

If we are getting the Ben Foster of his first season with us when he returns from injury then fantastic, he WAS a very good keeper at this level. However, since then he has rapidly declined even before this injury and I suspect he is finished as a top keeper at this level. We shall see.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Signor_Maresca on January 07, 2016, 02:59:41 PM
The club I say I support? I must have imagined the last twenty years I've been a season ticket holder and the countless away trips then.

It is my OPINION (everyone has one if you weren't aware) that Ben Foster was in rapid decline before that Villa game and needed to be dropped before conveniently (suspiciously in my OPINION) having the worst game of his life. Didn't good old Ben give away a penalty against Villa when he was at Blues as well? Hmmmm.

Anyway, what do I know. You are clearly incapable of taking anyone else's view on board so I wouldn't worry about replying.
Sorry its just I'm never sure if it's Albion or Chelsea with you.

Anyway an opinion on any player is fine but when you are suggesting he is a Villa sympathiser and threw the game then that is ridiculous, as is the tweet claim you made which you can't seem to back up?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AshD on January 07, 2016, 03:23:15 PM
Fair enough that's your opinion, it's a shame you have to call mine "laughable" but each to their own.

I remember watching the game in question, it wasn't just the mistake it was his overall performance from start to finish. Everyone has off days but on that day his was so, so bad that a Sunday League keeper would have been embarrassed by it. For an experienced, international, Premier League keeper like Foster to put in that kind of "performance", capped off by a rash (to put it kindly) foul in the area to gift Villa 3 precious points, was beyond an "off day" - it was borderline intentional.

If we are getting the Ben Foster of his first season with us when he returns from injury then fantastic, he WAS a very good keeper at this level. However, since then he has rapidly declined even before this injury and I suspect he is finished as a top keeper at this level. We shall see.

Well I'm sorry but I think to suggest Foster is deliberately helping Villa out is laughable.

I was also at the game - Foster had a mare of the highest order, one of the worst displays I've seen in years! However, shockers happen! His dip in form came before his injury - for all we know, he could have been carrying that injury for a while. If that was the case, he should have been taken out of the firing line long before the Villa game...but I seriously don't buy into him helping Villa out on purpose!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BobTaylor on January 07, 2016, 04:21:36 PM
That ain't support borderline bullying someone who is quiet as hell I should know living in Warwick, he makes mistakes but can't fault how good overall he has been for us.


Disgusting mate it ain't like he's Berahino.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albionic on January 07, 2016, 04:39:43 PM
IMO, he had a mare against Vile.
and its true that his distribution had been dire for a while.

Do I rate Foster? - Yes he is a very good pro in my opinion, however, I think Dean Keiley going would have had an adverse effect on him though, as they seemed to be very close buddies.

Should he walk back into the side - no, Myhill has earned some loyalty IMO.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AshD on January 07, 2016, 04:46:53 PM
IMO, he had a mare against Vile.
and its true that his distribution had been dire for a while.

Do I rate Foster? - Yes he is a very good pro in my opinion, however, I think Dean Keiley going would have had an adverse effect on him though, as they seemed to be very close buddies.

Should he walk back into the side - no, Myhill has earned some loyalty IMO.

I agree...as much as I rate Foster, it would send an awful message out if he walked straight back into the team...added to which he isn't fully fit and Myhill has had a solid season (barring a couple of questionable errors lately)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on January 07, 2016, 04:51:06 PM
I agree...as much as I rate Foster, it would send an awful message out if he walked straight back into the team...added to which he isn't fully fit and Myhill has had a solid season (barring a couple of questionable errors lately)

Disagree, I think it's widely accepted by the squad and more importantly by Myhill, that Foster is number one.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Morany on January 07, 2016, 04:55:03 PM
Disagree, I think it's widely accepted by the squad and more importantly by Myhill, that Foster is number one.

I think the communication would improve between the back four and the keeper if Foster comes back in.

Those seemingly under rating Foster seem to be over rating the credentials of Myhill. He's a stop gap, and a number 2. No more than that.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Scooby Doo on January 07, 2016, 05:07:19 PM
if villa got 6 points for a win it wont help them now mate, anyway glad Fozzies back, best keeper we have and have had for a good few years!!

Would take The PIG over him every day of the week. Personally think he's better than Myhill but also don't think the latter deserves to be dropped anytime soon.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: hunsletbaggie on January 07, 2016, 07:22:55 PM
It's quite funny how Foster is perceived I work with a Barnsley fan a Leeds fan and a Blackpool fan and they all used to cringe if Foster got anywhere near the England side.
I have took a lot of stick over Foster and have always maintained he was a decent keeper but the truth is he's no better than Myhill.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on January 07, 2016, 07:32:38 PM
It's quite funny how Foster is perceived I work with a Barnsley fan a Leeds fan and a Blackpool fan and they all used to cringe if Foster got anywhere near the England side.
I have took a lot of stick over Foster and have always maintained he was a decent keeper but the truth is he's no better than Myhill.

Well they'll have seen him play so much?!? Couldn't tell you the first choice keeper of any of those sides... I'll take watching him week in week out, than "perception". As to the "truth" well it's not is it, like mine it's just your opinion.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smosher34 on January 07, 2016, 08:10:35 PM
is his kicking being so rubbish down to his knee ? seems so
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Adder on January 07, 2016, 08:19:02 PM
I think the communication would improve between the back four and the keeper if Foster comes back in.

Those seemingly under rating Foster seem to be over rating the credentials of Myhill. He's a stop gap, and a number 2. No more than that.
I think it depends which Foster is on show. At his best he is top notch and clearly our best keeper. For 5 or 6 months before his injury though his form was very patchy...as well as the Villa game, he let another shot through and there were 2 or 3 occasions at least where he came for crosses and didn't get there (which is worse than not coming as it leaves an unguarded net behind him).
Myhill has definitely been no worse than Foster was in that period.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on January 09, 2016, 05:04:22 PM
How did he play today?
Any good?
How was his distribution?
Any good at commanding his area?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: PepeMel on January 09, 2016, 05:42:37 PM
How did he play today?
Any good?
How was his distribution?
Any good at commanding his area?



Thank god we have myhill, fosters distribution gets no better
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: stubba on January 09, 2016, 06:25:12 PM
Still streets ahead our best keeper
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: popmonkey on January 09, 2016, 06:31:24 PM
I thought Foster looked awful today. His kicking was poor, he lacked concentration at times and can't fathom why we rushed him back into the first team after just 45minutes in a friendly.

He needs more time to build up his match fitness, I'd certainly choose Myhill over him right now
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Tony Goddens Gloves on January 09, 2016, 06:37:28 PM
Poor performance. However in those conditions why do we persist in passing the ball back to him?? Lacks confidence and his kicking has not improved. Really hope he's kept away from the team until after the vile game
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albion79 on January 09, 2016, 06:56:00 PM
I dont understand why he was rushed back after just 45 minutes football, we had Myhill and Lindergard who are more than capable.

Foster should of trained more and got some more practice matches under his belt, i thought he was very shaky today and i think it passed through to the other defenders at times, today reminded me of the games leading upto his injury, dreadful kicking and unconvincing decision making.

Foster has just come back from a serious injury and hopefully he wont be in the squad for a bit, get some more practice in and come back as a good a goalie as he was before.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on January 09, 2016, 08:01:14 PM
Thought he played well behind some atrocious (and out of character) defending. Wonderful save before the 2nd goal too where he needs help from the defence to be first to react to the rebound. 1 bad kick all game when Evans sent a bobbling ball back to him and he shanked it out of play.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on January 09, 2016, 08:05:37 PM
I thought Foster did ok.
I don't know what our fans expect him to do with some of the back passes he was given especially two by Chester and McAuley
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on January 10, 2016, 05:46:10 AM
Thought it was a typical Foster performance to be honest, absolutely no worries about him from me after today considering it's his first game back from a major injury.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggiedom on January 10, 2016, 08:53:40 AM
Didnt think be long before people started pulling fosters game apart tbh.he still my no.1 keeper didnt nothing wrong apart from the shocking back passes he kept on getting in 2nd half also conditions weren't good some just cant get over the vile games last year.still hurts here but he only human coyb
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BB74 on January 10, 2016, 09:09:29 AM
The only question needed is 'Is our first 11 stronger with Ben Foster in it?' I'm not sure it is anymore. Myhill hasn't put a foot wrong.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: jharman292 on January 10, 2016, 09:49:25 AM
The only question needed is 'Is our first 11 stronger with Ben Foster in it?' I'm not sure it is anymore. Myhill hasn't put a foot wrong.

Have to disagree with that. Myhill is a funny one because whilst he doesnt make blatant howlers (Swansea game aside), i often find myself thinking he should do much better. I can think of quite a few goals we have conceded recently that i think Foster would have done better with.

For me, i would get Foster back in the team and build his confidence back up because if you can think back longer than the Vile game, he is a fantastic keeper who has earned us quite a few points over the last few years.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie96 on January 10, 2016, 10:21:49 AM
That save before their second goal was world class, shame the defence didn't help him out by clearing ithe ball after it
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BigFrank20 on January 10, 2016, 10:55:56 AM
It needs to be said that some of his kicking when not under pressure from poor back passes was also pretty poo at times.
I'm firmly in the camp of give him more time to get match fit, or more exactly mentally fit for the speed and pressure of the prem.
Then, and only then, he waits for Myhill to make a couple of serious mistakes or get injured before getting his chance.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Lloydy on January 10, 2016, 11:11:36 AM
So glad Super Ben was back to command his area yesterday :o

Some of the back passes to him were appalling and the conditions were terrible, so it's a little harsh to pull apart his game if we're talking distribution, but it hardly filled us with any confidence for the next few months.

Dreading Villa with him in goal. :(
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albion79 on January 10, 2016, 11:22:13 AM
I just dont understand the need to rush Foster back, Myhill has been more than capable and has made the odd mistake (as does every keeper) but we have got to 12th in the league and he has played a big part in that.

If Myhill was awful and we were struggling i could understand the need for Foster (though if your Lindegaard you would have to ask yourself why leave Man Uniteds reserves for ours) but he isnt, we dont need Foster at the moment.

Give him time to train, get some games under his belt and then put pressure on Myhill, same as every position, if the person who has the shirt is playing well, they should keep it, regardless of what people done in the past.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on January 10, 2016, 12:28:21 PM
I just dont understand the need to rush Foster back, Myhill has been more than capable and has made the odd mistake (as does every keeper) but we have got to 12th in the league and he has played a big part in that.

If Myhill was awful and we were struggling i could understand the need for Foster (though if your Lindegaard you would have to ask yourself why leave Man Uniteds reserves for ours) but he isnt, we dont need Foster at the moment.

Give him time to train, get some games under his belt and then put pressure on Myhill, same as every position, if the person who has the shirt is playing well, they should keep it, regardless of what people done in the past.
Sensible, the key will be against Chelsea, I would stay with Myhill, if he goes withFoster I think Myhill will leave?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on January 10, 2016, 03:57:21 PM
Looked very rusty so I would continue with Myhill

His kicking wasn't great but it has to be said our back four were borderline idiotic with a couple of the hospital balls they gave him.

That save for their second goal was superb - just a shame the rebound then ended the plaudits it deserved.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on January 10, 2016, 04:15:36 PM
Looked very rusty so I would continue with Myhill

His kicking wasn't great but it has to be said our back four were borderline idiotic with a couple of the hospital balls they gave him.

That save for their second goal was superb - just a shame the rebound then ended the plaudits it deserved.

Dawson should have cleared the rebound.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie53 on January 10, 2016, 08:11:43 PM
Really don't get the love-in with Foster. He's an able enough shot stopper for the most part, but with very suspect kicking/general distribution, and often makes some rash decisions when leaving his line.

Generally although he has his faults, I feel more confident with Myhill in goal
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BaggiesFacts on January 10, 2016, 09:24:47 PM
Really don't get the love-in with Foster. He's an able enough shot stopper for the most part, but with very suspect kicking/general distribution, and often makes some rash decisions when leaving his line.

Generally although he has his faults, I feel more confident with Myhill in goal

I don't quite think there is a 'love in'. I think people just respect how well he's done for us since joining.

I'm not for rushing him back, as he will no doubt need more time to bed in following his injury, he will of course be a bit rusty.

Also it was a 'rash' decision from him yesterday coming and winning the ball from their player on the half way line which led to us getting the ball back up their end which means we scored and are still in the cup!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on January 10, 2016, 10:11:30 PM
Really don't get the love-in with Foster. He's an able enough shot stopper for the most part, but with very suspect kicking/general distribution, and often makes some rash decisions when leaving his line.

Generally although he has his faults, I feel more confident with Myhill in goal

Quite the opposite for me, no confidence when the ball comes any where near our goal when Myhill is the custodian, very happy now for Foster to keep the shirt.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on January 10, 2016, 10:27:42 PM
To me, the jury is out.
Fozzie  is a good goal keeper and so is Boaz.
Fozzie needs time to really recover from his injuries and time out of the Prem.
We are fortunate that we have Boaz as not just a back up, but an equal.
It might seem strange, but they both bring different great things to the game.
Fozzie commands his area and Boaz is a man who can quickly react to goal bound shots.
They equal themselves out.
They also both frustrate at times.

Is it heads or tails?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hull Baggie on January 11, 2016, 08:55:04 AM
For me Foster would be too much of a risk to play before the Villa game (in the league). He needs to get match sharp and get used to playing with our back 4 again.

I wouldn't have Foster in goal again until March at the earliest...unless Myhill has a 'mare' before that.

I'd play him in the Cup replay though.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tylerm on January 11, 2016, 09:52:17 AM
For me Foster would be too much of a risk to play before the Villa game (in the league). He needs to get match sharp and get used to playing with our back 4 again.

I wouldn't have Foster in goal again until March at the earliest...unless Myhill has a 'mare' before that.

I'd play him in the Cup replay though.

I agree entirely but maybe February to bring him back
Deffo not for the Vile game
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: beechyboy90 on January 11, 2016, 11:30:42 AM
good to see foster back however he is not ready to return to the fold and neither does my hill deserve dropping in my eyes. Think a loan deal for a month to get foster fully match fit and sharp would be the best option
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Morany on January 11, 2016, 11:39:29 AM
Was good to see him back playing.

I think there would have been no chance Myhill would have got close to stopping that shot that eventually went in, he's simply too slow at getting down
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hull Baggie on January 11, 2016, 12:19:18 PM
Was good to see him back playing.

I think there would have been no chance Myhill would have got close to stopping that shot that eventually went in, he's simply too slow at getting down

If what you say about Myhill was true the end result would be the same though, we still conceded.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Morany on January 11, 2016, 12:34:23 PM
If what you say about Myhill was true the end result would be the same though, we still conceded.

And that was down to the defenders not clearing the ball. Fosters save gave us half a chance
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: SmethDan on January 11, 2016, 02:22:36 PM
And that was down to the defenders not clearing the ball. Fosters save gave us half a chance

Would it be harsh of me to suggest he could have turned it round the post instead of batting it back into danger?

I only say this because it has been used against Myhill before, and although I don't recall MotD criticising Ben for it on this occasion, they DID criticise Schmeicel for doing similar for the Spuds first goal yesterday.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBArgo on January 11, 2016, 02:28:42 PM
I'd ease him in slowly, play him for the Bristol game then maybe after the Villa one dependent on how he and Myhill perform.

Regarding his saves vs Bristol for the second goal, the first save was fantastic. I think Schmeical's was further out and a much softer shot. For me Foster was better than Myhill, but he still has to prove this post-injury.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Morany on January 11, 2016, 02:50:26 PM
Would it be harsh of me to suggest he could have turned it round the post instead of batting it back into danger?

I only say this because it has been used against Myhill before, and although I don't recall MotD criticising Ben for it on this occasion, they DID criticise Schmeicel for doing similar for the Spuds first goal yesterday.

Not too sure, the shot was more of a snap shot and hit pretty hard. In an interview he said he thought he could have pushed it away from danger, but I think it'd be harsh to blame him for that.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albionic on January 11, 2016, 02:52:42 PM
Ben cannot be ignorant of how hurt the fans were about the Vile debacle, to throw him back in to such a high pressure game (particularly for him personally) would be madness.
If for example he made an error (which despite what some fans think happens) it could knock already fragile confidence badly.
Why would you risk this when Boaz has been solid for an extended period ??
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: SmethDan on January 11, 2016, 03:11:50 PM
Not too sure, the shot was more of a snap shot and hit pretty hard. In an interview he said he thought he could have pushed it away from danger, but I think it'd be harsh to blame him for that.

Fair enough chap.

I take it my 'serious belief' he should have saved it in a Rene Higuita 'scorpion rubadub styleee' and scored for us at the same time is out of the question then?
 :P ;).
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Morany on January 11, 2016, 03:15:14 PM
Fair enough chap.

I take it my 'serious belief' he should have saved it in a Rene Higuita 'scorpion rubadub styleee' and scored for us at the same time is out of the question then?
 :P ;).

Yes, I'm not sure why he didn't do that if I'm honest. Perfectly positioned  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on January 11, 2016, 03:38:39 PM
I'm not going to lie if he's fit enough I would have him back in the starting XI against Chelsea on Wednesday and then the rest of the season even if it does seem a harsh on Myhill. I just personally feel more comfortable with Foster between the sticks.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Morany on January 11, 2016, 03:40:27 PM
I'm not going to lie if he's fit enough I would have him back in the starting XI against Chelsea on Wednesday and then the rest of the season even if it does seem a harsh on Myhill. I just personally feel more comfortable with Foster between the sticks.

That's how I feel, despite it being harsh, and Fosters inabiltiy to kick the ball to his man, I feel a lot safer with him in goal. Myhill looks like he always only around the corner from the next mistake
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JamesBcfc on January 12, 2016, 12:55:10 AM
For what it's worth from an outiside view, based purely on Saturday. Foster looked very shaky in the second half, kicking especially, and IMO should have done better for Kodjia's equaliser. Think that with Agards goal the questions would be more around the defenders being flat footed, rather than Fosters initial save.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on January 12, 2016, 01:19:15 AM
For what it's worth from an outiside view, based purely on Saturday. Foster looked very shaky in the second half, kicking especially, and IMO should have done better for Kodjia's equaliser. Think that with Agards goal the questions would be more around the defenders being flat footed, rather than Fosters initial save.

Kodjia lost his marker Rondon, not a great deal Foster could do. His kicking is questionable but only the one he sliced into the Halfords Lane off Evans bobbling backpass would I blame him for. Fletcher would have burst the net with his backpass had Foster not got there (on his weaker foot); his goal kicking was fine, Dawson just missed two headers completely so the ball went out of play. Prior to injury he was just kicking them straight out of play.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: JamesBcfc on January 12, 2016, 08:17:46 AM
Kodjia lost his marker Rondon, not a great deal Foster could do. His kicking is questionable but only the one he sliced into the Halfords Lane off Evans bobbling backpass would I blame him for. Fletcher would have burst the net with his backpass had Foster not got there (on his weaker foot); his goal kicking was fine, Dawson just missed two headers completely so the ball went out of play. Prior to injury he was just kicking them straight out of play.
The reason I thought Foster should have done better with Kodjia's goal is because Kodjia was well in the 6 yard box, and that's an area goal keepers should be in control of, especially when the cross is at such a narrow angle and from pretty close. But yes, Rondon losing Kodjia contributed largely as well
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Andio on January 12, 2016, 06:06:38 PM
The reason I thought Foster should have done better with Kodjia's goal is because Kodjia was well in the 6 yard box, and that's an area goal keepers should be in control of, especially when the cross is at such a narrow angle and from pretty close. But yes, Rondon losing Kodjia contributed largely as well

As a fully signed up member of the goalkeepers union I am going to have to disagree with you.

It was a great delivery to be fair, was  a very flat  trajectory so Fozzie had little time to come for it.

As others have said little else he could have done once its a header from that range.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kie the baggie on January 24, 2016, 11:36:39 AM
Made up for his blunder last season good performance glad he is back.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smosher34 on January 24, 2016, 11:49:57 AM
he owed us big time over that one .
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on January 24, 2016, 01:25:13 PM
I am disappointed Myhill got dropped, i accept Foster is most of you folks no 1 but Myhill desvered to keep his league place for this game
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on January 24, 2016, 01:31:22 PM
Foster was excellent, far more assured than Myhill. Quick off his line when necessary better distribution.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Foster#1 on January 24, 2016, 01:34:40 PM
Foster played very well yesterday but his distribution is pretty poor, get it up the field straight away. He takes a good 10 seconds every time.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on January 24, 2016, 02:49:00 PM
Foster played very well yesterday but his distribution is pretty poor, get it up the field straight away. He takes a good 10 seconds every time.
He has to wait for our aged players to fetch their Zimmer frames and then crawl up the field.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: we8seals on January 24, 2016, 03:52:42 PM
I am disappointed Myhill got dropped, i accept Foster is most of you folks no 1 but Myhill desvered to keep his league place for this game

i agree completely -
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: johnnyg on January 24, 2016, 04:08:43 PM
I agree that Foster is a better shotstopper than Myhill, and he is better off his line, but his distribution is absolutely chronically woeful and it always has been woeful. He is a terrible distributor of the ball.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albionic on January 24, 2016, 04:32:44 PM
I agree that Foster is a better shotstopper than Myhill, and he is better off his line, but his distribution is absolutely chronically woeful and it always has been woeful. He is a terrible distributor of the ball.

poor distribution, classic attribute of a Pulis player
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smosher34 on January 24, 2016, 05:58:08 PM
it was poor because there was no one trying to get forward to pass to or anyone in space . no wonder he was hanging onto the ball .
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Lloydy on February 03, 2016, 07:41:41 PM
Thought I'd drop this in while I think about it, not one to shy away and hide when I've been proven wrong.

Foster made some really good saves last night, and has looked pretty comfortable and assured since he came back in the league against Villa. Long may it continue.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on February 10, 2016, 11:09:28 PM
I prefer myhil, he should have done better for their goal and how well have we done since he came back
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on February 10, 2016, 11:15:50 PM
I prefer myhil, he should have done better for their goal and how well have we done since he came back
Can't blame a keeper for not scoring goals and poor defending. Plus if there is ONE thing Pulis is good at its keepers, and like those before him he couldn't wait to get Foster back in over Myhill
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: boinging_along on February 10, 2016, 11:22:16 PM
Foster is comfortably first choice keeper for me.  Just a shame that he's another player where fans will criticise the slightest error.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie53 on February 10, 2016, 11:24:47 PM
Once again his kicking was woeful
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on February 10, 2016, 11:27:36 PM
I'm really pleased with Foz back in goal. We are fortunate to have one of the top keepers in the country, and good to have some players from the local area.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on February 10, 2016, 11:30:59 PM
Foster is comfortably first choice keeper for me.  Just a shame that he's another player where fans will criticise the slightest error.


Slightest error erm. I was just saying myhill is my preferred , funny we've been on a dire run since he's been back
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: boinging_along on February 10, 2016, 11:32:04 PM

Slightest error erm. I was just saying myhill is my preferred , funny we've been on a dire run since he's been back

Not sure why you think that was aimed at you?  Each to their own but I don't think you can blame Foster for our recent poor performances.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: liverbaggie on February 10, 2016, 11:35:31 PM
Big Ben played well tonight he gives the back four confidence he's a top top goalie and I'm glad we've got him.you need a strong charector in goal and he outsyched their pen takers and almost saved 3 penalties,don't forget that it's just him on his own against their top 5 takers,well played and welcome back.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on February 11, 2016, 09:02:23 AM
Big Ben played well tonight he gives the back four confidence he's a top top goalie and I'm glad we've got him.you need a strong charector in goal and he outsyched their pen takers and almost saved 3 penalties,don't forget that it's just him on his own against their top 5 takers,well played and welcome back.
Totally disagree, I think he makes the back four nervous, no one knows where his kicks are going, not even him.
Myhill by a mile for me
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Morany on February 11, 2016, 09:18:47 AM
Totally disagree, I think he makes the back four nervous, no one knows where his kicks are going, not even him.
Myhill by a mile for me

Anyone that rates Myhill more than Foster needs to give there head a wobble. Foster is so much better.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hull Baggie on February 11, 2016, 09:27:26 AM
Anyone that rates Myhill more than Foster needs to give there head a wobble. Foster is so much better.

He certainly has come back in fine form, I was worried as he'd been quite poor before the long lay off.
He commands his box very well which is something that Myhill doesn't do. Both are good shot stoppers though.
Thought he should have done better for the goal last night.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Morany on February 11, 2016, 09:32:12 AM
He certainly has come back in fine form, I was worried as he'd been quite poor before the long lay off.
He commands his box very well which is something that Myhill doesn't do. Both are good shot stoppers though.
Thought he should have done better for the goal last night.

Took a nick off Chester seemed to affect him slightly.  I'd Say Foster is the better shot stopper. I don't think Myhill would have saved the lob against Swansea either , too flat footed
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Pie on February 11, 2016, 09:35:56 AM
In my own opinion Myhill is the sort of keeper that does the basics well and saves pretty much everything you would expect him to, on the odd occasion he will pull off some brilliant saves (e.g Man utd away last season) but its only once in a blue moon.

Whereas Foster does the basics and pull off top quality saves on a more regular basis. He also commands his area and claims crosses much better.

Yes his kicking isn't great but hopefully our new goalkeeping coach will be able to help (New in the sense that Foster has been injured since he joined up until now)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on February 11, 2016, 04:17:43 PM
I prefer Fozzie.
He should stop lumping the ball upfield, because his kicking is awful.
Throw it out to a player.
OK...The player has to run a bit further, but at least he should get the ball.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: spencer Baggie on February 11, 2016, 04:19:33 PM
Myhill is just too indecisive at times. And his balance is poor.

Foster is a lot more agile.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: fpvmtimbdbo on February 11, 2016, 05:45:10 PM
In my own opinion Myhill is the sort of keeper that does the basics well and saves pretty much everything you would expect him to, on the odd occasion he will pull off some brilliant saves (e.g Man utd away last season) but its only once in a blue moon.

Whereas Foster does the basics and pull off top quality saves on a more regular basis. He also commands his area and claims crosses much better.

Yes his kicking isn't great but hopefully our new goalkeeping coach will be able to help (New in the sense that Foster has been injured since he joined up until now)

Spot on.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: SirTonyM on February 11, 2016, 08:18:08 PM
Suprised its even a debate. Myhill has served us well but no question of who is better in my mind, Foster every time.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: hunsletbaggie on February 11, 2016, 08:45:06 PM
Foster makes too many what I would call calamity blunders Stoke at home when we lost 1=0 Norwich away when we were hammered and Everton at home  and there's the one for the Blue Noses against West Ham in the semi.
Most top keepers will make one of these in their lifetimes Ben has made 4 or 5 that I know of and I'm pretty sure there will be one around the corner pretty soon.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on February 11, 2016, 08:51:09 PM
Only at Albion would we be slagging off a penalty shoot out hero the next day.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: hunsletbaggie on February 11, 2016, 09:01:03 PM
Only at Albion would we be slagging off a penalty shoot out hero the next day.
Bloody hell mate most Sunday league keepers would have saved them two pens.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alwaysbilly on February 11, 2016, 09:24:11 PM
Foster makes too many what I would call calamity blunders Stoke at home when we lost 1=0 Norwich away when we were hammered and Everton at home  and there's the one for the Blue Noses against West Ham in the semi.
Most top keepers will make one of these in their lifetimes Ben has made 4 or 5 that I know of and I'm pretty sure there will be one around the corner pretty soon.
Best keeper we've had for many years.
Has he upset you
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on February 11, 2016, 09:57:03 PM
Foster's the best Albion keeper I've seen, and I go back to Stuart Naylor.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: liverbaggie on February 11, 2016, 10:36:45 PM
Why do so many people talk about the so called mistakes,how many points has he got us? I suspect many more than the " mistakes" he's a top keeper who will go to the euros with England,be proud of him he's representing WBA!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on February 11, 2016, 11:27:27 PM
Why do so many people talk about the so called mistakes,how many points has he got us? I suspect many more than the " mistakes" he's a top keeper who will go to the euros with England,be proud of him he's representing WBA!
This is where I have my issue , I'm not saying he is a bad keeper, I'm saying my personal preference would be for Myhill
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: hunsletbaggie on February 20, 2016, 08:15:23 PM
Said it wouldn't be long before a couple of Foster blunders this is why he will  never be a top keeper Don't know what he was trying to do with the first one and should have come for the second the bloke headed it in from the six yard box.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: spencer Baggie on February 20, 2016, 09:16:19 PM
Yup, poor today. Didn't command his area at all.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: johnnyg on February 20, 2016, 11:30:20 PM
He was absolutely diabolical today. I failed to see the fawning over this guy. He had no command of his area today, and he was shocking on the 2nd goal.
He has turned into an inconsistent keeper for me. Much of a muchness between him and Myhill.
But the happy-clappy Foster fans will argue otherwise. Lads, watch the game back again, and appreciate how poor he was. Shades of Villa, without the almighty clanger.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Adder on February 20, 2016, 11:41:34 PM
Said it wouldn't be long before a couple of Foster blunders this is why he will  never be a top keeper Don't know what he was trying to do with the first one and should have come for the second the bloke headed it in from the six yard box.
Re the 2nd goal....Myhill got panned for a couple like that. In fairness difficult balls for keepers. They are good crosses that curl very late so the keeper has to almost gamble on where the ball is going to end up. If the line of the ball was always heading for the 6 yard box the keeper would pluck it every time.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: iwastherein68 on February 21, 2016, 06:54:58 AM
Thought he was at least partly responsible or could have done better for all three goals.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Lloydy on February 21, 2016, 08:12:39 AM
Having seen the goals again I would blame the pathetic defending more than Foster to be honest. Maybe he could have come off his line but Olsson and Rondon have a lot to answer for.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on February 21, 2016, 08:59:35 AM
Have always preferred Myhill , and still do.
People say that foster commands his area better , we'll watch yesterday again, every now and then he does a camera save but Myhill is a much better all round keeper , and I think it has an effect on the defence and team
Woeful distribution, will never get in the England team again.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: colinmax on February 21, 2016, 05:05:22 PM
I worry about the decline in Foster's performances.
A couple of years ago he was superb but recently his clean sheets have been because he has hardly had a shot to save as occurred at Everton
The golden rule if you go out to the edge of the area you have to get the ball.Against Newcastle he not only failed to do this,he would have been sent off for handling outside the area if he had managed to llay a hand on the scoring shot and yesterday was he really trying to scoop the first goal over the bar from waist height?
It looked a run of the mill header from close in to me which a lot of goalkeepers would have expected to save.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: leeiswba on March 02, 2016, 10:44:59 PM
Made some cracking saves last night, definitely the best goalkeeper we've had in my lifetime. Lucky to have a very good number two in myhill also.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on March 02, 2016, 10:48:51 PM
He has to learn to throw the ball out quickly when we have men available...It will stop a lot of hoof and hope.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smosher34 on March 03, 2016, 07:09:38 AM
he used to do that alot when ridgewell was here , but alot of the time theres no movement or anyone in space to get the ball out quickly . does my head in we dont to . its his kicking that needs working on .
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hull Baggie on March 03, 2016, 08:59:17 AM
He has to learn to throw the ball out quickly when we have men available...It will stop a lot of hoof and hope.

To be fair to Foster there have been plenty of occasions when he has looked to play an early ball but our players are all looking the other way.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: boinging_along on March 03, 2016, 09:01:16 AM
To be fair to Foster there have been plenty of occasions when he has looked to play an early ball but our players are all looking the other way.
I've noticed that too, he's caught the ball and rushed to the edge of the area looking for a throw out but we're just not quick enough setting ourselves.  That's probably down to Pulis wanting to keep our shape annoyingly.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: liverbaggie on March 21, 2016, 05:49:45 PM
Why hasn't big Ben been called up as cover for Hart in the England friendlies?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: costa blanca baggie on March 21, 2016, 05:57:06 PM
Probably something to do with him only just returning back from an injury.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: liverbaggie on March 21, 2016, 06:00:29 PM
Fraser Forster was injured for as long as Ben wasn't he?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on March 21, 2016, 06:09:41 PM
Fraser Forster was injured for as long as Ben wasn't he?

Either, Hodgson knows all about Foster so doesn't need to drag him round Europe on the bench, OR, he behind the 3 in the current squad and not in contention for the Euro's.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBArgo on March 21, 2016, 06:16:19 PM
Forster should be ahead of him right now as he's had a fantastic season since returning (which has coincided with Southamptons Europe push) whereas Foster has just been solid.
Then there's Butland who has been fantastic.

In other words, if Hart was injured for the Euros then I expect Foster would be 3rd choice, otherwise 4th.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: MarkW on March 21, 2016, 06:18:53 PM
Forster should be ahead of him right now as he's had a fantastic season since returning (which has coincided with Southamptons Europe push) whereas Foster has just been solid.
Then there's Butland who has been fantastic.

In other words, if Hart was injured for the Euros then I expect Foster would be 3rd choice, otherwise 4th.

I think the point being made is that Heaton has been called up to replace Hart, not Foster. But like Jacko has said, Roy will know all about Ben so why not give Heaton a chance to impress?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: sing on our own on March 21, 2016, 06:37:22 PM
I agree there isn't no point calling Foster up as a replacement and realistically barring injuries the three in France will be Hart, Butland and Forster and rightly so they are the best three and by some way imo.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Adder on March 21, 2016, 06:37:59 PM
To be honest I think Ben needs a long spell back at his best....which he'd fallen from pre injury.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smosher34 on March 21, 2016, 06:45:39 PM
Butland will be number 1 before much longer and i dont think foster will get an england call up again .
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie53 on March 21, 2016, 08:21:57 PM
Butland will be number 1 before much longer and i dont think foster will get an england call up again .
I agree, there are at least three better English keepers in the Premier League
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on March 21, 2016, 08:34:16 PM
I think they're much of a muchness, Hart included. None of Hart, Forster, Foster and Butland would let England down, and they're streets ahead of the next best, Heaton, Green etc.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Signor_Maresca on March 22, 2016, 05:00:18 PM
I think they're much of a muchness, Hart included. None of Hart, Forster, Foster and Butland would let England down, and they're streets ahead of the next best, Heaton, Green etc.
I kind of agree, Hart, Foster and Forster are all about on the same level, Butland on the other hand is level above or at least has the potential to be, I think he will be an outstanding keeper for England.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 22, 2016, 05:02:17 PM
his england days are over
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Jimmy on March 22, 2016, 07:18:32 PM
I kind of agree, Hart, Foster and Forster are all about on the same level, Butland on the other hand is level above or at least has the potential to be, I think he will be an outstanding keeper for England.

As much as I love Foster, Hart is clearly better than anything else we have in England.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Signor_Maresca on March 22, 2016, 08:07:25 PM
As much as I love Foster, Hart is clearly better than anything else we have in England.
Over rated in my opinion, a good keeper but makes as many clangers as the others do, might look more assured at times but has far better players in front of him which helps.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on March 23, 2016, 09:18:56 AM
his england days are over

I doubt he will be bothered.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: sing on our own on March 23, 2016, 09:47:23 AM
Thinking about it I'm not even sure he's the best keeper at the club never mind England.....but I guess that's another topic ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on March 23, 2016, 10:48:03 AM
Thinking about it I'm not even sure he's the best keeper at the club never mind England.....but I guess that's another topic ;)


thats my view too
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: SmethDan on March 23, 2016, 12:03:45 PM
He's rumoured in the press to have taken the omission well, and is also said to be in regular contact with Hodgson regarding his return from injury.

http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/2016/03/23/ben-foster-hasnt-given-up-on-england/ (http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/2016/03/23/ben-foster-hasnt-given-up-on-england/)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: hunsletbaggie on March 25, 2016, 06:12:00 PM
Just take a look at the video on you tube of Foster's clangers never an England goalkeeper in a million years.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tommcneill on March 25, 2016, 09:16:05 PM
Just take a look at the video on you tube of Foster's clangers never an England goalkeeper in a million years.

Did that video also show some of the wonderful saves he makes?

Cant believe how we run down some of our players....

All keepers make clangers, you could make a video on any keeper's clangers and show him to be a poor goalkeeper
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Jimmy on March 25, 2016, 09:20:47 PM
Has to be better than Tom Heaton at any rate.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: paulosull on March 26, 2016, 07:30:18 PM
Unlucky not to be England no 1 if it wasn't for two injuries in the last couple of seasons, before first injury against everton he was in outstanding form and was head and shoulders ( forgive the pun) above Hart
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on March 26, 2016, 08:19:40 PM
Butland doing himself no favours thus far.

edit. And now he's injured and instead of kicking ball out of play has cost us a goal.

Foster will be on that plane if he's fit.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: MarkW on March 27, 2016, 11:04:18 AM
Butland doing himself no favours thus far.

edit. And now he's injured and instead of kicking ball out of play has cost us a goal.

Foster will be on that plane if he's fit.

He wasn't injured until he kicked the ball. He injured himself in the process of kicking the ball
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on March 27, 2016, 02:13:37 PM
He wasn't injured until he kicked the ball. He injured himself in the process of kicking the ball

No he didn't.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: MarkW on March 27, 2016, 02:22:04 PM
I'm pretty sure they showed a replay where he only started hobbling after he kicked the ball which is how they regained possession.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tommcneill on March 27, 2016, 02:28:39 PM
He injured himself collecting the ball earlier when he dropped to the ground....he was hobbling when he got up

He was already injured when he kicked the ball hence the poor kick
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: MarkW on March 27, 2016, 02:32:22 PM
Ah fair enough. I stand corrected
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Black Pearl on March 27, 2016, 11:52:25 PM
He injured himself collecting the ball earlier when he dropped to the ground....he was hobbling when he got up

He was already injured when he kicked the ball hence the poor kick

Fractured ankle, call up for Ben?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBArgo on March 28, 2016, 10:31:27 AM
Fractured ankle, call up for Ben?
Butland is reportedly out for the Euros, which makes you think Foster will make it to the tournament. Still, you'd expect Forster and Hart in front of him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on March 28, 2016, 11:03:53 AM
To be honest I can't see much advantage to the team nor Foster to go to the tournament as 3rd choice. From what we know about Foster is he's a bit of a home bird and might not be great in a non-playing slot. Heaton would at least benefit from the experience of going to a major tournament given his relative inexperience.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: paulosull on March 28, 2016, 11:24:27 AM
Hart's form is below his usual standards and after coming back from injury forester has been brilliant and shocking. Ben if his form improves good get the nod as first choice never mind just making up numbers or do England still pick the players not for their ability but the club they play for?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on March 29, 2016, 08:20:44 AM
Unless one of the other keepers gets ruled out I can only see Hart, Forster and Heaton getting the call.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie53 on March 29, 2016, 07:11:11 PM
Fractured ankle, call up for Ben?

IMO he's not good enough, too inconsistent, can be playing a blinder then make a real hash of things
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on March 29, 2016, 07:12:17 PM
Foster will almost certainly be in the squad, he's a far better keeper than Heaton and on his day there is not a great deal of difference between him Hart and Forster.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: hunsletbaggie on March 31, 2016, 04:00:42 PM
Foster will almost certainly be in the squad, he's a far better keeper than Heaton and on his day there is not a great deal of difference between him Hart and Forster.
Trouble is his days are very few and very far between and there is always an absolute howler round the corner.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: leeiswba on March 31, 2016, 04:56:11 PM
Trouble is his days are very few and very far between and there is always an absolute howler round the corner.

Can you list his 'absolute howlers' from the last 4 years then?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: hunsletbaggie on March 31, 2016, 05:03:30 PM
Can you list his 'absolute howlers' from the last 4 years then?
Stoke at home when we lost 1-0 Norwich away 4-0 we kicked thin air and started swinging from the crossbar Villa last year in the league Everton when he let that shot from a think it was Mirallas squirm under his body do you want me to go on.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: leeiswba on March 31, 2016, 05:31:45 PM
Stoke at home when we lost 1-0 Norwich away 4-0 we kicked thin air and started swinging from the crossbar Villa last year in the league Everton when he let that shot from a think it was Mirallas squirm under his body do you want me to go on.

So he's averaging one a season then really? Not too bad.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: hunsletbaggie on March 31, 2016, 06:00:21 PM
So he's averaging one a season then really? Not too bad.
No not really these are absolute howlers that a real top keeper would make once maybe twice in a career.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: leeiswba on March 31, 2016, 06:04:59 PM
No not really these are absolute howlers that a real top keeper would make once maybe twice in a career.

Petr cech made two as bad if not worse than any of these in one game in the first game of the season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: leeiswba on April 02, 2016, 05:11:57 PM
Man of the match today.Solid performance as usual.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on April 02, 2016, 05:36:18 PM
Man of the match today.Solid performance as usual.

Understatement. Won us that point no doubt. Superb. We lose that with Myhill in goal.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: leeiswba on April 02, 2016, 06:24:17 PM
Understatement. Won us that point no doubt. Superb. We lose that with Myhill in goal.

Wouldn't go as far as that as its a bit unfair on myhill as he hasn't really done much wrong but foster number one all day for me
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: mulliganstired on April 02, 2016, 07:23:39 PM
Gives Roy a reminder of his experienced "possible".
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dan7heman on April 02, 2016, 08:08:20 PM
Gives Roy a reminder of his experienced "possible".

With the injury to Forster I would say probable rather than possible.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: letmereadposts on April 02, 2016, 08:33:38 PM
Not seen much of Heaton but Foster should be in the squad based on that performance. Most teams would have missed him having him out so long so shout out to Myhill this season too.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: hunsletbaggie on April 02, 2016, 08:52:19 PM
Understatement. Won us that point no doubt. Superb. We lose that with Myhill in goal.
Has the Myhill performance against Man Utd last season been stuck from your memory then.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on April 02, 2016, 09:23:41 PM
Has the Myhill performance against Man Utd last season been stuck from your memory then.

No mate, a consistent sequence of decent saves, certainly nothing extraordinary, but nevertheless helped us to an unlikely win; two of Foster's today were world class, we get it, you don't like him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Adder on April 02, 2016, 09:39:54 PM
Understatement. Won us that point no doubt. Superb. We lose that with Myhill in goal.
Applies to most sides...if your 1st choice plays at his best he's a bit better than the 2nd choice but no need to have a swipe at Myhill today.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on April 03, 2016, 08:32:11 PM
Jacko,there is no need for the cheap shot at myhill..
Many on here myself included, rate myhill higher, but we are all wise enough to see foster had a really good game yesterday, you can praise one without belittling the other...
Anyway, isn't mingolet your keeper?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: hunsletbaggie on April 21, 2016, 10:47:09 PM
Tonight proved why Foster is never an England keeper in a million years Dawson saved him from another absolute howler.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Adder on April 21, 2016, 11:07:01 PM
If Myhill had put in a first half like that he'd have got crucified. What Foster was doing for the free kick I don't know.

He's a very good keeper when fully awake but really think he has concentration and focus issues sometimes.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smosher34 on April 22, 2016, 07:04:50 AM
I think foster has gone down hill since joined west brom . has to be the coaching at the club .
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Lloydy on April 22, 2016, 07:57:31 AM
In fairness I think Foster has been much improved since he came back form injury. Hopefully last night was a blip, it was a very poor performance but hopefully he's saving his best for Tottenham... :o
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on April 22, 2016, 10:18:01 AM
Apart from the howler that went through his legs I didn't think he did much wrong. Free kick was cowardice from Chester and he was clearly unsighted for the first. 2 great saves second half.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: geoff on April 22, 2016, 10:26:21 AM
Apart from the howler that went through his legs I didn't think he did much wrong. Free kick was cowardice from Chester and he was clearly unsighted for the first. 2 great saves second half.

Spot on Jacko
if only Chester had stood his ground & took one for the team like Ben did,yes it hurts but its part of a defender's job. No pain no gain.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Lloydy on April 22, 2016, 10:32:24 AM
Apart from the howler that went through his legs I didn't think he did much wrong. Free kick was cowardice from Chester and he was clearly unsighted for the first. 2 great saves second half.

I disagree about the free kick, his positioning was very poor.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Wollastonbaggie on April 22, 2016, 10:43:05 AM
Both Chester and Foster should have stopped the second goal and if either had done their jobs as they should have done, either the ball never reaches Foster or he makes a comfortable save
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on April 22, 2016, 10:59:23 AM
Both Chester and Foster should have stopped the second goal and if either had done their jobs as they should have done, either the ball never reaches Foster or he makes a comfortable save


useless free kick on our part for defending, chester turning his shoulder away, i was spitting feathers
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: maccbaggie on April 22, 2016, 11:03:34 AM
Don't understand why he's guaranteed a place ahead of Myhill.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hunnington Baggie on April 22, 2016, 11:09:37 AM
Don't understand why he's guaranteed a place ahead of Myhill.
because he the better keeper, 4 managers have come to the same decision now, depending on what happens we may go to 5.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: maccbaggie on April 22, 2016, 12:13:40 PM
because he the better keeper, 4 managers have come to the same decision now, depending on what happens we may go to 5.
I just don't think it's good for competition (and raising standards) when both goalkeepers know that Foster will always play when he's fit; in fact I think that's evidenced itself by Foster's decline in form over the last couple of seasons. Myhill was more consistent during his last run in the team than Foster has been, and I don't recall him making a misstake... shouldn't we at least have waited for some kind of drop in form before dropping Myhill?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: paulosull on April 23, 2016, 09:33:58 AM
Got to say Ben form has dipped since Pulls has come to club but when your in a wall take one for the team. Chester seemed to be coming on a bit at last but he's  not all that especially  after paying 8 million for his services, should be one of first names on team sheet
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on April 23, 2016, 09:53:35 AM
Got to say Ben form has dipped since Pulls has come to club.

Pulis was at the club all of two maybe three months before Foster done his cruciate in and in that time we had probably our best run of form for a good while with a fair few clean sheets that only fell apart when we played and lost to Villa twice in a week and it was the week after he did his knee in. Since he's returned to the side he's probably had the one game which was the other night where he made a glaring error arguably two and been pretty solid from what I've seen in the other games.

People really have got to the point of using any excuse just to have a go at Pulis. Any dip in form from Foster came long before Pulis walked through the door.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Adder on April 23, 2016, 11:29:19 AM
Apart from the howler that went through his legs I didn't think he did much wrong. Free kick was cowardice from Chester and he was clearly unsighted for the first. 2 great saves second half.
Whatever you think of Jamie Redknap his analysis of the free kick was spot on in my view. Because of how close the free kick was it would have been very difficult to get the ball up and down in time to clear the wall (we also have a tall wall). Foster clearly took two steps to his left which meant he could only move in the direction behind the wall ....he gave himself no chance whatsoever of being in any position to save that. Very poor judgement and goalkeeping.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on April 23, 2016, 12:22:33 PM
Whatever you think of Jamie Redknap his analysis of the free kick was spot on in my view. Because of how close the free kick was it would have been very difficult to get the ball up and down in time to clear the wall (we also have a tall wall). Foster clearly took two steps to his left which meant he could only move in the direction behind the wall ....he gave himself no chance whatsoever of being in any position to save that. Very poor judgement and goalkeeping.

If he got the ball up over the wall and in you would just hold your hands up and say fair play it would have to be pretty much inch perfect. Foster looked convinced it was going that way and took the wrong gamble making the initial move to get over there he couldn't have trusted the wall enough. I would put that down mainly to keeper error even though Chester did his best cowardly lion impression instead of taking one for the team.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: hunsletbaggie on April 23, 2016, 12:29:19 PM
Pulis was at the club all of two maybe three months before Foster done his cruciate in and in that time we had probably our best run of form for a good while with a fair few clean sheets that only fell apart when we played and lost to Villa twice in a week and it was the week after he did his knee in. Since he's returned to the side he's probably had the one game which was the other night where he made a glaring error arguably two and been pretty solid from what I've seen in the other games.

People really have got to the point of using any excuse just to have a go at Pulis. Any dip in form from Foster came long before Pulis walked through the door.
Was poor in the cup defeat to Reading to be fair at fault for two of the goals.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: geoff on April 23, 2016, 12:45:42 PM
Whatever you think of Jamie Redknap his analysis of the free kick was spot on in my view. Because of how close the free kick was it would have been very difficult to get the ball up and down in time to clear the wall (we also have a tall wall). Foster clearly took two steps to his left which meant he could only move in the direction behind the wall ....he gave himself no chance whatsoever of being in any position to save that. Very poor judgement and goalkeeping.


I don't remember the ball going over the wall at all it whent were a second before Chester's head was so if he had did his job there wouldn't have been a goal full stop.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on April 23, 2016, 12:56:34 PM

I don't remember the ball going over the wall at all it whent were a second before Chester's head was so if he had did his job there wouldn't have been a goal full stop.

It didn't. Foster made the step across seemingly convinced that he was going to try and lift it over the wall despite it being very difficult to do so from that distance out. Take out the cowardly action of Chester if Foster had trusted his wall to do the job he would have had the side of the goal covered that he should have had.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: geoff on April 23, 2016, 01:04:15 PM
so its Ben's fault that Chester moved after been placed there in the wall to stop the exact shot that they took. ::)
can i ask you a 2 yes or no questions
1st had Chester stood his ground would they have scored
2nd would you place him in your next wall.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on April 23, 2016, 01:12:01 PM
I'm saying Foster should have trusted the wall on that side, that is what I am saying he's at fault for. It would have taken an inch perfect free kick to get it up, over the wall and in. He simply should have had the open side of the goal covered. I'm also calling Chester a coward for not standing his ground and taking one for the team it isn't that difficult to understand surely?

To answer the questions.

1, If he hadn't been a coward then they wouldn't have scored directly from the free kick.

2, No I wouldn't have Chester in my wall but he wasn't even in it at Arsenal, he had two Arsenal players between him and the wall.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: geoff on April 23, 2016, 01:34:54 PM
I'm saying Foster should have trusted the wall on that side, that is what I am saying he's at fault for. It would have taken an inch perfect free kick to get it up, over the wall and in. He simply should have had the open side of the goal covered. I'm also calling Chester a coward for not standing his ground and taking one for the team it isn't that difficult to understand surely?

To answer the questions.

1, If he hadn't been a coward then they wouldn't have scored directly from the free kick.

2, No I wouldn't have Chester in my wall but he wasn't even in it at Arsenal, he had two Arsenal players between him and the wall.

So in short it's NO & NO rest my case, i see what you are saying but i see it in a different light & thats the way it go's from time to time.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Adder on April 23, 2016, 02:06:45 PM
So was Chester supposed to block any shot on that side of the wall while Foster went missing behind a wall that it was always going to be extremely difficult to get the ball over ?

I'm afraid if Myhill did the exact same thing as Foster did he would be torn apart.

Chester 20% at fault, Foster 80%.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: VVVAlbion on April 23, 2016, 03:34:13 PM
I blame Jon Moss.    >:( Was never a free kick.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: paulosull on April 23, 2016, 03:35:23 PM
So was Chester supposed to block any shot on that side of the wall while Foster went missing behind a wall that it was always going to be extremely difficult to get the ball over ?

I'm afraid if Myhill did the exact same thing as Foster did he would be torn apart.

Chester 20% at fault, Foster 80%.
went through the wall were Chester was standing 10000000% his fault, Foster is always going to move to his left as he expects wall to do its job
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on April 23, 2016, 03:58:07 PM
went through the wall were Chester was standing 10000000% his fault, Foster is always going to move to his left as he expects wall to do its job

Firstly Chester wasn't even in the wall, there were two Arsenal players between the wall and Chester. Secondly Foster should have been covering the open side of his goal, if he expects the wall to do its job he didn't need to step to his left as that was the side of the goal the actual wall was covering.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: B_H_Baggie on April 23, 2016, 03:58:41 PM
I blame Jon Moss.    >:( Was never a free kick.

Very good point that.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wodenson46 on April 23, 2016, 04:25:18 PM
I blame Jon Moss.    >:( Was never a free kick.

Vardy got booked for a similar incident, but that is never going to happen against us. The kick itself to my ageing eyesight seemed to come off the back of an arrsendal player just in front of the wall before looping over and into the goal. But i have only seen it the once and my eyes ain't what they used to be, the blue in the stripes has gone a bit paler now
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Adder on April 23, 2016, 05:15:38 PM
went through the wall were Chester was standing 10000000% his fault, Foster is always going to move to his left as he expects wall to do its job
eh what ? the wall was to Fosters left so if he expects the wall to do its job why does he disappear behind it....Foster would need to move to his right to protect the part of the goal that the wall wasn't covering ?? Foster should have been organising the wall, Chester was standing a yard away from the wall with 2 Arsenal players between him and the Albion wall ....not sure what he was doing there but ....sorry but to absolve Foster of any blame is pretty crazy.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: darby009 on April 23, 2016, 11:53:16 PM
Was poor in the cup defeat to Reading to be fair at fault for two of the goals.

Sorry but jonas was a fault for both reading goals....
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: east-stand-nick on April 24, 2016, 02:41:50 AM
went through the wall were Chester was standing 10000000% his fault, Foster is always going to move to his left as he expects wall to do its job

Have you even seen the goal...?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBArgo on April 25, 2016, 03:47:40 PM
Foster is solid for me. Last season before his big injury he looked at his worst, but since then he's been back to his usual steady self. Myhill is a solid reserve keeper too, in fact you could argue that goalkeepers are our strongest area right now.
Title: Ben Foster
Post by: wba13 on October 16, 2016, 12:47:19 PM
Sorry if in wrong place. I`ve  been harping on about it for a while now but Foster is the best keeper for me ever at the hawthorns and long may it reign. I`ve been watching the baggies for over 50 years and yesterdays performance was superb his agility and bravery were second to none and his ability to keep his concentration right to the end showed with his last minute save from Ericson. Myhill is a very good 2nd choice but when it comes to a number 1 there is only 1 choice.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionBest on October 16, 2016, 12:50:34 PM
Sorry if in wrong place. I`ve  been harping on about it for a while now but Foster is the best keeper for me ever at the hawthorns and long may it reign. I`ve been watching the baggies for over 50 years and yesterdays performance was superb his agility and bravery were second to none and his ability to keep his concentration right to the end showed with his last minute save from Ericson. Myhill is a very good 2nd choice but when it comes to a number 1 there is only 1 choice.

Never been in any doubt about the quality of keepers we have at the moment - arguably the best two No.1's we have ever had ?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheBrom on October 16, 2016, 01:46:18 PM
The first save he made from Eriksen was excellent, he was moving the wrong way to start and thought it was a certain goal. Showed great reflexes to get a hand on it. The Spurs fans on the way home were also very complimentary of his performance.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Atomic on October 16, 2016, 01:47:19 PM
I think as a shot stopper from 1978-1981 Tony Godden was amazing. He was gymnast like in his athleticism. His kicking wasn't great and after 1981 he seemed to decline rapidly.

Russel Hoult had a fantastic couple of seasons but mainly that was at a lower level. The oneseason in the Championship once we scored you knew we'd won.

Alan Miller (again at a lower level) had one incredible season especially one game against Blues where basically it was Blues vs Miller and Miller won. Sneekes scored from our one chance. I think Miller injured his backand was never the same again.

But yeah, Foster is right up there with them.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on October 17, 2016, 02:04:09 PM
I was dreading the moment when Spurs got a free-kick just to the left of the penalty box. In 2 previous seasons Erikson scored from almost identical positions at the Brum Road end. For it to happen a third time would have been unforgiveable.

Well done Ben Foster. Our best keeper in years.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hull Baggie on October 18, 2016, 08:21:04 AM
He has got back to the kind of form he showed when we had him on loan from Brumand in his first season proper. His kicking is hugely improved for the most part. Time wasting the only negative for me.

Superb on Saturday and really unlucky to concede; both him and McClean got wrong footed by Alli's shot and couldn't adjust their positioning in time.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BigFrank20 on October 18, 2016, 11:37:59 AM
I wonder if he wastes time on his own initiative or if he is under instructions?
I know what I think, as Stoke's blatant time wasting always used to get on my wick
Thankfully we don't seem to have adopted their feigning injury time wasting tactic yet! 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Morany on October 18, 2016, 11:42:11 AM
I think the time wasting is purely down to Pulis. Slowing down the game
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBArgo on October 18, 2016, 03:05:04 PM
All of our players waste time, I think it comes from Pulis.

At the same time, most teams do it and at least we don't dive or pretend injury which is worse in my view.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Atomic on October 18, 2016, 03:12:42 PM
He has got back to the kind of form he showed when we had him on loan from Brumand in his first season proper. His kicking is hugely improved for the most part. Time wasting the only negative for me.

Superb on Saturday and really unlucky to concede; both him and McClean got wrong footed by Alli's shot and couldn't adjust their positioning in time.


It was an incredible finish from Alli to be fair and nobody seems to have much of it. You put yourself in Alli's position when the ball arrives at your feet and what would you do? I bet hardly anyone would've hit that shot like Alli did.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albionic on October 18, 2016, 08:00:48 PM

It was an incredible finish from Alli to be fair and nobody seems to have much of it. You put yourself in Alli's position when the ball arrives at your feet and what would you do? I bet hardly anyone would've hit that shot like Alli did.

i seriously think it was a Mis-kick, no-one could analyse that situation and determine which was the only spot to hit and then execute it  in that time frame.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tommcneill on October 18, 2016, 08:37:25 PM
i seriously think it was a Mis-kick, no-one could analyse that situation and determine which was the only spot to hit and then execute it  in that time frame.

Don't see that myself

I thought it was a very smart finish from him
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albionic on October 18, 2016, 08:38:51 PM
Don't see that myself

I thought it was a very smart finish from him

well if it was, it was absolutely top drawer. Call me cynical...........
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tommcneill on October 18, 2016, 08:44:24 PM
well if it was, it was absolutely top drawer. Call me cynical...........
;D

I can see why some people might think that it wasn't knocking your opinion fella.

From what I saw of it though it was very much meant
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albionic on October 18, 2016, 08:47:57 PM
;D

I can see why some people might think that it wasn't knocking your opinion fella.

From what I saw of it though it was very much meant

any goal against the mighty baggies is a fluke in my one eyed opinion   8)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Jimbo Baggy on October 20, 2016, 02:21:58 PM
I hope Fosters recalled and in the next England squad deserves it on current form.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: SmethDan on October 20, 2016, 02:29:14 PM
On current form I think it's best that he be wrapped in cotton wool and kept as far away from international footbal as possible Jimbo.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: costa blanca baggie on October 20, 2016, 04:38:34 PM
I've just found a discarded Sun newspaper from Monday. They gave Ben 7/10 for his performance Saturday. I binned it immediately.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on December 24, 2016, 10:37:49 AM
Signed a new deal commiting him to the club until 2019

http://www.wba.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/west-brom-wba-ben-foster-new-contract-goalkeeper-3484237.aspx

Pulis 'delighted' to extend keeper's Hawthorns stay

BEN Foster has helped spread further Christmas cheer at The Hawthorns by today committing his long-term future to Albion.

The Baggies keeper, who recently made his 150th Premier League appearance for Albion, has signed a new two-and-a-half year deal which will keep him with the club until the summer of 2019.

Foster has been ever-present for the club this season and his glittering performances have assisted Tony Pulis’ men in securing eighth-place in the Premier League for Christmas. 

He joined the club on loan from Birmingham City in 2011 before making the move permanent 12 months later.

The 33-year-old has made 161 appearances for the club in all competitions, keeping 41 clean sheets in the process.

“We’re delighted we’ve extended Ben’s contract,” said Head Coach Tony Pulis. “His form this season has been there for all to see and he continues to set the standards at the club all the goalkeepers have to aspire to.”


Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: geoff on December 24, 2016, 11:40:50 AM
Well done & well deserved Ben :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Jimmy on December 24, 2016, 12:02:55 PM
Quality keeper and quality geezer.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wolverhampton baggie on December 24, 2016, 12:06:25 PM
Can't remember a better keeper for us in my time watching The Baggies....well deserved
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheBrom on December 24, 2016, 12:09:23 PM
Great news, been back to normal this season. It's nice to not worry about a keeper making mistakes. Made a few really good saves recently too. The Rooney shot he tipped on the bar, and the one against spurs where he was going the wrong way
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on December 24, 2016, 12:32:15 PM
Great news! Has authority and inspires confidence in the defence.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: frazzle on December 24, 2016, 12:49:32 PM
Great interview on youtube. Seems like a very straight guy who appreciates being happy more than money etc. Good for him and proud to have him in our team.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Slimbo on December 24, 2016, 12:54:31 PM
Great signing - what a keeper he is
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Andio on December 24, 2016, 02:20:12 PM
Excellent news, a quality keeper and  a great guy as well.  8)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: mateinone on December 24, 2016, 02:30:24 PM
What a fantastic "Christmas present", this has made my day

Well done to Foster, he is a top quality keeper, love having him in goal
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: botters on December 24, 2016, 02:45:25 PM
Great news top keeper and man.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba13 on December 24, 2016, 03:38:29 PM
My best ever Baggies keeper and iv`e been watching them since the sixties gives confidence to our defence.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: adamw1109 on December 24, 2016, 05:42:07 PM
Best keeper ive seen play for us... also a very humble guy too (there's not many of them in the game today), so pleased for him and the club.  8)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBArgo on December 24, 2016, 06:27:28 PM
Best keeper ive seen play for us... also a very humble guy too (there's not many of them in the game today), so pleased for him and the club.  8)

Agree. Solid in general also mixed with match-winning performances such as the Spurs one this season. What a bargain signing he's been and has gained us so many points down the years...long may it continue!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: HampshireBaggie on December 24, 2016, 07:02:43 PM
Didn't we pay about £5m for him. Absolute steal. Quality keeper and bloke.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: adamw1109 on December 24, 2016, 07:16:05 PM
Didn't we pay about £5m for him. Absolute steal. Quality keeper and bloke.

Yeah if i remember correctly, i saw it was around £4/5m... That wouldn't even get you a decent back up player these days!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: paulosull on December 24, 2016, 09:11:43 PM
Great New's that he's extended contract and nice comment about feeling at home at the Albion, top keeper and top bloke happy Christmas ben :)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mikkyk on December 25, 2016, 12:48:43 AM
Great but also expected news that he signed a new deal.

I have to say he's quietly been fantastic this season I think. Best season he's had for us so far. Let's just hope we don't draw the villa in the cup!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: HamsteadHarry on December 25, 2016, 11:20:21 PM
Solid keeper
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba13 on February 25, 2017, 08:30:54 PM
What can one say about this magnificent keeper has hardly anything to do yet produces 2 magnificent saves at the death and the players showed there appreciation also to show what  fantastic team spirit we have. Love goalkeepers and he is without a shadow of doubt the best Keeper I have seen in my 50 years of watching the Baggies and long may it continue
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on February 25, 2017, 08:32:29 PM
Worth his wages for the two late saves alone today.
Thanks Fossy
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on February 25, 2017, 08:46:49 PM
If only he'd played that Derby match...  ::)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lewisant on February 26, 2017, 09:09:57 AM
He's having his best season for us. Is he the best keeper in my lifetime (i'm 32) - yeah probably. Hoult was good but his best season was in the Championship. Gone are the days of Paul Chrichton and was it Chris Adamson?!? Christ!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionBest on February 26, 2017, 09:16:35 AM
What can one say about this magnificent keeper has hardly anything to do yet produces 2 magnificent saves at the death and the players showed there appreciation also to show what  fantastic team spirit we have. Love goalkeepers and he is without a shadow of doubt the best Keeper I have seen in my 50 years of watching the Baggies and long may it continue

Best ever for me and the best current England goalie.
Not many better in the Prem and it really is bizarre that the likes of Liverpool and Citeh don't consider him (glad they don't!) as he's an upgrade on their dodgy goalies.
Also comes across as decent guy who loves being here which means a lot too - another key component of the great team spirit mentioned in another thread.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: buzzingbaggie on February 26, 2017, 09:30:20 AM
Yep massive player for us, best keeper I've ever seen down the shrine!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: liverbaggie on February 26, 2017, 11:19:37 AM
Hey guys, big Ben in my opinion is our greatest ever goalkeeper.
But I think he is more than that,he is a complete professional in every sense.
He is at the top of his game,he has come through a bad injury,he is respected,he has played for England,he shows in his training to his teammates and young players within the club what dedication it takes to get to the top in your chosen profession.
There is no controversy with him and he works in the community.
I think that he should be club captain,he is polite and a proud baggie.
He is another Albion player who when his career ends should be kept to help the club like bomber should have been used,like Cyril etc etc keep these people involved and its a win win for the club.
Long may he reign.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on February 26, 2017, 11:34:15 AM
Best ever for me and the best current England goalie.
Not many better in the Prem and it really is bizarre that the likes of Liverpool and Citeh don't consider him (glad they don't!) as he's an upgrade on their dodgy goalies.
Also comes across as decent guy who loves being here which means a lot too - another key component of the great team spirit mentioned in another thread.

He's said before he didn't like the pressures and mentality of playing at a big club, which was very honest really. He seems very committed and determined but happy where he is, for the same reason he gave up England duty when Hodgson had him as his number 2. I suspect he's retired again from that now on the sly as he should definitely have got a call up when there were a bunch of keeper injuries this season.

Based on raw talent he's definitely the best English keeper going.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie53 on February 26, 2017, 04:58:01 PM
He's said before he didn't like the pressures and mentality of playing at a big club, which was very honest really. He seems very committed and determined but happy where he is, for the same reason he gave up England duty when Hodgson had him as his number 2. I suspect he's retired again from that now on the sly as he should definitely have got a call up when there were a bunch of keeper injuries this season.

Based on raw talent he's definitely the best English keeper going.

I seem to remember him also saying that family life was very important, and he had no interest in uprooting them from Leamington
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheBrom on February 26, 2017, 06:47:19 PM
I seem to remember him also saying that family life was very important, and he had no interest in uprooting them from Leamington

Also said that was the main factor in his decision to retire from England. He didn't like having to travel all over the world to not play when he had young kids at home
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Andio on April 13, 2017, 12:42:04 PM
http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/2017/04/13/west-broms-ben-foster-i-will-be-a-baggie-for-life/

Happy Ben Foster wants to see out his career at The Hawthorns – and is targeting another five seasons in the Albion goal.

The 34-year-old is enjoying a fantastic season in goal and was named player of the season by the club’s disability supporters’ group yesterday.

He’s bounced back from a cruciate knee injury that ruled him out for the first half of last season, and confirmed he has no plans to retire anytime soon.

“Oh God, no!” he said. “I will go as long as I can, while I’m still enjoying it and while I’m fit and everything holds up.

“At the moment I’ve got a really good work-life balance where I haven’t got to train as hard as some of the other lads in the team because of my knees.

“As long as it stays like that, they keep looking after me and I keep looking after myself I’ll keep going. Another four or five years hopefully.”

Foster has been at the club for six seasons, although his first campaign was on loan from Birmingham City.

He’s hoping to emulate James Morrison and Chris Brunt by reaching the 10-year milestone and plans to finish playing in B71.

“Without doubt,” he said. “I’m super-settled. This is my sixth season now so I would love to get to 10 years and go beyond that as well.

“It’s a lovely club, it’s part of me now, it’s part of my family.

“The whole family are Baggies fans, it would be really nice to finish here. I’ve got two kids, eight and nine, they’re both Baggies fans.

“It’s nice to have them supporting a proper team, and not have them glory-hunting.”

Leamington-born Foster  spent four years at Stoke City and five years as a Manchester United player, although two of those seasons were on loan at Watford, but there’s only one team he will be supporting when he eventually does retire.

“I was a Tottenham fan actually (when I was younger) so I had ups and downs,” he said. “But I’m a Baggies fan now.

“When I’m retired and grey and old I’ll always be a Baggies fan.”


-------------

So refreshing to read that, who said there is no loyalty in football these days?

Top bloke is Fozzie.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tommcneill on April 13, 2017, 12:49:41 PM
Top top bloke

Seems really settled and happy here and easily the best keeper we've had in my eyes

If he keeps himself fit and injury free there is no reason he cant play on for another 5 years at least
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheBrom on April 13, 2017, 12:58:48 PM
Great to see an honest player too. Always seems to give his actual opinion in interviews rather than trotting out the same lines.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Jimbo Baggy on April 13, 2017, 07:16:03 PM
Top top bloke

Seems really settled and happy here and easily the best keeper we've had in my eyes

If he keeps himself fit and injury free there is no reason he cant play on for another 5 years at least

Russell Hoult (Best I've seen) check the clean sheets he kept. Brilliant. Alan Miller very underrated keeper as well.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Jimbo Baggy on April 13, 2017, 07:18:05 PM
Yep massive player for us, best keeper I've ever seen down the shrine!

Again, did you not see Russell Hoult  :o ok bit of an idiot of the pitch. But on it got to be he best keeper down the shrine with his clean sheet record.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on April 13, 2017, 07:22:48 PM
Again, did you not see Russell Hoult  :o ok bit of an idiot of the pitch. But on it got to be he best keeper down the shrine with his clean sheet record.


In the Championship...


Foster is a much better keeper than Houlty.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba_1996 on April 13, 2017, 08:49:07 PM
Again, did you not see Russell Hoult  :o ok bit of an idiot of the pitch. But on it got to be he best keeper down the shrine with his clean sheet record.

Hoult was a good Championship keeper, but Foster is streets ahead.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: ian66 on April 14, 2017, 11:42:28 PM
Great interview that, especially the bit regarding his kids supporting a proper club and not have them glory-hunting!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on April 15, 2017, 05:39:41 PM
Top man Foster as well as top keeper. You can tell he's got authority in the group, but he's a proper team player which will get him more respect, than if it was all about his ego.   
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: stubba on April 15, 2017, 08:53:09 PM
Follower for 50 years Foster the best of for me
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheBrom on May 06, 2017, 05:00:49 PM
If Foster stays on his line he catches that looping header. Love the guy but seems to get a rush of blood at times in the last few minutes of games
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zac on May 06, 2017, 05:03:08 PM
He's won us more games than he's cost us.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dexy on May 06, 2017, 05:07:14 PM
If Foster stays on his line he catches that looping header. Love the guy but seems to get a rush of blood at times in the last few minutes of games
Poor from Foster , poor from Gmac letting Vokes get the better of him just as much IMO.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tommcneill on May 06, 2017, 05:10:40 PM
Foster has had a mare but Vokes should never have had the chance to get that ball...it was a hit and hope ball into the box and no one attacked it to clear it
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheBrom on May 06, 2017, 05:12:19 PM
Poor from Foster , poor from Gmac letting Vokes get the better of him just as much IMO.

Yeah watching the replay, it's poor all round. Everyone got sucked to the ball, including the keeper and defenders. If one of them stays back on the line it's an easy clearance/save. Bit of a shambles really. A free kick from that position that is hit that straight really shouldn't be ending up in the back of the net. That's Sunday league stuff

He's won us more games than he's cost us.

Agree he makes saves that win us points in the season. But doesn't excuse him from criticism when he makes a mistake that costs points.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheBrom on May 06, 2017, 05:13:07 PM
Foster has had a mare but Vokes should never have had the chance to get that ball...it was a hit and hope ball into the box and no one attacked it to clear it

I think the problem was that all of our players did try to go for the ball. Then once Vokes got a touch it had an empty goal to float into
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: paulosull on May 06, 2017, 05:53:21 PM
poor judgment by ben for second goal but player was offside, linesman should be doing his job
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheBrom on May 06, 2017, 06:13:05 PM
poor judgment by ben for second goal but player was offside, linesman should be doing his job

Offside or not the game carried on and they scored
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheBrom on May 24, 2017, 11:17:05 PM
He just tweeted a picture of the 5 players that have completed every minute of this season saying it's the first time he's ever achieved that.

Can anyone guess the other 4 without looking?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: vrabbit on May 24, 2017, 11:35:20 PM
He just tweeted a picture of the 5 players that have completed every minute of this season saying it's the first time he's ever achieved that.

Can anyone guess the other 4 without looking?

how many of them are GK? DeGea comes to mind knowing that Romero started in most if not all of ManU's cup games.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: rajesh-wba on May 24, 2017, 11:54:05 PM
He just tweeted a picture of the 5 players that have completed every minute of this season saying it's the first time he's ever achieved that.

Can anyone guess the other 4 without looking?

Forster, David Luiz, Gibson & Vertonghen
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheBrom on May 25, 2017, 07:05:01 AM
how many of them are GK? DeGea comes to mind knowing that Romero started in most if not all of ManU's cup games.

Forster is the only other keeper. The others were azpilicueta, Steve cook and Ben Watson Gibson!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Fritzl Palace on May 25, 2017, 08:44:01 AM
Forster is the only other keeper. The others were azpilicueta, Steve cook and Ben Watson

Quite the opposite for our Ben Watson  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheBrom on May 25, 2017, 12:39:10 PM
Quite the opposite for our Ben Watson  ;D

My bad meant Gibson, I'm blaming the autocorrect  :P
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Fritzl Palace on May 25, 2017, 12:40:07 PM
My bad meant Gibson, I'm blaming the autocorrect  :P

Likely story with your well known penchant for redheads  :P
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WD40 on October 14, 2017, 06:23:56 PM
Possible knee injury  :(
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Andio on October 14, 2017, 06:31:53 PM
Possible knee injury  :(

Heard it too, long lay off expected.

My own guess is that it may well finish his career.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tommcneill on October 14, 2017, 06:58:42 PM
Oh my good god I hope it doesn’t  :o
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albionic on October 14, 2017, 08:20:18 PM
Anything official on this?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dexy on October 14, 2017, 09:09:49 PM
Matt Wilson broke the news earlier , fluid on the knee.
Don't think its real bad just yet .
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: iwastherein68 on October 14, 2017, 09:58:20 PM
God help us if we have to rely on Boaz for any length of time.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Andio on October 14, 2017, 10:53:48 PM
Matt Wilson broke the news earlier , fluid on the knee.
Don't think its real bad just yet .

Not what I have heard, and I have my source down as trustworthy.

Really hope he is wrong however.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: dan7heman on October 14, 2017, 11:01:00 PM
Injection injection painkillers painkillers please
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheBrom on October 14, 2017, 11:02:55 PM
Here's the express story:


West Brom keeper Ben Foster picks up knee problem

Albion are sweating on the fitness of Ben Foster after the goalkeeper expressed discomfort in his knee.

The Baggies shot-stopper has excess fluid around his knee joint and is now a doubt for Monday's game with Leicester at the King Power Stadium.

It's believed he reported the problem in training on Thursday and will be assessed over the weekend.

It's a worrying knock for the 34-year-old, who spent 10 months on the sidelines between March 2015 and January 2016 when he damaged his cruciate knee ligaments in a 1-0 win over Stoke.

Boaz Myhill excelled as his replacement during that period, and the Welsh keeper is expected to step in for Foster on Monday night if needed.

But Foster was named players' player and supporters' player of the year last season after playing every single minute in the league and will be a huge miss if sidelined.

Hal Robson-Kanu and James Morrison are also doubts for Monday's game with the Foxes after the pair picked up muscle strains on international duty.

Nacer Chadli and Salomon Rondon were due to return to training today after the Belgian saw a specialist in Germany for a pre-planned injection in his back and the Venezuelan was given two extra days off in South America to spend with his family.


https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/west-bromwich-albion/2017/10/14/west-brom-keeper-ben-foster-picks-up-worrying-knee-problem/#vYU8RX32qcIAG0PH.99
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: elmo_in_swansea on October 15, 2017, 09:56:54 AM
Although it's for good causes, perhaps too much cycling may have contributed to this supposed injury?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: iwastherein68 on October 15, 2017, 03:53:44 PM
Although it's for good causes, perhaps too much cycling may have contributed to this supposed injury?
Yes that occurred to me too mate
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: gerry m on October 15, 2017, 04:21:34 PM
Injection injection painkillers painkillers please

That takes away the pain not the problem dan.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lewisant on October 15, 2017, 09:22:02 PM
Heard it too, long lay off expected.

My own guess is that it may well finish his career.

Please be wrong !!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: spencer Baggie on October 16, 2017, 08:02:22 AM
Should have replaced Myhil in the summer. Had the chance by all accounts ...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on October 16, 2017, 08:22:15 AM
Should have replaced Myhil in the summer. Had the chance by all accounts ...
The Baggies dither too much when it comes to enhancing and strengthening  the team.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Wigmore on October 16, 2017, 10:59:35 AM
The Baggies dither too much when it comes to enhancing and strengthening  the team.
.... whilst every other team in the Greed League never has any difficulties in identifying and recruiting players....
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggiebof on October 16, 2017, 11:13:25 AM
Although it's for good causes, perhaps too much cycling may have contributed to this supposed injury?

Cycling is actual good for those who have had ACL injuries like Fozzy as it helps strengthen other areas like the glutes, calves and quads which if are strong will give stability and support to the knee.

I've had an ACL reconstruction and occasionally I will just jar my knee and it causes fluid for a week or so; some rest and physio and it is back to normal. Let's hope that is the case and nothing more sinister, we don't want to lose our player of the season from last year.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: skyclad99 on October 16, 2017, 11:41:14 AM
The Baggies dither too much when it comes to enhancing and strengthening  the team.

Given the rip roaring success of Wimmer at the clay heads, I am glad we do! Others may call it due diligence or playing it canny
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheBrom on October 17, 2017, 11:20:38 AM
Had a Pulis interview on the radio this morning saying Foster tweaked his knee playing football with his son at home!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: CorbyBaggie on October 17, 2017, 12:24:14 PM
Had a Pulis interview on the radio this morning saying Foster tweaked his knee playing football with his son at home!

TP won't be happy if one of his players has been caught playing football
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheBrom on November 18, 2017, 05:41:09 PM
Needed to do more for the first two goals for me today. We were playing well at the time and they really hit us.

First one needs to be parried for a corner if he can't get proper distance on it. Second one he should only be charging out like that if he's going to win the race.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: stubba on November 19, 2017, 10:20:58 PM
Just doing his best to oust TP to be fair
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on November 19, 2017, 10:22:20 PM
First goal was a brilliant save. Culpable for the 2nd though.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheBrom on November 20, 2017, 01:04:00 AM
First goal was a brilliant save. Culpable for the 2nd though.

Personally as a keeper myself for the 1st I'd have wanted to either push it further away from the goal or out for a corner. Not his fault we lost but I'd be disappointed if I was him
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: barnestormer on November 26, 2017, 10:57:55 PM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5119311/Ben-Foster-backs-West-Brom-decision-sack-Tony-Pulis.html?login
seems even the players wanted the back of TP too.cant think its just Ben
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Fritzl Palace on November 27, 2017, 12:12:26 AM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5119311/Ben-Foster-backs-West-Brom-decision-sack-Tony-Pulis.html?login
seems even the players wanted the back of TP too.cant think its just Ben
Was obvious to the majority really, a deluded few like Legend aside, that the players wanted more than he was prepared to allow them. I just wish John Williams possessed a time machine and could go back to last May and listen to my logic and acted then, maybe then we could be watching the likes of Richarlson tear the league up in a free flowing fashion scoring goals aplenty
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: caravanc58 on November 27, 2017, 12:52:46 AM
'Everybody knows the Tony Pulis style of football and now we have technically gifted players who want to get the ball down and show what they can do. It's not necessarily what Tony wanted, to be honest.'

'They've always been known as hard-working grinders. It is nice to give players a break from just getting the ball forward and getting up behind it.

'It's a shame but it was time for a change.

fair enough ben but can you stop the embarrassing time wasting whilst we are on about change.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: 17GD on November 27, 2017, 01:58:35 AM
The time wasting thing is probably down to TP too. The longer the ball is out of play, the less time we have possession...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheBrom on November 27, 2017, 01:33:58 PM
The time wasting thing is probably down to TP too. The longer the ball is out of play, the less time we have possession...

Funny, he still got booked against Spurs and TP wasn't the manager then.

Foster is quite honest in his interviews to be fair. Can be seen as both a positive and a negative though
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Wigmore on November 27, 2017, 01:50:56 PM
The timewasting has just been reviewed on SSN. The Spurs v WBA game had the ball in play 5 minutes longer than the Spurs season average.

SSN also broadcast Megson's comments on BF's time wasting,  when he was pointing out that Spurs fans and players lost focus berating BF.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: timdon on November 27, 2017, 03:05:19 PM
The timewasting has just been reviewed on SSN. The Spurs v WBA game had the ball in play 5 minutes longer than the Spurs season average.

SSN also broadcast Megson's comments on BF's time wasting,  when he was pointing out that Spurs fans and players lost focus berating BF.
That would be the 5 minutes that Foster was hanging on to it and refusing to let it go. Ball is still in play during these periods.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on November 27, 2017, 03:17:29 PM
hes still brainwashed from pulis but he will improve over time
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Adder on November 27, 2017, 06:29:07 PM
We did push up more and looked better in some games under Pulis - but there were also the games like Southampton and Huddersfield where we were horribly deep. Remains to be seen how things progress and obviously depends who's in charge.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Wigmore on November 28, 2017, 11:49:04 AM
That would be the 5 minutes that Foster was hanging on to it and refusing to let it go. Ball is still in play during these periods.

Don't let the facts get in the way of your prejudices. Do you think the clown in black (weak as he was) would have let BF hold the ball for five minutes in total?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WoysWunderful on November 28, 2017, 12:02:49 PM
I have no problem with the time wasting when we are winning or holding on for a draw.

Would rather we time wasted then dived or constantly surrounded the referee.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: MarkW on December 03, 2017, 11:21:37 AM
Only saw a quick snippet on Sky Sports but did Benny have a little whoopsie with the ball at his feet?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on December 03, 2017, 12:21:45 PM
Only saw a quick snippet on Sky Sports but did Benny have a little whoopsie with the ball at his feet?


Yes, tried to cut back inside the forward as you see keepers do nowadays but the ball hit his other leg. Palace should have been given an indirect freekick in the area as Fozzie then handled it, and as it was back pass originally it's handball.


Not got any concerns with Foster though, decent back up would be nice mind you.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Wigmore on December 03, 2017, 01:07:34 PM

Yes, tried to cut back inside the forward as you see keepers do nowadays but the ball hit his other leg. Palace should have been given an indirect freekick in the area as Fozzie then handled it, and as it was back pass originally it's handball.


Not got any concerns with Foster though, decent back up would be nice mind you.

Foster does not handle the ball. He shields the ball with his body and Zaha, as he falls over BF then touches the ball. which meant Foster could have picked up the ball without penalty, although Nesta of the Pyramids came back to tidy up.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Smooth Lad on December 03, 2017, 04:41:33 PM
Foster does not handle the ball. He shields the ball with his body and Zaha, as he falls over BF then touches the ball. which meant Foster could have picked up the ball without penalty, although Nesta of the Pyramids came back to tidy up.

"Nesta of the Pyramids"  ;D

I like it!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DivinePast on January 27, 2018, 11:39:51 PM
One of his better games today. Showed very good handling and positioning.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: bradleysrocket on January 28, 2018, 12:06:29 AM
Awesome tonight, a few good quality saves but to me it’s more the ability to come out and collect crosses/ through balls relieve the pressure. Saves make the show reel obviously but the other stuff is just as important.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: iwastherein68 on January 28, 2018, 11:28:49 AM
England's number One at present.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: iwastherein68 on April 08, 2018, 11:01:43 PM
Reported in the Mail and Telegraph, that Ben has no desire to join any other club, and will be staying .
Great news, next seasons captain sorted.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: CL3MO on April 09, 2018, 12:46:50 AM
Reported in the Mail and Telegraph, that Ben has no desire to join any other club, and will be staying .
Great news, next seasons captain sorted.

A rare bit of good news, true.

But I definitely wouldn't call him captain material. He's a good role model, but he very much has the reputation of somebody who is laid back and likes a joke.

We need a leader on that field next season who will organise and galvanise.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: HampshireBaggie on April 09, 2018, 08:11:00 AM
Great news and no less than I expected. He isn’t a money chasing type. Likes the area and football is just a job to him. His family are settled and his boys are WBA fans, I expect that is all that matters to him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hull Baggie on April 09, 2018, 08:20:36 AM
Reported in the Mail and Telegraph, that Ben has no desire to join any other club, and will be staying .
Great news, next seasons captain sorted.

happy that he has (reportedly) decided to stay.

I'm not a fan of goalkeepers as Captains as I don't think it works from a practical point of view he would find it hard to have a word in the refs ear being at one end of the pitch, much better that it's an outfield player. I'd prefer Dawson, Brunt or even Livermore (provided he stays).
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: skyclad99 on April 09, 2018, 08:26:42 AM
happy that he has (reportedly) decided to stay.

I'm not a fan of goalkeepers as Captains as I don't think it works from a practical point of view he would find it hard to have a word in the refs ear being at one end of the pitch, much better that it's an outfield player. I'd prefer Dawson, Brunt or even Livermore (provided he stays).

I am like you Hull, not a fan of goalkeepers as captains, nor strikers for that matter. Captaincy should come from defence or midfield for me - the very heart of the game.

Pleased about the reports regarding Ben though.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BaggieBoy04 on April 09, 2018, 08:45:26 AM
I am very pleased Ben has alledley Decided to stay
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionFan on April 09, 2018, 08:56:21 AM
Delighted by this news and I hope other valued players will also make the same decleration in the coming weeks and months
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Slimbo on April 09, 2018, 09:53:30 AM
Excellent news if true - but I agree goalkeepers should not be captains - how can they dictate what is going on 100 yards down the park ?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kc56wba on April 09, 2018, 10:07:07 AM
Meeting with Ben Foster today, he has won the WBADSC player of the year award, I will ask him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: iwastherein68 on April 09, 2018, 10:08:43 AM
Excellent news if true - but I agree goalkeepers should not be captains - how can they dictate what is going on 100 yards down the park ?
Well I think it's just as important to influence our own players when defending, and indeed the referee. If we ever get a leader like Fletcher again, fair play, a natural captain, but Evans, Brunt, etc never captains in a million years in any area of the pitch.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: iwastherein68 on April 09, 2018, 10:15:01 AM
Gianluigi Buffon captain of Juventus and Italy.
Hugo Loris captain of Spurs and France.
Good enough examples for you ? 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Fritzl Palace on April 09, 2018, 10:18:37 AM
I have no issue with a keeper being captain if he is the right influence behind the scenes as well as on the pitch. I have never subscribed to the idea of making your best player captain if he isn't suitable as a leader of men, unless he is Messi who is on another planet.

Brunt was never a natural leader and Evans has been a pointless captain as his focus hasn't been with us all season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: skyclad99 on April 09, 2018, 10:30:11 AM
Gianluigi Buffon captain of Juventus and Italy.
Hugo Loris captain of Spurs and France.
Good enough examples for you ?

You seem to forget that the four teams you have quoted are full of top quality players who don't need to be told what to do and understand what is expected of them.

Whereas with the Albion its easier to herd cats.........
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: mulliganstired on April 09, 2018, 10:34:14 AM
Couldn't really be worse than Evans.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Scooby Doo on April 09, 2018, 11:02:36 AM
You seem to forget that the four teams you have quoted are full of top quality players who don't need to be told what to do and understand what is expected of them.

Whereas with the Albion its easier to herd cats.........

The importance of a Captain should never be underestimated. All players need that bit of motivation on the park, all of them make mistakes and the young/inexperienced/new players should always fall under a Captains watchful eye. A Captain in this side is even more crucial because we have next to no leaders full stop in this side.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on April 09, 2018, 03:57:53 PM
Best bit of news for ages about Fozzie wanting to stay.
Besides being a top keeper, he is a genuine team player.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: VANDERLEI on April 09, 2018, 06:24:37 PM
Great news. He's the best keeper we've had at the Hawthorns in my lifetime and a top class bloke to boot. Player of the season for me.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBArgo on April 09, 2018, 07:07:20 PM
Good news, at age 35 he probably has about 2 more seasons in him at this level, then he may even retire so it makes sense if his family are settled, which they are as he only built a new house in Leamington about 2 years ago.

Perhaps more importantly, he's a good bloke and not an idiot which is part of the reason why we're in this mess.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Topman on June 27, 2018, 06:53:42 PM
Worrying story breaking in the telegraph about him and Dawson refusing to go to the pre season camp. I'm sorry I do not know how to link, but if it's true what the hell is going on at our place
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wbarenno on June 27, 2018, 06:58:29 PM
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/06/27/west-bromwich-albion-discipline-ben-foster-craig-dawson-refusing/

Sell both asap, Ben foster all that “ I’m staying blah blah rubbish was just that rubbish. Why do we fall for it. They don’t give a rubbish
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 27, 2018, 06:58:52 PM
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/06/27/west-bromwich-albion-discipline-ben-foster-craig-dawson-refusing/
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BaggieBirdRus on June 27, 2018, 06:59:44 PM
Seriously worrying
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kirk on June 27, 2018, 07:00:37 PM
Do they share the same agent? Absolutely disgusting refusing to work knowing nothing can be done to them.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mister AT on June 27, 2018, 07:00:55 PM
Something bad must be going on behind the scenes. Maybe the comments made about him being annoyed we let Boaz go are true.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: CL3MO on June 27, 2018, 07:04:10 PM
Absolutely stunned at this. Something must have happened.

Or is it that final payday?

And we thought it could not get any worse...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lewisant on June 27, 2018, 07:05:19 PM
F*ck them all off and start again
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Scooby Doo on June 27, 2018, 07:06:10 PM
With these two players though I think the club should respect the fact they were arguably two of the players who performed last season. Certainly gave their all. As such and in light of their service to the club I don't think we should stand in their way if a Premiership club comes in with a suitable offer. That is the key though, it has to be a realistic price.

Both have just had 50% wage cuts on the back of solid individual Premiership campaigns where they'd have no trouble finding a Premiership club. That and Foster hasn't got long left in the game and Dawson is in his prime are obviously factors to be considered as well as the club doing nothing yet that shows any ambition. If anything, the actions of the club are amateurish in too many aspects and that too is going to impact.

I dislike their lack of professionalism and they should just hand in a transfer request (but then they also waive money). It's all gone Pete Tong.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: telford baggie on June 27, 2018, 07:09:42 PM
no player is bigger than the club sell the twonk if he wants yo go and dawson...exactly what i said to many senior players running the club...get them all out and start again asap, we are a laughing syock and going down again
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: CL3MO on June 27, 2018, 07:09:53 PM
The whole thing stinks of Robbo when we went down.

Happy clappy rubbish about stopping and guaranteeing that he'll be here for this season.

I'm begging something changes here but if this is all true, he'll destroy his relationship with the fans.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: caravanc58 on June 27, 2018, 07:10:28 PM
couldn't give a toss if he's upset we released Myhill if true, the club has acted within its rights to not offer a player a new contract. hey Ben why don't you pay Myhills wages.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Foster#1 on June 27, 2018, 07:25:47 PM
Maybe Moore has told foster to stop wasting time with goal kicks

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie96 on June 27, 2018, 08:00:44 PM
Disgusting from foster and Dawson, if you want to leave then fine but don’t disrespect the club. Rondon is in Portugal and I’d say there is no chance he is staying but at least he’s respecting the fans and big Dave. Absolutely disgraceful.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Topman on June 27, 2018, 08:07:20 PM
Something clearly has gone on behind the scenes. His Twitter has thanks to the released players last week, so has he been lied to he feels, was told these players would be staying etc. I also read man city are interested in Foster. I really am at a loss with us at the min. I was close for the first time in 25 years not to renew, but with the likes of foster staying I thought we could have a go, but at the min I feel I wish I had kept my money in my pocket
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Maresca Was A Baggie on June 27, 2018, 08:14:14 PM
Makes you wonder if there will be anyone to wear the shirt on the opening day. If anyone wants to leave then get rid. We shouldn't be trying to keep players that aren't interested. The only problem is we are going to need to sign virtually an entire squad.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on June 27, 2018, 08:19:03 PM
Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse.
We'll be lucky if we can put a team on the pitch come the start of the season at this rate
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Signor_Maresca on June 27, 2018, 08:39:20 PM
Shocked, especially with Foster.  No problem with players wanting to move but to refuse to train for a club that pays you handsomely is disgusting.  Can't believe it, Foster lobbied for Moore's appointment and then disrespects him and the club like this.  7 years with us and now this, tosser.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alwaysbilly on June 27, 2018, 08:59:10 PM
Shocked, especially with Foster.  No problem with players wanting to move but to refuse to train for a club that pays you handsomely is disgusting.  Can't believe it, Foster lobbied for Moore's appointment and then disrespects him and the club like this.  7 years with us and now this, tosser.
Jenkins is back
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Fritzl Palace on June 27, 2018, 09:25:52 PM
I'm fast becoming perturbed. Awful managerial appointment, let go a very good defensive midfielder, stalwarts refusing to go on training camps...it isn't looking great thus far
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: we8seals on June 27, 2018, 09:34:36 PM
Quite sickening to hear of two players at the heart of the appoint Moore campaign. Then at first sign of a bigger pay packet they want out.
The club is simply a shambles and if we don’t get a grip we will be this years Sunderland.
Today’s news has me seriously reconsidering by decision at weekend to get a season ticket.
So much for the appointment of big Dave unifying the club!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: liverbaggie on June 27, 2018, 09:36:51 PM
Shocked at Foster and Dawson, they've obviously cooked this up between themselves.
Its totally out of character as far as I can tell.
Don't know what to say at the moment.
Don't we have someone at the club whose job it is to keep the fans in the loop a bit or are they trying to lock us out?
I'm not impressed or happy about this.
Going on strike at a football club hurts everyone and especially makes a divide between those players and the fans.
So that makes three who have refused to go to pre season now,what's going on someone has to be up front and tell the fans.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionBest on June 27, 2018, 09:40:31 PM
Hardly ever surprised by the mess at our club but this really is a shock one !

Never have expected this from those two - need to know why such a move from them ?

So much for backing Darren Moore.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: sing on our own on June 27, 2018, 09:43:38 PM
Typical of modern footballers, don’t say Fosters loyal he only came because Blues went down he loved them at one point. The clique in the dressing room needs breaking up they can’t keep trying to run the club, if they hadn’t downed tools they would still be prem players. Odemwingie was spot on what he said about Foster and others.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dexy on June 27, 2018, 09:47:10 PM
Couldn't be more shocked with Foster , I do believe with him its not just money/ new club . Suspect more from him soon and until then I'll wait to hear his side.
Massive and unfair test of Darren Moore so far.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: royhan on June 27, 2018, 09:50:00 PM
The shambles our proud club has found itself is beyond belief. Someone needs to take a stand and tell those under contract with no release clause  that they are going nowhere. They signed their contracts and they need to honour them.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on June 27, 2018, 09:59:06 PM
Sticking to what we know.

Dawson and Foster have refused to go on the training camp. It is reported they are disgruntled with the club's stance on offers that have been made. In Foster's case a reported bid of £10m from Watford. I have also seen it suggested that he was unhappy with the decision to let Myhill and or McAuley go.

It was barely a month ago that he was unequivocal that he was staying next year and beyond to retirement. He was also a prominent lobbyist for Darren Moore's appointment. It seems odd that things have unraveled so quickly.

I have zero sympathy. Whatever has gone on this is absolutely not the way to go about things. It is hugely disrespectful of both club and Darren. Regardless of where they end up they will need the fitness work so it is no hardship for either to go. This a very public burning of bridges and it is difficult to see this being resolved amicably.     
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on June 27, 2018, 10:17:08 PM
I don't really see what's going to be achieved by being massively unprofessional like this, it just hurts both the club and player. Look at Evans who even when available for a bargain price none of the top clubs would touch him with a barge pole after his antics last season despite bidding 5, 6 times that last summer.

If he wants to move on, ok, but giving that interview was seriously ill advised, and to leave like this would be in the most unprofessional manner possible. If you want to leave that much at least have the decency to hand in a transfer request. But that means forfeiting some money of course so that won't happen.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: geoff on June 27, 2018, 10:18:46 PM
Let them all go ASP
Fingers crossed the club back their choice for manager in whatever he needs because if they dont we could well be playing in
div 1 in the 19/20 season. 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: SirTonyM on June 27, 2018, 10:21:15 PM
West Bromwich Albion go on pre-season tour. All playing staff as employees of the the club need to be there as they are employees of the club!

Foster and Dawson no thanks...

Funny they are mad at the hard line stance of the club over transfers. I think they were happy to pick up their wages while we got relegated. I assume as they aren't going they are happy to not receive their wages this week...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: GREGMT on June 27, 2018, 10:37:05 PM
What we've had for years is a clique of players running things.  The appointment of Moore has them on side.  Unfortunately these blokes are complacent as people are pandering to them. 

That's why the Technical Director has gone as he's have identified players to better WBA  and the clique are frightened of losing their place.

Absolute shambles.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: iwastherein68 on June 27, 2018, 10:41:09 PM
It all started last season with first of all Chadli not going on tour, and then the club failed to discipline the "taxi crew" properly. Now a complete shambles by the look of it.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: paulosull on June 27, 2018, 10:41:15 PM
Two can jog on as far as I'm concerned get rid asap
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on June 27, 2018, 11:08:34 PM
1) why are people shocked, they are employees who have just lost 50% of their weekly wage
2) people moaning that "these players got Darren Moore the mangers job" more fool the club if that is what the appointment was made on
3) I'd sell anyway, his knees are shot (or at least would struggle with volume of champ games) we can get 10m for foster now....take it
4) foster has not been bad for us, IMO Rondon has not contributed anywhere near as much...but Rondons in Portugal so he's ok , foster isn't he's the devil......same as Odemwingie ....the bloke was amazing for us, one misdemeanour and he has horns...overreaction Utd
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie82 on June 27, 2018, 11:17:07 PM
Releasing G-Mac appears to have been a colossal error. Respected pro, proven at premiership level, ditched. The club is a shambles, no surprise level headed players want out. No real board, no strategy or clue what they are going, rookie manger. This is probably the start of the circus not the end.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on June 27, 2018, 11:22:00 PM
Releasing G-Mac appears to have been a colossal error. Respected pro, proven at premiership level, ditched. The club is a shambles, no surprise level headed players want out. No real board, no strategy or clue what they are going, rookie manger. This is probably the start of the circus not the end.

He also turns 39 next season and very much looked his age whenever he played last season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on June 27, 2018, 11:23:57 PM
Releasing G-Mac appears to have been a colossal error. Respected pro, proven at premiership level, ditched. The club is a shambles, no surprise level headed players want out. No real board, no strategy or clue what they are going, rookie manger. This is probably the start of the circus not the end.

No it wasn't - we released a 38 year old whose legs in his final games with us looked beyond him

If the players cannot accept that decision then tough.

Personally, I'd urine them off by refusing every transfer offer received and therefore letting them rot
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheBrom on June 27, 2018, 11:28:34 PM
With these two players though I think the club should respect the fact they were arguably two of the players who performed last season. Certainly gave their all. As such and in light of their service to the club I don't think we should stand in their way if a Premiership club comes in with a suitable offer. That is the key though, it has to be a realistic price.

Both have just had 50% wage cuts on the back of solid individual Premiership campaigns where they'd have no trouble finding a Premiership club. That and Foster hasn't got long left in the game and Dawson is in his prime are obviously factors to be considered as well as the club doing nothing yet that shows any ambition. If anything, the actions of the club are amateurish in too many aspects and that too is going to impact.

I dislike their lack of professionalism and they should just hand in a transfer request (but then they also waive money). It's all gone Pete Tong.

I’m sorry but both signed their respective contracts and knew that if we got relegated then their wages would be decreased. Nobody forced them to sign it so that’s not an excuse
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie82 on June 27, 2018, 11:30:16 PM
He also turns 39 next season and very much looked his age whenever he played last season.

I understand that argument. But he never had a run of games to get his fitness and legs up to speed and when he did play under Pardew it was in a shambles of a team pushed up the pitch. I still think he could have been invaluable in the championship with 46 games to deal with. We actually need a bigger squad than last season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: caravanc58 on June 27, 2018, 11:34:59 PM
so Watford offered £1m for Foster not £10m according to the Daily Mail.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie82 on June 27, 2018, 11:42:32 PM
so Watford offered £1m for Foster not £10m according to the Daily Mail.

£10m was never realistic at his age. We just need to make it clear to Ben that he's not for sale and he will come around and get his head down. Probably actually concerned at playing too much football with us if anything as his body isn't right for three games a week. Need another keeper in who can compete and support him asap, shouldn't have released Myhill if we didn't have a signing ready on the dot.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: 17GD on June 27, 2018, 11:53:43 PM
I’m sorry but both signed their respective contracts and knew that if we got relegated then their wages would be decreased. Nobody forced them to sign it so that’s not an excuse

It was my understanding that they HAD to sign their new contract, as did the other players. It's probably still in the region of 15-20k pw anyway.

As far as I'm concerned I'd rather have players that want to play for us, as opposed to those who are here simply for the money. But then I suppose that does rule out the vast majority. Bit disappointed in all this if it's true.

Out of the squad, I'd have put money on Jimmy Mc doing this sort of thing, given his history. Quite surprised it's these two.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Westie on June 28, 2018, 12:01:34 AM
The Club is a complete shambles and the responsibility goes to the top. We have Lai over in China who is utterly clueless regarding the running of a football club, he’s the Chinese equivalent of the Venkys. I have respect for Foster and Dawson and something serious has happened to make them act as they have. Perhaps Big Dave has been undermined regarding player retention and recruitment? If that is the case, maybe we should be prepared for Big Dave’s resignation before the season starts? There is something stinking behind the scenes!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 28, 2018, 12:58:02 AM
Agree. Until we hear from Darren or the players I'm firmly in the Foster and Dawson camp. It's entirely out of character so the club needs to explain itself.


I don't trust Jenkins one bit.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: ex coseley kid on June 28, 2018, 02:57:08 AM
Jenkins is the problem I think.... which of course is very worrying for us.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Nice1Cyrille on June 28, 2018, 03:17:35 AM
Worrying news and we need to know what is going on at the club.
If its just a holdout to move to other clubs, then I would fine them all their wages and tell them until you are willing to play you don't get paid.
It works both ways, if they are selected on game day and play like sh*te then they will damage their own chances of moving elsewhere

I fear we will be fighting relegation at this rate.  July 1st can't come soon enough for some transfer activity.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Nice1Cyrille on June 28, 2018, 03:32:53 AM
One more thing I meant to say.  As a kid I remember players spending their entire careers at clubs.
Yes there were big money moves but the crazy wages and signing bonuses weren't available to disrupt teams as they do now.
Football is now full of greed from the owners down to managers down to players.

FFS all they do is kick a ball around for 90 minutes every weekend and practice during the week.  I'm afraid the sport has now become a bunch of overpaid, ungrateful, prima donnas with no respect for the people that pay them or the fans that watch them.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: costa blanca baggie on June 28, 2018, 04:32:42 AM
One more thing I meant to say.  As a kid I remember players spending their entire careers at clubs.
Yes there were big money moves but the crazy wages and signing bonuses weren't available to disrupt teams as they do now.
Football is now full of greed from the owners down to managers down to players.

FFS all they do is kick a ball around for 90 minutes every weekend and practice during the week.  I'm afraid the sport has now become a bunch of overpaid, ungrateful, prima donnas with no respect for the people that pay them or the fans that watch them.
Don’t forget the damage being done by agents. For virtually no outlay, they sign up players, then trade them from club to club for a vast amounts of cash. Ben is one these players, and we don’t know what he’s being advised to do by his agent, but you can be sure it’s everything to do with dosh. Top players are only cash cows to certain people, and I’m afraid Ben is rapidly turning into a dog. Personally, I think there’s a whole lot of reasons why Ben decided not to travel to Portugal, and we’ll never find out what they are. I just hope it gets sorted soon.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on June 28, 2018, 06:49:41 AM
I think part of the problem is the relegation release clauses we agreed, with Rondon Hegazi Evans and Chadli while they have at worse a guaranteed route out of the club the rest are stuck on 50% of their wages and the club isn't interested in selling and doubly so because they know we are probably going to lose those 4 in any event. Equally the likes of Foster and Dawson might regard the likes of Hegazi in particular as "Johnny come lately's" and being stuck at the club is scant reward for their "loyalty"

In different circumstances I'd take £10m for Foster in a heartbeat but not now. Put simply we are very unlikely to attract a similar level of replacement in the Championship and as such the player is worth a lot more than the money. That applies equally to other members of the squad as well.   
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: HampshireBaggie on June 28, 2018, 06:55:55 AM
Daily Mail reporting Watford offered £1m (!!) for Foster.

Can't believe Foster has done this, always had him down as a consumate professional. And Dawson for that matter.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mo on June 28, 2018, 07:24:44 AM
I’m not too bothered about Foster dodgy knees , 35 years of age , nah if the club had done its job properly they would have identified a young keeper and got him in to challenge and push him . My hill was never that person . Too cosy .
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Blowee on June 28, 2018, 07:28:56 AM
As always the contracts seem to be stacked in favour of the players. Foster and Dawson can just throw their toys out of the pram and demand that they are released. What if the club had turned round and told Barry he wasn't welcome to join the training in Portugal and that they weren't going to pay him anymore. A contract should be binding on both sides.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on June 28, 2018, 07:33:38 AM
Foster i have always said and you can go back through my previous posts is he all that. You are a professional footballer foster you should be there no matter what, shocking
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: caravanc58 on June 28, 2018, 07:40:44 AM
doesn't matter if it's Jenkins, they are both contracted to play for WBA and that means to train and be fit for the season, we've all had gaffers we don't like or worked at places that do things we don't agree with but you don't just down tools and act like these spoilt twats. they signed the contract with the 50% pay cut on relegation so live with it. didn't the players share a big bonus when it finished 8th in the league?. cuts two ways but modern day footballers just make you sick with their greed and selfishness. my heart bleeds for them that they'll ONLY be picking up £25-30 thousand a week.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DaveWBA on June 28, 2018, 08:12:54 AM
It feels like a bit of a pie in the face as we all saw Foster as one of the players who would stick with us. Not going on the training camp is poor form, I'm sure he would have had words about or with Chadli after he refused to run up an Alp last summer.

In the cold light of day we're only going to get one more season out of him anyway, so if he's to go now it's another problem we won't have to solve further down the line. He's one of our bigger earners and it will free up a decent wage for someone who wants to be here.

He was one of our better (term used loosely) performers last season, but he's still part of the reason we are where we are. So if he wants out then let him go. He's another who won't be missed.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dexy on June 28, 2018, 08:23:53 AM
Foster i have always said and you can go back through my previous posts is he all that. You are a professional footballer foster you should be there no matter what, shocking
Despite whatevers happened ( and we don't know 100% yet ) , Foster's the best keeper we have had in 20 maybe 30 years.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: mig on June 28, 2018, 08:41:19 AM
Awful attitude from both Foster and Dawson. It's a concern coming from two long-serving players and I think demonstrative of an arrogant and rotten attitude which seems to run deeper than we thought (and only seems prevalent within a group of our British players).

Players need to take responsibility for their actions:
1) their poor performances are what got us here
2) they agreed to take the wage cut upon relegation, and if they didn't negotiate a release clause that is their fault

Nobody forced them to sign, and they can't force the club to sell.

Having said that, unfortunately past experience tells us that we are probably better off selling both now. Think of Evans whose performances were embarrassing from January onwards. May as well take the money because these guys will not perform at the same level anymore.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: boinging_along on June 28, 2018, 08:44:48 AM
What worries me is Foster's turnaround.  What's happening inside the club to make himre think his decision that's only a month or two old?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hull Baggie on June 28, 2018, 08:53:27 AM
Hopefully the club will release a statement soon so that we can have a bit more clarity than a piece written in the Telegraph (although Percy does seem to have good links with the club or did when Pulis was here).

However IF the story is true and both Foster and Dawson have refused to travel because they are unhappy with the clubs stance over their futures, then we must sell but as far as I was aware we have always said we'd let players go if our valuation of them was met?
Taking that into account I don't understand Foster and Dawson's stance, do they really think we should sell them for a fraction of their worth to us? With Foster apparently saying he was prepared to stay until he retired it's even more bizarre, or maybe now that the soft cushy option at No2 has gone and he might actually have a real challenger come in he's started to get a bit worried?

Maybe it's just about the money and they aren't happy that the relegation clause they agreed to when they signed the contract has come to fruition.

Maybe the story is just that ..a story? I guess we'll find out soon enough (or maybe not!)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tylerm on June 28, 2018, 09:08:18 AM
There are lots of stories regarding Foster and Dawson being unhappy because GMac, Myhill and Yacob being released as they were all strong voices in the dressing room and Dawson and Foster liked them. Also they are unhappy with McClean leaving
If there is any truth in this, it is unacceptable that the players can pick who we retain or transfer. These players have too much say in the running of the club and originally Foster and Dawson were 2 I thought must be retained. I am starting to think that the whole lot needs breaking up and starting again.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: HampshireBaggie on June 28, 2018, 09:15:43 AM
There are lots of stories regarding Foster and Dawson being unhappy because GMac, Myhill and Yacob being released as they were all strong voices in the dressing room and Dawson and Foster liked them. Also they are unhappy with McClean leaving
If there is any truth in this, it is unacceptable that the players can pick who we retain or transfer. These players have too much say in the running of the club and originally Foster and Dawson were 2 I thought must be retained. I am starting to think that the whole lot needs breaking up and starting again.


If this is the case then i agree.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: VANDERLEI on June 28, 2018, 09:32:59 AM
There are no excuses for this....end of. The players are contracted and paid lots of money. The club is a shambles but this is a slap in the face to all of our supporters. I hope the club stand firm and hit them in the pocket to the maximum.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggiejohn on June 28, 2018, 09:40:09 AM
If the story from the Mail is true, ( Watford offered £1 million for Foster) Ben would have known we wouldn't have accepted that, which makes the "like to talk to Watford" story a bit iffy.

I also don't believe, Foster made his stance based on the flex down in his wages, he would have known about that too.

IMO there is a lot more to this that meets the eye.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dexy on June 28, 2018, 09:45:30 AM
If the story from the Mail is true, ( Watford offered £1 million for Foster) Ben would have known we wouldn't have accepted that, which makes the "like to talk to Watford" story a bit iffy.

I also don't believe, Foster made his stance based on the flex down in his wages, he would have known about that too.

IMO there is a lot more to this that meets the eye.
Agreed , I suspect Foster's issue is very different to Dawson . I just don't buy Foster wanting out in a complete turn around within 4 weeks.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: seteefeet on June 28, 2018, 11:30:30 AM
How can the club be blamed for this?
It's purely mercenary! 2 players thinking they are too good for the Championship.
Well one is on his last leg and the other is a pooh right back and a bang average centre half.  Ideally I'd like them seeing out their contracts, on their flex down wages, and never play again but that's probably not financially viable so get what we can, feck em off and hope they both fail miserably.
As long as we never see either in an Albion shirt again, I'm not fussed either way.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DaveWBA on June 28, 2018, 11:33:52 AM
How can the club be blamed for this?
It's purely mercenary! 2 players thinking they are too good for the Championship.
Well one is on his last leg and the other is a S***e right back and a bang average centre half.  Ideally I'd like them seeing out their contracts, on their flex down wages, and never play again but that's probably not financially viable so get what we can, feck em off and hope they both fail miserably.
As long as we never see either in an Albion shirt again, I'm not fussed either way.

Be saft to make them rot in the reserves, especially Dawson who has a big resale value. Flog him to another jumped up bunch of tossers and trouser the cash. He's an OK defender, he's not going to turn a team into world beaters. Foster has been great for us, but if we can offload it will free up a load of wages.

We have been shocking at selling players for a number of years. If we have two players who really don't want to be here, we should at least ensure we've got the ammo to replace them.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: seteefeet on June 28, 2018, 11:38:04 AM
Be saft to make them rot in the reserves, especially Dawson who has a big resale value. Flog him to another jumped up bunch of tossers and trouser the cash. He's an OK defender, he's not going to turn a team into world beaters. Foster has been great for us, but if we can offload it will free up a load of wages.

We have been shocking at selling players for a number of years. If we have two players who really don't want to be here, we should at least ensure we've got the ammo to replace them.
Wouldn't it be great though if we said, "Enough is enough, you are not going anywhere, but you won't be selected" shove their jumped up little attitudes down their throats.
I would love... love it!!!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: VVVAlbion on June 28, 2018, 11:42:43 AM
Whatever goes on, whatever has gone on, West Brom will be here long after Foster, Jenkins, Lai et al. Clean sweep my not be a bad thing.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DaveWBA on June 28, 2018, 11:46:30 AM
Wouldn't it be great though if we said, "Enough is enough, you are not going anywhere, but you won't be selected" shove their jumped up little attitudes down their throats.
I would love... love it!!!

Wouldn't it be a bit like holding an ex hostage, I can't imagine it ends well and ultimately it will leave everyone feeling a bit pooh. I think it's best that if there's any players who want out then we should cut ties, go our separate ways whilst making sure we profit handsomely from the divorce.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hull Baggie on June 28, 2018, 11:53:23 AM
Wouldn't it be a bit like holding an ex hostage, I can't imagine it ends well and ultimately it will leave everyone feeling a bit rubbish. I think it's best that if there's any players who want out then we should cut ties, go our separate ways whilst making sure we profit handsomely from the divorce.

That would be my preferred choice of action too, let them go but make some money to spend on replacements.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: SmethDan on June 28, 2018, 11:53:35 AM
Wouldn't it be great though if we said, "Enough is enough, you are not going anywhere, but you won't be selected" shove their jumped up little attitudes down their throats.
I would love... love it!!!


In the first instance yes and I share your sentiment.

In the second instance it would make new player recruitment potentially very tough indeed. If I were an agent there's no way in hell I'd allow my client to sign for a club with a track record of letting players rot. But then I'm not an agent, and as most seem to be money grabbing gits capable of anything your option may hold water after all  ;D .

Until the next time......and around and around we go again  :-X .
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: seteefeet on June 28, 2018, 11:56:39 AM
Wouldn't it be a bit like holding an ex hostage, I can't imagine it ends well and ultimately it will leave everyone feeling a bit rubbish. I think it's best that if there's any players who want out then we should cut ties, go our separate ways whilst making sure we profit handsomely from the divorce.
Taking them hostage is an even better idea! Wouldn't have to pay em then and could parade them out in chains before every home game! Keep the others on their toes.
I'm joking of course, but this behaviour towards a club that has paid them handsomely, for so long, is just despicable and frankly, morally corrupt, in my eyes and I wish we could do everything in our power to prevent them getting what they want.
Let's face it, they are just two jumped up no-marks who happen to be ok at football. They're hardly going to go down in history are they.
Wherever they end up, I hope it turns out to be a complete disaster. Shame they'll never end up cleaning windows or selling double glazing, like some true legends of the past ended up doing, and did it with more dignity than these two spoiled brats.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DaveWBA on June 28, 2018, 11:58:20 AM
In the first instance yes and I share your sentiment.

In the second instance it would make new player recruitment potentially very tough indeed. If I were an agent there's no way in hell I'd allow my client to sign for a club with a track record of letting players rot. But then I'm not an agent, and as most seem to be money grabbing gits capable of anything your option may hold water after all  ;D .

Until the next time......and around and around we go again  :-X .

There's more to that than you probably think. Our standing in the grand scheme of things is such that we should be seen to be a club who gives younger players their chance, if they take it and they prove themselves then should a decent offer from a club further up the food chain come in, we let them go. Bar the last 18 months this was the model that served Southampton so well, Lyon have managed to sustain a place in the Champions League the best part of two decades operating like this. At present we're probably seen as a bit of a soft touch willing to offer a final payday. It needs to change.

Given how bad the current crop of players have been for the last 18 months, if there is a chance to make a profit on any of them I would take it.

Taking them hostage is an even better idea! Wouldn't have to pay em then and could parade them out in chains before every home game! Keep the others on their toes.
I'm joking of course, but this behaviour towards a club that has paid them handsomely, for so long, is just despicable and frankly, morally corrupt, in my eyes and I wish we could do everything in our power to prevent them getting what they want.
Let's face it, they are just two jumped up no-marks who happen to be ok at football. They're hardly going to go down in history are they.
Wherever they end up, I hope it turns out to be a complete disaster. Shame they'll never end up cleaning windows or selling double glazing, like some true legends of the past ended up doing, and did it with more dignity than these two spoiled brats.

Like you say, they're two jumped up no-marks who probably wont go down in history. So to turn down the opportunity to make say £20m on said no-marks seems a tad counter-intuitive to me.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: don1thedon on June 28, 2018, 12:39:20 PM
IMO there is a lot more to this that meets the eye.
Agree with this.
I don't know what has caused a breakdown in working relationship but 2 of our more respected & balanced professionals don't throw their toys out without reason.
Whatever the reasons driving this, it's not a great reflection on our club & most importantly, it ain't making DM's job any easier!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: spencer Baggie on June 28, 2018, 12:50:48 PM
Somebody once told me that Jenkins could fall out with his own shadow. Maybe therein lies the answer to all this ...

That said, I'm disgusted by both Foster and Dawson refusing to train in Portugal. They should be ashamed.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mr Cynical on June 28, 2018, 01:02:39 PM
Like most things in life... It's a balance we need.  You can't have any player expect that the moment they get a little frustrated they just withdrawal their commitment and we accept the best price we can get, at the earliest opportunity.  By the same token you can not expect players to want to stay no matter how 'badly' they are treated.

We just have so many gaps in our structure that it will be very difficult to cover all the bases very well.  Again I come back to Jenkins.  He is effectively doing the job that the ex-Chairman and ex-CEO are doing (I'm sure Pi's role is just to oversee what is happening, report back to china and give Lia a voice on the board).  Hammond has not been replaced - Terraneo may have been, kind-of, doing part of the job, even less now.  2 scouts haven't been replaced (when we will be doing the most recruitment for years).  Garlick is going in July with no sign of a replacement.  We haven't even been able to recruit a new assistant head coach over the last 6 weeks.  (Maybe someone becomes free on 1st July, but who knows?)  But DM has to fill the assistant head coach role, while being head coach and probably filling in some of the gap for Hammond.

I have no idea what is going on.  It probably looks great on Jenkins' spreadsheets, but as far as running a football club goes it is terrible.!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mister AT on June 28, 2018, 01:06:02 PM
Fosters situation really intrigues me. You don’t go from being quoted saying you won’t push for a move, your kids are wba fans, your settled etc to then doing this in the space of a couple of months unless somethings happened.

Also, if the club had any incline about him pushing for a move I doubt we would have let Myhill go on a free.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albionic on June 28, 2018, 01:08:37 PM
In terms of putting a hold on recruitment, cutting the headcount and reducing the wage bill, we are doing rather well at present.

My business is "restructuring" at the moment and the above is exactly what is happening, unfortunately WBAFC is a football club and not a pure commercial operation, can someone please send Mr Lai an internal memo to that effect, oops there is no-one left to write said memo!!

Doomed I tell you, we're all doomed !
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: liverbaggie on June 28, 2018, 01:09:21 PM
Exactly what are Foster and Dawson doing now,if they're not in Portugal?
Sick of them both and shocked by both of their attitude's by two players that I had a bit of respect for.
What about the fans eh?
Sick of it all being about players.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: skyclad99 on June 28, 2018, 02:24:23 PM
I am just a bit cautious with this story to be honest. I know that it is from a usually reliable source and in a decent tabloid. However, I note from the recent Darren Moore piece that many of our youngsters are over there, and a fair few first team players have been 'excused boots' for various reasons. So I am not going to form an opinion until the club actually confirm the issue.

To me it seems out of character for Ben and I am surprised.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: royhan on June 28, 2018, 02:31:11 PM
If the club is going to fine Foster and Dawson the maximum penalty of two weeks wages then I hope the punishment is imposed before the end of the month - backdated - when their wages are automatically halved!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: 232kev on June 28, 2018, 06:19:52 PM
I've lost all respect for Ben
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: we8seals on June 28, 2018, 07:08:35 PM
Fosters situation really intrigues me. You don’t go from being quoted saying you won’t push for a move, your kids are wba fans, your settled etc to then doing this in the space of a couple of months unless somethings happened.

Also, if the club had any incline about him pushing for a move I doubt we would have let Myhill go on a free.

he is a professional footballer - they are all mercenaries and would clear off almost anywhere for an extra 500 quid a week. All the sham badge kissing and talk of loving a club and affinity with fans is complete balls. the vast majority could not give a toss about the club or the fans. However most are narcistists and want eveyone to love them so spout a load rubbish that they think the fans want to hear.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on June 28, 2018, 07:50:06 PM
There may a good, solid personal or family reason for him not going.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Scruffy Stan on June 28, 2018, 08:09:12 PM
There may a good, solid personal or family reason for him not going.
Well, maybe so but I think either he or the club would have made that point if it were there to be made.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: SirTonyM on June 29, 2018, 12:36:01 AM
The articles that carried this story alluded to the fact that Foster and Dawson were upset at the prices being asked of them. Who says they get to dictate that? Surely they are under contract and therefore we can ask for whatever we want?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Slimbo on June 29, 2018, 12:37:29 AM
One thing I have learned in my professional life, thank you dad, is never burn your bridges.

If you decide that the current job is not right for you, whether it be money or satisfaction, then fine move on, but do not upset your ex-employers, ex-colleagues,  ex-friends, as you never know when you might meet them or need them in the future, but most importantly be professional about it.

Ben - I am disappointed with his attitude, suddenly from a settled club, with a settled family, from being loved by the fans, to not going on the pre-season training and burning his bridges with everyone associated with West Bromwich Albion

Craig - I understand his head may have turned with all of the rumours about transfers, but his value will drop because of his dissent towards the training trip. Who is going to want him now ? Craig, please do not burn your own bridges, you have a bright future

I know that these two are very different to us being multi millionaires but the story is the same - do not burn your bridges

Soft rant over ...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 29, 2018, 12:57:40 AM
Still think there is far more to this than meets the eye or has been reported...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BigFrank20 on June 29, 2018, 05:26:46 AM
Still think there is far more to this than meets the eye or has been reported...
Word on the street is they are not over impressed with the treatment of Gmac and Yacob and had a falling out with Jenkins - anyone know the truth of this?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: royhan on June 29, 2018, 06:35:58 AM
Word on the street is they are not over impressed with the treatment of Gmac and Yacob and had a falling out with Jenkins - anyone know the truth of this?

Such a scenario would tantamount to player power
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on June 29, 2018, 07:12:09 AM
It now transpires that the Watford bid was £1m. This is not totally unreasonable given that Foster is 35 knees made of glass and is in the last year of his contract but from our perspective he is our first choice goalie still has lots to offer and can't be easily replaced even with ten times the fee.

I suspect that one of the factors is that with GMac,Yacob, Myhill going and Morrison being made to prove his fitness it looks like the club isn't quite the soft touch for the veterans and Foster is out of contract next summer all of a sudden a nice 2/3 year contract on £40k a week at Watford looks very attractive.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: overseas baggie on June 29, 2018, 07:44:13 AM
The articles that carried this story alluded to the fact that Foster and Dawson were upset at the prices being asked of them. Who says they get to dictate that? Surely they are under contract and therefore we can ask for whatever we want?

Correct.  Unless they have a relegation clause then the club holds all the cards. If they get sold then they get sold on the club’s terms, not theirs.

Personally I think we should sell players who don’t want to be here any longer,  but ONLY if we receive an acceptable offer. 

In my view, Dawson has to be worth £18-£20m in the current market, and I can fully understand him wanting to stay in the PL at his age.

Foster was arguably one of the top 3 English keepers last season, had a very good season for us, and goalkeepers often play through to late 30s. Somewhere around £7m with just a year left on his contract would seem about right.



Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on June 29, 2018, 04:34:44 PM
Must admit I was surprised and disappointed by this, especially Foster who was the first to say he would be staying despite relegation. However in Foster's case, it's well known he likes his family life, and maybe he needs a decent break between the seasons to spend more time at home. Regarding a transfer away, I'd be surprised if he'd be happy negotiating the M1 twice a day if he values his time in Leamington.
I hope the club do all they can to keep both players. They were 2 of our best performers last season. Got a feeling, there's more happened behind the scene we don't know about. Wonder if anything to do with Terreano.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: caravanc58 on June 29, 2018, 05:34:12 PM
Must admit I was surprised and disappointed by this, especially Foster who was the first to say he would be staying despite relegation. However in Foster's case, it's well known he likes his family life, and maybe he needs a decent break between the seasons to spend more time at home. Regarding a transfer away, I'd be surprised if he'd be happy negotiating the M1 twice a day if he values his time in Leamington.
I hope the club do all they can to keep both players. They were 2 of our best performers last season. Got a feeling, there's more happened behind the scene we don't know about. Wonder if anything to do with Terreano.
when he retires in a few years he will have plenty of time  to spend with his family & with enough money most of us can only dream of.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggiejohn on June 29, 2018, 05:35:59 PM
This is Matt Wilson's take on it

https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/west-bromwich-albion/2018/06/29/ben-foster-and-craig-dawson-training-alone-at-west-broms-base/ (https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/west-bromwich-albion/2018/06/29/ben-foster-and-craig-dawson-training-alone-at-west-broms-base/)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: caravanc58 on June 30, 2018, 12:01:14 AM
This is Matt Wilson's take on it

https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/west-bromwich-albion/2018/06/29/ben-foster-and-craig-dawson-training-alone-at-west-broms-base/ (https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/west-bromwich-albion/2018/06/29/ben-foster-and-craig-dawson-training-alone-at-west-broms-base/)
how daft are they? won't go to Portugal with the squad to train but will train on their own in Walsall !.
picture the scenario.... foster waiting for Dawson to get a shot on target..
hope he's taken a sun lounger.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: SmethDan on June 30, 2018, 12:11:29 AM
Foster's playing slam with himself, 100% not ITK  ;) .
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on June 30, 2018, 06:42:51 AM
Which ever way you look at they have both disrespected the new manager who they have both been very vocal about appointing, they've disrespected the club and the fans.
OK they might not like what's going on at the club but like every other organisation their are procedures for airing grievances.
Frankly I think their outburst is based more on a selfish perspective, Foster realising he might have to sit on the bench more this season probably thinking 'if I'm going to do that why not do it at a Premier League Club.
Dawson probably knows he can get more dollar in the Premier League.
Get replacements and let them go if they are unhappy, the club is bigger than the pair of them.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheBrom on June 30, 2018, 11:23:18 AM
Has he actually said he wants to leave? Or has he just not travelled to the pre season camp?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: mulliganstired on June 30, 2018, 12:08:21 PM
Doesn't he generally do lighter training anyway due to his knees?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Adder on June 30, 2018, 01:56:28 PM
There seems no doubt that he has refused to go to Portugal. If there was some other reason, either the club would have stated it or Matt Wilson would have revised the write ups on Dawson and Foster refusing to go.
Team bonding is also a part of pre season (even if we have no new players), if Foster has to do lighter training he would still be doing that over there I would have thought.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: adamw1109 on June 30, 2018, 02:28:51 PM
Doesn't he generally do lighter training anyway due to his knees?

I remember something about his cycling that he enjoys doing being limited because of his knees too... but at a time where lazy poor papers are desperate for stories, they could say big dave as handed in a transfer request unless we sign Messi and a good majority of people would believe it  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: elmo_in_swansea on June 30, 2018, 02:37:27 PM
I quite like Ben Foster (& Dawson for that matter). Ok we're only going on newspaper stories but anybody who refuses to do anything should in my opinion be shown the door! A bit like Chadli and Austria - he's injured all season but can play in the world cup????? get rid! I think all this points to player power behind the scenes! Imho we need a fresh start & if this means a few seasons at this level to rebuild so be it unfortunately!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Nice1Cyrille on June 30, 2018, 03:00:17 PM
I'm done with players crying about leaving. If someone wants him, give us what we paid and you can have him.
See you Foster , its been good but you soured the relationship. 


Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Westie on June 30, 2018, 03:12:13 PM
I am surprised how quickly people on here have turned against Ben Foster. He has been excellent for us  fo some considerable time and I don't believe that he has acted as he has for no good reason. There is a toxic atmosphere at the cluband a total lack of competence as far as recruitment and retention issues. So don't turn on Foster (or Dawson) when there is that useless individual (mods, I trust that this description is acceptable!) over in China; he owns the club, he is responsible. I pray for the day when that man no longer owns WBA.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: ex coseley kid on June 30, 2018, 03:48:21 PM
I am surprised how quickly people on here have turned against Ben Foster. He has been excellent for us  fo some considerable time and I don't believe that he has acted as he has for no good reason. There is a toxic atmosphere at the cluband a total lack of competence as far as recruitment and retention issues. So don't turn on Foster (or Dawson) when there is that useless individual (mods, I trust that this description is acceptable!) over in China; he owns the club, he is responsible. I pray for the day when that man no longer owns WBA.

Sadly with his total lack of control over his toy I fear we are going to crash and burn big style first.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Adder on June 30, 2018, 05:02:20 PM
I am surprised how quickly people on here have turned against Ben Foster. He has been excellent for us  fo some considerable time and I don't believe that he has acted as he has for no good reason. There is a toxic atmosphere at the cluband a total lack of competence as far as recruitment and retention issues. So don't turn on Foster (or Dawson) when there is that useless individual (mods, I trust that this description is acceptable!) over in China; he owns the club, he is responsible. I pray for the day when that man no longer owns WBA.
I'm afraid people have a right to turn on Foster...senior player...how on earth are his actions supporting DM and the coaching team when they have a hard enough job as it is ? The most likely cause of the action is that both players don't like the way the offers from clubs were handled but rather than throw the toys out they should get on with their main job.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie82 on June 30, 2018, 08:04:59 PM
I'm afraid people have a right to turn on Foster...senior player...how on earth are his actions supporting DM and the coaching team when they have a hard enough job as it is ? The most likely cause of the action is that both players don't like the way the offers from clubs were handled but rather than throw the toys out they should get on with their main job.

Foster has been a model pro and is a grown-up. That he refused to travel to Portugal tells you all you need to know about the state the club is in. We don't have his side of evens and I think a lot of fans can see the bigger picture. My concern is can Ben play three games week with his knees?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: telford baggie on June 30, 2018, 08:11:56 PM
Foster has been a model pro and is a grown-up. That he refused to travel to Portugal tells you all you need to know about the state the club is in. We don't have his side of evens and I think a lot of fans can see the bigger picture. My concern is can Ben play three games week with his knees?
i hope Darren Moore has the balls to say thanks but you have made ur choice there is the door, need somebody to stand up to these senior players who think they run the club
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: SmethDan on July 01, 2018, 03:37:06 AM
I quite like Ben Foster (& Dawson for that matter). Ok we're only going on newspaper stories but anybody who refuses to do anything should in my opinion be shown the door! A bit like Chadli and Austria - he's injured all season but can play in the world cup????? get rid! I think all this points to player power behind the scenes! Imho we need a fresh start & if this means a few seasons at this level to rebuild so be it unfortunately!

I used to think the same about the wife but I'm glad I kept her in the end, no idea if she feels the same way and no intention of asking her as silence can indeed be golden  ;D . As for Foster, if there were extenuating circumstances regarding his absence then I'm surprised he hasn't defended his actions on tw@tter. Even more surprised we've heard nothing from the club, unless extenuating circumstances place it in a bad light of course...... to be continued perhaps........
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: mank baggie on July 01, 2018, 08:12:52 AM
We've all seen how it turns out when a player wants to leave and we hang on to them, imo we should let them go rather than having another half hearted player (evans) disruptive player ( fathinio) on the books.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggiejohn on July 01, 2018, 08:38:19 AM
I used to think the same about the wife but I'm glad I kept her in the end, no idea if she feels the same way and no intention of asking her as silence can indeed be golden  ;D . As for Foster, if there were extenuating circumstances regarding his absence then I'm surprised he hasn't defended his actions on tw@tter. Even more surprised we've heard nothing from the club, unless extenuating circumstances place it in a bad light of course...... to be continued perhaps........

I believe refusing to go to Portugal involves some contractual issues, so he's probably been advised not to post anything on social media.
I follow him on Twitter, when he does post, there's no doubt he'll be bombarded with all sorts of sh*t.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on July 01, 2018, 09:18:18 AM
I believe refusing to go to Portugal involves some contractual issues, so he's probably been advised not to post anything on social media.
I follow him on Twitter, when he does post, there's no doubt he'll be bombarded with all sorts of sh*t.
Oh yes
All the chants of "England's no1" all the top drawer saves will be forgotten about and replaced with "yam a nob yow am"
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: boinging_along on July 01, 2018, 09:31:23 AM
Yeah, I'd take it as a warning on how screwed up things are behind the scenes rather than Foster is suddenly throwing his toys out of the pram.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dexy on July 01, 2018, 09:38:05 AM
Oh yes
All the chants of "England's no1" all the top drawer saves will be forgotten about and replaced with "yam a nob yow am"
I'd like to think most people know Ben's character over his 7 years here , the majority should latch on something isn't right at the club before jumping on Foster.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: don1thedon on July 01, 2018, 10:21:16 AM
I'd like to think most people know Ben's character over his 7 years here , the majority should latch on something isn't right at the club before jumping on Foster.
I'm with you.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WorcsWBA on July 01, 2018, 10:29:28 AM
I'd like to think most people know Ben's character over his 7 years here , the majority should latch on something isn't right at the club before jumping on Foster.
It was a pre-season training camp, so Foster and Dawson should have gone on it regardless and then taken it from there. Refusing to go has just fanned what are obviously pre-existing flames arising from our shambolic situation. If their actions are because of the transfer fees we're seeking for them, there's no excuse for their behaviour.

If they don't like what's happening, they should put in a transfer request. Withdrawing their labour is unacceptable, especially given how much they're paid.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dexy on July 01, 2018, 10:34:31 AM
It was a pre-season training camp, so Foster and Dawson should have gone on it regardless and then taken it from there. Refusing to go has just fanned what are obviously pre-existing flames arising from our shambolic situation. If their actions are because of the transfer fees we're seeking for them, there's no excuse for their behaviour.

If they don't like what's happening, they should put in a transfer request. Withdrawing their labour is unacceptable, especially given how much they're paid.
Totally agree , I couldn't be more let down by them both.
My point was though I'd like to think he won't be classed as a Odemwingie or Saido level just yet or at least until Foster has stated his side of things. I believe 7 good , trouble free years deserves that .
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: telford baggie on July 01, 2018, 10:36:29 AM
I'd like to think most people know Ben's character over his 7 years here , the majority should latch on something isn't right at the club before jumping on Foster.
whatever there problems are with the club no excuse to not do your job and go on training programme, move them both on asap should never wear the shirt again, exactly what is wrong with the club to many many players thinking they run it
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dexy on July 01, 2018, 10:38:28 AM
whatever there problems are with the club no excuse to not do your job and go on training programme, move them both on asap should never wear the shirt again, exactly what is wrong with the club to many many players thinking they run it
See above reply to Worcs.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: telford baggie on July 01, 2018, 11:03:10 AM
both players have shown darren moore a lack of respect at a time that he needs a helping hand from senior players, he needs to show players what he expects off them and that he is boss now and these 2 should be out the door, the 4 barca taxi players get stick for a showing lack of respect to the club and basically was a stupid lads mistake. what foster and dawson have done is worse refusing to respect the club,manager and fans and do the job they get very well paid for is shocking but im sure our soft fan base will be standing by them
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: elmo_in_swansea on July 01, 2018, 11:14:10 AM
I used to think the same about the wife but I'm glad I kept her in the end, no idea if she feels the same way and no intention of asking her as silence can indeed be golden  ;D . As for Foster, if there were extenuating circumstances regarding his absence then I'm surprised he hasn't defended his actions on tw@tter. Even more surprised we've heard nothing from the club, unless extenuating circumstances place it in a bad light of course...... to be continued perhaps........

  ;D ha ha love it SmethDan great sense of humour - deffo need a like button!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on July 01, 2018, 12:03:09 PM
both players have shown darren moore a lack of respect at a time that he needs a helping hand from senior players, he needs to show players what he expects off them and that he is boss now and these 2 should be out the door, the 4 barca taxi players get stick for a showing lack of respect to the club and basically was a stupid lads mistake. what foster and dawson have done is worse refusing to respect the club,manager and fans and do the job they get very well paid for is shocking but im sure our soft fan base will be standing by them

Trying to equate the two incidents and saying this is worse than that doesn't really work. However the problem is a lack of professionalism or even the basic humility to see how their actions will be viewed. This is because they have been indulged and have a bloated sense of entitlement.

I can and will be scathing about the Barca 4 "stupid lads mistake" sorry the day they signed their first pro contracts they lost the right to be indulged as "stupid lads". Fine if you want to be stupid lads go get a job that doesn't come with multi million pound rewards where like it or not you held to a slightly higher level of behaviour. This not taking account of the 4 occupants of the cab were all Old pro's with families and were closer in age to being "one foot in the grave" than "men behaving badly"

If Foster was unhappy with Myhill's treatment at the end of the season then he would have incandescent with rage had I been running the club because I'd have fired the cab 4 on the tarmac of Birmingham airport. 

However it is the same thing "I'm more important than the club" "I'm entitled to move because I've put in 7 years good service and haven't acted like a complete moron" At various times the dressing room has been described as strong, experienced and professional. Well for all that strength experience and alleged professionalism we were bloody relegated last season. While the lions led by donkeys narrative might cut some ice there were too many who went missing who didn't rally when we needed them to.

Foster might be able to point to a good individual season but that ignores his part in a collective failure and throwing his toys out of the pram does take the shine of what has gone before. Yes he might be the best keeper the club has had in my lifetime but he has also been part of a group that have acted like complete idiots and now is starting to act up as well.

In all of this the one player I feel genuinely sorry for is Jay Rodriguez. He has the opportunity to return to his hometown club who are about to play in Europe for the first time in generations. He is still plainly adored at Turf Moor despite leaving 5 years ago (obviously didn't leave under a cloud) and Albion have priced him out of a move. We are right to do so because our need is pressing and the money is worse than useless in the Championship. He is in Portugal he is working hard regardless of that disappointment so should Foster and Dawson.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on July 01, 2018, 12:07:34 PM
Maybe Foster took the hump because we were looking at getting a keeper in as genuine competition instead of Roly Poly Myhill

https://www.101greatgoals.com/news/transfers/ben-foster-watford-man-united-wba/
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Atomic on July 01, 2018, 12:11:40 PM

In all of this the one player I feel genuinely sorry for is Jay Rodriguez. He has the opportunity to return to his hometown club who are about to play in Europe for the first time in generations. He is still plainly adored at Turf Moor despite leaving 5 years ago (obviously didn't leave under a cloud) and Albion have priced him out of a move. We are right to do so because our need is pressing and the money is worse than useless in the Championship. He is in Portugal he is working hard regardless of that disappointment so should Foster and Dawson.


I was thinking that just the other day about Rodriguez. What a fantastic attitude he has. Foster and Dawson should be embarrassed to look Jay in the eye. 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albion79 on July 01, 2018, 12:29:16 PM
After possibly having potential ITK information twice in the last month (still dont know if its true!) i got told something today regarding Foster from a different person. (30 plus years going the Albion, always last to know anything, now in a month people start telling me stuff!)

A bloke i train with has quite a high powered job and a couple of weeks ago he was attending a function which Foster was one of the star guests, apparently the day before Foster pulled out for personal reasons which is unlike him as he has been attending this same event for years.

This was about a week or 10 days before preseason began so before any of the stuff about Foster kicked off and it was the first time i had seen this bloke for a few weeks for him to say anything.

Anyways, people were surprised Foster wasnt there and somebody who is supposedly close to him said he has major family problems at the moment (dont know what they are or again if its even true) but Foster had made it clear he wasnt going to Portugal and was happy to take the hit in a fine, obviously family is more important than anything so it is a delicate subject.

If that is the case you would hope the club have been helpful and maybe the stuff about him not turning up, being fined, etc has been exaggerated. Of course it could be he just isnt happy about comings and goings and wants more money.

Time will tell i suppose and like i say the above could all be nonsense (not the bit about Foster not attending the event, thats true!) but i thought at the time, its weird two players adopting that stance of not travelling, etc but again on the flipside maybe they had a pact that to make their point two is better than one.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mister AT on July 01, 2018, 01:07:27 PM
After possibly having potential ITK information twice in the last month (still dont know if its true!) i got told something today regarding Foster from a different person. (30 plus years going the Albion, always last to know anything, now in a month people start telling me stuff!)

A bloke i train with has quite a high powered job and a couple of weeks ago he was attending a function which Foster was one of the star guests, apparently the day before Foster pulled out for personal reasons which is unlike him as he has been attending this same event for years.

This was about a week or 10 days before preseason began so before any of the stuff about Foster kicked off and it was the first time i had seen this bloke for a few weeks for him to say anything.

Anyways, people were surprised Foster wasnt there and somebody who is supposedly close to him said he has major family problems at the moment (dont know what they are or again if its even true) but Foster had made it clear he wasnt going to Portugal and was happy to take the hit in a fine, obviously family is more important than anything so it is a delicate subject.

If that is the case you would hope the club have been helpful and maybe the stuff about him not turning up, being fined, etc has been exaggerated. Of course it could be he just isnt happy about comings and goings and wants more money.

Time will tell i suppose and like i say the above could all be nonsense (not the bit about Foster not attending the event, thats true!) but i thought at the time, its weird two players adopting that stance of not travelling, etc but again on the flipside maybe they had a pact that to make their point two is better than one.

If what you have been told is true then I hope the club are supporting Foster. Although they don’t need to come out to the public, they could show a bit of support for him if this is true.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on July 01, 2018, 01:12:08 PM
I would be very surprised if the club didn't cut Foster some slack if there were personal issues behind him not wishing to travel given that there a number of players involved with their respective national teams had an extra week off.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mooncat on July 01, 2018, 01:16:07 PM
Although if this was the case, could the club not have made a statement to the effect that he was being given extended leave in live with the international players and therefor not fined him???
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on July 01, 2018, 01:21:10 PM
If that was the case all the club had to say that Foster was not at the training camp for personal issues.
If it was the case the he had personal issues I would have thought he would have kept away from the club and training altogether.
I'm starting to wonder what came out of the one to one's the players had with DM
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: RedHead_Baggie on July 01, 2018, 01:26:02 PM
I'd like to think most people know Ben's character over his 7 years here , the majority should latch on something isn't right at the club before jumping on Foster.
If stories regarding Foster throwing his toys out the pram at the club releasing McAuley and Yacob then maybe the senior pros are a massive part of the problem?

It's none of their business who we sign, who we release or who we appoint as Coach.

They have had it too easy for too long.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albion79 on July 01, 2018, 01:35:00 PM
I would imagine anything regarding discipline, fines, etc would come out this week as i dont think they get back from Portugal til today do they?

Obviously Dawson and Foster havent gone for whatever reasons but its only the media who have mentioned fines so far.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: mank baggie on July 01, 2018, 01:56:13 PM
Thanks 79 this sounds more like foster , family comes 1st and rightly so.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albion79 on July 01, 2018, 02:07:51 PM
No idea if its 100% true mate, might be complete rubbish!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on July 01, 2018, 02:26:56 PM
I find it very strange that just a month ago he went out of his way to say he was happy at the club, settled in the area etc. I think we need to hear Foster's side of the story before jumping to conclusions. Foster is one of the few leaders on the pitch and he's a cornerstone of the team. We are not going to find a better keeper. Hope this gets sorted out amicably.   
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionFan on July 02, 2018, 10:21:53 AM
“West Bromwich Albion prepare new Ben Foster contract as Watford interest persists”

I wouldn’t be unhappy if he signed a new contract with us

Source: http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/16326799.reports-west-bromwich-albion-prepare-new-ben-foster-contract-as-watford-interest-persists/

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DaveWBA on July 02, 2018, 10:26:34 AM
“West Bromwich Albion prepare new Ben Foster contract as Watford interest persists”

I wouldn’t be unhappy if he signed a new contract with us

Source: http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/16326799.reports-west-bromwich-albion-prepare-new-ben-foster-contract-as-watford-interest-persists/

Wouldn't be suprised if he signed it in all honesty. He'll realise that the deal he's got here in terms of training is as good as its going to get given his age and the fact only half of his knees work.

There's some rumours doing the rounds that he and Dawson missed the Portugal trip for family reasons... there will be a lot of egg on face if that's true.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Atomic on July 02, 2018, 10:33:00 AM
Wouldn't be suprised if he signed it in all honesty. He'll realise that the deal he's got here in terms of training is as good as its going to get given his age and the fact only half of his knees work.

There's some rumours doing the rounds that he and Dawson missed the Portugal trip for family reasons... there will be a lot of egg on face if that's true.


Not really, not with supporters anyway. There have been press reports that the players refused to go to Portugal because they were unhappy with Albion playing hardball on keeping them at the club. Any eggs on faces will be on the faces of those who reported incorrect information.

Of course the club could've clarified everything with a single statement. But Albion being Albion ........................... .
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionFan on July 02, 2018, 10:41:12 AM

Not really, not with supporters anyway. There have been press reports that the players refused to go to Portugal because they were unhappy with Albion playing hardball on keeping them at the club. Any eggs on faces will be on the faces of those who reported incorrect information.

Of course the club could've clarified everything with a single statement. But Albion being Albion ........................... .

If the press stories about Foster’s and Dawson’s reasons for not going to Portugal are incorrect, then it just shows how gullible some fans are in not being prepared to wait for the factual account to surface before judging others, thus leaving egg on their faces
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: DaveWBA on July 02, 2018, 10:43:19 AM
If the press stories about Foster’s and Dawson’s reasons for not going to Portugal are incorrect, then it just shows how gullible some fans are in not being prepared to wait for the factual account to surface before judging others, thus leaving egg on their faces

Pretty much. Either that or the players in question have realised they acted poorly and are now looking for a way to grovel.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: skyclad99 on July 02, 2018, 11:23:12 AM
“West Bromwich Albion prepare new Ben Foster contract as Watford interest persists”

I wouldn’t be unhappy if he signed a new contract with us

Source: http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/16326799.reports-west-bromwich-albion-prepare-new-ben-foster-contract-as-watford-interest-persists/

Two key points for me from this report;

1. Did Ben refuse to travel?
2. Has he actually been fined?

Until the club confirm these two points I refuse to condemn the player. 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: liverbaggie on July 02, 2018, 11:44:59 AM
Gullible fans?
A simple statement from the club clarifying their exact situations would end all speculation,simple.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionFan on July 02, 2018, 12:07:27 PM
Why can’t people take responsibility for their own actions, without looking for someone else to blame?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: liverbaggie on July 02, 2018, 12:31:37 PM
I've always been a big Foster fan,but without some sort of explanation for his refusal to go to Portugal,I'm left disappointed .
I see he was quick enough to contact the leicester goalie on last nights performance, pity he couldn't talk honestly to his own fans.
Poor show.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WorcsWBA on July 02, 2018, 01:33:40 PM
Why can’t people take responsibility for their own actions, without looking for someone else to blame?
If the local media publishes a pretty toxic story that's not refuted by either the club or the players in question, it's not unreasonable for people to regard the story as being true given the lack of any information to the contrary.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: HampshireBaggie on July 02, 2018, 01:45:06 PM
Yeah I’d have expected a club or player denial story if it was anything other than the story that the press reported.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionFan on July 02, 2018, 02:12:22 PM
If the local media publishes a pretty toxic story that's not refuted by either the club or the players in question, it's not unreasonable for people to regard the story as being true given the lack of any information to the contrary.

I’m sure there is substance in what you say as there is no accounting for other people’s logic, but you have to question the judgement in jumping to a conclusion based on someone else’s representation, presumption, perception of a story and the vested interest they have in selling stories.

And yet there is acceptance of the “story” as being gospel without giving the benefit of the doubt to one of the best and most loyal of servants the club has.

Personally, I will not be a reactive and follow the rest of the flock, but will wait until the club and the player, those who are in possession of the full and true facts behind the events, have made public statements.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mister AT on July 02, 2018, 02:24:26 PM
Telegraph reporting he is close to signing for Watford for 2.5million.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Backofthenet on July 02, 2018, 02:30:55 PM
It seems we are starting to get annual problems with pre-season training camps. I don't really understand the need to go away to places where essentially most of us would go on holiday too. We have a training set up so why not use it. That surely negates all the excuses and reasons not to go and should the odd player not be there, for whatever reason it is far easier monitored.
When we're at work we might occasionally all go to the pub, and sometimes one or two don't go, but there is no hue and cry over it as they will be back in work the next day. I know it's not exactly the same but for ease of management (and cost) would it not be better to stay in the country where you will play and also acclimatise to regular sessions. In Portugal they didn't even train in the afternoon probably due to the heat - they did morning and evening.
 That also stopped the need to go out and taxis could run freely in the area without the fear of being nicked.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on July 02, 2018, 02:46:51 PM
I’m sure there is substance in what you say as there is no accounting for other people’s logic, but you have to question the judgement in jumping to a conclusion based on someone else’s representation, presumption, perception of a story and the vested interest they have in selling stories.

And yet there is acceptance of the “story” as being gospel without giving the benefit of the doubt to one of the best and most loyal of servants the club has.

Personally, I will not be a reactive and follow the rest of the flock, but will wait until the club and the player, those who are in possession of the full and true facts behind the events, have made public statements.

Believe what you like but John Percy reporting that Foster refused to go to Portugal amid interest from Watford.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/07/02/west-brom-goalkeeper-ben-foster-edges-towards25m-transfer-watford/

The ducks appear to be falling into line to substantiate that fact.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: wba1993dave on July 02, 2018, 02:52:19 PM
Good Riddance. Hopefully Dawson and McClean next.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on July 02, 2018, 02:54:40 PM
Good Riddance. Hopefully Dawson and McClean next.

I feel the same. Been good for us at times but if they want out I don't see the point in keeping unhappy players at the club just to teach them a lesson.
The lesson we tried to teach Berahino cost us £10m. Take the best offer and cut them loose I say.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionFan on July 02, 2018, 02:55:03 PM
Believe what you like but John Percy reporting that Foster refused to go to Portugal amid interest from Watford.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/07/02/west-brom-goalkeeper-ben-foster-edges-towards25m-transfer-watford/

The ducks appear to be falling into line to substantiate that fact.

Yes, he is one of a few journalists I have time for, but I’ll still wait for an official statement about the reasons for Foster not attending the training camp
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: SirTonyM on July 02, 2018, 03:10:31 PM
Always really liked Foster and he’s been a brilliant keeper for us and seems like decent bloke. His comments about loyalty at the end of last season and the subsequent behaviour has put me off. If you want to play in the premier league keep your mouth shut and head down and people will have more respect and good will towards you. Reminds me of Mowbray before he jumped ship for Celtic.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBAinDEVON on July 02, 2018, 03:18:18 PM
Believe what you like but John Percy reporting that Foster refused to go to Portugal amid interest from Watford.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/07/02/west-brom-goalkeeper-ben-foster-edges-towards25m-transfer-watford/

The ducks appear to be falling into line to substantiate that fact.


absoultely shocking if true, shame on you foster. never rated you anyway.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KnaveofAlbion on July 02, 2018, 05:20:34 PM

absoultely shocking if true, shame on you foster. never rated you anyway.

He was the singular player i honestly thought got us and was down for staying whatever. The only thought i have that even half allows this is that DM told him we were looking at getting in another 1st choice and Ben wants to play. But i doubt that's the case.

So very let down by Ben here, i think he may well be the last player i believe in any presser again.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on July 02, 2018, 05:28:33 PM
Fozzie saved many points for us.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on July 02, 2018, 05:43:17 PM
Said months ago Foster wouldn't drop down. Mot remotely surprised.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie82 on July 02, 2018, 05:57:46 PM
Guy on twitter claiming Foster is being pushed out get his wages off the books and is gutted to leave so who knows what’s really going on (@tommowba)   Either way if he’s close to signing for Watford then it made sense for him to miss the Portugal trip. Such a sad way for a great career at the Albion to end. Wasn’t his fault our strikers couldn’t score in a brothel which got us relegated.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dexy on July 02, 2018, 06:06:05 PM
Fozzie saved many points for us.
Top draw over the years , lets hope we can replace him properly.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kirk on July 02, 2018, 06:38:16 PM
Shame top servent to the club but will now never be welcomed back
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: mulliganstired on July 02, 2018, 06:45:59 PM
one knee injury from probably having to call it a day, champ probably a bit heavy duty, but why open your silly gob about loyalty unless you're going to stick to it?  I wonder what his kids think?  instant watford fans??
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: paulosull on July 02, 2018, 06:46:07 PM
Guy on twitter claiming Foster is being pushed out get his wages off the books and is gutted to leave so who knows what’s really going on (@tommowba)   Either way if he’s close to signing for Watford then it made sense for him to miss the Portugal trip. Such a sad way for a great career at the Albion to end. Wasn’t his fault our strikers couldn’t score in a brothel which got us relegated.
think this is bollo had his head turned and threw his toys out of pram, always thought of him as top pro but he can jog on as far as I'm concerned total moron in my opinion.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smosher34 on July 02, 2018, 06:58:41 PM
Going for 2.5 million says reports thats a steel 😦
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: SirTonyM on July 02, 2018, 07:01:48 PM
Guy on twitter claiming Foster is being pushed out get his wages off the books and is gutted to leave so who knows what’s really going on (@tommowba)   Either way if he’s close to signing for Watford then it made sense for him to miss the Portugal trip. Such a sad way for a great career at the Albion to end. Wasn’t his fault our strikers couldn’t score in a brothel which got us relegated.

Pay cut to stay if it means that much to him?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BaggieBirdRus on July 02, 2018, 07:13:51 PM
Going for 2.5 million says reports thats a steel 😦

For a 35 year old injury prone Goalkeeper?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Atomic on July 02, 2018, 07:22:43 PM
For a 35 year old injury prone Goalkeeper?


That's the thing with Foster he's 35 years old now and one bad injury possibly away from retirement. A 46 game Championship season would be a real strain on him. If we can replace him with Johnstone that's good business by the club, bringing in a 25 year old for a net loss of only £4 million (based on reports). 25 is young for a goalkeeper and we could get potentially ten seasons out of him.

Foster has been a great 'keeper for us, right up there with Russel Hoult and Tony Godden as the best I've seen at the Albion but no-one goes on forever and now is the right time to replace him.

Just a shame that he's decided to act like a tit right at the end of his career with us. Leaves a bit of a sour taste.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Adder on July 02, 2018, 07:51:57 PM
I've always liked the bloke but had the impression that he's a very good keeper but not that switched on in football matters (based on his own comment that he's not really a football fan and doesn't watch it at home). I was irritated at the time when he was the first one to give Moore his full backing and talk about staying and getting us back up. I wasn't expecting this turn of events but let's just get it over with and move on.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: VANDERLEI on July 02, 2018, 08:37:58 PM
As much as what he's done is a pr1ck move, he is irreplaceable. Without a doubt our best player last season and not for the first time. If Johnstone comes in, then at least we have a good keeper coming in but he's not Fosters level yet. Of course, has the potential to become a very lucrative investment if we tie him down to a long contract.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on July 02, 2018, 08:39:48 PM
Just a shame he had to open his gob.
Can't help but think hes done it for the money. A premier League wage against a Championship wage
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: lewisant on July 02, 2018, 08:40:43 PM
After my irrational "get rid of them both" reaction to Foster and Dawson i actually now realise there's a second side to this story and i'd be gutted if he goes. Hope we can iron this out and sign Johnstone!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dudleylad on July 02, 2018, 08:49:54 PM
Just a shame he had to open his gob.
Can't help but think hes done it for the money. A premier League wage against a Championship wage

This is my view if he knew Johnstone is or could be about to come just go with the flow.on pre season training and no one would have held the move against him as they would have deemed it a club decision.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on July 02, 2018, 08:59:00 PM
Don't let the door hit you on the way out..
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Westie on July 02, 2018, 09:17:49 PM
Don’t blame Foster, blame that ‘man’ on the other side of the World who owns the club, and his useless lackies over here.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie82 on July 02, 2018, 09:45:01 PM
Shame top servent to the club but will now never be welcomed back

You don't speak for me. I'll welcome him back any day. Great servant.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WorcsWBA on July 02, 2018, 09:50:10 PM
After my irrational "get rid of them both" reaction to Foster and Dawson i actually now realise there's a second side to this story and i'd be gutted if he goes.
What's the second side to the story then?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Scooby Doo on July 02, 2018, 09:50:16 PM
Just a shame he had to open his gob.
Can't help but think hes done it for the money. A premier League wage against a Championship wage

Can't blame him either. £20k a week improvement is over £1m guaranteed more money a year for each of his contract. Take emotion out and unfortunately it's merely logic. Only thing that goes against him is the 'Bleed stripes' attitude following relegation.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on July 02, 2018, 10:06:27 PM
Can't believe he damaged his reputation with us so much by refusing to go to the training camp. Massively disrespectful to Moore who by all accounts he was one of the senior players championing him. Then instantly undermines him. Seemed a nice enough guy but clearly more sides than that to him.

Surely he'd have got his move anyway, hand in a transfer request if you want to make a professional statement.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alwaysbilly on July 02, 2018, 10:14:27 PM
Guy on twitter claiming Foster is being pushed out get his wages off the books and is gutted to leave so who knows what’s really going on (@tommowba)   Either way if he’s close to signing for Watford then it made sense for him to miss the Portugal trip. Such a sad way for a great career at the Albion to end. Wasn’t his fault our strikers couldn’t score in a brothel which got us relegated.
Jenkins is back so this is what I think is happening and will happen to others.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WorcsWBA on July 02, 2018, 10:25:04 PM
£20k a week improvement is over £1m guaranteed more money a year for each of his contract. Take emotion out and unfortunately it's merely logic. Only thing that goes against him is the 'Bleed stripes' attitude following relegation.
You seem to be saying that, as long as they don't profess their love for a club beforehand, it's OK for players to effectively go on strike to try to force a move?

Wouldn't going to Portugal and then putting in a transfer request after getting back be a more acceptable (and professional) way of going about it?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Scooby Doo on July 02, 2018, 10:34:43 PM
You seem to be saying that, as long as they don't profess their love for a club beforehand, it's OK for players to effectively go on strike to try to force a move?

Wouldn't going to Portugal and then putting in a transfer request after getting back be a more acceptable (and professional) way of going about it?

Bang out of order and I've alluded to that elsewhere. Also think he's gone down this route and not handed in a written transfer request so he doesn't void a loyalty bonus. Which again stinks. Again something I've touched upon elsewhere.

I hate the way he's gone about it but totally understand his reasons for moving.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBArgo on July 02, 2018, 11:40:48 PM
Can't blame him either. £20k a week improvement is over £1m guaranteed more money a year for each of his contract. Take emotion out and unfortunately it's merely logic. Only thing that goes against him is the 'Bleed stripes' attitude following relegation.

I don't mind if a player wants to leave, but don't issue your loyalty merely 2 months beforehand, otherwise it makes you look spineless.

For example, Craig Dawson is trying to get a move away, I understand why he's doing it and can't fault him...but at least he didn't pretend he cared and made a big statement.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: SirTonyM on July 03, 2018, 03:13:42 AM
Jenkins is back so this is what I think is happening and will happen to others.
You mean cutting the wage bill? I suspect most relegated teams do that. I guess we could end up like Villa instead.
If foster was so desperate to stay he could have found a way to stay. Wanting to leave is fine as other have said its the "loyalty speech" along with the no-show for Portugal that has upset the fans. The fact he was upset with Albion haggling over his price seems childish. As an employee of the club Albion can ask what they want for him. I actually think jenkins has got him the move that he wanted. I think Terraneo was wanting more for Foster and Jenkins has stepped in...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on July 03, 2018, 06:34:30 AM
If you recall two players made clear statements about their future and by implication the futures of those around them.

Foster "Come What May" and McClean "Don't Call us Snakes in the Grass"  The former was what the fans wanted to hear and the latter wasn't and the fans reaction to both reflected this.  A mere two months on and we are finding out that while McClean can never be accused of courting popularity at least he is honest and that was a more accurate reflection of the dressing room than Foster's platitudes.

If the individual conversations that Darren had with the squad reflected this then it was a tough baptism and it looks like an even bigger task than it looked at first. While many in the squad backed Darren's appointment they have been tripping over themselves to find the exit.  Well gee thanks guys.

If there has been a sea change on the part of Foster it can only have been because of the decision not to renew the 3 contracts and make Morrison prove his fitness before giving him his. If that signals that the club isn't going to be a soft touch well maybe that prompted Foster to recreate his comfort zone elsewhere but that doesn't make Jenkins some sort of evil marionette.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggies_24 on July 03, 2018, 06:41:53 AM
Gutted to see Ben go he has been a great keeper for the club and has made vital saves which have helped the club pick up points, not happy about the way he’s going about things but it’s happened so many times now I don’t get angry or upset anymore just another reason to dislike modern football.

I can’t help but thinking though that we are coming out of this with a better deal if reports are true & Johnstone is on his way in, shift a 35 year old keeper who is probably one of the bigger earners at the club and is one injury away from retirement and replace him with a young keeper who has glowing reports from his last club and all importantly has a larger re-sale value.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on July 03, 2018, 06:50:14 AM
You mean cutting the wage bill? I suspect most relegated teams do that. I guess we could end up like Villa instead.
If foster was so desperate to stay he could have found a way to stay. Wanting to leave is fine as other have said its the "loyalty speech" along with the no-show for Portugal that has upset the fans. The fact he was upset with Albion haggling over his price seems childish. As an employee of the club Albion can ask what they want for him. I actually think jenkins has got him the move that he wanted. I think Terraneo was wanting more for Foster and Jenkins has stepped in...

If any of them wanted to stay they could.
They're already millionaires several times over, with the flex down on wages I would think most of them would still be on £20k a week or thereabouts. Now if you can't live comfortably and plan for your retirement on that income there is something seriously wrong with you.
It's not like your gaffa coming up to you and halving your salary. That would have serious implications to the way you live.

As an aside what would you spend £20k a week on without killing yourself in the process?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: mikehy on July 03, 2018, 07:27:01 AM
Guy on twitter claiming Foster is being pushed out get his wages off the books and is gutted to leave so who knows what’s really going on (@tommowba)   Either way if he’s close to signing for Watford then it made sense for him to miss the Portugal trip. Such a sad way for a great career at the Albion to end. Wasn’t his fault our strikers couldn’t score in a brothel which got us relegated.
I am sure that Johnstones wages will be almost as much as Fosters after flex down and we have also got to pay pay 4 million more than we are getting for Foster to get him. I therefore think this is total rubbish. Foster has seen what has happened with Myhill and realized this could be him in a years time and so if he moves he can get a 2 or 3 year contract and probably will not even have to play that often.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on July 03, 2018, 07:38:32 AM
I am sure that Johnstones wages will be almost as much as Fosters after flex down and we have also got to pay pay 4 million more than we are getting for Foster to get him. I therefore think this is total rubbish. Foster has seen what has happened with Myhill and realized this could be him in a years time and so if he moves he can get a 2 or 3 year contract and probably will not even have to play that often.

I also think that Foster wasn't that keen on genuine competition. His position was never under threat with Myhill as No2.
I suppose he though if I'm going to be a bench warmer might as well be in the Prem as in the Champs
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: mank baggie on July 03, 2018, 08:35:34 AM
It's a shame it ended like this
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: spencer Baggie on July 03, 2018, 10:37:39 AM
Great Keeper. Fantastic moments (Saving Gerrards penalty. That save against Newcastle last season etc).

But he made a rod for his own back with his comments about 'This is my club. My children are WBA fans' and as such it ends on a sour note.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on July 03, 2018, 12:40:31 PM
The other thing about Foster, is that aside from his performances putting him in the top 4 or 5 keepers in the Prem last season, he is one of the leaders out on the pitch. He is an authority around the box and that counts for alot when you are under pressure. Not sure if the same could be said for Johnstone or most possible replacements.   
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Backofthenet on July 03, 2018, 12:53:54 PM
good shot stopper, poor distribution. Could be prone to injury. Always thought of him as a good club man but that is now somewhat clouded but for me it won't over shadow how he has played when 'asked to do so'
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie82 on July 03, 2018, 06:01:52 PM
We tried to sign Johnstone last summer, clearly we were not going back in for him this summer for him to be our number 2, we're not spending £5m on a reserve GK in the championship. So most likely Foster was told he was being replaced and given the option of singing for Watford or sitting on the bench. We then get his wages (probably twice what Johnstone is on) off the books for FFP. I think it is far more likely that Foster was pushed out as supposed to agitating for a move. In which case his comments in the summer that he was settled make sense. Also he would have known that Johnstone was being signed and that Watford were negotiating for him when deciding to skip the Portugal trip, so he knew he was already on the way out.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: mulliganstired on July 03, 2018, 08:29:17 PM
If any of them wanted to stay they could.
They're already millionaires several times over, with the flex down on wages I would think most of them would still be on £20k a week or thereabouts. Now if you can't live comfortably and plan for your retirement on that income there is something seriously wrong with you.
It's not like your gaffa coming up to you and halving your salary. That would have serious implications to the way you live.

As an aside what would you spend £20k a week on without killing yourself in the process?
Be fun trying though...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Scooby Doo on July 03, 2018, 08:34:25 PM
If any of them wanted to stay they could.
They're already millionaires several times over, with the flex down on wages I would think most of them would still be on £20k a week or thereabouts. Now if you can't live comfortably and plan for your retirement on that income there is something seriously wrong with you.
It's not like your gaffa coming up to you and halving your salary. That would have serious implications to the way you live.

As an aside what would you spend £20k a week on without killing yourself in the process?

Might as well play for free then.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on July 03, 2018, 09:04:55 PM
Might as well play for free then.

Hows that oh wise one?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Scooby Doo on July 03, 2018, 09:41:24 PM
Hows that oh wise one?

If you're saying he's set up for life. Doesn't need an extra £20k a week... then surely he doesn't need paying whatsoever.

A two year contract and that's over £2m. That's a lot of money and probably increases comfortability for a lot of people in his life. Or perhaps not even in his life as he has showed a charitable side before.

I certainly wouldn't snuff at my wages being doubled irrespective of how much money I was earning or had in the bank. Especially if it was doing exactly the same job with guaranteed employment for a set amount of time.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: hardtobeat on July 03, 2018, 10:42:06 PM
If you're saying he's set up for life. Doesn't need an extra £20k a week... then surely he doesn't need paying whatsoever.

A two year contract and that's over £2m. That's a lot of money and probably increases comfortability for a lot of people in his life. Or perhaps not even in his life as he has showed a charitable side before.

I certainly wouldn't snuff at my wages being doubled irrespective of how much money I was earning or had in the bank. Especially if it was doing exactly the same job with guaranteed employment for a set amount of time.
And in all likelihood not have to overly exert to get it !!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on July 03, 2018, 11:49:53 PM
If any of them wanted to stay they could.
They're already millionaires several times over, with the flex down on wages I would think most of them would still be on £20k a week or thereabouts. Now if you can't live comfortably and plan for your retirement on that income there is something seriously wrong with you.
It's not like your gaffa coming up to you and halving your salary. That would have serious implications to the way you live.

As an aside what would you spend £20k a week on without killing yourself in the process?
That's not the point though is it, people that are rich get richer because they push, it is not for you (or anyone else) to decide at what point "they are earning enough"
If I was on 2m a year and that went to 1.5m I'd be kicking up a right fuss
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: costa blanca baggie on July 04, 2018, 03:51:00 AM
That's not the point though is it, people that are rich get richer because they push, it is not for you (or anyone else) to decide at what point "they are earning enough"
If I was on 2m a year and that went to 1.5m I'd be kicking up a right fuss
Such is life. ☺️
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on July 04, 2018, 06:47:32 AM
I think a lot of it has to do with the length of contract that Ben has and the fact that the veterans have been culled from the squad. He only has 1 year left and as such he could give us the year in the championship but at the end of it he could be shown the door because we need to get the higher earners off the books or his knees have gone again or he has just gone into a natural decline. At that stage his future prospects might be a lot worse than they are today.

From that point of view it is entirely understandable that he wishes to leave. However that doesn't make the way he went about it particularly after giving the "I'm an Albion fan"  speech two months ago any more palatable.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on July 04, 2018, 07:19:36 AM
That's not the point though is it, people that are rich get richer because they push, it is not for you (or anyone else) to decide at what point "they are earning enough"
If I was on 2m a year and that went to 1.5m I'd be kicking up a right fuss

and there you have summed up exactly whats wrong with football and society in general.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: NathWBA on July 04, 2018, 07:47:37 AM
and there you have summed up exactly whats wrong with football and society in general.
I can’t agree with that, no one wants to take a pay cut, regardless of how much you earn, depending on what you earn would dictate the lifestyle you live and people will want to maintain and improve that lifestyle. Would you take a 50% paycut to stay at your employer if you could leave and maintain the level of you are on?
As for footballers, they retire probably 30 years before the average person and if they don’t intend on working after they need to earn as much money as possible in their career. The thing I don’t like about foster is the fact that he’s publicly said he wanted to stay and has now acted like this.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: caravanc58 on July 04, 2018, 08:01:57 AM
footballers of today earn as much per week as most folk do in a year. 10 good years = 520 years of most people's salary at £20 k.
simply put what takes a lot us 50 years to earn is done in 12 months by some not all footballers.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on July 04, 2018, 08:58:02 AM
I can’t agree with that, no one wants to take a pay cut, regardless of how much you earn, depending on what you earn would dictate the lifestyle you live and people will want to maintain and improve that lifestyle. Would you take a 50% paycut to stay at your employer if you could leave and maintain the level of you are on?
As for footballers, they retire probably 30 years before the average person and if they don’t intend on working after they need to earn as much money as possible in their career. The thing I don’t like about foster is the fact that he’s publicly said he wanted to stay and has now acted like this.

If I was earning £600 a week and my boss said we're having to reduce your wages by half would I be upset. Of course I would it would have serious implications on my and my families life.
If I was on £60k a week and the same thing happened, would I be upset? Of course I would but it would have little impact on my day to day life or those around me. Plus if I loved the company I was working for (as much as Foster 'loves' the Albion)I wouldn't be looking round to leave at the first opportunity.
Perhaps it's just my perspective on life as never having been in that position.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Fritzl Palace on July 04, 2018, 08:59:58 AM
Has he gone yet?

Made his stance very much clear, had the chance to remain loyal and focus his efforts on helping us bounce back at the first time of asking but chose to pass that up and disrespect the man he championed as manager by not going on our pre-season training camp. I will now be glad to see the back of him despite how great a player he has been for us. Shame that he chose to tarnish his reputation with us in such a way
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: boinging_along on July 04, 2018, 09:20:44 AM
If I was earning £600 a week and my boss said we're having to reduce your wages by half would I be upset. Of course I would it would have serious implications on my and my families life.
If I was on £60k a week and the same thing happened, would I be upset? Of course I would but it would have little impact on my day to day life or those around me. Plus if I loved the company I was working for (as much as Foster 'loves' the Albion)I wouldn't be looking round to leave at the first opportunity.
Perhaps it's just my perspective on life as never having been in that position.

But Foster's career will be over soon, and his living expensive\lifestyle will be more atuned to the higher end. 

Like to us, it's an obscene amount of money and it's not like he's ever got to worry about money again but you can't blame him for trying to maximise his earnings.  It's his actual family and their future that will be most important to him.  This is his last chance at a decent pay off.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Scooby Doo on July 04, 2018, 09:21:29 AM
If I was earning £600 a week and my boss said we're having to reduce your wages by half would I be upset. Of course I would it would have serious implications on my and my families life.
If I was on £60k a week and the same thing happened, would I be upset? Of course I would but it would have little impact on my day to day life or those around me. Plus if I loved the company I was working for (as much as Foster 'loves' the Albion)I wouldn't be looking round to leave at the first opportunity.
Perhaps it's just my perspective on life as never having been in that position.

I know someone who got to retirement with a £3m pot. He then gambled the lot on property development in a bid to make £12m. Why? Because he wanted to have an even better lifestyle in retirement. This is someone who had a great lifestyle and came from a real blue collar background. Was that greed or just a continued determination to want more. He has no children, no wife.

If Ben Foster had earned £50k a week for the last 10 years of his careed and on the assumptioned he spent 50% of what he took home, it leaves him with £320k a year to live on until he gets to retirment. That might sound like a massive amount of money but you can guarantee it's not when it comes to a footballers lifestyle.

Like I said I can totally understand it from a financial perspective it's just the way he has gone about it. Goodbye and good riddance.

Is easy to say if you had wages reduced from £60k to £30k you'd get by.... you can't say that can you? You could have financial commitments to god knows what (Planes, boats, pension funds, property) and it could dramatically effect your lifestyle as your spare cash has just been greatly reduced.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionFan on July 04, 2018, 09:40:16 AM
I know someone who got to retirement with a £3m pot. He then gambled the lot on property development in a bid to make £12m. Why? Because he wanted to have an even better lifestyle in retirement. This is someone who had a great lifestyle and came from a real blue collar background. Was that greed or just a continued determination to want more. He has no children, no wife.

If Ben Foster had earned £50k a week for the last 10 years of his careed and on the assumptioned he spent 50% of what he took home, it leaves him with £320k a year to live on until he gets to retirment. That might sound like a massive amount of money but you can guarantee it's not when it comes to a footballers lifestyle.

Like I said I can totally understand it from a financial perspective it's just the way he has gone about it. Goodbye and good riddance.

Is easy to say if you had wages reduced from £60k to £30k you'd get by.... you can't say that can you? You could have financial commitments to god knows what (Planes, boats, pension funds, property) and it could dramatically effect your lifestyle as your spare cash has just been greatly reduced.

No, it’s called “Capitalism” and there is nothing wrong with creating wealth, it benefits all of us.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albion79 on July 04, 2018, 10:46:56 AM
Assuming its not family reasons and it is about money / transfer why he didnt go to portugal, my issue isnt with Foster wanting to go, its how he has gone about it.

I dont tend to take much notice of what players say, a lot are media trained, Foster was full of praise for Pulis then when he left had a dig, he was full of praise for Pardew, then when he left had a dig, most footballers are the same.

What i dont like is that he didnt bother attending the training camp, not just missed a days training or was late (which happens quite a lot) but just didnt go at all, that is then unprofessional and when you are being paid the type of money he is, the least you can expect is to be professional.

If Foster had even said, i am 35, i want another go at the premier league, i have had good years at the Albion but i want a new challenge (code word - more money) i hope the club can facilitate this for me and in the meantime i will be professional and work as hard as possible til that happens i would of thought good luck to him, its his job, he isnt a fan like me.

If he thinks the club are playing hardball and he is that desperate to go, he should work hard, be professional but hand in a transfer request, you lose your loyalty bonus but you were happy enough to sign the contract which would of had a nice signing on fee, lots of bonuses, premier league wage, etc but your no longer a premier league player, your a championship one and your pay packet reflects that.

As your the one who wants out, you have to take the hit, but if you have any sense you will negotiate it built back in with your new club.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: seteefeet on July 04, 2018, 11:04:50 AM
Assuming its not family reasons and it is about money / transfer why he didnt go to portugal, my issue isnt with Foster wanting to go, its how he has gone about it.

I dont tend to take much notice of what players say, a lot are media trained, Foster was full of praise for Pulis then when he left had a dig, he was full of praise for Pardew, then when he left had a dig, most footballers are the same.

What i dont like is that he didnt bother attending the training camp, not just missed a days training or was late (which happens quite a lot) but just didnt go at all, that is then unprofessional and when you are being paid the type of money he is, the least you can expect is to be professional.

If Foster had even said, i am 35, i want another go at the premier league, i have had good years at the Albion but i want a new challenge (code word - more money) i hope the club can facilitate this for me and in the meantime i will be professional and work as hard as possible til that happens i would of thought good luck to him, its his job, he isnt a fan like me.

If he thinks the club are playing hardball and he is that desperate to go, he should work hard, be professional but hand in a transfer request, you lose your loyalty bonus but you were happy enough to sign the contract which would of had a nice signing on fee, lots of bonuses, premier league wage, etc but your no longer a premier league player, your a championship one and your pay packet reflects that.

As your the one who wants out, you have to take the hit, but if you have any sense you will negotiate it built back in with your new club.
Can't argue with any of that, sums up my thoughts too.
Nothing to do with a lack of loyalty, just totally unprofessional, and for that, I hope he has a torrid time at Watford, they get relegated, whilst Sam Johnstone breaks into the England World Cup winning squad on the back of a flawless campaign, winning the Championship! :)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: mank baggie on July 04, 2018, 12:03:03 PM
He's dead to me  >:(
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kris_boing on July 04, 2018, 12:26:13 PM
I stopped being hurt by players loyalty when Lee Hughes left for Coventry City.  He didn't leave for a better club, bigger club or a club in a higher division.  He left for the money and he was an Albion FAN.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WoysWunderful on July 04, 2018, 12:31:02 PM
Best of luck to ben. Been a fantastic servant and i totally understand his thinking. If he can get a 3/4 year contract at watford thats another few years of wages to provide for his wages before the big struggle after football starts for players. 1 year contact and dodgy knees might been this year could be his last in the game if he doesn't do something about it.

If you take the emotion out of it, it does make sense.

And he's one of the main reasons we managed to stay in the premier league for so long. Dont begrudge him for a minute.

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: FallOutBoy on July 04, 2018, 12:41:57 PM
I have heard - although it's unconfirmed - that he threw a wobbly when told he wouldn't be first choice. Apparently we were looking at Johnstone whether he stayed or not, as we had major reservations over him completing a Championship season given his age / injuries.

Could be the kind of BS you hear through the grapevine, but could be true.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: boinging_along on July 04, 2018, 01:08:31 PM
I'm not going to hate on Foster just because there is obscene amount of much money in this game.

I'd also point out that there's an obscene amount of money in the game and at least those who are working at the coal face (ie, the players) are taking most of it home.  How many places do we work where the upper managers\board take home massive wages despite doing very little of the actual hard work?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on July 04, 2018, 02:41:44 PM
Another point about Foster is that if you felt there was one player bound to the area, it was him. I thought the only other clubs he might be tempted by would be within daily travelling distance from his home in Leamington (Blues, Villa, Wolves at a stretch). I didn't see him being interested in the Manchester of Liverpool clubs for that reason, never mind Watford. If he does end up at Watford, I wonder if he realises what the daily journey back to Leamington is going to be like.
With Johnstone, he's obviously got no ties to the area, so I reckon the first big club offering a No.1 position, and he'll be off.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on July 04, 2018, 03:39:11 PM
Another point about Foster is that if you felt there was one player bound to the area, it was him. I thought the only other clubs he might be tempted by would be within daily travelling distance from his home in Leamington (Blues, Villa, Wolves at a stretch). I didn't see him being interested in the Manchester of Liverpool clubs for that reason, never mind Watford. If he does end up at Watford, I wonder if he realises what the daily journey back to Leamington is going to be like.
With Johnstone, he's obviously got no ties to the area, so I reckon the first big club offering a No.1 position, and he'll be off.

Give the lad a chance he's only just got here  ???
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionFan on July 04, 2018, 03:40:27 PM
Another point about Foster is that if you felt there was one player bound to the area, it was him. I thought the only other clubs he might be tempted by would be within daily travelling distance from his home in Leamington (Blues, Villa, Wolves at a stretch). I didn't see him being interested in the Manchester of Liverpool clubs for that reason, never mind Watford. If he does end up at Watford, I wonder if he realises what the daily journey back to Leamington is going to be like.
With Johnstone, he's obviously got no ties to the area, so I reckon the first big club offering a No.1 position, and he'll be off.

Blimey! He only signed 24 hours ago and you’re talking about him leaving already? Give him a chance to get his head under the crossbar  ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on July 04, 2018, 04:46:13 PM
I have heard - although it's unconfirmed - that he threw a wobbly when told he wouldn't be first choice. Apparently we were looking at Johnstone whether he stayed or not, as we had major reservations over him completing a Championship season given his age / injuries.

Could be the kind of BS you hear through the grapevine, but could be true.
This is very likely
The bit about the worry of his knees is 100% true, when he was out previously there were genuine doubts he would return
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mr Cynical on July 04, 2018, 04:48:38 PM
I'd also point out that there's an obscene amount of money in the game and at least those who are working at the coal face (ie, the players) are taking most of it home.  How many places do we work where the upper managers\board take home massive wages despite doing very little of the actual hard work?

See Jeremy Peace
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on July 04, 2018, 04:51:08 PM
See Jeremy Peace
For me peace deserves more than what he took
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mr Cynical on July 04, 2018, 04:57:37 PM
For me peace deserves more than what he took

I hate him.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on July 04, 2018, 05:58:15 PM
Blimey! He only signed 24 hours ago and you’re talking about him leaving already? Give him a chance to get his head under the crossbar  ;)
I'm just saying that those who think Foster might have only had a couple of years more with us, might be disappointed if they think Johnstone is a long term alternative! 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albion79 on July 04, 2018, 06:06:03 PM
If it is true that Foster threw a wobbly about Johnstone joining then it shows he is far to comfortable at the club and did need replacing.

Every player should have competition for the shirt, Foster had it easy with Myhill, it was his mate who was happy to be the number 2.

The only mitigating factor may be if Big Dave told Foster he was starting the season as number 2 whatever happens, Foster still should of trained, etc but could understand him been upset as he has done nothing wrong to be demoted to that role without a chance.

However if Big Dave has said we are signing a new keeper, whoever is best preseason and in training will be starting the first league match, the shirt is up for grabs and may the best man win, then thats fair enough, the way it should be, if Foster didnt want the challenge, no bad thing he is going.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggiejohn on July 04, 2018, 07:33:27 PM


However if Big Dave has said we are signing a new keeper, whoever is best preseason and in training will be starting the first league match, the shirt is up for grabs and may the best man win, then thats fair enough, the way it should be, if Foster didnt want the challenge, no bad thing he is going.

Up for the challenge on half the wages? Would you?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on July 04, 2018, 07:38:18 PM
Up for the challenge on half the wages? Would you?

He's one of 23 reasons why he was on half wages.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: NathWBA on July 04, 2018, 07:57:32 PM
Up for the challenge on half the wages? Would you?
so he should be automatic first choice regardless of whether he deserves it or not because he shouldn’t have to face a challenge?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggiejohn on July 04, 2018, 08:02:00 PM
He's one of 23 reasons why he was on half wages.

I don't think Foster was responsible for our relegation. There were a lot of other players a lot more culpable than him.

Getting back to my point, if Watford had offered a better weekly wage than Fosters flex down with us, he might as well be sitting on their bench than ours. I think I would.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggiejohn on July 04, 2018, 08:08:53 PM
so he should be automatic first choice regardless of whether he deserves it or not because he shouldn’t have to face a challenge?

I refer you to the reply I gave to tuamigos.

Nobody should be automatic first choice, but given the argument put forward by Albion79, I would rather be earning £40k per week sitting on the bench at Watford, than £25k per week doing the same here.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on July 04, 2018, 09:13:37 PM
There's no way Foster wouldn't have been our 1st choice keeper ahead of Johnstone.


He was quite simply never going to play Championship football at this stage of his career if he didn't have to.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: caravanc58 on July 04, 2018, 10:39:20 PM
the mail reckons a £4m fee has been agreed with Watford.
http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/945008049?-11200:789
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie82 on July 04, 2018, 10:59:35 PM
There's no way Foster wouldn't have been our 1st choice keeper ahead of Johnstone.He was quite simply never going to play Championship football at this stage of his career if he didn't have to.

Not sure he could play 46 games with his knees anyway.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggie38 on July 05, 2018, 12:13:02 AM
the mail reckons a £4m fee has been agreed with Watford.
http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/945008049?-11200:789


4 million for a 35 year old keeper who is on the verge of retirement and couldn't hack 46 games due to his rusty knees. Easily the best keeper I've seen up here in my lifetime but he has completely ruined his legacy here with his recent actions.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: chipperclark on July 05, 2018, 01:01:35 AM
 :D To be honest can't blame Fozz for getting this deal. He has a family and their future to think about.

In all honesty has he really let us down??? Played as well as ever last season for us with some outstanding stuff. I still think he loves the club and good luck to him.

On the "positive" side we have got a good replacement in Sam Johnstone and he can grow with the club,going forward.

Best of luck Fozz and thanks for your service to this great club. ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: darbolina on July 05, 2018, 06:17:41 AM
:D To be honest can't blame Fozz for getting this deal. He has a family and their future to think about.

In all honesty has he really let us down??? Played as well as ever last season for us with some outstanding stuff. I still think he loves the club and good luck to him.

On the "positive" side we have got a good replacement in Sam Johnstone and he can grow with the club,going forward.

Best of luck Fozz and thanks for your service to this great club. ;D

My thoughts too. Good luck to him . He’ll regret the way he went about it but he was possibly our best ever keeper. We seem to have ourselves a top young replacement and he has a good deal to wind down somewhere.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: caravanc58 on July 05, 2018, 07:57:28 AM

4 million for a 35 year old keeper who is on the verge of retirement and couldn't hack 46 games due to his rusty knees. Easily the best keeper I've seen up here in my lifetime but he has completely ruined his legacy here with his recent actions.
as good as foster is £4m is a great price to get for a 35 yr old keeper, it'll pay a huge chunk of the fee we've paid for his replacement. just a pity it ended the way it has.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tuamigos on July 05, 2018, 09:49:45 AM
the mail reckons a £4m fee has been agreed with Watford.
http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/945008049?-11200:789

Just our luck for him to fail his medical if his knees are that bad.  ???
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: paulosull on July 05, 2018, 10:11:23 AM
Should have went to training camp end of,  he's got agents to push through a move. Us fans will never learn no loyalty to club by these mercenaries.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: skyclad99 on July 05, 2018, 10:18:22 AM
as good as foster is £4m is a great price to get for a 35 yr old keeper, it'll pay a huge chunk of the fee we've paid for his replacement. just a pity it ended the way it has.

Agree with you on this caravan but lets be fair, things don't appear right at our club at the moment so without all of the facts its unfair to blame Ben completely. It is a sad ending all round. We need to remember how good he has been - and still is......
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: kc56wba on July 05, 2018, 10:27:47 AM
Agree with you on this caravan but lets be fair, things don't appear right at our club at the moment so without all of the facts its unfair to blame Ben completely. It is a sad ending all round. We need to remember how good he has been - and still is......

Kev I was at the ground on Tuesday and I can tell you that the staff I spoke to seemed happy with what is going on.

As for Ben Foster lets wait for the final outcome of this transfer saga and then the truth will come out no doubt and then the fans can start blaming either the club or Ben. To be honest I am more than happy with the signing of Jonnstone and IMO he is more than a capeable replacement for Ben,
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: skyclad99 on July 05, 2018, 10:44:26 AM
Kev I was at the ground on Tuesday and I can tell you that the staff I spoke to seemed happy with what is going on.

As for Ben Foster lets wait for the final outcome of this transfer saga and then the truth will come out no doubt and then the fans can start blaming either the club or Ben. To be honest I am more than happy with the signing of Jonnstone and IMO he is more than a capeable replacement for Ben,

Fair comment Kev- cheers for that, and I agree with you, and judging from the reaction of my vile friends, Sam is a very capable replacement.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: elmo_in_swansea on July 05, 2018, 11:12:23 AM
The situation has not been handled at all professionally by anybody! Some simple factual statements whether we fans would have liked them or not is all that was required.
I know we don't have to know what is going on behind the scenes but we don't need the full story just some simple explanations.
Good luck to Ben, good luck to Dawson or anybody else who leaves or has left - its just another factor in the world of modern football of what relegation brings!
We need to rebuild on & off the pitch - lets just get on with it & hope the powers that be allow it!

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: geoff on July 05, 2018, 11:38:20 AM
Should have went to training camp end of,  he's got agents to push through a move. Us fans will never learn no loyalty to club by these mercenaries.

I agree 100% but for 10 years he's been a loyal part of our team & for that alone i can say good luck mukka, IF he goes that is ;).
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: baggiejohn on July 05, 2018, 09:36:55 PM
Gone..........................................to Watford for an undisclosed fee.

From official site
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Mister AT on July 05, 2018, 09:40:11 PM
Signed for Watford.

Bye Ben.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: royhan on July 05, 2018, 09:40:23 PM
He’s been an excellent servant but I feel that we have signed more than an adequate replacement in Johnstone
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: Mister AT on July 05, 2018, 09:50:07 PM
My feelings exactly.

Once the way he has left has blown over, he will be remembered as one of the best keepers this club has had, certainly in my life.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: bradleysrocket on July 05, 2018, 09:53:22 PM
My feelings exactly.

Once the way he has left has blown over, he will be remembered as one of the best keepers this club has had, certainly in my life.
I haven’t seen better in my time. I also don’t think we’ll find out categorically  the exact reasons behind his departure but I suspect it was something mutually beneficial.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: AlbionFan on July 05, 2018, 09:54:57 PM
“Done deal: West Brom stalwart makes Premier League return”

Source: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/done-deal-west-brom-stalwart-14872541

Bye Ben thank you for your service to the club and good luck!
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: WorcsWBA on July 05, 2018, 10:01:42 PM
Cheerio, you've been a great keeper for us. All you had to do was be professional for a few more days, but you didn't so have tarnished your reputation with some Albion fans unnecessarily.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: Fritzl Palace on July 05, 2018, 10:03:29 PM
What a sad way for it to end.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: alwaysbilly on July 05, 2018, 10:30:23 PM
Wonder if he's bought his kids replica shirts yet?
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: AlbionBest on July 05, 2018, 10:31:00 PM
Good luck Ben - one of our best over the years and thanks for the memories.

Over to Sammy boy to show us what he can do now.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: lewisant on July 05, 2018, 10:48:39 PM
I wish him nothing but the best and thank him for being a stand out player in some of the best times to support Baggies in my life.

I'm gutted he's gone and worried about whatever lead to this.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: liverbaggie on July 05, 2018, 11:11:33 PM
Agree with you worcs.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: baggie38 on July 05, 2018, 11:12:41 PM
On the face of it this looks like good business. We have got rid of a 35 year old keeper with dodgy knees and replaced him with a very good 25 year old keeper who I'd imagine would be on lower wages and has the time to not only become a better keeper than Ben but also force himself into the England set up. Foster will be fondly remembered for the saves and the passion he has shown but I've lost a little bit of respect for him after his actions this past week or so. Great shame.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: TheJacko2000 on July 06, 2018, 12:21:14 AM
He leaves with my blessing. Never expected him to play in the 2nd tier. We're certainly worse off for the swap in the immediate future but hopefully Johnstone coming in and Foster leaving means we've avoided a forced decision in 3 years time, that we couldn't put off indefinitely...

It's now imperative we get behind Johnstone, he will make mistakes especially as he settles in it's inevitable.


Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: Standaman on July 06, 2018, 06:39:27 AM
He's signed a 2 year deal at Watford with  an option of a 3rd in the club's favour. This is plainly a much better situation than being on 50% of his wages for this season and out of contract at the end of it.

It is disappointing that he went about getting the move the way he did particularly after what he said about retiring at the Albion. However he tends to say what fans want to hear. Watford are special now and in the past all his previous managers were top men when they arrived and less so when they left.

Foster was the best Albion goalkeeper in my lifetime and I think we got the best of him. I am fairly certain that next season Foster would be better than Johnstone the one after less so and the one after almost certainly not.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: tuamigos on July 06, 2018, 06:45:19 AM
Been a good goalkeeper for us, could have gone about leaving the club in a more professional way IMO
Heyho the revolving door see's another badge kisser pass through.

Now say's 'Watford have always had a special place in my heart'  :D
Is there no end to the realms of BS these guys spout
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: swad35 on July 06, 2018, 07:14:03 AM
He’s been an excellent servant but I feel that we have signed more than an adequate replacement in Johnstone

I agree, has the selling Lescott, feel about it. Disappointed we've lost a good player but somebody coming to the end of his career and replaced him with a highly rated younger replacement.

Wish him all the best, for me the last couple of months wont tarnish a great baggies career.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: AlbionFan on July 06, 2018, 07:23:37 AM
Ben Twitted this last night


Thanks for the memories Baggies, it’s been 7 years that was honestly a pleasure and an honour to play each week. Thanks for making it a home and looking after me.  And to all the staff and players, thanks for making it enjoyable to wake up and come into work everyday 😘😘 @wba
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: paulosull on July 06, 2018, 07:35:10 AM
Good luck Ben, but change your agent if he adviced you to throw your toys out.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: NathWBA on July 06, 2018, 07:41:05 AM
Ben Twitted this last night


Thanks for the memories Baggies, it’s been 7 years that was honestly a pleasure and an honour to play each week. Thanks for making it a home and looking after me.  And to all the staff and players, thanks for making it enjoyable to wake up and come into work everyday 😘😘 @wba
that last bit made me chuckle, slightly ironic after his recent behaviour
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: Hull Baggie on July 06, 2018, 07:54:46 AM
Find it hard to wish him well after his about face these last few weeks, but at the same time I don't wish him any ill.
The best Albion keeper in a long time.

Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: skyclad99 on July 06, 2018, 08:37:05 AM
I wish him well, as many others have said one of the best GK we have had for a very long time.

Whilst its sad to see him go [and the way it has happened] its the start of the rebuild this club desperately need........it was going to happen eventually anyway.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: lewisant on July 06, 2018, 08:58:41 AM
As much as i like him it seems there's a clique that needs breaking up and i can't help but think he was a part of it
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: spencer Baggie on July 06, 2018, 09:00:54 AM
As much as i like him it seems there's a clique that needs breaking up and i can't help but think he was a part of it

He most definitely was.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: seteefeet on July 06, 2018, 09:17:39 AM
Sorry but I can't wish him well after the whole strike thing. If he'd just been honest and said he wanted to move but got on with training, that would have been fair enough.
Yes, he's been a good keeper for us but, just has he owes us nothing, nor do I owe him. Wouldn't be sad to see Watford go down now though.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: Atomic on July 06, 2018, 09:23:36 AM
As much as i like him it seems there's a clique that needs breaking up and i can't help but think he was a part of it


This.

He was a superb keeper for us but this clique has to broken up we cannot have players dictating who manages us, how we play and all the rest of it.

I don't wish Foster well, I don't wish him any harm. He's gone now he is not one of us anymore so to be perfectly honest I don't care.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: hardtobeat on July 06, 2018, 09:24:38 AM
Totally agree with previous comment(seteefeet). Turns out he's just another footballer that can't be honest. From memory didn't he come out with similar when he left Blues ?
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: tommcneill on July 06, 2018, 09:33:30 AM
Wish him all the best, he has been the best keeper ive seen down the Albion in my time

I understand his move, he is getting on, gets to play in the prem again, earn more money and safeguard his future.

He will be finished in 2 years i reckon anyway so we get decent money for a 35 year old and we already have his replacement

Good luck Ben you will be missed between the sticks but thanks for your service to the club
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: Albionic on July 06, 2018, 09:34:47 AM
Yet another nail in "my love for football coffin", 
I am old enough to just shrug and move on, but I really worry how kids can now have heroes when the players are ALL so mercenary and more importantly lie through their teeth.

Footballing Heroes were important to young fans in my day, sadly I suspect that bit of magic has now been taken away from todays kids.

This passage of events puts Ben firmly in the Atkinson / Mowbray class of 2 faced liars sadly !
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: TheJacko2000 on July 06, 2018, 09:52:38 AM
Think the clique was broken up when Myhill and McAuley were released and Morrison's future is up in the air. Has had a huge bearing on Fozzie leaving imo. This interview everyone keeps citing where he said he'd stay and get us back up... refer to the 3rd or 4th paragraph about keeping a strong core of players up for a fight. He clearly feels we haven't done this.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: DaveWBA on July 06, 2018, 09:54:55 AM
Think the clique was broken up when Myhill and McAuley were released and Morrison's future is up in the air. Has had a huge bearing on Fozzie leaving imo. This interview everyone keeps citing where he said he'd stay and get us back up... refer to the 3rd or 4th paragraph about keeping a strong core of players up for a fight. He clearly feels we haven't done this.

Yeah, but we've got £4m for it and if Watford get 18 months out of him then it's a good deal for everyone.

The sooner we get all the remnants of last season out the door, the better.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: tuamigos on July 06, 2018, 10:26:58 AM
Yeah, but we've got £4m for it and if Watford get 18 months out of him then it's a good deal for everyone.

The sooner we get all the remnants of last season out the door, the better.

New coach. New players. New era.
Lets get on with it.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: Barrington on July 06, 2018, 10:28:29 AM
Best keeper I've personally ever seen at the Albion. We were incredibly lucky due to his family being settled that he stuck with us for so long. We'll struggle to attract a keeper anywhere near as good as him in the future. It's those game changing saves that you really miss when all is told.

However, saying that, he's probably only got a couple more really good seasons in him so we were going to have to start looking for a replacement eventually anyway.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: Signor_Maresca on July 06, 2018, 11:33:21 AM
Hands down the best keeper we've had in my time supporting the club but he leaves under a big cloud with his refusal to train.  Big shame, should have left a legend.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: AlbionFan on July 06, 2018, 12:57:11 PM
Ben was a class act for us, but he was one of many over the years we’ve had between the sticks.

Stuart Naylor
Tony Gooden
John Osbourne
Chris Kirkland
Thomas Kuszczak
Ray Potter
Russel Hoult

There are a few others, whose names escape me at the moment, but I’m sure others will add to this list and probably disagree with some I’ve mentioned
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: Fritzl Palace on July 06, 2018, 01:13:09 PM
Alan Miller was superb when he first arrived
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: Signor_Maresca on July 06, 2018, 02:02:31 PM
Ben was a class act for us, but he was one of many over the years we’ve had between the sticks.

Stuart Naylor
Tony Gooden
John Osbourne
Chris Kirkland
Thomas Kuszczak
Ray Potter
Russel Hoult

There are a few others, whose names escape me at the moment, but I’m sure others will add to this list and probably disagree with some I’ve mentioned
Kirkland played 10 league games for us, he can hardly be put in the same bracket as Foster and while he was highly rated at the time his performances were nothing spectacular.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: darbolina on July 06, 2018, 02:17:25 PM
Foster the best keeper we had in my Albion watching lifetime (mid 80s onwards). We only kept him because he was committed to the area , otherwise he'd have played for a top six club.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: alex1 on July 06, 2018, 02:37:48 PM
Very sad news to lose best keeper I've seen at the club. And who I thought was one of the stalwarts at the club. What I don't understand is that he must have known he was getting a pay reduction with relegation. It's obvious that if Man City or most Prem clubs come knocking at the door they are going to be able to comfortably match West Brom's wages. 
But in spite of that, he said he would be staying.
This is starting to look like a major cock-up by the club.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: Scooby Doo on July 06, 2018, 02:46:37 PM
Not really bothered if I'm being genuinely and much of that is down to his replacement. We've seen with keepers how they can come back after a summer a shadow of their former selves once they get into their mid 30's. We've signed a fantastic keeper as his replacement who is ten years his junior.

Foster said he'd stay and then acted totally unprofessionally. Goodbye. Nowhere near as gutted as when Hoult was released to be honest.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: ex coseley kid on July 06, 2018, 02:53:26 PM
Not really bothered if I'm being genuinely and much of that is down to his replacement. We've seen with keepers how they can come back after a summer a shadow of their former selves once they get into their mid 30's. We've signed a fantastic keeper as his replacement who is ten years his junior.

Foster said he'd stay and then acted totally unprofessionally. Goodbye. Nowhere near as gutted as when Hoult was released to be honest.

Only reason I'm at all upset about this thing. I really do wish him well he was great for us, only sorry he said one thing and did another. Should have kept your gob shut Fozzie... but good luck, fresh young legs and keen minds is what we need now anyway.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: geoff on July 06, 2018, 04:01:20 PM
New coach. New players. New era.
Lets get on with it.


"Where" ;) lol
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: garry on July 06, 2018, 04:26:10 PM
The only thing that annoys me is his hypocrisy
Very happy with the replacement
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: gerry m on July 06, 2018, 06:23:33 PM
Good Goalie but Ossie,Godden and Houlty better!
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: bradleysrocket on July 06, 2018, 06:25:23 PM
Good Goalie but Ossie,Godden and Houlty better!
Didn’t see much of the first two. I’d have foster a fair bit ahead of Hoult though.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: gerry m on July 06, 2018, 06:37:33 PM
Didn’t see much of the first two. I’d have foster a fair bit ahead of Hoult though.

Russell was a great goalie mate.Should of played for England but he played for little old West Brom.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: wba_1996 on July 06, 2018, 11:36:03 PM
By miles the best keeper we've had since the turn of the century, anybody saying different is probably slightly bitter about the way he's gone about leaving. Personally, I don't care who leaves, whenever we get back into the PL we'll have the means to sign players as good as/better than any who've left - as do any of the tinpot clubs currently occupying the bottom half of that division.

Foster would have needed replacing in the next year anyway, we've signed a decent keeper with 10 years on him for minimal net spend so I'm pretty relaxed about it.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: albion59 on July 07, 2018, 12:33:34 AM
Harold Pearson, Jimmy Sanders, John Osborne, Tony Godden, Alan Miller, Stuart Naylor, Russell Holt all better than Foster nothing to do with his behaviour or bitterness towards him just a fact.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: wba_1996 on July 07, 2018, 01:50:37 AM
Harold Pearson, Jimmy Sanders, John Osborne, Tony Godden, Alan Miller, Stuart Naylor, Russell Holt all better than Foster nothing to do with his behaviour or bitterness towards him just a fact.

1. Turn of the century = 2000 onwards.
2. The only one since then is Hoult, who was nowhere near Foster's ability.
3. Have you really just stated, as a fact, that a goalkeeper who played in the 1920's, who you never watched play, was better than an England international goalkeeper from the modern era?   ???
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: Scooby Doo on July 07, 2018, 06:28:32 AM
1. Turn of the century = 2000 onwards.
2. The only one since then is Hoult, who was nowhere near Foster's ability.
3. Have you really just stated, as a fact, that a goalkeeper who played in the 1920's, who you never watched play, was better than an England international goalkeeper from the modern era?   ???

Hoult was quite possibly the most underrated goalkeeper in English football at his peak for us and the only reason he wasn't capped was because he played for us. I'd agree with wba_1996, I'd rate Hoult as better. Personal opinion though I guess.

I'd also argue Foster was sold by Man Utd when we have another modern day goalkeeper who was actually signed by Man Utd. So does that give The PIG more reason to be named our best than Foster?

Hoult for me is the best I've seen.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: BoingFlyer on August 08, 2018, 10:52:58 AM
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/08/08/ben-foster-excited-psychology-wattbikes-3pm-buzz/amp

decent read on why he left.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: The Joust on August 08, 2018, 11:11:53 AM
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/08/08/ben-foster-excited-psychology-wattbikes-3pm-buzz/amp

decent read on why he left.

Interesting read
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: frazzle on August 08, 2018, 11:19:51 AM
Suggests that he didn't like the changes that were being made under Moore?
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: SmethDan on August 08, 2018, 11:53:48 AM
Suggests that he didn't like the changes that were being made under Moore?

I read it more along the lines of higher up the food chain.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: Signor_Maresca on August 08, 2018, 12:18:40 PM
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/08/08/ben-foster-excited-psychology-wattbikes-3pm-buzz/amp

decent read on why he left.
The Jenkins toxicity factor is well and truly back.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: alex1 on August 08, 2018, 01:07:18 PM
Must admit I was gutted to see Foster leave, not just because he's still one of the top 3-4 keepers in the country, but because he's the sort of character you need behind the defence. He was clearly important as a guy who could organise and had a natural authority. From what he said, I also thought he was about as close as you could get to being a clubman in the modern era, with his kids being West Brom fans and he being so attached to the Midlands.
But it seems like he would have stayed, if it were not for what was happening behind the scenes at the club. No doubt we shall learn more. If it boiled down to the club deciding to take on Johnston and push Myhill out, then on this occasion I think they got it badly wrong. Normally, I don't believe in player power, but in Foster we had much more than just a damned good keeper. 
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: seteefeet on August 09, 2018, 11:13:11 AM
Been told off for discussing on a different thread (James Tavernier) but would like to answer a point made so moved on to here.
In his recent interview Foster mentioned "stuff going on behind the scenes" but left it as a vague accusation without any substance. "I don't want to get into it". Well why mention it then?.
This leads me to believe he was just trying to justify his jumping ship following the " I'm staying" " My kids are baggies" comments. I really think his move had nothing to do with anything other than money and his inability to face competition from a younger, fitter keeper. Once he knew his old mucka "I'm happy to sit on the bench" Myhill was going he knew he would be challenged and didn't like it one bit.
Yes there have been job losses but does anyone really believe that this was key to his departure???
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: Foster#1 on August 09, 2018, 11:15:25 AM
I still think Job losses he could of meant releasing McAuley, myhill & McAuley. All close friends and all had contracts but didn't get extended. That is a "job loss"
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: Hull Baggie on August 09, 2018, 11:21:51 AM
Been told off for discussing on a different thread (James Tavernier) but would like to answer a point made so moved on to here.
In his recent interview Foster mentioned "stuff going on behind the scenes" but left it as a vague accusation without any substance. "I don't want to get into it". Well why mention it then?.
This leads me to believe he was just trying to justify his jumping ship following the " I'm staying" " My kids are baggies" comments. I really think his move had nothing to do with anything other than money and his inability to face competition from a younger, fitter keeper. Once he knew his old mucka "I'm happy to sit on the bench" Myhill was going he knew he would be challenged and didn't like it one bit.
Yes there have been job losses but does anyone really believe that this was key to his departure???

of course he was trying to justify why he left that was the whole reason for the interview!
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: The Joust on August 09, 2018, 11:22:03 AM
I still think Job losses he could of meant releasing McAuley, myhill & McAuley. All close friends and all had contracts but didn't get extended. That is a "job loss"

Mate, sorry but no, you're wide off if you think he meant those players leaving as 'Job losses'
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: boinging_along on August 09, 2018, 11:23:22 AM
Like I said, calling the release of players "job losses" is a weird phrasing.  Maybe it could have been though, can't rule it out.

As for believing it was key to his departure, I can only go on what he says - if we start saying 'well he's lying about that' then how do believe anything that anyone says?  I think it was a mixture of that and the chance of playing in the Prem again. 

One thing about Foster is that he's always been pretty straight up, if it was just the chance of playing in the Prem and for Watford again I'm sure he would have just said that.  He knows that him leaving will have annoyed the fans anyway, saying there's stuff going on behind the scenes isn't going to soften the blow at all.

The "why mention it" thing was down to him just being asked in an interview, 'why did you leave?'.  He gave his reasons and didn't want to get into detail.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: seteefeet on August 09, 2018, 11:24:05 AM
of course he was trying to justify why he left that was the whole reason for the interview!
The theme of the interview was psychology.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: Foster#1 on August 09, 2018, 11:26:06 AM
Who has lost jobs ? Still same faces in club shop & ticket office...
The only losses are the players, Williams and a few others
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: Foster#1 on August 09, 2018, 11:29:38 AM
He 100% for me was speaking about senior figures who was no longer at the club
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: SmethDan on August 09, 2018, 11:40:32 AM
Been told off for discussing on a different thread (James Tavernier) but would like to answer a point made so moved on to here.
In his recent interview Foster mentioned "stuff going on behind the scenes" but left it as a vague accusation without any substance. "I don't want to get into it". Well why mention it then?.
This leads me to believe he was just trying to justify his jumping ship following the " I'm staying" " My kids are baggies" comments. I really think his move had nothing to do with anything other than money and his inability to face competition from a younger, fitter keeper. Once he knew his old mucka "I'm happy to sit on the bench" Myhill was going he knew he would be challenged and didn't like it one bit.
Yes there have been job losses but does anyone really believe that this was key to his departure???

I think he may have been referring to losses in the medical/physio department. Let's face it, he probably used them more on a day to day basis than most but wouldn't want to go into too much detail as to just how much having recently signed for Watford. As his new club they have a responsibility to be aware of his requirements, but how would their insurers or supporters react if he went into protracted detail?

The doc's gone to Forest and I'd imagine (although I don't know) that a few members of his team will have joined him. Whether enough replacements have been brought in or are up to the job is anyone's guess and only time will tell. It's also worth remembering that a club which has placed great stock on it's training ground over the years (club culture?) withdrew funding for a £250,000 upgrade of facilities. We also have a new head of fitness whom he may or not think is up to the mark. Ie, Foster may feel the player's day to work environment had been negatively affected.

I don't know any of this for sure and I'm just speculating, but I think it's a more likely scenario than him being in a state of grief due to Beryl the tea lady having to serve broken biscuits alongside her selection of tasty beverages.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: Hull Baggie on August 09, 2018, 11:43:44 AM
The theme of the interview was psychology.

not really. the headline for the interview was "Ben Foster has broken his silence on why he left West Brom". No mention of psychology in the interview at all. he was simply trying to justify why he left.

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ben-foster-broken-silence-left-15003849
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: seteefeet on August 09, 2018, 11:49:15 AM
not really. the headline for the interview was "Ben Foster has broken his silence on why he left West Brom". No mention of psychology in the interview at all. he was simply trying to justify why he left.

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ben-foster-broken-silence-left-15003849
Think we are looking two different things mate. The one i referred to was from a link posted by boingflyer, earlier in the thread, entitled " Ben Foster excited by psychology, Wattbikes and the 3pm buzz"
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: Hull Baggie on August 09, 2018, 11:53:13 AM
Think we are looking two different things mate. The one i referred to was from a link posted by boingflyer, earlier in the thread, entitled " Ben Foster excited by psychology, Wattbikes and the 3pm buzz"

Ah sorry, that explains it then. I didn't see the post you were referring to.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: HampshireBaggie on August 09, 2018, 12:06:01 PM
If players at the club are not happy with ‘job losses’ then maybe they shouldn’t have put us in a position where we lose half of our income?

If any business lost its main contract, and replaced it with one 50% of the size with a 2 year time limit, there would be redundancies.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: Mr Cynical on August 10, 2018, 11:22:49 AM
I also think that we removed a number of people from their positions in the scouting department and the 'performance' department too.  I don't think that the scouts would have had that much contact with Foster, but the performance department could contain performance (data) analysts and maybe psychologists and maybe specialists such as recovery?  I'm guessing really.  My opinion is that the move is about two things - one last big payday, and the demand of playing minimum 48 games as a championship club... with dodgy knees.

Another thing that may be affecting his mind set is that (since the end of the season) he has given up on turning the place he bought in Stratford into what he envisaged, and moved into a rental place just outside Leamington.  (Whilst they find the place they want to live long term.)  The lack of 'security' of your own base may lead you to making different decisions than if you had one - and we all know that Foster is 'home' orientated.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: BigFrank20 on September 23, 2018, 06:52:21 AM
Is anyone actually missing him?
Some of the comments on the post match thread made me think no we are not missing him at all. No more interminable hoofs up the pitch to come straight back, no more at times embarrassing time wasting and so far not really missed his undoubted shot stopping ability
A new era has rearly dawned at the Baggies methinks
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: boinging_along on September 23, 2018, 08:03:13 AM
We miss him massively.  I get that his kicking wasn't great, neither is Johnstone's though. I doubt he'd be time wasting this season seeing as we are one of the stronger teams and under new management. We certainly are missing his shot stopping, we've conceded a few goals this season where I thought the keeper should have done better. We also miss his organisation and his ability to handle crosses.

I'm not saying Johnstone is terrible, his throwing out is better than Fosters and, probably most important of all, he's a LOT younger, but it's clear to me that Foster is the better keeper.  We'd have to move on from Foster someday though, so it may as well have been now.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: Chipperfan on September 23, 2018, 08:08:34 AM
Is anyone actually missing him?
Some of the comments on the post match thread made me think no we are not missing him at all. No more interminable hoofs up the pitch to come straight back, no more at times embarrassing time wasting and so far not really missed his undoubted shot stopping ability
A new era has rearly dawned at the Baggies methinks

Foster’s time wasting began the day Pulis walked into the Hawthorns. That particular finger can’t be pointed at him whatever the truth about how he left us. He was just doing what he was instructed to do.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: Blowee on September 23, 2018, 09:53:31 AM
Is anyone actually missing him?
Some of the comments on the post match thread made me think no we are not missing him at all. No more interminable hoofs up the pitch to come straight back, no more at times embarrassing time wasting and so far not really missed his undoubted shot stopping ability
A new era has rearly dawned at the Baggies methinks
Wasn't Johnson booked for time wasting against Bristol City?
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: ex coseley kid on September 23, 2018, 10:06:51 AM
Foster’s time wasting began the day Pulis walked into the Hawthorns. That particular finger can’t be pointed at him whatever the truth about how he left us. He was just doing what he was instructed to do.

I do tend to agree with this.

Foster was for the most part ace for us. I miss him and wish him well.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: liverbaggie on September 23, 2018, 11:28:11 AM
He was the best keeper in my opinion,thanks for that,but went down in my estimation with the way he left.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: elkiellis on September 23, 2018, 01:21:08 PM
I think Fosters reasons for leaving us are absolute rubbish,i would have respected him more if he had just said he wanted to remain playing in the premier league,instead of making up vague comments to justify his move to Watford of course of which he had to do especially after making out he and is family were practically Albion fans,having said this he is probably the best keeper ive seen at the Albion,and ive seen everyone from John Osbourne onwards
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: alex1 on September 23, 2018, 01:33:13 PM
I do miss Foster because he was a character who helped galvinise the defence together and he was local to the region. I think its important to have a few Midlanders at the core of the club to connect better with the fanbase. 
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: smosher34 on September 23, 2018, 09:16:11 PM
He's a snake. Great keeper but refusing to go on pre season forcing a move. Nah did it for me hero to zero in weeks,
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: Jeremy Roland Peace on September 24, 2018, 08:13:10 AM
is it possible he was one of the problems in the dressing room that led to the bad culture we had/still potentially have bits of ?
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: sing on our own on September 24, 2018, 09:21:17 AM
is it possible he was one of the problems in the dressing room that led to the bad culture we had/still potentially have bits of ?
I think he was the main man in the ‘clique’ remember what Odemwingie said about him and his bullying, looks like he was right all along.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: geoff on September 24, 2018, 09:43:28 AM
He's a snake. Great keeper but refusing to go on pre season forcing a move. Nah did it for me hero to zero in weeks,


Never a truer word smosher34
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: Do I not like Wolves on September 24, 2018, 10:51:14 AM
He's a snake. Great keeper but refusing to go on pre season forcing a move. Nah did it for me hero to zero in weeks,
Good keeper but still not up there with Osborne, Holt, Godden and Miller in my book,out for along time injured and was well looked after so his poor attitude at the end was hard to take. I reckon he has stayed living in Stratford as his commute is not that much longer to Watford so i guess he is the real winner. Player power wins again.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: tuamigos on September 24, 2018, 10:54:32 AM
Can't see why you keep beating yourselves up over this creep.
He was good when he was here, he was well paid and looked after, he's left after leading everyone to believe this was the only place for him.
Let it go, lets support the players we have here now.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: liverbaggie on September 30, 2018, 11:15:43 AM
See he's been tweeting congratulating us on going to top of the league.
Please Ben,keep your comments to yourself about us,you ran away ,refused to train you and your kids love us!!
Save it for Watford fans.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: baggie82 on September 30, 2018, 11:23:24 AM
He couldn't play 46 championship games with his knees and moved on, get over it. The animosity towards a great former player is unreal.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: zippyandbungle on September 30, 2018, 11:37:11 AM
I think he was the main man in the ‘clique’ remember what Odemwingie said about him and his bullying, looks like he was right all along.
This is very much swept under the carpet
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: elkiellis on September 30, 2018, 01:01:42 PM
He couldn't play 46 championship games with his knees and moved on, get over it. The animosity towards a great former player is unreal.
Championship being the key word here,he will be fine to play 36 games in the premiership though
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: OldburyWBA on September 30, 2018, 01:12:00 PM
He couldn't play 46 championship games with his knees and moved on, get over it. The animosity towards a great former player is unreal.

The animosity is understandable given how he was coming out with the loyalty statements whilst behind the scenes angling for his move away ala Paul Robinson. If he had been honest from the start there would be no animosity. For all his faults at least McClean had the balls to be honest.

No reason to tell people to "get over it" at all.
Title: Re: Official: Ben Foster joins Watford
Post by: VVVAlbion on September 30, 2018, 02:52:11 PM
No reason to tell people to "get over it" at all.
Although it is probably good advice on health grounds  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: AlbionFan on December 26, 2018, 08:53:04 PM
Ben just clattered into Hazard, giving away a penalty.

Which was dispatched with ease by Hazard.

Bit reckless from Ben
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: LiamTheBaggie on December 26, 2018, 10:03:58 PM
Your description reminds me of that night at Villa Park which I still have not forgiven him for.

Good keeper but a pooh house. Seems to be doing well for Watford by all accounts.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: Hull Baggie on December 27, 2018, 10:51:01 AM
Foster had one of those games yesterday that he occasionally had for us where he needlessly charges off his line and is beaten by Hazard giving him the easiest of finishes. Poor for the pen too.

Shame really but every keeper has a bad performance in him. He's had some great games for Watford this season too (judging by MOTD highlights). Still a quality keeper.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: AlbionFan on January 19, 2019, 05:56:21 PM
The boy done good  :D

Telegraph Twitter account
Watford and Burnley's clash was a full-blooded affair with excellent performances from both goalkeepers Tom Heaton and Ben Foster, as well as some poor finishing from each side
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: Dan on January 19, 2019, 06:04:31 PM
We'd be top if Foster stayed, just the much superior command of his box over Johnstone is worth a hell of a lot of points for us that we've lost.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: gerry m on January 19, 2019, 06:28:39 PM
We'd be top if Foster stayed, just the much superior command of his box over Johnstone is worth a hell of a lot of points for us that we've lost.

A big if. As soon as we went down he didnt want to know.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: zippyandbungle on January 19, 2019, 09:38:18 PM
We'd be top if Foster stayed, just the much superior command of his box over Johnstone is worth a hell of a lot of points for us that we've lost.
There were times when I honestly would have put myhill in over foster, there were also times when foster really kept us in games/got us the points

There has never once this season when I have felt comfortable with our keeper (in league matches)
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: kie the baggie on January 19, 2019, 10:01:37 PM
A big if. As soon as we went down he didnt want to know.
He didnt want to go, he was told of our intentions and pretty much had to leave
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: OldburyWBA on January 20, 2019, 12:07:59 PM
He didnt want to go, he was told of our intentions and pretty much had to leave

He wanted to go as soon as we were down I was told, that came from someone with connections to the dressing room.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: Atomic on January 20, 2019, 12:14:24 PM
We'd be top if Foster stayed, just the much superior command of his box over Johnstone is worth a hell of a lot of points for us that we've lost.


I agree with that. I'm not convinced by Johnstone at all. The amount of times we've conceded this season and I've thought to myself "Foster would've stopped that" are just too frequent.

Johnstone has better distribution than Foster but he's not as good as him in any other department.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: liverbaggie on January 20, 2019, 01:58:44 PM
Not yet he isn't, but keepers are like fine wine,are they not?
My impression is that he has the qualities to become a top goalie for us for years .
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: Atomic on January 20, 2019, 02:08:05 PM
Not yet he isn't, but keepers are like fine wine,are they not?
My impression is that he has the qualities to become a top goalie for us for years .


I hope he does, of course, but at this present moment (IMO) we are losing points because of him.

It's a catch 22 I know, keepers don't improve without experience but at the same time you have to get results in the here and now.

The safest I've felt all season was when Bond was in goal in the FA Cup. I know that wasn't a priority game, weakened teams etc but it's slightly concerning that Sam doesn't give me that same assurance. Every time someone shoots from distance I'm shitting it thinking the shot is going in and often it has this season. That's not good.

One thing he lacks for me is stature. He's 6'2" I believe (to my eyes a weak one at that) and whilst in terms of society that's by no means a shortarse most goalkeepers are a good 6'4".

Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: gerry m on January 20, 2019, 02:17:35 PM
He wanted to go as soon as we were down I was told, that came from someone with connections to the dressing room.

Thank you Oldbury!
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: Atomic on January 20, 2019, 02:24:20 PM
He wanted to go as soon as we were down I was told, that came from someone with connections to the dressing room.


Who?

Come on if you're prepared to make a statement like that publicly then you should qualify it.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: OldburyWBA on January 20, 2019, 02:42:51 PM

Who?

Come on if you're prepared to make a statement like that publicly then you should qualify it.

Not a chance will I ever name someone on a website who has passed something on.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: Atomic on January 20, 2019, 02:45:18 PM
Not a chance will I ever name someone on a website who has passed something on.


Then you shouldn't make the comment in the first place (IMO). Either reveal or keep it under your hat.

For the record I totally believe your comment.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: OldburyWBA on January 20, 2019, 02:59:46 PM

Then you shouldn't make the comment in the first place (IMO). Either reveal or keep it under your hat.

For the record I totally believe your comment.

Problem with naming people is you will never get told anything else and it could jeopardise them as well. If it wasn't from someone I do trust I wouldn't post it.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: Atomic on January 20, 2019, 03:07:55 PM
Problem with naming people is you will never get told anything else and it could jeopardise them as well. If it wasn't from someone I do trust I wouldn't post it.


Understood. The trouble is you become part of the "rumour mill". I've been told this and that but have nothing to back it up, therefore there's no substance to the comments. See what I mean?

Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: OldburyWBA on January 20, 2019, 03:42:21 PM

Understood. The trouble is you become part of the "rumour mill". I've been told this and that but have nothing to back it up, therefore there's no substance to the comments. See what I mean?

I totally understand and at times agree 100% as I see it on here and elsewhere everyday but there are some on here who I know are 100% genuine and not Twitter reliant.

PS - I very rarely use Twitter especially when we are playing or just afterwards  :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: Dan87uk on January 20, 2019, 03:57:52 PM

I hope he does, of course, but at this present moment (IMO) we are losing points because of him.

It's a catch 22 I know, keepers don't improve without experience but at the same time you have to get results in the here and now.

The safest I've felt all season was when Bond was in goal in the FA Cup. I know that wasn't a priority game, weakened teams etc but it's slightly concerning that Sam doesn't give me that same assurance. Every time someone shoots from distance I'm shitting it thinking the shot is going in and often it has this season. That's not good.

Agree with all of this (especially the bolded bits)
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: BoingFlyer on January 20, 2019, 04:10:23 PM

I his own words, he wanted to stay but did not like the changes that occured behind the scenes.


https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/08/08/ben-foster-excited-psychology-wattbikes-3pm-buzz/
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: KN22 on January 20, 2019, 04:13:47 PM
I was always a massive Foster fan. However, to Claim we would be top if he had stayed is stretching things imo. Johnstone is not as good as Foster but he’s not as bad as some would suggest either. Ask Villa fans if they’d take him back..... we all know the answer.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: OldburyWBA on January 20, 2019, 04:29:31 PM
I his own words, he wanted to stay but did not like the changes that occured behind the scenes.


https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/08/08/ben-foster-excited-psychology-wattbikes-3pm-buzz/

Player says one thing to the press whilst saying others elsewhere, reminds me of Robinson all over again
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: ex coseley kid on January 20, 2019, 06:00:42 PM
I was always a massive Foster fan. However, to Claim we would be top if he had stayed is stretching things imo. Johnstone is not as good as Foster but he’s not as bad as some would suggest either. Ask Villa fans if they’d take him back..... we all know the answer.

I'm not so sure - we're talking seven points. Fozzie would have kept a couple of clean sheets easily so far.

That said I think we will see improvements in Sam. I agree he is better than some say.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: AlbionFan on January 20, 2019, 06:03:52 PM
Player says one thing to the press whilst saying others elsewhere, reminds me of Robinson all over again

Now you tell me, after I bought his frame.  :D

Mind, it is quality and very pleased with it!
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: BoingFlyer on January 20, 2019, 06:09:01 PM
Player says one thing to the press whilst saying others elsewhere, reminds me of Robinson all over again

I have no doubt his agent did not have to do to much convincing.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: zippyandbungle on January 20, 2019, 09:10:53 PM
Agree with all of this (especially the bolded bits)
I thought I was on a lonely island with this

Johnstone is terrible
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: TheJacko2000 on January 20, 2019, 09:26:02 PM
Fooling ourselves if we don't think we'd have been far better off and I mean 10-12 points had Foster stayed. I also wouldn't be averse to Bond getting a run despite Zippy's previous with rating keepers  ;D ;)
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: The Black Pearl on January 20, 2019, 09:44:09 PM
Its a tricky one to quantify, Foster would never have got bundled into the back of the net like Johnstone, but I'm not convinced Foster would have stopped two or three shots that Johnstone has made, overall, yes we probably would have been a few points better off because of Fosters command of the area, but its a hard one to prove.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: TheJacko2000 on January 20, 2019, 09:46:03 PM
Its a tricky one to quantify, Foster would never have got bundled into the back of the net like Johnstone, but I'm not convinced Foster would have stopped two or three shots that Johnstone has made, overall, yes we probably would have been a few points better off because of Fosters command of the area, but its a hard one to prove.


Foster has won Watford 3 games already against far better players and finishing. He's also captain when Deeney doesn't play. A massive loss.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: The Black Pearl on January 20, 2019, 09:55:18 PM

Foster has won Watford 3 games already against far better players and finishing. He's also captain when Deeney doesn't play. A massive loss.

I'm not disputing he is a loss, just making the point that points lost as a result is subjective, its pretty academic anyway, he wanted out.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: WBArgo on January 20, 2019, 11:23:21 PM
It's all ifs and buts had Foster stayed, the truth is he wanted out...so there was no point keeping him around - especially with our finances where Johnstone is cheaper in terms of wages for the long-term.

In my view, Foster is the superior of the two; but he was a fantastic keeper and was impossible to replace. Having said that, I still rate Johnstone and think he is fairly solid, he's definitely not Carson mark two like some are making out.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: TheJacko2000 on January 21, 2019, 02:20:17 AM
It's all ifs and buts had Foster stayed, the truth is he wanted out...so there was no point keeping him around - especially with our finances where Johnstone is cheaper in terms of wages for the long-term.

In my view, Foster is the superior of the two; but he was a fantastic keeper and was impossible to replace. Having said that, I still rate Johnstone and think he is fairly solid, he's definitely not Carson mark two like some are making out.


At this stage he isn't as good as Carson was nowhere near... England caps etc.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: tommcneill on January 21, 2019, 06:36:35 AM

At this stage he isn't as good as Carson was nowhere near... England caps etc.

I have to agree with this totally

Johnstone has not impressed me at all, he has some brilliant qualities, he also has a definite clanger in him, that doesn't fill me with confidence, it will affect our defence aswell.

Foster is a huge miss, lets not kid ourselves, we would be probably 6-10 points better off
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: hardtobeat on January 21, 2019, 09:01:06 AM
To be 12 points better off  means we would have had to have lost 4 games from winning positions where Johnstone was to blame for a minimum of 2 goals and didn't make any decent saves !.Would be very interested to know which games these were ?
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: alex1 on January 21, 2019, 01:50:43 PM
He is indeed a massive loss, not just his shot stopping ability, his natural authority in organising the defence. I wonder if we do get promoted, whether we or he would want to come back. His young kids would be pleased!
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: AlbionFan on February 02, 2019, 07:57:53 PM
Ben had another cracking game again today for Watford, reportedly bring off three world class saves in quick succession
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: 17GD on February 03, 2019, 11:03:11 PM
Does anyone else think it's odd that Foster has been playing blinders for Watford, yet hardly ever made saves like that for us? He was by no means a bad GK, but he certainly seemed to be more dodgy than delightful!

Could it be the defence in front of him and the confidence thing?
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: alex1 on February 03, 2019, 11:17:00 PM
Does anyone else think it's odd that Foster has been playing blinders for Watford, yet hardly ever made saves like that for us? He was by no means a bad GK, but he certainly seemed to be more dodgy than delightful!

Could it be the defence in front of him and the confidence thing?

I thought he played alot of blinders for us. Probably won us 8 or 9 points every season. Most games he made a couple of top saves. Besides that, he added alot of authority and natural leadership at the back.
If we get promoted and he wanted to come back, I'd seal the deal. 
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: TheJacko2000 on February 04, 2019, 12:13:40 AM
Does anyone else think it's odd that Foster has been playing blinders for Watford, yet hardly ever made saves like that for us? He was by no means a bad GK, but he certainly seemed to be more dodgy than delightful!

Could it be the defence in front of him and the confidence thing?


Just about as far wide of the mark as you can get. Foster was superb for us. Easily our best EVER keeper.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: 17GD on February 04, 2019, 12:29:51 AM

Just about as far wide of the mark as you can get. Foster was superb for us. Easily our best EVER keeper.

Lol opinions.

It's funny how now he's gone he's considered our best GK, yet while he was here he took A LOT of stick off the majority of fans.

I think he was decent, certainly one of the better GKs we've had, though he always struck me as a bit of a flapper. It just seems like he's being highlighted a lot lately and he's been having some superb matches for Watford.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: wba_1996 on February 04, 2019, 12:53:38 AM
Lol opinions.

It's funny how now he's gone he's considered our best GK, yet while he was here he took A LOT of stick off the majority of fans.

I think he was decent, certainly one of the better GKs we've had, though he always struck me as a bit of a flapper. It just seems like he's being highlighted a lot lately and he's been having some superb matches for Watford.

I'm really not sure where you're getting that from. He made excellent saves virtually every game. He won player of the season 3 times. Most fans have him as our best keeper of all time, if not comfortably top 3.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: Andio on February 04, 2019, 01:05:35 AM
Most fans have him as our best keeper of all time, if not comfortably top 3.

Easily, Hoult comes second, 30 years experience going up the Baggies.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: caravanc58 on February 04, 2019, 02:22:35 AM
Lol opinions.

It's funny how now he's gone he's considered our best GK, yet while he was here he took A LOT of stick off the majority of fans.

I think he was decent, certainly one of the better GKs we've had, though he always struck me as a bit of a flapper. It just seems like he's being highlighted a lot lately and he's been having some superb matches for Watford.
not the best in my time supporting the baggies, good keeper though.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: BigFrank20 on February 04, 2019, 03:54:05 AM
I've always struggled to forgive him for THAT goal the seals scored, talk about flapping around!
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: gavinrussell on February 04, 2019, 05:50:21 AM
From my first game (1965)...Foster by a country mile..
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: KN22 on February 04, 2019, 12:48:37 PM

Just about as far wide of the mark as you can get. Foster was superb for us. Easily our best EVER keeper.

I 100% agree that he was the best keeper I have ever seen for Albion and have been a regular since 1970. And for the record, I said so when he was here, not just now he has gone.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: WBArgo on February 04, 2019, 04:20:21 PM
Lol opinions.

It's funny how now he's gone he's considered our best GK, yet while he was here he took A LOT of stick off the majority of fans.

I think he was decent, certainly one of the better GKs we've had, though he always struck me as a bit of a flapper. It just seems like he's being highlighted a lot lately and he's been having some superb matches for Watford.

I think the general consensus is that he's our best keeper in the modern era, I can't talk about the old days as I wasn't alive, but in my life-time no one really comes close.

In terms of criticism on here, some people would go overboard if he made the odd mistake, but all keepers do that - even the very best in the world. I think we as fans can be overly harsh on the #1 keeper, whereas the #2's can often be over-rated somewhat. For instance, Myhill was often given a bit of a pass in comparison to Foster when in reality he was always far worse.

From the top of my head, I remember we lost 2-1 at Newcastle last season and Foster made an absolute wonder save.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: 17GD on February 04, 2019, 05:14:22 PM
I've always struggled to forgive him for THAT goal the seals scored, talk about flapping around!

Yeah I'm with you here. He took a lot of abuse after that because we played them in the league on the Tuesday, and they hadn't won for ages, but that 90th minute foul cost us a point, then that gave them the impetus to beat us in the cup a few days later.

As I've said, he was a decent GK for us, but in my opinion he has improved since joining Watford and this is being highlighted on MotD and across media of late.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: SmethDan on February 04, 2019, 05:28:50 PM
I think the general consensus is that he's our best keeper in the modern era, I can't talk about the old days as I wasn't alive, but in my life-time no one really comes close.

In terms of criticism on here, some people would go overboard if he made the odd mistake, but all keepers do that - even the very best in the world. I think we as fans can be overly harsh on the #1 keeper, whereas the #2's can often be over-rated somewhat. For instance, Myhill was often given a bit of a pass in comparison to Foster when in reality he was always far worse.

From the top of my head, I remember we lost 2-1 at Newcastle last season and Foster made an absolute wonder save.

We beat them 0-1 at their place last season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: The Black Pearl on February 04, 2019, 07:34:44 PM
Probably the best overall.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: Albionic on February 04, 2019, 09:32:50 PM
Probably the best overall.

Bob the builder no arguments
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: AlbionFan on February 09, 2019, 12:16:20 PM
"There is so much pressure and stress in football that many players are not happy, claims Ben Foster... but Watford keeper says life is perfect for him now"

Worth a read

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6684035/Ben-Foster-says-players-unhappy-feels-good-Watford.html
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: AlbionFan on February 09, 2019, 12:28:24 PM
Peter Shilton Twitter Account

"Ben Foster saying today about players feeling pressure and don’t perform up to their ability. So true that just ability is not enough to win things character and heart is also needed in the last 6/8 games of title race!"
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: Albion79 on February 09, 2019, 01:04:57 PM
The interview with Foster is interesting, he certainly doesnt come across as your typical footballer.

The bit i find bemusing is where he says he stayed at West Brom too long and even thought about quitting football altogether.

Which begs the question why in April and May was he doing repeated interviews and giving quotes about wanting to stay for life, that Albion was his club, etc?!

I said at the time i had no issue with him leaving, if anybody deserved to stay in the premier league it was him, he also seems a decent bloke as well as being a brilliant keeper, it was the way he went about it that i didnt like and i just cannot understand why he repeatedly spoke rubbish about his future at the Albion.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: smosher34 on February 09, 2019, 02:00:23 PM
And yet still some fans think he was forced out. Had many a discussion on forums over this.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: 17GD on February 09, 2019, 10:19:38 PM
Foster, like Assou-Ekotu (ex-Spurs left back) aren't football fans. They play football to earn a living but don't love football like fans do. Foster said in the Artist in Residence programme that he plays football for that "3 o'clock rush" (I think he called it that), so it's the competition, not the game itself, that he craves.

He's spot on with his psychology comment. Footballers are not all equipped to deal with being famous or rich. And being a decent footballer doesn't always mean you're comfortable playing in front of thousands of people. I know good musicians who can't play gigs. It's psychological, but due to the egos of footballers it's hard to get them to open up about their feelings.

He seems like a genuine guy.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: TheJacko2000 on February 09, 2019, 10:22:33 PM
Foster, like Assou-Ekotu (ex-Spurs left back) aren't football fans. They play football to earn a living but don't love football like fans do. Foster said in the Artist in Residence programme that he plays football for that "3 o'clock rush" (I think he called it that), so it's the competition, not the game itself, that he craves.

He's spot on with his psychology comment. Footballers are not all equipped to deal with being famous or rich. And being a decent footballer doesn't always mean you're comfortable playing in front of thousands of people. I know good musicians who can't play gigs. It's psychological, but due to the egos of footballers it's hard to get them to open up about their feelings.

He seems like a genuine guy.


He's a great guy.


Regards being forced out no chance, throughout his career he's avoided dropping into the 2nd tier, it's how we got him in the first place, and I was the oone voice who said he would definitely leave if we went down. He loves playing against the best, not playing.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: alex1 on February 10, 2019, 12:50:33 PM
Its a bit of a dissapoinment reading that he stayed at West Brom too long, after he was the first to say he'd stay on after relegation and wanting to stay in the Midlands with his kids being West Brom fans. Foster was actually one of the few players who I have specifically  enjoyed coming to watch , as opposed to being just another bloke in a blue and white striped shirt (or keepers jersey). Still like to think if we get promoted, he would consider coming back.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: johnny Cash on February 10, 2019, 01:28:59 PM
Foster, like Assou-Ekotu (ex-Spurs left back) aren't football fans. They play football to earn a living but don't love football like fans do. Foster said in the Artist in Residence programme that he plays football for that "3 o'clock rush" (I think he called it that), so it's the competition, not the game itself, that he craves.

He's spot on with his psychology comment. Footballers are not all equipped to deal with being famous or rich. And being a decent footballer doesn't always mean you're comfortable playing in front of thousands of people. I know good musicians who can't play gigs. It's psychological, but due to the egos of footballers it's hard to get them to open up about their feelings.

He seems like a genuine guy.

I don't think Foster has ever gone as far as saying he is not a football fan, but clearly he only likes the actual game, not everything that surrounds it at the very top. I wouldn't be surprised if you see him stay in the game once he retires.

In respect of the psychology though you are spot on.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: AlbionFan on February 24, 2019, 09:43:53 AM
Ben looked in terrific form again yesterday. You can’t help but admire his goalkeeping skills
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on February 27, 2019, 10:33:09 PM
He let 5 pushed past him tonight  :o
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: TheJacko2000 on February 27, 2019, 10:51:50 PM
He let 5 pushed past him tonight  :o


Had no chance on any of them Liverpool were rampant.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: tuamigos on February 28, 2019, 08:10:25 AM
He let 5 pushed past him tonight  :o

Safe to say though, I think if he had stayed we would be 3 places above where we are now.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: KN22 on February 28, 2019, 12:41:08 PM
Safe to say though, I think if he had stayed we would be 3 places above where we are now.

That is some claim to make, if Foster was still here we would be top of the league? I disagree but am a massive Foster fan by the way.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: BoingFlyer on February 28, 2019, 12:46:24 PM
That is some claim to make, if Foster was still here we would be top of the league? I disagree but am a massive Foster fan by the way.

I agree, I can't remember any goals that Sam has conceded that Foster would of saved.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: AlbionFan on February 28, 2019, 12:56:19 PM
It’s really a subjective view with no evidence to support it or to refute it and is, therefore, pointless, if you’ll forgive the pun
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: The Black Pearl on February 28, 2019, 01:08:48 PM
I agree, I can't remember any goals that Sam has conceded that Foster would of saved.

The one where he got bullied into the net. :)

Can't remember which game.

Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: Atomic on February 28, 2019, 01:11:22 PM
The one where he got bullied into the net. :)

Can't remember which game.


Blackburn.

I'm as certain as I can be we'd be at least six points better off if we'd still had Foster.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: The Black Pearl on February 28, 2019, 01:20:19 PM

Blackburn.

I'm as certain as I can be we'd be at least six points better off if we'd still had Foster.

In fairness to him, that is the only real howler I can remember, you could argue he was fouled but he needed to be much stronger.

I think he has had a decent season overall, is he as good as Foster, no, but he is younger and has potential for the future.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: TheJacko2000 on February 28, 2019, 01:20:37 PM
I agree, I can't remember any goals that Sam has conceded that Foster would of saved.


Foster makes some incredible saves he has no right to make, Johnstone hardly saves anything. Certainly think Ben in this division is worth 9 more points.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: SmethDan on February 28, 2019, 06:38:42 PM
I agree, I can't remember any goals that Sam has conceded that Foster would of saved.

Really?

Genuinely don't mean to rude yet I can't help but think you should revisit your memory bank.

Sam conceded plenty of goals he really should have saved earlier in the season.

Thought he was wearing heavy metallic diving bell boots at times.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: Hull Baggie on February 28, 2019, 09:10:42 PM

Had no chance on any of them Liverpool were rampant.

not so sure, having watched MOTD I think he should have done better with the first 3. The first goal his positioning is poor, the second goal he had no need to rush out and the 3rd goal his positioning is again poor hence being beaten at the near post. He had no chance with the Van Dijk headers though and he did make a number of good saves as well.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: FallOutBoy on March 01, 2019, 12:52:40 PM
While Johnstone hasn't committed too many outright howlers, I have to agree that we'd be 6+ points better off with Foster in goal. His shot-stopping is better, his command of his area is better, and his competitive edge means he wouldn't put up with some of the messing about we've been getting.

Johnstone hasn't been horrendous, but I don't think it's just a lack of experience, I just don't think he's a Premier league keeper.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: Albionic on March 01, 2019, 01:04:26 PM
While Johnstone hasn't committed too many outright howlers, I have to agree that we'd be 6+ points better off with Foster in goal. His shot-stopping is better, his command of his area is better, and his competitive edge means he wouldn't put up with some of the messing about we've been getting.

Johnstone hasn't been horrendous, but I don't think it's just a lack of experience, I just don't think he's a Premier league keeper.

Bens distribution can be appalling and when we mess about at the back this could have been a major issue, we will never know but I don't think that its as black and white as folks think.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: BoingFlyer on March 01, 2019, 01:41:49 PM
Ben played with 11 players lined up on his penalty box who closed everything in sight down. I agree Ben commanded his box much better than Sam, but when it comes to howlers conceded Sam really is not as bad as some make out.

The one chance where Sam ended up in the back of his net I thought was a foul so not going to count that. For Foster to be worth 6 points better off which goals do you think he conceded that cost us 6 points? Or even 4 points better off where 2 wins became to draws?
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: seteefeet on March 01, 2019, 02:07:18 PM
Ben played with 11 players lined up on his penalty box who closed everything in sight down. I agree Ben commanded his box much better than Sam, but when it comes to howlers conceded Sam really is not as bad as some make out.

The one chance where Sam ended up in the back of his net I thought was a foul so not going to count that. For Foster to be worth 6 points better off which goals do you think he conceded that cost us 6 points? Or even 4 points better off where 2 wins became to draws?
Whilst not Johnstone's biggest fan, to equate the difference Foster would have made in terms of points is impossible.
What I would say though is that the back 3 / 4 would probably have had more confidence with him behind them. Foster's no Charles Charlie Charles with his feet though so the playing out from the back would probably have filled him with dread.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: TheJacko2000 on March 01, 2019, 02:37:14 PM
Ben played with 11 players lined up on his penalty box who closed everything in sight down. I agree Ben commanded his box much better than Sam, but when it comes to howlers conceded Sam really is not as bad as some make out.

The one chance where Sam ended up in the back of his net I thought was a foul so not going to count that. For Foster to be worth 6 points better off which goals do you think he conceded that cost us 6 points? Or even 4 points better off where 2 wins became to draws?


He'd have kept a clean sheet at home to Middlesbrough and that's without me really needing to think about it.


He would have prevented a few of the long range efforts that have beaten Johnstone too. Sheffield Wednesday away springs to mind.


You just never see Johnstone make a save that you wouldn't expect any competent keeper to make. You never say, he had no right to save that. Foster is consistently making saves of this type.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: NathWBA on March 01, 2019, 11:29:59 PM
Let’s not forget foster has 10years and 250 odd more games experience than Johnstone
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on March 01, 2019, 11:37:21 PM
Let’s not forget foster has 10years and 250 odd more games experience than Johnstone
So he is older and less agile?
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: TheJacko2000 on March 01, 2019, 11:38:33 PM
So he is older and less agile?


He's not though, which is a damning indictment on Johnstone, who looks heavy and flat footed.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on March 01, 2019, 11:54:56 PM

He's not though, which is a damning indictment on Johnstone, who looks heavy and flat footed.
Accepted reply
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: CL3MO on March 02, 2019, 03:58:17 PM

He'd have kept a clean sheet at home to Middlesbrough and that's without me really needing to think about it.


He would have prevented a few of the long range efforts that have beaten Johnstone too. Sheffield Wednesday away springs to mind.


You just never see Johnstone make a save that you wouldn't expect any competent keeper to make. You never say, he had no right to save that. Foster is consistently making saves of this type.

Although I agree with your sentiments regarding Johnstone, the save he made at home to Forest, from Lewis Grabban, won us that particular point.

You'd just like to see it more. However, that's the least of our issues at the moment.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: TheJacko2000 on March 02, 2019, 04:01:23 PM
Although I agree with your sentiments regarding Johnstone, the save he made at home to Forest, from Lewis Grabban, won us that particular point.

You'd just like to see it more. However, that's the least of our issues at the moment.


Just looked a bad miss to me. Virtually straight at Sam. Was surprised he saved it though to be fair.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: TheJacko2000 on March 17, 2019, 04:58:44 PM
Gomes has been playing the cup games but I assume Fozzy will come back in for the semi. Some one send him a Boing Boing tee, to wear under his shirt. ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: tennant1wba on March 17, 2019, 05:09:06 PM
Ben i know you left us but please please dont let these dingles get to finals
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: ex coseley kid on March 21, 2019, 07:27:23 PM
Could be Fozzie's finest 90 for the Albion.....
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: AlbionFan on April 08, 2019, 03:55:24 PM
Watford keeper Ben Foster says he'll 'absolutely refuse' to play in the #FACup  final if he's picked over Heurelho Gomes.

"Gomes deserves it and should play without a doubt. He has never let this club down and never will."

A typical gesture by Ben
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: mulliganstired on April 08, 2019, 05:31:55 PM
Watford keeper Ben Foster says he'll 'absolutely refuse' to play in the #FACup  final if he's picked over Heurelho Gomes.

"Gomes deserves it and should play without a doubt. He has never let this club down and never will."

A typical gesture by Ben
He also said he'd stay at the Hawthorns.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: AlbionFan on April 27, 2019, 08:55:36 AM
Ben Foster admits he was ready to retire before Watford move

After so many years playing for Pulis, I think I would have wanted to retire as well, The article is, as usual from Ben, an honest view.

Source: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11686/11704295/ben-foster-admits-he-was-ready-to-retire-before-watford-move
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: hardtobeat on April 27, 2019, 09:14:39 AM
Ben Foster admits he was ready to retire before Watford move

After so many years playing for Pulis, I think I would have wanted to retire as well, The article is, as usual from Ben, an honest view.

Source: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11686/11704295/ben-foster-admits-he-was-ready-to-retire-before-watford-move
Don't think the word honest should be used in conjunction with Foster following his statements in the aftermath of our relegation. Unfortunately he has become just another well trained media savvy footballer that is we'll capablevof saying what his audience want to hear !!
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: alex1 on April 27, 2019, 06:04:46 PM
Don't think the word honest should be used in conjunction with Foster following his statements in the aftermath of our relegation. Unfortunately he has become just another well trained media savvy footballer that is we'll capablevof saying what his audience want to hear !!

In the same interview, he says, West Brom are probably my team.
Why would he say that if he didn't mean it? 
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: BalisPen on April 27, 2019, 08:38:04 PM
I still believe he was sold too cheaply.

I
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: AlbionFan on May 05, 2019, 08:19:03 AM
“Watford and Bournemouth planning moves for Jack Butland as Stoke keeper eyes Premier League return to boost international prospects”

Looks as if Ben’s immediate future with Watford could be in question if this report is accurate

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6993345/Watford-Bournemouth-planning-moves-Jack-Butland.html
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: hardtobeat on May 05, 2019, 08:52:56 AM
In the same interview, he says, West Brom are probably my team.
Why would he say that if he didn't mean it?
Because he made pretty similar comments when joining us from Blues. Also why use the word probably ?



Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: tuamigos on May 05, 2019, 09:11:22 AM
Watford keeper Ben Foster says he'll 'absolutely refuse' to play in the #FACup  final if he's picked over Heurelho Gomes.

"Gomes deserves it and should play without a doubt. He has never let this club down and never will."

A typical gesture by Ben

Made easier by the fact that he knew he wouldn't be picked anyway
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: alex1 on May 06, 2019, 08:02:21 PM
“Watford and Bournemouth planning moves for Jack Butland as Stoke keeper eyes Premier League return to boost international prospects”

Looks as if Ben’s immediate future with Watford could be in question if this report is accurate

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6993345/Watford-Bournemouth-planning-moves-Jack-Butland.html

In which case, we should make another offer Foster. He gives much more leadership from the back than SJ. 
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: AlbionFan on December 01, 2019, 11:16:13 AM
Sheffield United will move for former England goalkeeper Ben Foster, 36, if Watford are relegated at the end of the season.


Source: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/10458342/sheffield-united-ben-foster-watford-relegation-premier-league/
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: gazberg on December 01, 2019, 01:40:51 PM
Watford fans say he was great last year but utter garbage this season. A season too far it seems and most want him to  retire.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: TheJacko2000 on December 01, 2019, 01:50:01 PM
Watford fans say he was great last year but utter garbage this season. A season too far it seems and most want him to  retire.


Laughable, the few points they've got are almost directly attributable to Ben.


If he's available we should get him back next season.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: gazberg on December 01, 2019, 01:55:56 PM
Even accounting for the atrocious defence in front of him he has been not upto standard according to my few Watford pals. Their fan forum suggests the same.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: lewisant on December 01, 2019, 02:04:54 PM
On the contrary, a Watford pal of mine says he's the reason they have any points.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: gazberg on December 01, 2019, 02:09:46 PM
The beauty of football!
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: gerry m on December 01, 2019, 02:22:58 PM
The funniest thing was when they managed to beat Norwich some of our fans on Facebook were claiming he was good enough for England.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: alex1 on December 01, 2019, 03:34:58 PM
If we get promoted, we should go in for him. Given his background here, he should slot in immediately. And win us a few extra points in the Prem.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: gerry m on December 01, 2019, 05:29:25 PM
If we get promoted, we should go in for him. Given his background here, he should slot in immediately. And win us a few extra points in the Prem.

Yeah if we get promoted and Watford get relegated he would back like a shot. Couldn't wait to leave us when we went down. To old, people saying how well he's playing. Really! bottom of the Prem with the worst goal difference.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: smosher34 on December 01, 2019, 09:36:06 PM
No way if there relegated let him stay there. He's made his bed let him lie in it.. I fir one will wave if we pass them. Sam's the future Ben's the past.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: WBArgo on December 01, 2019, 09:50:30 PM
I've seen a bit of him this season and I'd say overall he's on the decline.
He's single-handedly saved Watford a few points with some fantastic saves, but he's also had a few howlers which have also dropped them points. He used to be mostly error-free so it looks like his age is starting to set in.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: gazberg on December 01, 2019, 09:56:02 PM
Yes,. there will be better options out there than Foster. His time with us is over.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: Droitwich Baggie on December 01, 2019, 10:50:43 PM
Good bloke in his day.
Fozzie was a "good 'un".
Time to move on.
Was at the top of his game in the past.... Slipped when he left us.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: AlbionFan on January 26, 2020, 08:02:45 PM
“A special shout out to @BenFoster. At our meeting on Thursday, @Richfitzbrfc (who had travelled from Basingstoke) was bidding in the auction for a signed WBA shirt for his son. Ben outbid him and then (after paying) gave him the shirt! Top man.”
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: AlbionFan on March 02, 2020, 08:27:57 AM
Tottenham plot transfer move for Watford keeper Ben Foster as Mourinho wants 36-year-old to push Lloris for No1 spot

He's out of contract in the summer and it looks like his services will be in demand

Source: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/11074096/tottenham-transfer-foster-lloris-mourinho/
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: The Tank on March 02, 2020, 10:13:18 AM
Is he the only player to have (been playing in a team which has) beaten Liverpool twice in the last 25 months ?
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: BalisPen on March 02, 2020, 12:40:12 PM
He is on talksport now and said Mel tried to make up play it out the back which isn't his game and said myhill was a great number 2 and that Watford haven't offered him an extension to his contract and that is the first time he is in the position of being out of contract at the end of the season.

He's 37 soon, but I would take him back for a couple of seasons on a free.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: Astleistheking on March 02, 2020, 05:38:20 PM
probably the best keeper i have seen at the Albio, i actually wouldn't be against paying a reasonable fee to get him back next year.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: gazberg on March 02, 2020, 06:01:54 PM
If he's on a free i'd have him back in a heartbeat.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: alex1 on March 02, 2020, 07:17:19 PM
Wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if Tottenham are interested in Foster, and they wouldn't be the only Prem league club. He has to be one of the top 3 english keepers so its logical that there will be Premier League interest. If we go up, we also have to be interested. He would give us so much more organisation and natural authority in our penalty area. Appreciate we don't yet know if Watford will go down. 
One factor in our favour is Foster's well known liking for his home near Leamington. Travelling from Tottenham on a daily basis could easily put another hour on his journey time.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: SmethDan on March 03, 2020, 11:11:35 AM
Wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if Tottenham are interested in Foster.........He has to be one of the top 3 english keepers so its logical that there will be Premier League interest. If we go up, we also have to be interested. ....... One factor in our favour is Foster's well known liking for his home near Leamington. Travelling from Tottenham on a daily basis could easily put another hour on his journey time.

I believe Ben moved from Leamington to Stratford a couple of years back. The journey time from there to Watford will be pretty much the same. Regards Tottenham it's worth bearing in mind he'd be going to their training ground for sessions as opposed to their new stadium. Tottenham's training ground is only 13 miles down the road from Watford's and probably takes an extra twenty minutes by car. It's been widely reported in the past that Ben doesn't train every day. Stratford to our training ground in Walsall is a lot closer than Stratford to the White Valley area; but an Albion contract over a Spurs contract?

Hmmm...... I'm not so sure about that one.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: zippyandbungle on March 03, 2020, 06:31:29 PM
So he’s a snake and not to come anywhere near our club again

Then he’s brilliant and should comeback

😂😂😂football fans
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: AlbionFan on March 03, 2020, 06:48:19 PM
From Watford Twitter Account

“Ben Foster just proves time and time again why he is the nicest man in football.

He kept his promise to 12-year-old Molly Hall and gave her a day she will never forget...”

He is a genuine bloke in my view
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: Standaman on March 05, 2020, 10:18:18 PM
My guess is that Watford are probably waiting until their fate is certain before offering new contacts I suspect that they will offer Foster an extension should they stay up. For what it is worth I wouldn't take him back.
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: alex1 on March 05, 2020, 10:21:53 PM
I believe Ben moved from Leamington to Stratford a couple of years back. The journey time from there to Watford will be pretty much the same. Regards Tottenham it's worth bearing in mind he'd be going to their training ground for sessions as opposed to their new stadium. Tottenham's training ground is only 13 miles down the road from Watford's and probably takes an extra twenty minutes by car. It's been widely reported in the past that Ben doesn't train every day. Stratford to our training ground in Walsall is a lot closer than Stratford to the White Valley area; but an Albion contract over a Spurs contract?


Spurs training ground is at Enfield which is further to the east around the M25. I used to drive a stretch on the M25 in the rush hour backwards and forwards every day and 20 minutes is what it can take to drive just one mile!  If he's driving backwards and forwards from Stratford to Enfield, he's going to be spending 5-6 hours in the car daily.
You'd have to be very keen to do that.

Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: SmethDan on March 06, 2020, 12:35:45 AM
Did you used to pick up Miss Daisy along the way?
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: alex1 on March 06, 2020, 01:54:46 PM
Did you used to pick up Miss Daisy along the way?
Miss Daisy?Who she? I probably don't read the right media to get it....... :-[
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: SmethDan on March 06, 2020, 02:20:01 PM
Miss Daisy?Who she? I probably don't read the right media to get it....... :-[

Click on the link below, go to about 30 seconds or so if you're in a hurry  ;D  ;) ......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ3wXC5jqKE
Title: Re: Ben Foster (Sold to Watford)
Post by: alex1 on March 06, 2020, 02:27:13 PM
Click on the link below, go to about 30 seconds or so if you're in a hurry  ;D  ;) ......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ3wXC5jqKE
haha..  And to think I would have gone thro life not knowing who Miss Daisy was.
I knew that co-star Dan Ackroyd was in the Blues Brothers though  :D
PS I think we're drifting a bit off topic from Ben Foster. Unless he had another role in the film.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on June 11, 2020, 01:08:54 PM
I see he's just signed a 2 year extension to his contract at Watford. A bit unwise before knowing Watford's fate for next season?  :o
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 11, 2020, 01:14:36 PM
I see he's just signed a 2 year extension to his contract at Watford. A bit unwise before knowing Watford's fate for next season?  :o

After posting this recently I've had a think. Being contracted to a club has never caused BF to play a season in the 2nd tier, imagine he'll get a loan if they drop. Hopefully to us.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hull Baggie on June 11, 2020, 02:11:20 PM
After posting this recently I've had a think. Being contracted to a club has never caused BF to play a season in the 2nd tier, imagine he'll get a loan if they drop. Hopefully to us.

Thought he played for Watford, on loan from Man Utd, in the 2nd tier?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: The Black Pearl on June 11, 2020, 02:12:03 PM
I see he's just signed a 2 year extension to his contract at Watford. A bit unwise before knowing Watford's fate for next season?  :o

A footballer of his age guarenteeing his wages for the next two years is never a bad idea.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: TheJacko2000 on June 11, 2020, 02:28:06 PM
Thought he played for Watford, on loan from Man Utd, in the 2nd tier?

Nit picker...  ;D

Addendum to my post: Since he has been a 1st choice keeper dating back to August 2006...
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Hull Baggie on June 11, 2020, 04:01:22 PM
Nit picker...  ;D

Addendum to my post: Since he has been a 1st choice keeper dating back to August 2006...

I thought you were going to say that he was still contracted to Man Utd when he played at Watford on loan :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: sammyg on October 28, 2020, 02:20:11 PM
Don't know if any of you have seen,  but Ben has started his own youtube channel. It's actually really good and he gopro's in the goal during matches etc. In this video near the start he has baggies towels and says "come on you baggies". Seems like a really nice bloke to be fair.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kL5-YtB4ptI
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: PartisanBaggie on October 28, 2020, 02:57:16 PM
Don't know if any of you has seen,  but Ben has started his own youtube channel. It's actually really good and he gopro's in the goal during matches etc. In this video near the start he has baggies towels and says "come on you baggies". Seems like a really nice bloke to be fair.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kL5-YtB4ptI

Loved Fozzy right up until he took a big dump on us whilst fishing in the Florida Keys. 🛥🎣💩

He should stick to supporting his beloved Hornets, the cowin’ Jezebel !!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on October 29, 2020, 01:15:13 PM
Don't know if any of you have seen,  but Ben has started his own youtube channel. It's actually really good and he gopro's in the goal during matches etc. In this video near the start he has baggies towels and says "come on you baggies". Seems like a really nice bloke to be fair.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kL5-YtB4ptI
Pretty much proof that he'd jump at the chance to come back if given the opportunity.
See how the situation with SJ develops, but I wouldn't turn up my nose if there was a vacancy.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albionic on October 29, 2020, 02:42:18 PM
Pretty much proof that he'd jump at the chance to come back if given the opportunity.
See how the situation with SJ develops, but I wouldn't turn up my nose if there was a vacancy.

only thing that proves, is that Ben is a tea leaf !
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BB74 on July 09, 2022, 08:38:20 PM
Ben Foster is back training with us.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albionic on July 12, 2022, 12:21:23 PM
Listened to his podcast thing and in short he wants premier league as a number 1 or 2,   He doesnt want a coaching role, also wants a 4 day week (less training due to his age)

His wants list seems to limit his options

I am going to have a lil wager on him rocking up at Forest  ;)  You heard it here first

Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: smethwickw on July 12, 2022, 01:47:06 PM
Listened to his podcast thing and in short he wants premier league as a number 1 or 2,   He doesnt want a coaching role, also wants a 4 day week (less training due to his age)

His wants list seems to limit his options

I am going to have a lil wager on him rocking up at Forest  ;)  You heard it here first

He’d get a 3 day week if he signs for Bruce.  :D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: BB74 on July 13, 2022, 03:12:45 PM
Ben Foster is back training with us.


Signing on a 1 year contract apparently.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: gazberg on July 13, 2022, 03:14:32 PM
If Foster does sign he has to be number 1.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on July 13, 2022, 03:35:13 PM
Even at 39 would defintely be No.1 choice, with the cycling keeping him fit. Would give the team loads of leadership from the back.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: AlbionFan on September 15, 2022, 05:26:36 PM
Ben Foster just tweeted

It's time to say goodbye 👍😘

Think we’ve missed the boat.

Best wishes Ben, enjoy whatever chapter is next in your life and thank you for your service to the Baggies
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: gazberg on September 15, 2022, 05:28:08 PM
Fantastic GK in his prime. Also a fellow Baggie. Enjoy your retirement.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: gerry m on September 15, 2022, 05:53:37 PM
Hope he has a good retirement!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: boinging_along on September 15, 2022, 05:54:23 PM
We could have done worse than give him a year long contract.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on September 15, 2022, 07:06:00 PM
I've just watched the full podcast, and although he says he's retiring, he hasn't said he won't listen to any future offers. Its just he's not going out looking for any. He ruled out the Newcastle one because it would have meant a 4 hour journey and having to live away from his home.  I think we should at least sound him out.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: SmethDan on September 15, 2022, 07:12:24 PM
I've just watched the full podcast, and although he says he's retiring, he hasn't said he won't listen to any future offers. Its just he's not going out looking for any. He ruled out the Newcastle one because it would have meant a 4 hour journey and having to live away from his home.  I think we should at least sound him out.

You do know he had one training session with the academy keepers, one, and he was wrecked for days afterwards?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on September 15, 2022, 08:11:09 PM
You do know he had one training session with the academy keepers, one, and he was wrecked for days afterwards?
But that's because he took a break for a couple of months, and then apparently tripped off his kid's scooter. In his podcast he says he feels in good nick.
Don't know what we have to lose offering him a short contract, unless we're confident Button or Palmer can do a better job.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: SmethDan on September 15, 2022, 08:24:15 PM
But that's because he took a break for a couple of months, and then apparently tripped off his kid's scooter. In his podcast he says he feels in good nick.
Don't know what we have to lose offering him a short contract, unless we're confident Button or Palmer can do a better job.

And how many games would you expect him to play in a condensed Championship season? Do you have any idea whatsoever what our current wage bill is? How much it would take to get Foster to do us a 'favour'?

Look, Ben Foster is my favourite Albion goalkeeper bar none. I just don't see him as being any more than a rotational keeper at best at this stage of his life. He's a big unit, he has a lot of mileage on the clock and throwing yourself around with his frame is no easy thing.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on September 15, 2022, 11:19:53 PM
And how many games would you expect him to play in a condensed Championship season? Do you have any idea whatsoever what our current wage bill is? How much it would take to get Foster to do us a 'favour'?

Look, Ben Foster is my favourite Albion goalkeeper bar none. I just don't see him as being any more than a rotational keeper at best at this stage of his life. He's a big unit, he has a lot of mileage on the clock and throwing yourself around with his frame is no easy thing.
With Foster I don't think money is the main motivator. Its more about living with his family by Leamington, no long commutes, or living away during the week. That's why he turned down an offer from Newcastle.
Given his affinity with the club, I can't see the problem in making him an offer. If it doesn't suit him, he won't do it. He knows his body better than anyone.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: SmethDan on September 16, 2022, 07:40:23 AM
With Foster I don't think money is the main motivator. Its more about living with his family by Leamington, no long commutes, or living away during the week. That's why he turned down an offer from Newcastle.
Given his affinity with the club, I can't see the problem in making him an offer. If it doesn't suit him, he won't do it. He knows his body better than anyone.

I don't know how much of his podcast you listened to but he didn't turn down Newcastle as such. They rejected his initial wage demands and  there was no further discussion.

Granted he asked for a premium given the inconvenience of travel time, uprooting himself and because moving/commuting would have taken a huge chunk out of his day due to personal and commercial commitments (family, podcasts and presumably cycling with his mates).

But the simple truth is he'd have been open to the inconvenience to himself and his family if the money was right. He basically says as such himself. And I don't necessarily blame him especially given his age and the battering his body will have taken over the years.

His head doesn't appear to be in football anymore and let's face it, we've got more than enough money going out of the club to people whose primary concern is themselves. Especially given he may not be able to train as hard as when younger and be available for every game.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: tommcneill on September 16, 2022, 09:08:33 AM
We should have been on the phone to him, simple as that. Even athis age he is head and shoulders above our current keepers.

If he has retired then I can only wish him all the best. My favourite Albion keeper by a country mile
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Baggiee_Boyy_Benn on September 16, 2022, 09:43:50 AM
I don't know how much of his podcast you listened to but he didn't turn down Newcastle as such. They rejected his initial wage demands and  there was no further discussion.

Granted he asked for a premium given the inconvenience of travel time, uprooting himself and because moving/commuting would have taken a huge chunk out of his day due to personal and commercial commitments (family, podcasts and presumably cycling with his mates).

But the simple truth is he'd have been open to the inconvenience to himself and his family if the money was right. He basically says as such himself. And I don't necessarily blame him especially given his age and the battering his body will have taken over the years.

His head doesn't appear to be in football anymore and let's face it, we've got more than enough money going out of the club to people whose primary concern is themselves. Especially given he may not be able to train as hard as when younger and be available for every game.

I think you need to watch the whole YouTube video Ben uploaded, not the snippet Newcastle came back and matched Ben’s wage demand, he then decline it as it didn’t feel right.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: SmethDan on September 16, 2022, 09:51:54 AM
I think you need to watch the whole YouTube video Ben uploaded, not the snippet Newcastle came back and matched Ben’s wage demand, he then decline it as it didn’t feel right.

Fair enough, I only watched the first seven minutes before getting bored to tears. Podcasts really aren't my thing. No patience  ;D .
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: zippyandbungle on September 16, 2022, 01:58:38 PM
We could have done worse than give him a year long contract.
Based on the fact he’s pushing 40,and he has taken the decision to retire..
If we had given him a year and he made some bad errors in a couple of matches …
How long before it’s Bruce’s/Gourlays/Lai’s fault for giving contracts to player clearly past their prime ?
Everyone moans about Phillips and Livermore…then asks to repeat it.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: boinging_along on September 16, 2022, 03:44:37 PM
Based on the fact he’s pushing 40,and he has taken the decision to retire..
If we had given him a year and he made some bad errors in a couple of matches …
How long before it’s Bruce’s/Gourlays/Lai’s fault for giving contracts to player clearly past their prime ?
Everyone moans about Phillips and Livermore…then asks to repeat it.

Just a question if he would supply competition to Button and Palmer, or help improve them.

I think he would. 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: SmethDan on September 16, 2022, 05:02:16 PM
Just a question if he would supply competition to Button and Palmer, or help improve them.

I think he would.

David Button turns 34 in February. The window of opportunity for his improvement is a short one.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on September 16, 2022, 06:29:13 PM
I don't know how much of his podcast you listened to but he didn't turn down Newcastle as such. They rejected his initial wage demands and  there was no further discussion.

Granted he asked for a premium given the inconvenience of travel time, uprooting himself and because moving/commuting would have taken a huge chunk out of his day due to personal and commercial commitments (family, podcasts and presumably cycling with his mates).

But the simple truth is he'd have been open to the inconvenience to himself and his family if the money was right. He basically says as such himself. And I don't necessarily blame him especially given his age and the battering his body will have taken over the years.

His head doesn't appear to be in football anymore and let's face it, we've got more than enough money going out of the club to people whose primary concern is themselves. Especially given he may not be able to train as hard as when younger and be available for every game.
Dan, he asked for a premium from Newcastle,  because deep down, he didn't want to move out of his Midlands comfort zone.   He said when he got out of bed the next day (this is starting to sound like a romantic novel  ???), he knew he'd made the right decision. For Foster, his family, podcasts, cycling with his mates, and being based in the Midlands are all important. A contract with us could maybe have allowed him to have all that.  Only a couple of weeks ago he was dropping several hints about being interested.

Sure, its an extra wage for the club, and there would come a point where we'd have to say no, but I don't think he'd be looking for a premium. A No.9 remains our top priority, but we had some money ready for a couple of midfielders as well as Kelly,  despite goalkeeper being an equal priority with those.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: SmethDan on September 17, 2022, 12:04:11 AM
Dan, he asked for a premium from Newcastle,  because deep down, he didn't want to move out of his Midlands comfort zone.   He said when he got out of bed the next day (this is starting to sound like a romantic novel  ???), he knew he'd made the right decision. For Foster, his family, podcasts, cycling with his mates, and being based in the Midlands are all important. A contract with us could maybe have allowed him to have all that.  Only a couple of weeks ago he was dropping several hints about being interested.

Sure, its an extra wage for the club, and there would come a point where we'd have to say no, but I don't think he'd be looking for a premium. A No.9 remains our top priority, but we had some money ready for a couple of midfielders as well as Kelly,  despite goalkeeper being an equal priority with those.

He's not coming back.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KYA on February 13, 2023, 03:29:41 PM
Spurs apparently made a move for Foster but the FA wouldn't sanction a deal if they tried to sign him.
I don't know the thinking of the FA but if he's good enough for Spurs to consider why arent we knocking his door down?
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: gazberg on March 23, 2023, 10:40:58 AM
Coming out of retirement to play for Wrexham on a short term deal according to O'Rourke.

Maybe it's the Ryan Reynolds effect.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Adder on March 23, 2023, 11:15:20 AM
Coming out of retirement to play for Wrexham on a short term deal according to O'Rourke.

Maybe it's the Ryan Reynolds effect.
Yes - handy contacts for Ben's podcast/media career.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: gazberg on March 23, 2023, 12:08:40 PM
Yes - handy contacts for Ben's podcast/media career.

I wouldn't mind Blake Livelys contact details  ;D
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBArgo on March 23, 2023, 12:47:38 PM
Yes - handy contacts for Ben's podcast/media career.

100%

I do like Foster and his podcast is decent. He seems like a nice bloke so good luck to him as it's probably a lower pressure gig than signing with us or other clubs. Plus, there's a good chance he gets to experience a promotion which is nice.

Undoubtedly though, it's a move for the media and PR opportunities that it brings.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KYA on March 23, 2023, 01:31:24 PM
A nice move for Ben, Wrexham is a good PR story at the moment and the programme was a great watch a proper football club.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on March 23, 2023, 09:22:46 PM
So much for those who were saying he's definitely retired.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: SmethDan on March 23, 2023, 10:07:17 PM
So much for those who were saying he's definitely retired.

So much for those who hankered after him coming back to the Albion. He never was. He didn't. And now he's getting paid to see out a career he called time on while no doubt boosting his Podcast figures and networking wider opportunities via his new employers. Fair play to him and I wish him all of the very best  8) .
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on March 23, 2023, 11:14:21 PM
So much for those who hankered after him coming back to the Albion. He never was. He didn't. And now he's getting paid to see out a career he called time on while no doubt boosting his Podcast figures and networking wider opportunities via his new employers. Fair play to him and I wish him all of the very best  8) .
Sorry Dan, but your dodging my point.  There were those (not only you) who were adament he was definitely retired. Retired not just from the Albion but from football. He couldn't face the strain it was putting on his body, he was into his cycling and the other activities heavily advertised on his podcasts (its all there if you care to scroll back). The likes of me were clutching at straws, nostalgia etc etc.   I looked at his podcasts and reasoned that he didn't get the right offer, and I stick by that. All the stuff about his body can't take it any more were just words.

As it happens, its worked out better with Griffiths than expected, so in the end Foster may not have saved us that many points. However, I stick by my point that it was too soon to write Foster off given the crisis we were in and his connections with the club. Even now, I find it hard to believe that given a choice between West Brom and Wrexham, he would genuinely give the nod to Wrexham. It just points to the fact that he wasn't approached by us, that is with a serious offer, which I find surprising, even negligent.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: theboywiththe arabstrap on March 28, 2023, 10:34:43 AM
it sounds ridiculous but I genuinely think Wrexham is a far better move for Ben Foster right here right now with the owners and TV show etc etc
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: gazberg on March 28, 2023, 10:37:04 AM
it sounds ridiculous but I genuinely think Wrexham is a far better move for Ben Foster right here right now with the owners and TV show etc etc

Wrexham have more potential than we do under Lai
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KN22 on March 28, 2023, 12:38:33 PM
it sounds ridiculous but I genuinely think Wrexham is a far better move for Ben Foster right here right now with the owners and TV show etc etc

You're right, but the reasons are nothing to do with football. We may be a basket case but I am in no hurry to swap places with Wrexham. Ben knows what he is doing here, I am sure.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on March 28, 2023, 01:15:49 PM
it sounds ridiculous but I genuinely think Wrexham is a far better move for Ben Foster right here right now with the owners and TV show etc etc
It sounds ridiculous because it is ridiculous. Wrexham are not even in the Football league, playing against the likes of Altringham, Maidenhead United and Farnborough. If the guy pumping money into the club pulled out tomorrow, where would they be? Foster might just as well play in the local park with his kids.

He would have jumped at the chance of half a season here if he'd received a serious offer. I know Griffiths has turned out better than expected, but just supposing Foster had been in goal for our recent matches, there's a good chance he'd have kept out Diaz late equaliser for Blackburn, and got a firm hand down to stop Watford's first goal. That's at least 3 extra points and who's to say they won't be crucial in this season's final run in? 
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: SmethDan on March 28, 2023, 01:29:05 PM
Sorry Dan, but your dodging my point.  There were those (not only you) who were adament he was definitely retired. Retired not just from the Albion but from football. He couldn't face the strain it was putting on his body, he was into his cycling and the other activities heavily advertised on his podcasts (its all there if you care to scroll back). The likes of me were clutching at straws, nostalgia etc etc.   I looked at his podcasts and reasoned that he didn't get the right offer, and I stick by that. All the stuff about his body can't take it any more were just words.

As it happens, its worked out better with Griffiths than expected, so in the end Foster may not have saved us that many points. However, I stick by my point that it was too soon to write Foster off given the crisis we were in and his connections with the club. Even now, I find it hard to believe that given a choice between West Brom and Wrexham, he would genuinely give the nod to Wrexham. It just points to the fact that he wasn't approached by us, that is with a serious offer, which I find surprising, even negligent.

Hello Alex. I didn't dodge anything chap. As a keen observer of his podcast channel I'm confident Ben himself has already put you straight regarding his decision to come out of retirement for the last eight games of Wrexham's season.

10 minutes and sixteen seconds I'll never get back but never mind. I maintain we were never likely to tempt him back and he even highlights the symmetry of ending his career with the club he felt were the springboard for his career. If you've seen his podcast on the topic (which I'm sure you have) you'll already know this.

You can stand by your point if you like. It's yours and you own it. You can even point at your poster of Ben on your wall while listening to him. I told you why I didn't think he'd be interested and I stand by my points which I also own. And he didn't come back.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: KYA on March 28, 2023, 04:51:29 PM
Ben Foster could have gone to a Premier League team and ended up choosing Wrexham for reasons only he would know anyone suggesting they know he would have jumped to come here  are in Lala land it clearly was not money or prestige he was after.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on March 29, 2023, 09:40:54 PM
So I watched 2 of his podcasts and there's still something that doesn't add up for me. He's full of what a great set of lads they are at Wrexham and how their manager is so down to earth, as if they have a monopoly on that. He's only talking them up because they were the club that made him an offer.

If you look at his career, he's always tried to play at the highest level. (He got a lot of stick on here for jumping ship whenever he was relegated). I think he would have preferred a PL club, but the offers he got, didn't work (Newcastle because of the travelling and Spurs because the PL blocked it).   On the podcast he says he got quite a few offers, but it sounds like they were from abroad or distant places.

Just seems strange he suddenly opts for a Non League club hardly on the doorstep from his Midlands comfort zone. Negotiating the M6 twice a day to get to Wrexham from Leamington is not the easiest of drives. A short term contract back at the Albion, sounds by comparison, a no brainer for all kinds of reasons. He only played 17 league games for Wrexham whereas he played over 200 for us, so I don't get this great nostalgic love in with Wrexham. Just sounds like he wasn't offered a contract with us,  which I don't suppose we'll find out about unless he drops a hint in one of his podcasts.
Time will tell if we made the right decision.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Adder on March 29, 2023, 10:42:01 PM
He went on loan to Wrexham back in 2005 so he probably feels some sort of pull there....especially as the place is understandably buzzing given the events of the past couple of years....and the material for his media stuff of course. Could say he's signing out with a bit of a lower league adventure rather than eeking out his career on someone's bench.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Dan on March 29, 2023, 11:14:58 PM
His main career is as a YouTuber now, he's only going there because there's so much media buzz about Wrexham right now. He'll be on a hit TV show and plenty of chance of exposure, and he can do lots of youtube videos to bring in a new audience. If he's lucky he'll get Ryan Reynolds on one of his shows.

Great opportunity for him, nothing to do with any great pull of Wrexham.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Adder on March 30, 2023, 07:29:09 AM
His main career is as a YouTuber now, he's only going there because there's so much media buzz about Wrexham right now. He'll be on a hit TV show and plenty of chance of exposure, and he can do lots of youtube videos to bring in a new audience. If he's lucky he'll get Ryan Reynolds on one of his shows.

Great opportunity for him, nothing to do with any great pull of Wrexham.
I get that but there is also a footballing buzz going on there which will also appeal given he's spent time there previously.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBArgo on March 30, 2023, 10:13:32 PM
I get that but there is also a footballing buzz going on there which will also appeal given he's spent time there previously.

Long-term, playing for Wrexham will make him more money than playing for us this season. I think he's thinking about his YT channel more than anything else.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: WBArgo on April 10, 2023, 06:49:20 PM
97th minute penalty save today against Notts County - what a bloke!
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Albion79 on August 21, 2023, 11:12:53 AM
Just seen he has announced his retirement as he was no longer able to reach the standards he set himself.

Fair play would of been easy to hang around for the money.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: gazberg on August 21, 2023, 11:14:32 AM
Deserves respect for that. Most players will hang on and drain a club for all they can.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: stoxman on August 31, 2023, 09:35:59 PM
Really intersting listen about his West Brom contract.  Full version available on Spotify.

https://www.theringer.com/2023/8/31/23854008/deep-dive-ben-foster-west-bromwich-albion-contract
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: johnny Cash on September 01, 2023, 12:18:07 PM
Interesting he was on £40k for his first contract back in 2011 and a £6k appearance fee. Relegation wage drop wasn’t quite 50% at either. Roughly 35% as he would have dropped to £25k. Possible his drop wasn’t as big as others due to his profile and importance.

I’d imagine he must have gone close to £60k in later deals
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: gazberg on September 01, 2023, 01:26:46 PM
Didn't notice this thread as it was posted on after i had already posted in ex-players so will delete from there and move here:


On his Fozcast today Ben Foster reveals he was paid 40k per week when he first signed for us with a relegation flex down to 25k per week.

He also received 1m signing on fee split into 250k a year over 4 years.

Appearance fee was 6k a game. Also got 12k for every game won.

He goes onto say he loved playing for us and we are the club closest to his heart.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: alex1 on September 01, 2023, 01:44:45 PM
Didn't notice this thread as it was  posted on after i had already posted in ex-players so will delete from theire and move here:


On his Fozcast today Ben Foster reveals he was paid 40k per week when he first signed for us with a relegation flex down to 25k per week.

He also received 1m signing on fee split into 250k a year over 4 years.

Appearance fee was 6k a game. Also got 12k for every game won.

He goes onto say he loved playing for us and we are the club closest to his heart.
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I got that impression from him. I wonder if his path may cross with the club's again.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: Standaman on September 01, 2023, 01:54:54 PM
That is a very useful insight as to how much we were shelling out on players 10 years ago and it does gives credibility to reports of paying signing on fees etc across the duration of the contract. Foster worked out well but can you imagine had he gone the same way as some keepers i.e. from hero to zero like Jack Butland for instance.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: gazberg on September 01, 2023, 06:21:18 PM
That is a very useful insight as to how much we were shelling out on players 10 years ago and it does gives credibility to reports of paying signing on fees etc across the duration of the contract. Foster worked out well but can you imagine had he gone the same way as some keepers i.e. from hero to zero like Jack Butland for instance.

Even on his worst contract here we see he was making over 50k per week basic, closer to 60 probably:

40k pw basic
5k a week loyalty bonus collected in full
Started majority of games another 6k per week and while we didnt win every week he probably averaged 5k a week from that over the season.

55k  all in per week easily.  He said when he signed a new deal with us the figures went up as well.
Title: Re: Ben Foster
Post by: SmethDan on September 02, 2023, 07:45:10 AM
An insight into the insanity of football finance.