Foster coming 'home'
Jul 14, 2006
Author: Iceman

"We have an agreement with Watford that the boy goes back for the full year."

Watford supporters can breathe a big sigh of relief now Manchester United supremo Sir Alex Ferguson has given the go-ahead for young goalkeeping prospect Ben Foster to spend a second season on loan with the Hornets.

Speculation had surrounded the commanding goalkeeper's future ever since Watford's Play-Off Final victory back in May. Now, almost two months later, the news all Watford supporters have been waiting for arrived when Ferguson revealed Foster will again be sent out on loan following the arrival of fellow custodian Tomasz Kuszczak from relegated West Bromwich Albion.

Commenting on the talented young shot-stopper, Ferguson had this to say. "Ben Foster is someone that everyone's very excited about. We signed him from Stoke City last season and farmed him out to Watford for the season, and eventually he was picked out as the fourth choice goalkeeper for England at the World Cup, which was a tremendous boost for the boy. He's got a great frame, is very very quick and a good fielder of the ball. We're very excited about him. When you think he's only 23 years of age, we think he's a promising prospect."

With the capture of powerful midfield runner Damien Francis earlier in the week, and the arrival of experienced left-back Chris Powell previously, it seems Watford are finally having some luck in the transfer market, and are building a squad capable of competing at Premier League level. A further two or three signings are still expected, with a centre back and forward next on the shopping list for Hornets' boss Aidy Boothroyd.

With pre-season for the senior squad kicking off on Monday, Boothroyd is aiming to bring in the remaining new recruits as soon as possible, with all signings expected to be made prior to the Hornets' trip to Denmark.