Official: Friedel Joins Spurs

[Karl Bridges]

From The Express

Saturday June 4,2011
By Peter White


BEN FOSTER, suddenly one of English football’s most wanted men, is set to join Aston Villa as a replacement for Brad Friedel.

Even though Villa have yet to appoint a new manager to replace Gerard Houllier, they have targeted Birmingham goalkeeper Foster to succeed Friedel, who quit Villa Park yesterday to join Tottenham.

But Foster, 28, is wanted not only by Villa. Several other Premier League clubs are showing an interest in Foster, who joined Birmingham from Manchester United a year ago for £6million.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is thought to be considering a move and others are awaiting confirmation at what price he will be available, including Stoke, where he once had a successful loan spell.

England coach Fabio Capello, meanwhile, is still desperately hoping Foster will reverse his decision to call a temporary halt on his international career. Foster left England virtually threadbare in that department after announcing he wanted at least this summer off to try to shake off a string of niggling injuries.


Capello would have liked Foster in the squad for today’s European Championship qualifier against Switzerland at Wembley, but instead had to select West Ham’s Rob Green and West Brom’s Scott Carson as back-up for first-choice Joe Hart.

The current winner in the battle for Foster’s attentions appears to be his partner Kate Louise Smith. Instead of being at Wembley, Foster is expected to be spending today finalising preparations for his marriage in a fortnight.

Although Birmingham manager Alex McLeish would like to keep Foster at St Andrew’s, relegation from the Premier League means several of the club’s leading players could leave this summer, with Foster expected to be valued at about £8m.
         

A move to Villa would suit Foster as he recently relocated to the Midlands from Cheshire and was born in Leamington Spa, where most of his family still live. If it goes through, he will be the first player to move from Birmingham to Villa Park since striker Chris Sutton in 2006.

Read more: http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/250726/Aston-Villa-close-in-on-deal-for-Ben-FosterAston-Villa-close-in-on-deal-for-Ben-Foster#ixzz1OG3twLBh

[Marlon's Hairy Wood]

I can't say I'll miss his 'rooted to the goal line' technique for corners. Passed his best.

But if the alternative is the average likes of Green or Given then we may look back at this as the golden age of Aston Villa goalkeeping.

Definitely, I think people don't appreciate Friedel enough. Nothing like having a solid reliable guy at the back.

One of the things I consider when looking at a keeper is how they'd do in the hotbed of a derby, where the likes of Encklelman and Sorenson have looked like mugs.

Friedel was one of them keepers who you'd feel safe having in your goal. Green in goal? i'd have a heart attack

[Mazrim]

I'd be very happy with Foster.

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

Friedal has been a class act. Thanks Brad ......

[junxs]

Brads been good, the only thing I didnt like about his 'keeping is that he never pushes the ball to safety. When he saves it he nearly always pushes it back towards the penalty spot rather than away from goal.

Lets get a manager in place before making any signings though, dont want another Ireland situation.

[Karl Bridges]

I'm quite glad he's gone just so I don't have to see much more of the Friedal mis-spelling. Just hope we can get Foxter from Blues, much easier to spell.

[Phil from the upper holte]

Chris sutton wasn't a blues player when we signed him

[pauliewalnuts]

Friedel still produced his usual quota of brilliant saves for us last season  the only problem being the increasing frequency of frightening moments.

Given that, we are right to look for a new number one. a two year contact for a 40 year old is insane.

[Risso]

I'd be very happy with Foster.

But he's from, *screws face up in disgust*............ Leamington Spa.

[The Situation]

Friedel has been great while he's been with us. Even at 40 he's been putting out top performances regulary.

Thanks Big Brad!

[Clampy]

He was a very good signing and with the amount of games he played, we definatley got value for money. Good luck Brad.

[villa `cross the mersey]

I'm quite glad he's gone just so I don't have to see much more of the Friedal mis-spelling. Just hope we can get Foxter from Blues, much easier to spell.

Why did you edit this Carl, did you spell your name wrong?

[sidcowans10]

He s been a good solid keeper for us. I wish him all the best. And nice for him to go out with that great save against Liverpool

[Rip Van We Go Again]

I'd be very happy with Foster.

Me too.
Would be an excellent signing and banish any chance of Robert Green joining us.

[SheffieldVillain]

I'd be very happy with Foster.

Me too.
Would be an excellent signing and banish any chance of Robert Green joining us.

Plus it would annoy the noses. Great idea all round.