Foster: Leaving Hawthorns was real wrench

BEN Foster has described the decision to leave Albion as a ‘wrench’ after joining Watford.

The goalkeeper (pictured) had been at The Hawthorns, either on loan or a permanent basis, since 2011 and made over 250 appearances for the club during his time there.

The former England stopper, who turned 35 in April, has returned to Vicarage Road where he featured over 80 times between 2005 and 2007 on loan from Manchester United.

Foster, along with defender Craig Dawson, refused to attend the Baggies’ pre-season training camp in Portugal at the end of last month and the pair were duly disciplined.

The stance from the two players reportedly came because of their frustration over how Albion had handled Premier League interest.

Foster was finally permitted a move last week, however, after Darren Moore made Sam Johnstone his first signing.

“West Brom has been my home for the last seven years and there’s not a bad thing I can say about the club,” he said.

“They were always absolutely brilliant with me, the fans were amazing.

“I’ve made some lifelong friends there and it’s a really nice club.

“It was a bit of a wrench to leave but Watford was probably one of the only clubs I would want to join.

“I feel I had a really good connection with the Watford fans while I was here so it was a no-brainer really.

“Knowing the club makes it so much easier for me.

“If you’ve been there before, you know the set-up, you know the club. I know the area so it’s a real perfect fit.”