Foster’s shut-outs to earn him new deal
cook him Christmas lunch. Premier League footballers are too often damned with faint praise because of their huge wages and their habit of ignoring well-wishers by pretending to talk on their mobile phones.
But Foster, who faces Palace again today, is one of the good guys. He was too modest to speak about his ‘date’ with Molly but head coach Pearson was happy to praise his humanity
– and ability. He said: “It’s not an empty gesture
– Ben is a genuine, authentic person and he’s been a great player for us as well. I would very much like to keep him because he is picked for what he brings to the team. I value him as a person and his contribution as a player. What Ben brings to us is experience, quality, undoubted ability and a telling presence in the dressing room.
“His clean sheets tell you that, as a defensive unit, we’ve been effective. But it is true Ben has been exceptional in key moments. As well as having an incredible appetite to play, he trains fantastically hard, is so professional and that’s why he is able to produce such good performances at 36.”
ROY HODGSON believes his new deal gives Crystal Palace ❑
stability – and helps the club’s summer recruitment plans. The Eagles boss, 72, has agreed a one-year contract extension that will keep him at Selhurst Park until the end of next season.
“We have areas, pockets where we need to improve and strengthen, and everyone’s on the same page where those pockets and areas are,” said Hodgson ahead of today’s game with Watford.
“The owners of the club are aware we need to get some players in and to do that will require some money.
“We’ll be focused on the next 10 games but there’ll be a side focus on scouting who we think are the right people.”