BARNSLEY Football Club completed the signing of highly-rated defender Stephen Foster from Championship rivals Burnley in August 2007.

The deal marks the end of a chase lasting more than 12-months after the Reds first showed an interest in the ex-Crewe centre half back in 2006 only for him to opt for a move in the Clarets.

Stephen signed for Crewe as a youngster, making his first team debut for Dario Gradi's side in the 1998/1999 campaign. He went on to clock up 242 games for the Alex, netting 16 goals.

Very highly-rated by Crewe, Stephen was linked repeatedly with a switch to the Premiership during his spell at the Alexandra Stadium.

The 26-year-old eventually left Crewe in June 2006, moving across the North West to Burnley, where he would go on to make 18 appearances last term. He featured for the Clarets in the Carling Cup last week.

Stephen has put pen to paper on a two-year deal at Oakwell after the Reds agreed a substantial fee with Burnley for his services.

Stephen proved to be the buy of the season as his cut price move to Oakwell was one of the shrewdest pieces of business the Club had done in years. He enjoyed a fantastic season and lead by example with a string of exemplary performances.

Stephen swept the board picking up every end of season award going.

Reds Record (to end of 2007/2008 season)
Appearances - 46
Goals - 3