Fosters Improvement

[warksclaret]

Having watched the full game v Villa on SKY, I think I have seen Foster play his best game for our Club. I cannot believe the improvement since the end of last season. A genuine power house, very strong, challenges for everything,great energy and a very good finisher. All his goals this season seem to have been top drawer. He reminds me of Ivan Toney-its reassuring these strikers do exist without having to spend a fortune. Toney cost Brentford £5m, rising higher depending on performances. Adebayo at Luton has scored nearly 40 goals for them and was playing at Bognor Regis 6 years ago. I doubt he broke the bank when Luton sign him but he certainly gave Chelsea something to worry about yesterday

[gandhisflipflop]

It comes as no surprise to posters who listened to VK when he was bought in Jan that he will be for next season. He was never a player who would turn on a six pence and create space in tight spaces (like amdouni), instead he relies on his pace to beat defences in behind, something which a lot of championship teams didn’t do last year as they would camp inside their own half.

This was pointed out at the time and a certain poster still called him pony

[Iloveyoubrady]

Foster is the biggest suprise of the season for me. He did look pretty bad in the championship. Then we move up a league and all those around him who were playing so brilliantly look shite, while he looks a complete centre forward all of a sudden.

If he plays out the rest of the season he could go a long way towards helping us recoup the summer outlay. If we were able to stay up this season though, he’s the type who could command a big big money fee with another season.

[Rileybobs]

It comes as no surprise to posters who listened to VK when he was bought in Jan that he will be for next season. He was never a player who would turn on a six pence and create space in tight spaces (like amdouni), instead he relies on his pace to beat defences in behind, something which a lot of championship teams didn’t do last year as they would camp inside their own half.

Did VK ever say that Foster was for next season (as in this season)? Seen this mentioned on here a few times but can’t remember hearing or reading him say this.

As for Foster, his improvement has been immeasurable and he’s such a handful for defenders. I certainly never expected him to become our most important player.

[RVclaret]

He’s been excellent all season. A shining light. But yesterday was his best yet. I thought his heart gesture to Burnley fans after his goal was a nice moment.

If he keeps up this form then undoubtedly there will be interest, but for this type of player, at this level, we should be in a pretty good position to demand a large fee (£30m+) regardless of what division we are in. Hopefully we can retain him, which he may even prefer, or be advised on.

There was a lot of talk around Gyokeres last season and now he’s being linked with top PL clubs after impressing for Sporting. I think the fee mentioned there is £70m+. I reckon Foster’s play style is very, very similar to his.

[NewClaret]

That was definitely his best performance since his return and arguably best for us.

My Villa mates were raving about him on the way home, wanting Villa to bid for him in January. They were amazed at his age.

I also said earlier in the season that he’s starting to remind me of Toney. Absolutely amazing find by Kompany. I didn’t even think his YT clips looked that good when we signed him! How anyone can question his recruitment or coaching ability when you watched him yesterday is beyond me.

[Devils_Advocate]

Having watched the full game v Villa on SKY, I think I have seen Foster play his best game for our Club. I cannot believe the improvement since the end of last season. A genuine power house, very strong, challenges for everything,great energy and a very good finisher. All his goals this season seem to have been top drawer. He reminds me of Ivan Toney-its reassuring these strikers do exist without having to spend a fortune. Toney cost Brentford £5m, rising higher depending on performances. Adebayo at Luton has scored nearly 40 goals for them and was playing at Bognor Regis 6 years ago. I doubt he broke the bank when Luton sign him but he certainly gave Chelsea something to worry about yesterday

All of that plus he's got great awareness and technique around his interplay and ability to spot and create for others like our first goal against Fulham where his little layoff to Odobert created the shooting chance perfectly.

Only worry is that if he can consistently keep to this level and we go down it will be a hell of a challenge to keep hold of him.

[NewClaret]

He’s been excellent all season. A shining light. But yesterday was his best yet. I thought his heart gesture to Burnley fans after his goal was a nice moment.

If he keeps up this form then undoubtedly there will be interest, but for this type of player, at this level, we should be in a pretty good position to demand a large fee (£30m+) regardless of what division we are in. Hopefully we can retain him, which he may even prefer, or be advised on.

There was a lot of talk around Gyokeres last season and now he’s being linked with top PL clubs after impressing for Sporting. I think the fee mentioned there is £70m+. I reckon Foster’s play style is very, very similar to his.

Good point about Gyokeres. I’m not sure on him (we contained him easily last year) and doubt anyone will stump up those kind of fees mentioned at £70m but if anyone pays that, it immediately puts Foster in the same bracket.

[Goliath]

Its genuinely one of the most exciting number 9 performances ive seen from anyone in a Burnley shirt.
Technically and physically excellent but on top of that he works hard and makes runs in behind testing the defence constantly.
We may have an absolute star on our hands, if we can keep him fit and mentally healthy then we are talking 50 million even if we go down. There would be many clubs interested as well which could push the price higher.

[Rileybobs]

Not sure I understand the clamour for receiving a large transfer fee. I’d rather we retain our best players than line the owners’ pockets.

[ecc]

The usual sniping.

Why not concentrate on one of the few positives. His goalscoring ratio is very good alone. It's looking like we're be back in the second tier but to have a young PL scorer is a massive boost for the club and the fans.

[beddie]

Massive improvement. He looks much better when side by side against an opponent, he muscles in and gives it back, when he first arrived he was outmuscled in most situations. We need to keep him and bring in some better quality along side him.

[Superjohnnyfrancis]

Couldn’t get the ball off the centre backs last season but balls over the top now he is eating them up. Just wish his team mates showed his enthusiasm and fight.

[Bordeauxclaret]

Possibly the best centre forward performance for us at this level since Ashley Barnes against City a number of years ago.

[Quickenthetempo]

Most foreign players need time to settle.

His type of player was not suited to our style of football in the championship, where most teams sat on the edge of their box.
He needs space to run into to use his pace.

Not him with his back to goal while we knock 250 passes together.

[Big Vinny K]

Best and most improved player this season by some distance.
The only games he was not up to his usual standards is when he was getting his match fitness back.
Even when we were getting schooled earlier in the season he was often our only outlet and still giving teams a battle on his own.

Amdouni unfortunately is often too far away from him - he comes to deep and lacks positional sense or much of a football brain to me. Hopefully he’ll develop this as he does seem to have a lot of skill and 2 good feet.

My concern for Foster is that he seems to have to make a lot of his opportunities himself. He’s done that brilliantly but we need to create more chances for him. I can’t remember many crosses this season to his head or feet or getting to the byline and pulling it back to him.

[Rowls]

He just bullied some outplayed some of the best centrebacks in the Prem.

He's made himself essential to us.

[Clive 1960]

He will just get better that's for sure ...

[TheFamilyCat]

Given his physical attributes I was surprised that Trafford chose to kick to Amdouni v Liverpool, though that could be because Lyle was being marked by van Dijk.

[NewClaret]

Did VK ever say that Foster was for next season (as in this season)? Seen this mentioned on here a few times but can’t remember hearing or reading him say this.

As for Foster, his improvement has been immeasurable and he’s such a handful for defenders. I certainly never expected him to become our most important player.

I think it was in MtB - Kompany said a few things: 1. He was a PL striker for £8m, when we get to the PL he’d cost double, then 2. later when the Board were asking why he’s not playing Kompany said words the effect of he’s being prepared for the Premier League.

And on this years showing it looks like they did a top job.

[Bowclaret]

Looking a fantastic player now full of heart and commitment.

Hate to say it but he would fit right in at Man UTD and looks like the player they desperately need.

BUT, that would cost them 70 to 80 Mill +

[jrgbfc]

No way we keep hold of him if we go down.

[Goliath]

Not sure I understand the clamour for receiving a large transfer fee. I’d rather we retain our best players than line the owners’ pockets.

Thats who we are now its naive to think we can keep him tbh if we go down. Also it wouldnt be worth the risk of keeping him when we know he has problems with his mental health, better to cash in at peak value and find someone that is more likely to handle a 46 game championship season.

[Rileybobs]

I think it was in MtB - Kompany said a few things: 1. He was a PL striker for £8m, when we get to the PL he’d cost double, then 2. later when the Board were asking why he’s not playing Kompany said words the effect of he’s being prepared for the Premier League.

And on this years showing it looks like they did a top job.

I recall him saying that Foster would be the cheapest striker in the Premier League but don’t remember anything about him being signed specifically for a Premier League campaign.

[Rileybobs]

Thats who we are now its naive to think we can keep him tbh if we go down. Also it wouldnt be worth the risk of keeping him when we know he has problems with his mental health, better to cash in at peak value and find someone that is more likely to handle a 46 game championship season.

I wouldn’t say it’s naive. Foster may be happy to stay at Burnley if he’s confident we will bounce straight up. And your comments re his mental health are a bit crass, yet the fact that he suffers with mental health issues may in fact be a reason for him wanting to stay at Burnley.

[Belgianclaret]

VK said in the documentary last season that buying Foster at the price they then paid would reap dividends as a player of similar ilk would cost plenty more in the PL.

How right he was.

[Goliath]

I wouldn’t say it’s naive. Foster may be happy to stay at Burnley if he’s confident we will bounce straight up. And your comments re his mental health are a bit crass, yet the fact that he suffers with mental health issues may in fact be a reason for him wanting to stay at Burnley.

Its a business, football is a cut throat industry. They have to think about worse case scenarios, which is we go down and his issues flare up again. Then we have a massively depreciated asset and no premier league. I doubt him wanting to stay will really come into it, didn't Mcneil want to stay?

[Vegas Claret]

staggering what a bit of patience can produce

[Rileybobs]

Its a business, football is a cut throat industry. They have to think about worse case scenarios, which is we go down and his issues flare up again. Then we have a massively depreciated asset and no premier league. I doubt him wanting to stay will really come into it, didn't Mcneil want to stay?

We were in a different position last time we got relegated. If we sell all of our best players if/when relegated then we are basically rinsing and repeating if we win promotion again.

[Goliath]

Our plan is to constantly 'rinse and repeat' in terms of buying cheap and selling on at peak value regardless of what level we are at. The wingers might stay because you could argue they arent at peak value, Foster is more risky

[Rileybobs]

Our plan is to constantly 'rinse and repeat' in terms of buying cheap and selling on at peak value regardless of what level we are at. The wingers might stay because you could argue they arent at peak value, Foster is more risky

Surely the plan is to become an ‘established’ Premier League club. I doubt the owners want to see us playing in the Championship.

[bfcmik]

I don't think it is Lyle's best interest for the sake of his mental wellbeing to consider a move at the moment. The words from Kompany about South Africa's decision to omit him from their AFCON squad, "He needs to be within a small group as he recovers," say it all. No way does he need the pressure of a big money move with the press interest that follows.

[Goliath]

Surely the plan is to become an ‘established’ Premier League club. I doubt the owners want to see us playing in the Championship.

Sure but their method of doing that is by trading young players. That doesnt mean selling everybody, just when the people in charge think a player is at his peak value i'd imagine or if theres too much risk in not selling.

I think theres a big chance of them selling Brownhill for that exact reason.

[Rileybobs]

Sure but their method of doing that is by trading young players. That doesnt mean selling everybody, just when the people in charge think a player is at his peak value i'd imagine or if theres too much risk in not selling.

I think theres a big chance of them selling Brownhill for that exact reason.

Yes sure, we’re obviously going down the route of player trading. But if we are to make a better fist at becoming a top level side again we can’t be naive enough to think we can sign a brand new inexperienced squad upon promotion.

But my first point was mainly at not understanding the giddiness about what Foster may be worth as I’d rather watch better players than line the pockets of our owners.

[Goliath]

Yes sure, we’re obviously going down the route of player trading. But if we are to make a better fist at becoming a top level side again we can’t be naive enough to think we can sign a brand new inexperienced squad upon promotion.

But my first point was mainly at not understanding the giddiness about what Foster may be worth as I’d rather watch better players than line the pockets of our owners.

Wouldn't we all. I think thats a seperate debate about the direction which English football has gone.

[kentonclaret]

No way we keep hold of him if we go down.

The Sky Soccer Saturday pundit covering our game yesterday was ex player Steve Sidwell and during the second half commented “Lyle Foster has been really excellent and wouldn’t look out of place in a top six side”.
If Lyle stays fit and well, and continues his rate of progression scoring goals, I would be shocked if he is plying his trade next season in the Championship.

[Commy]

No way we keep hold of him if we go down.

Would he want to move to another club with his issues? He seems to look happy at the minute but moving could easily knock him back. Staying put might be better for him.

[kentonclaret]

Would he want to move to another club with his issues? He seems to look happy at the minute but moving could easily knock him back. Staying put might be better for him.

Playing in the division below when established PL clubs are showing an interest could also knock him back.
All pure conjecture as to what is best for the player.

[Jakubclaret]

Playing in the division below when established PL clubs are showing an interest could also knock him back.
All pure conjecture as to what is best for the player.

I'm pretty sure doubling somebody's pay packet might go some way into smoothing any bumps over. Yet again conjecture.

[Cooclaret]

Not sure I understand the clamour for receiving a large transfer fee. I’d rather we retain our best players than line the owners’ pockets.

You know we’ve changed owners right?

[Rileybobs]

You know we’ve changed owners right?

Don’t think we have.

[Cooclaret]

Don’t think we have.

Pace isn’t about lining his pockets.

[Rileybobs]

Pace isn’t about lining his pockets.

Really? This is an altruistic pursuit?

[bfcmik]

I'm pretty sure doubling somebody's pay packet might go some way into smoothing any bumps over. Yet again conjecture.

Mental Health issues are NOT solved by money!

[Boss Hogg]

Despite it being a terrible season so far Foster is the one big plus. He looks a far better player than last year. He has strength and power and looks the real deal. It’s a shame he was missing for a while.

[ClaretPete001]

It's no co-incidence Foster was likely to have a good game yesterday and not, for example, against the likes of Everton because Villa play a high line and the like of Everton don't ....

He also scored against Villa in the opening game of the season

His pace is a real asset and he will attract bigger clubs if he continues in this form - no doubt.

[Jakubclaret]

Mental Health issues are NOT solved by money!

That’s true but I’d wager the outcome if you had a poor man & a rich man with the same mental health issue who’d end up better off. Affording the best psychiatrist & care compared to somebody who’s on a NHS waiting list.

[Hipper]

The Sky Soccer Saturday pundit covering our game yesterday was ex player Steve Sidwell and during the second half commented “Lyle Foster has been really excellent and wouldn’t look out of place in a top six side”.
If Lyle stays fit and well, and continues his rate of progression scoring goals, I would be shocked if he is plying his trade next season in the Championship.

I've not seen Steve Sidwell on Sky before. Very impressive in describing the game.

[Superjohnnyfrancis]

The finish past Martinez at his near post was top class.

[Nori1958]

The finish past Martinez at his near post was top class.

Has someone hacked your account?

Or is it a new year resolution to say nice things about our players