Fozzie Signs New Deal!!!

Barnsley captain Stephen Foster has committed his immediate future to the club by penning a new two year deal to keep him at Oakwell until 2010.

Foster, who took over the captain's armband after Brian Howard's departure to Sheffield United has joined winger Jamal Campbell-Ryce in signing a new contract at the club.

Reds boss Simon Davey told www.barnsleyfc.co.uk:

"I am absolutely delighted that Stephen has committed his future to the Club. Stephen has probably been our most consistent performer over the last year and it fantastic for everybody connected with Barnsley FC that we will have him with us for even longer".

Whilst Foster added:

"I am very, very happy to have agreed a longer deal with Barnsley Football Club. I believe that this is the right Club for me and it is fantastic to have everything agreed.

"The staff have been brilliant since they brought me to Oakwell and have backed me all the way. I appreciate that and am proud that they have shown so much faith in me. I want to repay that.

"Working with Simon (Davey) has been fantastic for me and I believe I am a much better player today than the one that left Burnley.

"The gaffer has been like a breath of fresh air for me especially after a year at Turf Moor during which I was rarely playing. I left Burnley lacking in confidence a little but since coming here that has changed and the manager has really given me the belief I needed to go out and play football.

"We have had a tough start to the season but I believe we have turned the corner now. We picked up ten points from five matches through October and could have had even more when you look at the way we played against Bristol City.

"I cannot wait to get going again and I am really looking forward to playing here at Barnsley for a long time. There was nowhere else I wanted to play. I have been given a great opportunity here and I want to repay that.

"The fans have been fantastic during my time at Oakwell. They have shown a lot of belief in me and picking up so many awards at the end of last season was a massive honour. I appreciate their backing and want to repay that with performances on the pitch".

Foster has made 61 appearances for The Reds since signing for £100,000 from Burnley in August 2007 after a year long courtship which started when the 28 year old was at Crewe and has scored five goals including the equaliser at Anfield in the FA Cup last season. He scooped all the Player of the Year awards after a fine debut season.

Meanwhile 21 year old centre back Rob Atkinson has rejoined League Two strugglers Grimsby Town on loan until the beginning of January.

Atkinson spent a spell with the Mariners last season where he made 29 appearances-including in the Johnstone Paint's Trophy at Wembley and scored one goal.