Luton – The Legends Series – Steve Foster

For the latest in our ongoing series covering those who have achieved legendary status among the support, we feature another former player who became a fans favourite.

Following on from those already covered – John Moore, David Preece, Mal Donaghy, Brian Lewis, Bruce Rioch, Fred Jardine, Brian Horton, Kevin Nicholls and Tony Read we’ve chosen to cover the Luton Town career of Steve Foster.

Foster played for the Hatters from 1984 to 1989 after joining from Aston Villa. The powerful centre-back had established himself at Brighton and Hove Albion, where he spent five season, winning 3 England caps and playing in an FA Cup Final replay, against Manchester United.

But his spell at Villa Park was to last a mere 8 months before, in November 1984, he arrived at Kenilworth Road.

The centre-back was the last piece of the Luton defensive jigsaw, using his ability, leadership skills and experience to influence those around him.

Prior to his arrival, our full-backs had been a bit gung-ho, although Luton were scoring goals, they were also conceding. With Foster holding court in the heart of the defence, the full backs role changed, he’s urge them to stay back when needed but was also quick, when the opportunity arose, to urge them to push on.

Foster’s biggest achievement with Luton Town came in 1988 when he captained the Hatters to League Cup glory on that memorable day at Wembley Stadium when Luton, the under-dogs, beat Arsenal.

That action still gives me goosebumps all these years later.

Unfortunately, after 163 league appearances, in which he scored 11 goals, Foster left Luton to sign for Oxford United, but during his time with Luton Town, he certainly made his mark.

But a couple of facts I did find out through reading the excellent book, written by Philip Duffy:

is that when Steve Foster was at Luton, him and Mick Harford were, neighbours in Harpenden and it was Steve that organised most of the outings, for the players, to galvanise team spirit, he seems like a thoroughly decent chap.

If you haven’t invested in a copy of the book, I advise you to do so, it is a great read.

Steve Foster – Mini Fact File

Name – Stephen Brian Foster

Date of Birth – 24-September-1957

Place of Birth – Portsmouth, England

Position – Centre Back

Youth Career – Southampton

Career – Portsmouth, Brighton and Hove Albion, Aston Villa, Luton Town, Oxford United, Brighton and Hove Albion (again).

International Career – England U21, England

If you feel able to share any of your thoughts or memories on the Hatters career of Steve Foster, please feel free to do so in the comment facility beneath this article.

If you can think of anyone who deserves nominating for coverage in this ongoing series, please drop their name into the comment facility beneath this article.

My thanks go to those who have already nominated faces from the past, they will all be covered, in time.

Next up in the series will be – Mike Keen suggested by Chris Winter

COYH’s

Previous article by Mad Hatter

Luton – The Legends Series – Tony Read