Tamworth snap up midfielder Martin Foster

Jan 10 2008 By Nick Pullen, Birmingham Mail

TROUBLED Tamworth have moved to boost their midfield by signing Rushden and Diamonds midfielder Martin Foster.

The 30-year-old has agreed to join on an 18-month deal after declaring he wanted to live closer to his Sheffield home.

Having kicked off his career as a trainee with Leeds United, Foster has since gained a wealth of experience playing for Blackpool, Morton and Doncaster, before dropping into non-league football with Forest Green Rovers, Halifax Town and Oxford United.

He joined Rushden last summer.

Tamworth's management and players have dug into their own pockets ahead of Saturday's long-distance FA Trophy trip to Blyth Spartans.

They are offering to pay for the supporters' coach travel to the North-East as a goodwill gesture.

However, manager Gary Mills still faces a race against time to find a goalkeeper for the tie after Phil Palethorpe was recalled by Chester City.

Palethorpe had replaced injured goalkeeper Jose Veiga, who has undergone surgery on a dislocated shoulder, on a loan basis.

But Chester now want Palethorpe back as goalkeeping cover following Gavin Ward's transfer to Wrexham.

Solihull Moors have secured long-term target Danny Crane as their new goalkeeper following the departure of Matthew Ghent.