Ben Foster on going back to where it all began with Birmingham City

Nov 9 2010 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

BEN Foster returns to the club that launched his career tonight – despite never actually playing for them.

Foster was plucked from Racing Club Warwick into the pro ranks by Stoke City then went on to join Manchester United after four years.

And had it not been for Stoke scout Colin Dobson’s spur-of-the-moment decision to take a peek at a match local to his home, Foster might still be working as a chef.

“I went from Stoke to United and on loan to Watford for two years,’’ he said.

‘‘I had a little loan spell at Wrexham, which got me noticed by United.

“I signed for Stoke but never actually played for them. I was in the Dr Martens Western Division with Racing Club Warwick.

“There was a scout called Colin Dobson who worked for Stoke but was living in Warwick.

“One night he saw some floodlights, stopped off and had a watch of the game and I caught the eye. That was it. He made a note of it and came to watch me a few more times.

“I owe it all to him. Top man. Whether I’d still be working as a chef if he hadn’t spotted me, I don’t know”