A section of West Brom fans have reacted negatively to a gesture of goodwill from Ben Foster, following his successful transfer from the Baggies to Watford.
West Brom announced on Thursday by means of their official Twitter account that the goalkeeper had rejoined the Hornets on a permanent deal, ending a prosperous seven-year stint at the Hawthorns.
Ben Foster has joined @WatfordFC for an undisclosed fee.#WBAhttps://t.co/woHlwD3wnx
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) July 5, 2018
Following the transfer announcement, the former England international took to his own personal Twitter account, to send a touching gesture to the Baggies faithful, celebrating what was a good career in the Midlands.
“Thanks for the memories Baggies, it’s been seven years that was honestly a pleasure and an honour to play each week. Thanks for making it a home and looking after me. And to all the staff and players, thanks for making it enjoyable to wake up and come into work everyday,” he said.
Thanks for the memories Baggies, it’s been 7 years that was honestly a pleasure and an honour to play each week. Thanks for making it a home and looking after me. And to all the staff and players, thanks for making it enjoyable to wake up and come into work everyday ?? @wba
— Ben Foster (@BenFoster) July 5, 2018
This news was not well received, however, and many of the Albion supporters were left feeling a sense of anger towards Foster, who had previously indicated that he would stay with the club if they were relegated.
A number of the more active fans even took to Twitter themselves to voice their discontent at the message, and This Is Futbol have rounded up a few of the best reactions.
https://twitter.com/stuwba68/status/1014985235744940032
https://twitter.com/baggyboy1878/status/1015143872178065408
https://twitter.com/DarrenHackett75/status/1014985472307851266
https://twitter.com/phoenixbaggie/status/1015001672190439441
Your a top keeper!!! But for you to leave @WBA after what you have said in the past is a dog act!! We will see you back in the premier league soon enough…. and I hope you take the others who think they are better than what they are!!! Loyalty pfft
— Brad Eiffe (@foothillspool84) July 5, 2018
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— ? Ian Hunt ? (@IanHunt7) July 5, 2018
https://twitter.com/Meggx09/status/1014984812648595457
It didn't have to end this way Ben ffs
— Callum ? (@CallumWBA_) July 5, 2018
It is easy to understand the fans anger at this transfer revelation, as Foster had always been at the very heart of the club since his arrival, and even represented England at the 2014 World Cup as a West Brom player.
OPINION
Foster was a loyal and worthy servant for the club, and had he not suggested he would be staying at the Hawthorns none of this would be happening. Fans understand the need for players to want to play in the Premier League, but the manner in which Foster has conducted himself is almost a slap in the face to the club and its fans. Foster is extremely able, and is more than capable of still holding down the number one spot for a Premier League team, so Watford fans will be looking forward to seeing him in action. For the heartbroken baggies supporters, it is not all doom and gloom, as Sam Johnstone has arrived at the Hawthorns to take over proceedings as the regular shot-stopper, which is a wonderful piece of transfer business by Darren Moore.