Ben Foden signs again for Saints
By COYSDC
October 19 2011
Northampton Saints will today announce that Ben Foden has signed a new contract at the club, a year before his current deal expires.In putting pen to paper Foden has committed himself to the Saints’ cause until at least the summer of 2014 and is the second current player in the squad to do so early in the season.
Foden extends stay at Franklin’s Gardens
Since arriving at Franklin’s Gardens in the summer of 2008 Foden, shortlisted for the 2009/10 RPA Players’ Player of the Season, has become a key member of the Saints team, his ability with ball in hand mirrored by an outstanding defensive capability.
The 25-year-old’s try against Perpignan in early May helped send the Saints to the Heineken Cup final, in which he also crossed the whitewash. In all Foden has scored 20 tries in his 81 appearances to date.
In the last 18 months Foden has also established himself as England’s number one full back, and earlier this year added a Six Nations winners’ medal to his collection of European Challenge Cup, LV= Cup and Premiership medals – the latter earned during his time at former club, Sale.
Fresh from his experiences in the World Cup, and with memories of a big occasion such as the Heineken Cup final still fresh in his mind, Foden is determined to help bring more success to the Saints.
“I know this was where I want to be,” he said. “I’ve seen the club climb and achieve bigger things with every season. I was pretty quick in putting pen to paper and signing for two more years.
“We’ve strengthened the squad during the summer. We achieved some great things last year and reached a major final, although we came up just short. But I’m excited to be here and I’m looking forward to a long future here.
“We’re a young squad and have got better and better each year, which shows where the team is climbing to under the direction of Jim, Dorian and Paul. There are great things in the future of the club and hopefully I can be a part of that.”
Director of rugby Jim Mallinder is delighted that Foden has signed a new deal with the club.
“Although Ben has developed enormously since coming to Franklin’s Gardens we believe that the best is still to come,” he said. “He is a level headed young man who has repeatedly shown his commitment to the team and to the club, both on and off the field. He is a tremendous attacker with ball in hand, but is also an excellent defender. However Ben is also determined to keep improving and works hard in training to improve his game.
“He is the type of player who I am sure many coaches in Europe would like in their teams, and we are certainly very happy that he has decided that his future lies at Franklin’s Gardens.”
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“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”
Benjamin Franklin
Tetleys Block F E143
It doesn't seem five minutes since he came to us with a view to starting at scrum-half and here is now, England's #1 fullback with 80 appearances for Saints under his belt.
Woo and hoo
But would he be signing a new contract if Jim was about to leave??
Sounds like something quite special to me...
Best news ever. Really pleased with this one!
Flash next??
Top of the League 2014-2015 Season
A fine if modest interview. "turnstile", indeed! No wonder he wants to forget England for now and get stuck into earning his place at FG. I thought a sort of shudder drifted across his youthful brow when Chris said "we have to talk about England"...
Your time in a Saints jersey is just a snapshot of history. It is not yours to own but merely to borrow and while you wear it you need to respect those who have worn it before you and enhance it while it is yours. (W. Smith)
Come On You Saints
Bridesmaids no more.
very happy with this news.
Delighted he's staying at the club, especially as my daughter's new Saints shirt has Foden on the back!!
Hopefully this should persuade that Wigan lad to do the honourable thing in the future and hopefully, with Una's commitment to her singing career, Ben won't be jetting off to France in a few years either.
ClaireJ
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Quote:tedge
Equally important is the precedent this sets for others.
Correctomundo. Excellent news for us.
I hear another one of our England boys could do with taking a lead from him instead of spending time counting his pennies and looking around wrecks in the country.
You can't always get what you want, But if you try sometimes well you might find, You get what you need.
Richards/Jagger
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:10:21:12:58:50 by St Owen.
never mind, the shirt will always outlive the player