Ridgewell boosted by Foster signing

West Brom defender Liam Ridgewell has spoken of his delight at the permanent signing of "world class" goalkeeper Ben Foster.

The 29-year-old enjoyed a highly successful loan spell with the Baggies from Birmingham, and even a change in management at the Hawthorns didn't change the club's desire to bring him back for good. Foster was snapped up by Albion on a three-year contract for fee in the region of £4m and Ridgewell, who had previously played in front of him in the Blues defence, is convinced it is money well spent. New Baggies boss Steve Clarke also has Boaz Myhill to push him for the number one jersey after he went the other way last season as part of the loan agreement, and the left-back is convinced the Welsh international will keep Foster on his toes. Ridgewell told the club's official website: "Signing Ben was absolutely fantastic - one of the best pieces of news of the summer. The term world class is easily used these days - but Foz really is that good. "He gives great confidence to the defenders playing in front of him. I'm sure a few clubs wouldn't have minded signing him so for us to get him was a fantastic bit of business. All credit to the chairman for getting him signed up. "Boaz isn't a bad lad to have as a number two either. I know him well from my time at Villa and he has gone from strength to strength. There can't be many Premier League clubs who have two such brilliant goalkeepers."