BARNSLEY'S Carling Cup tie at Crewe Alexandra tonight will mean more to Steve Foster than anyone else.
The central defender began his footballing life there at just 12, one of the many to work their way through the famed Crewe Academy overseen by former manager Dario Gradi, now moved 'upstairs' but still keenly involved in the club's development of its young players.
"Obviously I have some great and happy memories and I am grateful for the grounding that the coaching there gave me as a youngster," says Foster.
"Much has been said and written about Dario Gradi but he is a great coach and I can't stress that enough.
"There were times when we had quite a few players away on international duty and we'd be left without about eight players and he'd put on sessions and you'd wonder where he came up with his ideas.
"He could translate his ideas so well to the lads coming through and he knows what you need to practise and how to improve areas of your game.
"I've never know such a hard working coach - he'd be with the first team in the morning and then working with the 12 to 14-year-olds in the evenings. He was even at it again with the youngsters on Sundays.
"It was this grounding that helped me so much and, I feel stood me in good stead. You feel confident if and when you step up football's ladder."
Foster says Barnsley certainly know what sort of game to expect tonight.
"They'll never change. Crewe will pass it, they'll play football, that's the way of the club and the way the players have been brought up," added Foster who still keeps in touch with a couple of players, notably Ben Rix and Chris McCready.
However having lost top scorer Nicky Maynard to Bristol City, Crewe have replaced him up front with the giant 6ft 5in Calvin Zola from Tranmere and he will certainly offer Barnsley's back four something different to a fluent passing game.
Foster says that Barnsley's FA Cup experience last season has shown there will be shocks. "We have to make sure the boot isn't on the other foot."
Boss Simon Davey will replace suspended defender Marcio van Homoet and injured Mounir El Haimour.
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