At six feet-four he was one of the tallest players in the Football League and consequently Foster was a dominating figure at the heart of the defence. Comes from Kent but served his apprenticeship in the East End with Leyton Orient who signed him in July 1980. Scored his first senior goal the day he became a professional with the "O's" in a match against Huddersfield Town, and in May 1987 moved to Nottingham Forest for £50,000. The transfer following a loan-spell.

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Foster soon established himself in the heart of Brian Clough's defence until injury at Christmas 1988 lost him his place. A cheque for £750,000 persuaded Forest to transfer him to the Boleyn.

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"Fozzie" made a winning start, making his West Ham United debut in the Barclays League Division Two match 1-0 win at Upton Park against Watford on the 23 September 1989. In his time at the Boleyn Ground he was always battling to overcome injuries and in August 1992 remained on a weekly contract after initially turning down a new one-year deal and he also rejected the chance to rejoin Forest after he could not agree personal terms with the Nottingham club.

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Played just five games at the start of the 1993-94 campaign before joining First Division Notts County on loan. "Fozzie" looked set to join County but the £150,000 fee was too much for County and he eventually signed for Watford in a deal worth £80,000 on transfer deadline day March 1994. Later played for Cambridge United.