WANTED man Stephen Foster insists the lure of playing under Steve Cotterill was the deciding factor in joining Burnley on a two-year deal.

Clarets boss Cotterill swooped from the under the nose of Championship rivals Barnsley to secure free transfer defender Foster from Crewe Alexandra.

Last week, the Tykes also offered a two-year contract to Foster, a product of Crewe's academy system who has almost 250 Railwaymen appearances to his name, while Gillingham were also interested.

But once Cotterill showed his interest, the versatile 25-year-old admits there was only one destination he was heading.

"It feels great to be here," said Foster. "The last couple of days have been quite hectic, but after having a few telephone conversations with the manager I was happy to come here.

"I was pleased other clubs were interested in signing me and I have to thank them for that interest, but as soon as I heard Burnley were involved I jumped at the chance.

"One of the main attractions was the manager. He was interested in me and I think it's a club with great ambition.

"The Championship is where I wanted to be because, like any player, you want to play at the highest level.

"I was keen on getting something sorted before pre-season started.

"I didn't want that situation to carry on into pre-season training because it is such an important part of the season, so I am just looking forward to getting myself fit and working with the lads.

"I have only ever played for Crewe and it was a bit of a wrench to leave. But hopefully this change will spur me on and push me as a player."

Foster, a former England Schoolboy international and Manchester United junior, was out of contract at Gresty Road following eight seasons with Dario Gradi's men.

He is now the second player to leave the Railwaymen for Turf Moor, following in the footsteps of striker Steve Jones, and becomes Burnley's fourth summer purchase joining Alan Mahon and Andy Gray.

"I know Steve (Jones) very well. We have been chatting and he's been telling me about the club and it will be nice to link up with him again," added Foster "He will always be a threat with his pace because he is electric and on his day he can turn defenders inside out.

"Hopefully we'll see plenty of that when we get going."

With a shortage of defensive numbers, Cotterill was desperate to reinforce his back-line.

Warrington-based Foster can fill various positions, including the right-back slot which Cotterill has been at pains to strengthen.

Cotterill said: "With Duane Courtney on the transfer list, we are down to five defenders and if two of them were to get injured we have a problem.

"Stephen is a proven defender, a good lad with excellent character.

"I have been to Spain and I've been to Germany, watching something like six games to try and identify a right back we could do something with.

"All to no avail because they are no better than I've already got.

"Therefore, we have had to go down the route of another central defender to be able to shuffle our back four around a little."

A consistent performer at Alex over the years, 5ft 11in tall Foster was noted for his solid displays in the heart of defence.

He has also chipped in with goals, scoring 15 times in 200 league starts, including a strike in the 3-3 draw against Burnley at Turf Moor in September 2001.

Gradi believes Foster may have made the Premiership grade, but for a cruciate knee ligament injury he suffered seven years ago.

"We always expected him to make the grade and possibly he'd have done even better if he had not had the problems with his knee," said Gradi.