And keeper delighted to see McAuley pen new deal
BEN Foster insists Albion should be proud of their eighth-placed Barclays Premier League finish – but hopes the club can perform even better next season.
The Baggies collected 49 points during a record-breaking campaign – their highest in the top flight since 1980/81.
And the England international is hungry to surpass this term’s return when Steve Clarke’s men kick-off the 2013/14 season in August.
"It's really nice to finish eighth, I'm happy with that,” said Foster.
“The gaffer told us after the game that it is the club’s best season since the 1980/81 season.
“We should all be very proud of what we’ve achieved.
“We've been in the top half all season.
“Fortunately we came back against Man Utd and Swansea lost their final game.
“We’ve got 49 points and that's great for a club of our stature.
"We want to get to that 50-point barrier next season.
“We could have got it this year but it wasn’t to be.”
The 30-year-old stopper also paid tribute to Gareth McAuley, who signed a new-and-improved two-year contract on Friday.
"Gareth's amazing,” added Foster.
“He's 33 years old and is showing no signs of letting up.
“He’s as quick as some of the young lads.
“It's a big thing for him to sign a new contract.
"He's spent all his career in the lower leagues so to finally get into the Premier League in his thirties is special.
“He's taken it all in his stride.
“He's a pleasure to play with and great to have in front of you.”