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Stephen John Foster (born 18 September 1980 Mansfield, Nottinghamshire) is an English professional football defender who currently plays for Barnsley.

Foster signed for local club Crewe Alexandra as a trainee in August 1997 and made his debut on the 22nd of that month in Crewe's 1-0 loss to Bury. He made a second appearance in the same season a months later in Crewe's 1-1 draw with Bristol City. Foster however didn't play any first team games for Crewe during the next season. A season on and Foster scored his first goal for Crewe in their 2-2 draw with Bury, the goal came in the 84th minute, Mark Rivers scoring the other goal for Crewe 2 minutes after Foster's goal. It took 4 seasons before Foster was received his first red card, he received it in Crewe's 2-1 loss at Gresty Road against Oldham Athletic. After the transfer of David Brammer to Stoke City in 2003, Stephen was named the captain of Crewe Alexandra for the 2003/2004 season, Foster's role as captain was taken away from him the next season and was given to team mate Kenny Lunt.

After Crewe's relegation from the championship in the 2005-06 season, Foster (who was out of contract) decided to turn down a new offer by Crewe in favour of joining the Championship side Burnley on a free transfer. He spent his first season at Burnley mainly as a squad player or substitute and started the 2007-08 season in similar vein. In August of 2007 Foster was transferred to Barnsley for the sum of £100,000 where he signed a two year contract. ^[1] Foster was a long term target for Barnsley^[1] and they had been trying to sign the player throughout the summer.^[2]

1. ^ ^{a b} Tykes swoop for Anderson and Foster
2. ^ Foster completes Barnsley move

• Stephen Foster career stats at Soccerbase