Hebburn Town boss blasts online abuse aimed at new signing

The former Gateshead and Stirling Albion goalkeeper joined the club from Blyth Spartans on Monday and made his debut just over 24 hours later in a 2-1 defeat against Whitley Bay at the Energy Check Sports Ground.

The announcement of his signing was met with a number of derogatory comments on social media websites Facebook and Twitter – although the reaction from Hornets supporters has been overwhelmingly positive.

A number of figures around the North East non-league scene – including some of Foden’s former team-mates and coaches – have spoken out in defence of the 23-year-old stopper.

And Hornets manager Bolam told the Gazette that he is determined to help the former Gateshead keeper prove people wrong during his time on South Tyneside.

He told the Gazette: “It’s not nice to see, it’s not appreciated, he’s a young lad and it’s unnecessary.

“He comes across as the sort of lad that will erase that from his mind and just get on with his own game.

“There is not a great deal you can do as a manager.

“These people need to think about what they are doing because it’s just ridiculous.

“He’s a nice lad, he’s someone that will give his all for us, just as he has done for his previous clubs.

“I am not sure if he is on social media, but these things can get back to him via other people.

“We just want to put that behind him, focus on what happens in training and on the pitch, and give him a platform to prove people wrong by being a success at our club going forwards.”

Foden will be back in the Hornets squad for Saturday’s home game against Bishop Auckland as his new side look to end a run of four consecutive league defeats.