FORMER Town goalie Wes Foderingham has heaped praise on departing goalkeeping coach Steve Hale for his influence on Swindon’s style of football.

The 25-year-old, who now plays for Rangers, has Hale to thank for the development of his career during his time at the County Ground.

Hale was known for developing close bonds with the club’s stoppers in his two years as head goalkeeping coach and Foderingham was no different as he was given a special mention in Hale’s leaving letter to the fans.

With Swindon chairman Lee Power keen to see his side play a high possession style of football, a lot of pressure is put on the goalkeepers to be able to play with their feet, as well as be shot-stoppers.

Foderingham said that Hale would have specific training drills to help glovemen cope with that style and play with the ball at both feet.

Hale and Foderingham have remained in close contact since the former Crystal Palace youth product departed Wiltshire and he knows the 44-year-old will be difficult to replace after joining up with ex-Town boss Mark Cooper at Forest Green.

“Steve is important to the backroom staff, especially with the way Swindon are playing,” Foderingham told the Advertiser.

“His sessions are very much tailored to the modern-day goalkeeper to help in those situations in games where you are going to have the ball at your feet.

“He has a lot of drills on distribution and playing with both your left and right foot, and playing with your weaker foot. Playing with that style ,you get exposed to your weaker foot a lot, so that is good.

“When I was there, he was first-class and I am sure all the goalkeepers would say the same thing, and I have nothing but respect for Steve.”