for those who were there on saturday, google "oxford city vs west ham united 28 july 1994", the day when a wet spam fan who having had enough of their performance in a pre-season friendly was asked by 'arry to do better then!!!!!!!! one of my favourite footie tales ever.
for those who were there on saturday, google "oxford city vs west ham united 28 july 1994", the day when a wet spam fan who having had enough of their performance in a pre-season friendly was asked by 'arry to do better then!!!!!!!! one of my favourite footie tales ever.
I was thinking of that on Saturday..
So I quickly shut up and took the visual punishment like a man.
Not even Charlton are ready for my "skill" on the pitch.
Thing is Pope is the same age as Courtois! he had a great loan at York so clearly he is already a decent league 1 keeper. For the sake of our nerves we might like to see another keeper coming in but never two. Pre season should tell Peeters whether the new look back 5 is good enough: Pope, Solly, Gomez Bikey and Fox.
You do realise that York are in League Two . . . yes, I expect you do, but are applying the usual exaggeration. Anyone who thinks we don't need to sign a keeper is very naive, even if Pope does start the season and do well, as he may.
In turn you realise he was rated by their fans and others as one of the best keepers in League two so the rational observer would suggest that equates to league 1. To call him a league 2 standard keeper would therefore be an insult and inaccurate. Fortunately the decision is not down to you nor I but down to Peeters, Duchatelet and the goalkeeping coach as to whether he starts this season or is on the bench with a new keeper signed. Peeters press conference the other week was ambiguous in my opinion. "find replacements for Hamer Dervite but at the same time give youth a chance" appeared to be the message. Personally I'm comfortable with the back five and think the focus has to be on getting the front six right as quickly as possible - this is what will make or break our season. Ajdarevic, Poyet (Stephens) and Sordell have been replaced by Buyens, Vetokele and Gudmundsson. With Reza, Cousins, Harriott, Wilson and Jackson still on board. Add Ansah and another decent striker (tbc) to the mix and I think we have an improved squad - on paper!
So sure buy/borrow a top keeper or give Pope a chance? Time will tell.
There's a quality keeper in there in Pope, but he's swapping little tight ground's down at York to big match-days down at Cardiff City Stadium, a rocking Falmer stadium, City ground etc.. We lack enough Championship experience as it is, a young in-experienced keeper may be one too far for me to use the full season.
There's a quality keeper in there in Pope, but he's swapping little tight ground's down at York to big match-days down at Cardiff City Stadium, a rocking Falmer stadium, City ground etc.. We lack enough Championship experience as it is, a young in-experienced keeper may be one too far for me to use the full season.
I don't know how the York defence's record changed with his presence but it seems a safe bet he will be considerably busier in the Championship and strikers who would be outstanding in L2 would be average at best in the Championship - one or two bad games and his confidence is shot, we're in a very bad place. There is a difference between developing youth players, and relying on them - we can't afford to fall into the latter. If Big Bob wants to try Pope as first choice, I will back that decision, I would applaud it even - but it would be naive at best to not have a plan B.
The past is littered with players who did well at one level but couldn't step up a division. Paul Benson would be an example from our recent history. I don't suggest that Nick Pope is one of these, but there is no evidence at all of his ability to play at a higher level until he does so. And no matter how good he is, we still need another goalkeeper.
The past is littered with players who did well at one level but couldn't step up a division. Paul Benson would be an example from our recent history. I don't suggest that Nick Pope is one of these, but there is no evidence at all of his ability to play at a higher level until he does so. And no matter how good he is, we still need another goalkeeper.
Poyet didn't play in the first team until Stephens was sold - there was no evidence until he showed up, did the business and picked up POTY! I'm sure the club will weigh up the angles and make a decision based on what is good for the player and CAFC. Given that a new keeper will cost cash and need to be sourced and landed, this may take a while.
I think the question we should be asking is not whether Pope is good enough but who is number 2? I think Phillips needs another season (perhaps on loan like Pope) so we need another goalie so we have two good enough.
Comments
Went home and watched the horse racing.
So I quickly shut up and took the visual punishment like a man.
Not even Charlton are ready for my "skill" on the pitch.
Fortunately the decision is not down to you nor I but down to Peeters, Duchatelet and the goalkeeping coach as to whether he starts this season or is on the bench with a new keeper signed. Peeters press conference the other week was ambiguous in my opinion. "find replacements for Hamer Dervite but at the same time give youth a chance" appeared to be the message.
Personally I'm comfortable with the back five and think the focus has to be on getting the front six right as quickly as possible - this is what will make or break our season. Ajdarevic, Poyet (Stephens) and Sordell have been replaced by Buyens, Vetokele and Gudmundsson. With Reza, Cousins, Harriott, Wilson and Jackson still on board. Add Ansah and another decent striker (tbc) to the mix and I think we have an improved squad - on paper!
So sure buy/borrow a top keeper or give Pope a chance? Time will tell.
I'm sure the club will weigh up the angles and make a decision based on what is good for the player and CAFC. Given that a new keeper will cost cash and need to be sourced and landed, this may take a while.