This is a blow. I hope Pope is more confident this year as I didn't think he was all that last term. Dimi is waiting in the wings which may end up being the better option.
We have to assess Pope on how he shapes up now, not matches 9 months ago. Those who are saying "he should go out on loan" seem to forget that since the Blackpool game, he has done precisely that, a key performer as Bury turned their season around and got promoted.
'It's only L2' you say. Well for me, proving yourself in the heat of a promotion race counts for plenty versus ambling along mid-table in L1 - especially as 'nerves' (rather than technical ability) seems to be the issue.
True, he might not be ready, but until he gets another chance we'll never know. Otherwise, what's the point of loaning players out if we take no notice when they do well.
Sure, we need a plan B, but if we parachute a stop-gap 35-year-old in ahead of him, then Popey might as well pack his bags for good... And i think that might be our loss in the long run
This is awkward. Henderson is universally thought to be top draw on here but having a goalkeeper that misses 10 - 15 games every season is not the way a championship club can operate. We can't afford a really good experienced backup so rely on youth and promise. That's ok in a real emergency but I honestly think our results will suffer if we have either of our two backups having to play any significant number of games.
A goalkeeper is the player you need to build your defence around. I am concerned that Henderson won't be the player we need between the sticks in order to push on due to that damn shoulder.
For Nick Pope to have a career at CAFC the Next month will define it. Over the last two seasons he's had two good loan spells in League 2 where he has kept so many clean sheets. what's the point of a 3rd ? The main problem for Pope is the fact that after the howler against Derby, Ben Roberts said he had to stop the warm up at Huddersfield because Nick was so shaky, to have a few words. Neuer,Hart and James all made bad mistakes when they were Nick's age, But mentally it was forgotten by the next match. At 23 now is his time, it's 50/50 whether he can take this opportunity.
For Nick Pope to have a career at CAFC the Next month will define it. Over the last two seasons he's had two good loan spells in League 2 where he has kept so many clean sheets. what's the point of a 3rd ? The main problem for Pope is the fact that after the howler against Derby, Ben Roberts said he had to stop the warm up at Huddersfield because Nick was so shaky, to have a few words. Neuer,Hart and James all made bad mistakes when they were Nick's age, But mentally it was forgotten by the next match. At 23 now is his time, it's 50/50 whether he can take this opportunity.
I think you are spot on. A series of good performances will satisfy the doubters and get Nick over the mental hurdle he seems to have. Anything less and it's difficult for me at least to see him having a future at The Valley. Seems very harsh but unfortunately I think it's fair.
Dmitrovic played at Derby last year and did OK .. he was let down at least once by shabby marking/defending and often left too exposed through very swift Rams attacks .. the point ? .. Pope always looks nervous, 'cat on a hot tin roof' syndrome .. Dmitrovic has played in at least one hostile and noisy away game against a top side and done well .. we play Derby as our second league game, if Henderson is really unfit, Dmitrovic should be in goal
For Nick Pope to have a career at CAFC the Next month will define it. Over the last two seasons he's had two good loan spells in League 2 where he has kept so many clean sheets. what's the point of a 3rd ? The main problem for Pope is the fact that after the howler against Derby, Ben Roberts said he had to stop the warm up at Huddersfield because Nick was so shaky, to have a few words. Neuer,Hart and James all made bad mistakes when they were Nick's age, But mentally it was forgotten by the next match. At 23 now is his time, it's 50/50 whether he can take this opportunity.
I think you are spot on. A series of good performances will satisfy the doubters and get Nick over the mental hurdle he seems to have. Anything less and it's difficult for me at least to see him having a future at The Valley. Seems very harsh but unfortunately I think it's fair.
I just think those two or three fixtures are so difficult that it's far more likely to break Pope than make him. It seems reckless to me, but then again so does having one centre back two weeks before the start of the season but there we go.
Dmitrovic played at Derby last year and did OK .. he was let down at least once by shabby marking/defending and often left too exposed through very swift Rams attacks .. the point ? .. Pope always looks nervous, 'cat on a hot tin roof' syndrome .. Dmitrovic has played in at least one hostile and noisy away game against a top side and done well .. we play Derby as our second league game, if Henderson is really unfit, Dmitrovic should be in goal
Henderson played at Derby. Pope played in the home game
Dmitrovic played at Derby last year and did OK .. he was let down at least once by shabby marking/defending and often left too exposed through very swift Rams attacks .. the point ? .. Pope always looks nervous, 'cat on a hot tin roof' syndrome .. Dmitrovic has played in at least one hostile and noisy away game against a top side and done well .. we play Derby as our second league game, if Henderson is really unfit, Dmitrovic should be in goal
Two, if you count having to face the Czech U21s with their tails up in front of a full house of their own fans, and your own defence going AWOL. Asked my buddy again last night. He repeated that Dimi was the only player who emerged from that tournament in credit (not just his opinion). Nothing against Popey, was impressed with him at Forest, but i want to see Dimi get his chance too.
Dmitrovic played at Derby last year and did OK .. he was let down at least once by shabby marking/defending and often left too exposed through very swift Rams attacks .. the point ? .. Pope always looks nervous, 'cat on a hot tin roof' syndrome .. Dmitrovic has played in at least one hostile and noisy away game against a top side and done well .. we play Derby as our second league game, if Henderson is really unfit, Dmitrovic should be in goal
Henderson played at Derby. Pope played in the home game</blockquote
you're right .. Dmitrovic played at Middlesbrough .. the rest of my comments still apply
Surely, this is the type of game to give Pope a go, what is to lose? If he plays well and seems confident (with help from the supporters), our problem will be solved, if he is still not ready then RD has 2 weeks to find us a new goalkeeper
Comments
Fixed
Surely it has to be Dmitrovic?
'It's only L2' you say. Well for me, proving yourself in the heat of a promotion race counts for plenty versus ambling along mid-table in L1 - especially as 'nerves' (rather than technical ability) seems to be the issue.
True, he might not be ready, but until he gets another chance we'll never know. Otherwise, what's the point of loaning players out if we take no notice when they do well.
Sure, we need a plan B, but if we parachute a stop-gap 35-year-old in ahead of him, then Popey might as well pack his bags for good... And i think that might be our loss in the long run
A goalkeeper is the player you need to build your defence around. I am concerned that Henderson won't be the player we need between the sticks in order to push on due to that damn shoulder.
Over the last two seasons he's had two good loan spells in League 2 where he has
kept so many clean sheets. what's the point of a 3rd ?
The main problem for Pope is the fact that after the howler against Derby,
Ben Roberts said he had to stop the warm up at Huddersfield because Nick was so shaky, to have a few words.
Neuer,Hart and James all made bad mistakes when they were Nick's age,
But mentally it was forgotten by the next match.
At 23 now is his time, it's 50/50 whether he can take this opportunity.
Read more at http://www.cafc.co.uk/news/article/charlton-athletic-guy-luzon-west-ham-united-2571394.aspx#L6KikJe4IrESJouH.99
Freedman took him with him, from Palace. He lives in the Charlton catchment area.
Last time he was out for a third of the bloody season !