Exactly this, they won’t be planning on him playing much as statistically goalkeepers generally don’t get injured(unless they come here). Bit like the lad who has just left Man City won more medals than he played games, some stat that.
I'd have him back all day long, but to be fair it could be that a lot of fans' expectations are dampened down this summer. There's probably going to be dozens of players who I wouldn't have wanted for the 24/25 season (when I wanted a push for top two) but that I'd happily take for 25/26 (when I'd be ecstatic if we ended up sneaking into the playoffs).
Don’t deny it, can’t lol. I’ve seen the keepers we’ve had since though! Smith & Flavell definitely aren’t the answer.
I'm sorry for singling you out, but I'd noticed you'd said a few times that we should have gone back in for Roberts, and it was easy to find that thread. You're probably not the only one who's changed their mind since last summer. I remember last summer, people were disappointed that we'd not gone back for Harry Istead, but the summer before many didn't want us to sign him. I get that we've not had a great season, but the aim has to still be the same, challenging at the top end of the table. Whilst he didn't play loads, I actually think Joe Gauci is the best keeper we've had over the last few years, though there's no prospect of us signing him permanently. I agree with your sentiment last summer though, there's probably better options out there than Liam Roberts.
No problem at all. I remember saying last summer that I wasn't bothered about signing him but the keepers we've played since have been nowhere near as good as he was in the first half of the 23-24 season. At 30 years old on a free it would've been a no brainer for me to get him on a 3 year deal and bring a bit of stability to a position that has been a real problem for us. Imagine he'd be a leader in the dressing room too. Maybe we have someone else lined up but I'm not holding my breath. Pretty certain it'll be another loan (I do rate Gauci btw from what I've seen).
Nar not missing owt there.. Just another Nick Townsend and David Preece.. a perpetual second choice..
I think we need someone who commands their area well as, apart from Marc Roberts, we tend to be vulnerable from crosses into the box. That's been the biggest weakness of most keepers we've signed since we were relegated to this division. We've had plenty of decent shot stoppers, though that's only part of the role really.
Tbf based on the performances solely for us and not elsewhere. Both Istead and Roberts were two of the best keepers we've had in recent years. Both not perfect but better than we have at present. As for Gauci at least he came for corners and caught them a couple of times.. Not rooted to his line or coming to at best punch but end up just flapping and keeping his defence under pressure It ort to be a bare minimum that a keeper should be able to catch the ball under pressure from a corner. If they can't move em on. All this modern reinventing the wheel .. got to be good with there feet to play out from the back..bOll0cks. Just catch the ferkng ball and save goals. .