Arguably the goalkeeper has been our strongest position for the last 50 years and one which we have become used to rely on when all else has failed. We have never been much of a defensive team and have always needed to score a few to ensure a win. Without checking the archives here is a list: Patrick Jennings Michael Walker Andrew Rankin Steven Sherwood David James Anthony Cotton Alec Chamberlain Ben Foster Scott Loach I only go back to 1967 and might have missed a few such as Gary Plumley but it is quite a list and also serves as a reminder as to the expectations placed on Scott Loach. Nine goalkeepers in 55 years is quite impressive - provided that I have not missed any.
Perry Suckling Perry Digweed Eric Steele There were quite a few between Pat Jennings and Mickey Walker, including Bert Slater - one of my favourite 'characters'.
You forgot Tony Coton, one of our best keepers. My definition of a good goalkeeper is to be the King of his penalty area and to hold himself responsible for everything that happens there - Coton fitted the bill on this.
Another mark of success is when some of those who didn't quite make it still go on to make names for themselves. Chris Day and Richard Lee spring to mind.
Frank George and Peter Goy of mid-60's fame (or infamy) anyone? Truly dreadful, the pair of them. First really good goalie I remember is Jimmy Linton (custodian during our promotion winning year in Div. 4)
In the days before goalkeeping subs we must have had outfield players who occasionally had to don the green jersey. Can anyone remember occasions when this happened?
The only occasion I can remember is when Bert Slater broke his finger at Middlesboro. My memory may be playing tricks on me, but I can vaguely remember Keith Eddy taking over in goal.
Yes he is and a damn fine job he did as well in the qualifiers, the whole team were outclassed in the Finals though
A good list of Goalkeepers.....Kevin Miller I think still holds the longest amount of games without conceding a goal, 10 games I think! Anyone!!! 1 Question though.....Steve Sharwood? Should he really be on the list as a goalie, or was he playing just to make the numbers up? Harsh parhaps!
Well I suppose he could have been a striker - he scored more for us than Big Chris has. But yes - you're right, he was there just to make up the numbers. Our defence was so good that we didn't really need a goalie.
Keith Warne anyone ? I think he played once. But if you want to give him complete abuse I have his number.
