With Stephen Henderson starting Pompey's last three games, what does the future hold for Jamie Ashdown? If the new manager [who ever it may be] sticks with Henderson as first choice I can't see Jamie, at the age of 30, wanting to warm the bench, playing second fiddle to a keeper seven years his junior. In order to avoid unrest in the camp the new management team may have to look at bringing in a keeper that will keep Henderson on his toes, while allowing Ashdown to make an exit. Should it come to this I for one would prefer him to go on loan, rather than to burn his bridges, as I rate him as a very able keeper. What do you think? and What do you think will happen?
If he doesn't get back in the team soon i can see him wanting to leave as soon as January. He won't be happy being number two again, especially after the way we treated him, releasing him etc. I have never felt comfortable with Ashdown in goal, despite his clean sheets last season, there is just something about him i don't like and he does make quite a few mistakes, Peterborough game an example. With Henderson doing well at the moment i can't see him breaking back in to the team any time soon and think he will leave. This all depending on how our new manager sees things of course!
Ashdown is a great shot stopper but not commanding enough. The lad is quiet and unassuming off the pitch and sadly the same on it. Henderson really impressed me at the Barnsley game. Could hear all this shouting and arm waving and suddenly remembered what it was like to have a keeper commanding and organising his defence.
For me, the reason I've always lacked a little confidence with Ashdown is his inability to collect crosses and high balls into the box - it can drop on his six-yard line and he'll remain rooted to the goal line. Having said that, he's been a good servant to the club, given the way he has almost always been a substitute. I like what I have seen of Henderson so far. He appears keen and, as mentioned, very vocal which I always like in a goalkeeper.
henderson is a proper keeper with a proper attitude towards the game he made it clear from day one that first choice was his aim and now he has it i can't see him loosing it. 99% of the time the defence know exactly where he is and if he's coming out or not he has them holding a nice high line when facing goal kicks etc and seems pretty good both one on one and in the air from crosses. i can't see ashdown making a mark anywhere else after this season so he may well have to settle for second best and see his contract out.
It's the Begovic situation again, a younger keeper is showing more confidence and Jamie can't compete. I don't think he's a bad keeper, but it is his lack of command and confidence that costs us. It makes a world of difference what a commanding keeper can get out of a defence and it is good how he makes himself heard. Against Barnsley I thought he was a very solid presence in goal and would be happy with Henderson as first choice. No offence to Ashdown he has put up with quite alot of rough treatment, being on the bench for the majority of his career.
I think Stephen Henderson is here to stay - injury permitting - he is very impressive, and poor Jamie can only look forward to warming the bench for the forseeable future !
Henderson had a cracking game against Barnsley, I was was really impressed. Only bad point was he came charging out Jamo-style quite a bit, but luckily it didn't cost us so I suppose its alright. He was SHOCKING against Barnet earlier this season, so I'm pleased with the progression we've seen recent games. Shame for Ashdown, but I think its time to develop Hendo now.
I was a bit shocked when i read the team selection for the Leeds game and saw Henderdon's name and not Ashdown's - quickly getting on t'internet to check if he was injured! But then Henderson had a good game despite the loss by all accounts, and has sounded like he's making the No:1 shirt his! If that's the case then i do feel sorry for Jaimie, but i don't think he'll give up his spot easily! Good luck Jaimie and PUP!
As someone who has to judge purely from reporting and not from actually seeing games i got the impression that Ashdown was Pompey's player of the season last year. Also, judging only from reports, I can only recall one game this season where he was blamed for goals against. Given that the goalie always has the opportunity to make the 'last mistake' this is not bad. Further 30 is not old for a goalkeeper (witness James!). I am therefore surprised at the apparent consensus of the forum that Henderson is there to stay. You have to judge a goalkeeper over maybe half a season or so. Many can reel off a few games before weaknesses become evident. I would also like to acknowledge Ashdown's loyalty (as have most of the responses).
Henderson has been great over the last few games, since he gained the Number 1 shirt. I think Jamie has to realise that he is just not the good a keeper. He would walk into any league 1 side as their keeper, thats for certain - but a Championship level, I think Henderson is that bit more agile and also commands the back line better than Jamie. This is nothing against Jamie, he has obviously been a wonderful servant to the club and we all know he will continue to serve the club while he is under contract. I like the fact we have a young keeper and also Pearce in defence - hopefully the backbone of things happening in years to come!
Saying that Jamie isn't a good goal keeper is a tad unfair - especially considering last years performances. He may not be a Commanding keeper, but Good he certainly has been. Keeping is as much about the mental game as reflexes, and being stuck on the bench, and playing 2nd fiddle for a couple of seasons, really doesn't help that. Look at the affect the press used to have on Jaimo! I think it's good for Ashdown, Henderson and obviously Pompey, that there's genuine competition for the no1 jersey.
