As a former goalkeeper I know what a difficult position it is to play, particularly when you're as rubbish as I was although I do remember a great instinctive save that....... (bored!) I have replayed the double reflex save against Arsenal on Monday so many times and think WOW, he's a talented lad and has come in and done really well. Good positioning, stands up well, he's had a flap at some crosses but even Cech does that! The Ipswich board were divided on his performances from what I can gleen but I do think that if the guys in front are playing well and the level of trust is strong I can see a number of clean sheets coming in the second half of the season. There's a good interview on the Fulham web site if anyone's interested. http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/January/StockdaleFulhamFeature.aspx COYW
I was convinced it was a triple save, Gervinho (I think it was) who put the ball across the goal I thought Stockdale got a touch too, my Spuds friend watching with me also reckoned it was a save. The goal for Arsenal however was more his fault than anyone's, the header was very good a incredibly powerful so Stockdale's indecision to come or stay probably wouldn't have made a difference but collecting crosses and corners is something he needs to work on. Apart from that I agree he has been tip top.
He's already looking the real deal and with another few years to grow in confidence he will be one of the top keepers in the league! Hopefully he doesn't do what so many other promising English 'keepers do and mess up for the national side and lose confidence i.e Robinson, Carson, Green etc. I think he should be our no.1 from here on in.
I can't see him getting the jersey over Hart to be honest, so I'd be surprised if he gets used if anything other than friendlies.
Stockdale seems to be like umpteen other young/inexperienced keepers. Great shot-stopper, hit and miss on decision-making and taking crosses. Both will improve with time though.
Stockdale's good. He'll be an England 'keeper some day. But then he'll concede a howler, lose the confidence of the manager and country and fade (like so many England 'keepers) into oblivion. Goalkeeping for England must be the worst job on the planet. But honestly, I think he's quite good.
Such pessimism from someone who hails from the land of the free and absolutely every positive/motivational statement in the world! LOL. He's youngish still and has the potential. It's a position that means you get crucified for one error and become a hero with a 93rd minute game saving stop! That's why I loved being a keeper. Villain to hero in a split second!
Cravingawin .... the pessimism is aimed more at the position, 'keeper for England, than at Stockdale personally. I think he's a good keeper and will wear the colors for England, but fickle England fans love to hate their 'keepers. The problem for keepers is that eventually, no matter how many great saves they make, they're going to spill the ball or misjudge a cross. And that's what people remember. Think for a second of Pepe Reina. He's a great 'keeper, but the first image that comes to mind is his blunder against ManC on Monday. The next thought is him spilling the ball in front of Clint Dempsey. As for the USA, I've rather given up hope for the blessed homeland. I've lived in Germany for 8.5 years and the thought of moving back to the States makes my skin crawl.
The goalkeeping position for England does seem like something of a poisoned chalice. Green, Carson, Robinson have all made mistakes in goal for England which have resulted in goals conceded and have been hounded by the press because of it. They of course won't criticise Hart as they all see him as the next Gordon Banks.
He's been fantastic so far this season. Can we have him in the summer? we can give you Hilarious Gomes in exchange
Stockdale would probably be better suited to a club that can offer Champions League Football if he were to leave. I really rate him, he is a great shot stopper and a confident lad. Hope he stays at Fulham and continues to progress there, I think under Jol Fulham are going places and he can be a big part of that when Schwarzer steps aside
I said in the summer by which point we will have CL football and at best you'll have is a qualifier for the group stage
Nice idea Bandy - rhyming transfer exchange deals. I'd be keen on Ba for Sa. Any other offerings, anyone?
Or David Villa (once he's fit again) for their entire first team. The Birmingham club might have to throw in some cash to even the deal out a bit though.
