There is an assumption that the signing of a new keeper marks the end for one of our trues heroes, the innumerate but highly entertaining SKD. If this were to be the case, then all of us will (I hope) reflect on the fact that this guy could have signed for West Ham and warmed their bench while picking up Premier League wages. After a very dodgy start (please let's not try to remember QPR) SKD has been a shoo in every week and has repaid the club with great loyalty and some amazing performances. Anyone at Elland Road last year will have shared Rickie's sentiment when interviewed that he simply "loved the guy". Looking at their track record as an employer, SFC have been exemplary under Cortese. I suppose Alan Pardew may not agree, but the way they have handled long term injury - Lee Holmes, for eg - and created posts for loyal servants - Jason Dodd is an obvious, but Jaidi's role is highly imaginative - shows that Mr Cortese, for all his Donnish reputation, understands the need to treat people with dignity if they have given the club honest service. So what now for SKD? If we are right to assume that SKD is looking at the end of his career, what do Saints fans think would be a suitable role for him to play so that he can remain very firmly within the "family"?
Let him help our youngsters and that means the likes of Cropper. Help him with his coaching courses and maybe he could prove to be another Nigel.
Kelvin has already been asked about a coaching role when he feels ready, and I feel we may start to see the transition soon enough I still think he'll be no.2 though with Gazza going out for experience
Nigel said that Kelvin had taken the news that he wasn't playing like the true professional he was. Kelvin probably knows he is near the end of his career (at least with us). I have always favoured giving SKD a job as a coach and keep him as third keeper (a position you need to fill but rarely use). Pardew said very little after he left us, so I suspect his contract was fully paid up.
It's a long season to go, a run of injuries could still rear its ugly head. KD is a big hearted guy and I am sure he will hang on in there and will give 100% if called upon, don't write him off yet for goodness sake.
Don't think anyone is writing him off, and the original post is asking about the club's response if it proves to be that we are seeing Kelvin hitting the twilight era. I agree that the club has shown itself to "do the right thing" (as that man who does Prime Minister impressions says) on many occasions. I would be surprised if it didn't treat Kelvin well. In fact I could be so disappointed that Mr Cortese might be advised to keep the family pony under surveillance!
There was an interview with Kelvin on Sky Sports last season, shown before one of the live games that showed what a truely great guy he is, and how much he cares about saints. (Some of you may remember, he talked about walking into a fish & chip shop and seeing "Save our Saints" collections to pay his wages!) He is a true legend and a model pro in a sport dominated by primadonna's and knobs, and will always be remembered for the part he played in getting us back to the PL. I hope he finds form again soon, as he deserves more of a chance in the top flight, but I have to agree with Adkins' decision to drop him. Gazza's distribution yesterday made an absolutely massive difference to the outcome of the game
Respect to a true pro and a real "Saint" who if called upon again this season will give 100% but after a poor start to the season in a league that takes no prisoners, I see him now as a squad player with our latest acquisition taking no 1 spot and Gazza as the sub
I'm a huge SKD fan, but I think he is past it. We can't keep playing him just because he is a fans favourite.
I would have been distraught if we'd ditched SuperKelv as soon as promotion was achieved, but as he was given a chance, I'm happy for him to try & fight his way back in, or just be great cover. But, whatever happens I truly hope he sticks around in some capacity. Not just a great profession, a bloody decent human too.
Far be it from me to disagree with a current player , but I think SKD has just had a few uneven games behind a defence that hasn't been happy within itself. Kelvin is part of that, and his confidence has probably been suffering because of it, aswell. Also, when Arsenal put 6 past you, it doesn't buoy you up for the next game. Adkins could have stuck with SKD and perhaps more damage to his confidence could have resulted. I think it was time to give Kelvin a breather, and Paolo did very well indeed, albeit behind a much happier defence - especially so when Richardson came in and Clyne swapped flanks. SKD will play many more games for Saints, I have no doubt.
It's the first time for a while that we've had three decent goalies. Our third choice for a while was Forecast! SF4L is right, Gazzaniga will go out on loan and Davis will be back up to Boruc-who sounds like an amazing keeper! Davis will still play the cup games and will play if Boruc is injured don't forget.
I think we all owe SKD a big debt of gratitude for the work he's done, and I can personally remember how relieved I was when he committed himself to stay with Saints after we were relegated to L1. True enough there's no room for sentiment when picking a team but not only was giving SKD a break after the Arsenal thrashing a sensible choice, it was also sensible to start introducing Gaza to PL football. Just my opinion but I think they will initially share GK duties over all competitions with a view to Gaza eventually taking more of the responsibility. Anyone keeping tabs on Bartoz Bialkowski? Maybe if Adkins (and Pardew) had given him more game time he could have still proven to be a very good GK.
SKD is a top, top bloke. I really hope he stays and gets a coaching role when his playing career is over.
I'm sure those bridges will be crossed at the end of this season, or whenever he decides to pack it in. Maybe he will move elsewhere if he isn't playing here. For now I am certain he will train hard, support Gazza, work with Artur, and try his best and get back into the team.
He is first choice for Notts County and played in the 3-0 win over Pompey yesterday. They are second in League One and have conceded 8 goals in 10 games. So sounds like he has had an excellent start.
Has anyone been over to remind the few of this? dutyboundsaint will be on his merry way soon I expect, especially as they are complaining about their own keeper at the moment.
I was keeping an eye on the goalie warmup yesterday, interested to see if Kelvin looked put out by being dropped. At the end of the session Kelvin marched up to Gazza gave him a high-five, hug and some encouraging words in his ear, massive smile on his face whilst he was doing it. The guy is a model professional and I wish him all the luck for whatever happens next.
