Thetownend.com

So much has been talked about; whether it be Cox leaving, Greer signing and contracts expiring in general so what will be our keeper situation next year?

I can't see Brez here which in my opinion is no bad thing.  I'd like Smithy to stay but not sure about 1st choice. 

Question is, what other keepers would people like to see at the CG as I don't think we have anything in the youth set up ready for the first team?

Firstly, I would be more than happy with Phil Smith still being here next season. His run in the team has helped us get over the line.

I dont know what will be about for free but considering their financial situation I'd like to see us go for Stockports Owain Fon Williams and possibly their left back Tommy Rowe as well.

I also love to see Leyton Orients Tamika Mdwankwire or however its spelt here

Although I doubt we'll spend anything next season what with court cases and the like

I would quite like to see Joel Porter here, but that aint gonna happen.

Good shout about Fon Williams, dan.

What about Tom Heaton, he surely must be on the verge of getting released..

i'd like to see tom craddock here from luton, i dont think thats too unrealistic given luton are a conference team now

Justin Fashanu

Phiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiilips.

Constantopoulous (sp??) from Cov, I think.

He'll do.

I still can't believe their goal went in.

It rolled in from all of 25 yards.

Did Phil let it go or what?

Mildy......

I just hope we get some of our 1st choice targets this year and aren't left scraping the barrel for players like Casil this season.
Definately need a new keeper next season, either of the current 2 could be back up but neither is good enought to be a first choice league 1 keeper. The number of and manner of their mistakes just isn't acceptable. Ideally we'll get a new number 1 and a new goalkeeper coach as well.

Good shout.

Also, Bristol City will most probably release David Noble and Jennison Myrie-Williams, both of whom would do a job here and are "Danny Wilson" type players.

fon williams is a good choice.

ohh that'd be nice. JM-W is better than what we've currently got for right wing, and presumably has a right foot

I was about to mention them both, plus Billy Clarke who has been scoring for fun for Brentford. None of them are goalkeepers though.

Oh and wouldn't it be nice to have a keeper that talks and organises his defence......... would be quite useful i would imagine as you barely hear a word from either of the current 2

It looked for a long time like it was rolling wide. Smith tried to get across and I dont think he was expecting the "shot"


Signed a 3 year deal when he joined Southend - so would cost us a fair bit of cash.


Never been convinced by JMW but would be good to have a few decent wingers so we can change it up when they are having off days

The lad rhodes from ipswich would be a good bye surley now keane has taken over want get a look in.

Is Philips available?  :chase:

To be a cunt - yes. To be our keeper - no.

Was he at City under Danny Wilson?

of course he was

I agree on the two lads from ipswich and how about simon church from reading? looks decent when he plays for wales u21's. and i thought asa hall from luton was a decent young player along with ben davies at shrewsbury who is out of contract this summer.

Average. Smith is as good or better.

I don't think either of our keepers will be here next season!

Smith looked composed today...but my guess is DW will bring in another keeper...Smith was shocking early on and for me he just dosnt get involved enough with his defence.

Fon-Williams or Konstantopalos (however its spelt)
would be my choices for next years Number 1.

wouldnt mind David Noble, Kanu, Tudor-Jones and Greer here next season.
shame that Pilkington already left Stockport for Huddersfield as he looked immense earlier in season

@Maguire11, Pilkington is, I think, the best visiting player I have seen this season

@michael, isn't that what it does on twitter?

@Ben

Yes, I thought I would introduce this response technique to the forum.

@Micheal, Pilkington is one of the best players i seen in the league behind Coxy.

But thats why Uddersfield splashed out an estimated £500k plus other clauses for him....good players cost money....will Fitton let DW splash a bit of cash....I am not sure on that one.

Fitton wanted championship in three years....decent players cost money which bar cox is why we were in the shit this year. He can't have his cake and eat it spend and improve or scrimp and face relegation again.   

Agreed 100%

Mildy is a better keeper than Phil Smith - if we want to progress, we've got to be looking to improve on him. John Ruddy, currently on loan at Crewe, is a good keeper. He said he'd go back on loan to them next year, if they stayed up. Think we should nip in. Fon Williams will cost too much, as will Mildy.

  

Ruddy is rumoured to be a good upcoming keeper, I havent seen him play myself, but his loan to Crewe is good for him as they are local to Liverpool so he doesnt have to move home....I can't see him wanting to up sticks for a loan and move to Swindon as Liverpool to Swindon isnt an easy trip on a daily basis.

Unless there is a bidding war I expect OFW could be bought on the cheap.

I know Ipswich were looking at him last month, but that depends on if Keane wants him now Magilton has left the building.

Lewis Price was "highly rated" then he went to Derby.

for the large part we've had some absolute shit in goal since Digby left...........Talia, Griemink, Evans, Glass, Mckinney, Book and now we can add both Smith and Brez to the list of failed keepers. We'll get lucky with one soon I hope fingers crossed.

I think it's only right to mention at this point no matter how much we may desire a better goalie Smiths diving save today was awesome and was a vital part of getting the result we needed.

If you want to pick holes though you could say he should have dealt with the cross that lead to it instead of flapping at it. Both keepers have made some good saves this season but they're just awful at the basic things especially high balls.

Heard somebody say that Crossley to come in as player/coach next year!

Don't believe it myself!

I would get shot of both and start again

Aww but I love Smithy.

I was majorly disappointed when Phil started bunging them in at the start of the season, as I thought he was a steady if unspectacular keeper, I think he may benefit from this season's experience though, and quite possibly be better for it next....think Wilson may keep him and free Brez.

Both keepers this year have cost us valuable points as have most the squad.I would not be confident with either of them next year as first choice

clean sweep

I don't think there is much between Brezovan and Smith, both played like average League 1 keepers this season. If Wilson can get hold of a better keeper on the cheap then great, then we can get rid of one of them, otherwise I wouldn't have a major problem with them both staying and us playing the one in form.

I can't see us paying decent money for anyone over the summer, there isn't really any need to. Plenty of players available on free transfers, plenty of young players looking for games, plenty of older players looking for games, plenty of careers gone astray looking to rebuild. Lots of clubs will be needing to offload players as well after relegation, Luton and Southampton for example.

Being able to pay decent salaries is more important, but if we can get rid of all the shit we've accumulated it will free up plenty of cash to pay a few new players something decent.

I think Smith has been near on faultless since he came back into the side 10 games ago but naturally our fans remember the negatives more so.

If we can get better, great - if not he'll do a decent job between the sticks

His one save today was well great. He was very flat footed for their goal though

smith wont get better.i hope stfc do

I'd keep Smith and axe Brez and then look to bring in a number 1 keeper in the summer.

I'm more than happy to keep Smithy as #1, I think some people forget who and where we are...

Well said DV.

Yeah. From the 4 games I've seen of smith this season (recent ones), I think he's looked pretty good.

I don't think anyone has ever doubt Smith's shot stopping - it's his handling that has worried me.

However, that said he's earned a new contract and is clearly more use to us these days than Peter Brezovan.

I never quite understand this argument. And it has been a phrase used to describe every keeper since Digby i think...

Frank Talia, Bart Griemink, Rhys Evans, Brezovan, Smith are the ones who certainly adhere to the rule of 'he's a good shot stopper, kicking and handling leave a bit to be desired mind"

Don't you think all keepers are good shot stoppers? Have you ever seen a keeper who was quality at kicking and handling but a bad shot stopper?

It's like saying "That Paynter fella, he's good at scoring open goals but his overhead kicks have let him down a bit".

For the record, I think if we're to bring in a new keeper, it would be crucial to get him in early so they get a full-ish pre-season behind his back-four.

Well, where your point may be totally right elsewhere I'll stand by my comments... because

1) He makes great saves on more-or-less a regular basis

2) He's made too many sloppy mistakes in the past for me, the fan, to be totally comfortable when a cross/basic shot comes his way.

:)

I think its important to look past shot-stopping - that's the easy part. The one advantage of being in a quiet Town End this year has been realising how little either of 'keepers talk to the defence - they both lack the confidence to tell the back 4 where they need to be and bark orders - The keeper needs to be the boss at the back and our two are like the shy kid in the corner.

Smithed has dropped about one cross since he came back into the side and that one he got back on his line and saved the shot.

He made mistakes earlier season - but as I said he has been faultless since he came back in and that includes his gathering of crosses.

I know the likes of Greer, HRK, OTJ, Cox, Paynter & Wilson have played a massive part in getting us over the line in the end but lets not over look the contribution Smith has made since he came back into the side.

Wasn't what I was implying and I agree. Smith isn't perfect but he's done his bit.

Get rid of both of them and the coach and start again. I reallty thugoht Brez was going to be the man but no way jose. Smith is no better or worse.
The main position we need to fill, however, is a midfield general - a Stigger, Fat Jack, Kammy, McHale type.

It depends if Wilson has one lined up.

I used to be 'pro-competition' in the goalkeeper department - but the Smith vs. Brezovan tussle has been poor really with both winning the jersey by default at times.

Perhaps bringing in a new keeper with a youngster on the bench is the way to go? Or a veteran on the bench as a player/coach?

Just thinking out loud here :)

I see your plan,get rid of two close to woeful keepers, aswell as the exceptionally useless keeping coach. i believe smith's gained confidence in his keeping due to the back 4 being solid for the last stint of the season. that coach must go.

To think quite a few of those names won player of the year!!!!

Agreed

So you are happy to keep a keeper who between him and his number 2 have cost us alot of fucking points along with half the squad of course. Its ok saying remember where we are etc but with that mentality we will not improve. Most of this squad are not good enough simple as that.

I'm happy to keep the keeper we've had in goal for the last 10 games, yes

Fair enough. He has done better agreed just think we need better

Smiths been brilliant ever since he came back into the team and I'd keep him for next season. Brezovan on the other hand has been pretty crap for most of the season.

If I had to keep one it'd be Smith. It's just a shame a section of our supporters will give him grief no matter what he does because of a few fuck ups (yet Brez gets fuck all despite being worse?!).

No one said Smith had to be number 1 though...

My favourite on saturday was the dude behind me who complained that he was "fucking lucky cunt" when he pulled off that ace save.

What would people think if Wilson brought in Phillips next season?

I'd think "wow, Berniman off the TEF asked me what I'd think if this happend and I predicted my own shock"

Get a new keeper in and keep Smith as back up.

ditto
any decent championship or prem keepers that might be looking for first team football?

Cudicini?

They were talking about Mark Bosnich on the radio this morning about joining us....

Good shout apparantly doing well in oz has experience and who knows maybe worth doing a coaching role 

Might be Steve Phillips .. he endeared himself with the town end Saturday !

I'd like to see Smith kept next season as when he returned to the team he has been pretty solid, bear in mind previously we was shipping goals all over the place and neither player in the team had any confidence.

I would not be bothered if Smith was #1 next season as I think he is a good L1 keeper, but I'd like to see a youngster brought in to challenge him, that way it is clear who is first choice but there is still competition.

I think Brez got too big for his boots and thought he was better than what he was, I suspect he will be in L1 or L2 next season.

I have heard that rumour "somewhere" this season already!  Player coach, and somebody to keep an eye on the pitch markings!

Shane Higgs

It's on the back page of the W D P today. Confirmed my Nick Watkins that they have spoken to his agent

No thankyou

Mark Bosnich was a guest at the opening  of a sports shop in Westbury back in the 90's (Villa days)

Said shop went out of business a few years later after a ram-raid which was widely considered an inside job :)

Bosnich made a respected return to football with Central Coast Mariners last season - When Saturday Comes did an article about it which was a relatively good read.

Fitton has said he's spoken but it is highly unlikely he'll want to sign for a league 1 side. More than likely he'll be staying in Oz or going to Japan or Malaysia.

Link ?

http://www.thisisswindontownfc.co.uk/news/headlines/4324184.Fitton_denies_move_for_Bosnich/

He was fat and a bit crud, when playing on that sky1 the match. No Thanks mark.

I'd be happy with Smith in Goal & bring in a promising keeper from the conference or Div 2 as understudy. Get rid of the coach & get Frazer back in as coach.
We've ket in so many goals this season (in the main) because of crap defendiing, not because of the keepers.
Our efforts need to go into finding that midfield General with a bit of class, a goal scoring midfielder box to box type player, strengthening the defence, & replacing Cox if he goes.

I still think we need a new goalkeeping coach. Both keepers are capable of more, their confidence is low. I blame the coach.

I agree with Sippo ...

new goalkeeper coach needed ... Id go further and say shake up the back room totally .. get rid of Byrne .. promote Bodin

Shane Higgs would be good ... but how about Adam Federici of Reading?

What about Mark Scott as the reserve and a mainstay No.1? If push comes to shove bring in a loanee play if no.1 keeper gets injured.

Higgs is a good shout.

From what I've seen of Scott he's another Bulman, cheap, can help with the warm up but not a hope in hell of being a football league keeper. He's not even got any real height or presence about him which seems to be becoming more and more important for the modern keeper.

I wasn't writing about how good he is - simply stating it's an option they may take on. If Danny Wilson prefers a mainstay keeper (Dave Watson during his Barnsley years and Steve Phillips at Bristol City) then it could be likely.

Mildenhall?!!  :eek:

Wants to come back here as well according to a few I work with who know him. He's a good keeper, would be nice to have him back here.

Have to agree. Smith and Brez both need to be shown the door..

I heard this earlier this season and it was confirmed by the interview he gave in the adver when we played Southend.  "I have unfinished business at the CG" or something along those lines.

A good keeper and someone who genuinly wants to play for the club. Has two years on his deal at southend though irc

I wouldn't be disappointed to see him back, although i always enjoy playing against him as he always lets a few in.

Always seems distinctly average to me.

I'm sure DV will quote this if he comes here, pulls off 20 penalty saves in one game and doesn't let a goal in all season.

I'll never forget the game where Mildenhall got caught by a boot on his family jewels, then sat on the pitch to check whether they were still attached correctly - he seemed a bit unsure for a good few minutes.

Sure that was V Portsmouth on TV wasn't it?

Yep went top of the league with a chris hay header. He broke his nose doing so

top keeper ... if cheap enough worth buying

One ball would be a decent signing if on a free. He was outstanding that season we almost went down. Just a shame we had to sell him so cheap really. He can't be any worse than Brez or Smith.

il est un tres bonne goálkeeper por ligue un

He played for Yeovil last season and the fans down here were sorry to see him go.

Clayton ince on his way here according to a dodgy rumour site

Mildenhalls missus still works at the club as well doesn't she?

ummm I dont think shes his misses
Steve Mildenhall is super hot

NO!!!!!!

Long since gone.

And i dont want clayton ince. He has shite postitioning for corners, does too many cartwheels and stands on his line as a striker runs unchallenged towards him

I was there behind the goal & I FELT THE PAIN

As was i. Maybe we bonded phillip

I remember finding it hysterical, but I was about 8 at the time. My brother lived in Portsmouth and shared a house with a massive Pompey fan. Good night that was.

It was the way he sat down on the pitch to inspect his scrotum sack with the camera going in for a close up that made me laugh. He looked seriously concerned that it had been sliced open and half the contents had fallen out.

12 stitches  he needed

Rhys Evans, you know it makes sense.

That Greek goalie Wilson had at Hartlepool is a good shout.

Think it would be a difficult shout..oi Konstantopoulos you're a wanker.

 :eek:

Having thought about it some more, surely the ref should have stopped the game due to there being an extra ball on the pitch.

Being pedantic the ref did stop it. Mildy got stitched up at half time and put in a man of the match performance. Im sure i remember a superb point blank save from someone may have been whittingham

We Went top that night...been downhill ever since.

Phil Smith

Agree. Don't think he did anything wrong today.....except at one point when he tried to play as right back in the first half  :o

That probably just means we still owe him unpaid wages from back then :)

Ha ha yes - sudden rush of blood to the head there!!
But he was excellent throughout the match - I would like to see him back in next season's squad.

I agree that he's been excellent since he came back into the team against leeds & fully deserves a new contract.

But whatever happens we need to make sure that the Phil Smith that cost us points against Leeds (at Home) & Hartlepool (away) doesn't come back.

I think we also need another keeper to fight for the starting job & keep Smithy on his toes.

A change of GK coach might not be a bad move either.

Never mind getting rid of the keepers, its the goalkeeping coach that should go. I am convinced with a bit of better coaching both would be very good keepers

Apparently that Konsontopolopolous is signing for Hartlepool on a season long loan.

Also, apparently, we were looking at Mark Bunn earlier this season, but I would be amazed if we were in a position to be able to sign him.

With Adam Boyd re-joining them aswell are they recreating their 2003/04 squad?

I await a move for Gavin Strachan and a bid for Chris Westwood!

I wonder what Neale Cooper is up to these days...

Peterhead.

...or Chris Turner!!

And I'd be able to do the Morecambe and Wise joke every week

Mark Tyler's been released, would be worth a punt, very experienced and once rated as one of the best keepers outside the prem

decent shout.

not seen him play for a few years though.

who would be first choice out of him and Smith?

Mark Crossley is leaving Oldham as well, wants a player/coach role.

He was on loan at Watford as cover and then Bury, and they seem to be full of praise for him. I see him as a similar standard to Higgs, if either were to come in, I'd start Smith and the newbie on as equals in pre-season before committing to a number one. As much as Smith has been quality and deserves a contract, he'd be the happier of the two to be cover I think. He strikes me as the kind of guy who genuinely just appreciates being a pro.