Deano and the goalkeeper problem
It was good to see Deano as one of the guests on Match of the Day 2 last night. One would not think of him as a natural television performer, but he made some excellent observations about goalkeeping performances and was amusing on the subject of 'ball boy management' when one is attempting to waste time as a match comes to a close.
However, what was particularly revealing was when he was asked about being substituted for two games last season. 'I've played 640 games', the shot stopper replied 'and I would like to have played 642'.
Deano also said that his injured finger would be cleared today (Monday) so I assume this means he will be able to resume full training, although he would clearly need a reserve game or two to get back to match fitness.
This leaves Curbs with a dilemma. Who does he put in goal? Apart from a mistake at the Baggies, Andersen has had an excellent record, so it is difficult to see why he should be dropped.
However, there was discussion of the plight of the reserve goalkeeper on yesterday's programme and it was clear that it is not a role congenial to Deano. If he found himself as second choice, he might leave. He is a firm favourite with the fans as the chants of 'There's only one Deano' at the Hartlepool game shows. And what would I say to his dad in the queue at Tesco's?
I guess sorting out this kind of dilemma is what Curbs gets paid for.
However, what was particularly revealing was when he was asked about being substituted for two games last season. 'I've played 640 games', the shot stopper replied 'and I would like to have played 642'.
Deano also said that his injured finger would be cleared today (Monday) so I assume this means he will be able to resume full training, although he would clearly need a reserve game or two to get back to match fitness.
This leaves Curbs with a dilemma. Who does he put in goal? Apart from a mistake at the Baggies, Andersen has had an excellent record, so it is difficult to see why he should be dropped.
However, there was discussion of the plight of the reserve goalkeeper on yesterday's programme and it was clear that it is not a role congenial to Deano. If he found himself as second choice, he might leave. He is a firm favourite with the fans as the chants of 'There's only one Deano' at the Hartlepool game shows. And what would I say to his dad in the queue at Tesco's?
I guess sorting out this kind of dilemma is what Curbs gets paid for.
posted by Wyn Grant at 5:24 AM
2 Comments:
You leave off one very important category -- corner kicks. So far, Andersen has shown himself to be one to come off that line and get those corners before the headers can get in. Last season with Deano, every team we played pushed us right up to our goal line and simply forced the goals in. That's not happening this year.
Besides, I think you should stay with the girl that brought you to the dance. Andersen has only lost to Chelsea. Deano will have to show his stuff in Cup competitions. He should get the start at Chelsea in the Carling and show us what he can do. Then and only then does Curbs have a choice to make.
Even if I accepted that our defensive weakness last season were merely down to Deano's abilities at corners, which I don't. Does it follow that our defensive strengths this season have only been down to Andersen? Of course it doesn't. Perry's playing out of his skin, Luke Young goes from strength to strength, The Herminator has made the change from full back brilliantly and Powells youthful exuberance was sorely missed last season. Curbs has a far more difficult job replacing those four than the relatively simple decision to play his best keeper. Deano's record for us is impressive and you can count the number of mistakes he has made on the fingers of one hand. He does not need to prove his worthiness by a run in the Carling cup. He is better than Andersen. He should be brought back when fit.
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