The Boro Keeper Conundrum

gizasqueezemister

gizasqueezemister

Well-known member
What a bizarre bunch. It seems like a like a long time since someone genuinely held down the No.1 spot. Wasn’t quite old enough to witness the unique looks of Willie Wigham, who put attacking players off their stride with nothing more than a smile, before handing over to Northern Ireland’s perennial No.2, JP, competently backed up by Jim Stewart (my first AP testimonial with my Grandad, and first time witnessing the inebriated swathes of the Tartan army). The troublesome 80’s saw the popular Kelham O’hanlon replaced with the incomparable Pearsy, my first real goalkeeping hero. Collet, Ironside, Miller and Walsh followed in a flash before the big Aussie grabbed the shirt and made it his. Marlon Beresford and Mark Crossley backed up the main man, before young chancers Ross Turnbull and Brad Jones came along. We never really saw their worth but Chelsea and Liverpool seemingly saw things differently! Let’s not forget cameos from Carlo Nash, Danny Coyne, Ben Roberts, Stuey’s lad, and fashion designer Paul Smith. Carl Ikeme and Jason Steele battled for the shirt in 2011/2012. Bizarrely now a permanent fixture in this seasons first 11 for Brighton and playing this evening as I concoct this potted history of Boro stoppers. 2013/14 season saw us employ Steele, Mejias, Leutwiler, Dimi, and the cat like senior Shay Given. Dimi earned himself legend status in 2016 before being replaced by ‘mint man’ Guzan and 'man with many medals' Valdes. After departing as soon as they realised the premier league money was no more, we had a wonderful few seasons with Darren Randolph before he took a shine to West Ham’s bench. Let’s not forget Jordan Archer, Bettinelli, Stojanovic and Luke Daniels. As well as Reading FC’s player of the season Joe ‘Calamity’ Lumley. We have yet to see much of Liam Roberts and Sol, who could soon shine for us. But this season was all about Zack. Nails were bitten, sweary words were said often and last night tears were shed. But he earned the No. 1 Jersey and amongst a very long list of Boro keepers he won’t be forgotten. Thank you Zack, it was short but sweet. Hopefully the next man can pick out a pass as well as you did. If it’s not to MC’s liking however this shot stopper list is just going to keep growing…. (apologies if I missed anyone)
 
Willow said:
Kevin Poole? Remember him having a worldie against, I think Leicester?
Click to expand...
It was Stephen Pears that had the worldie v Leicester.
And earlier in the thread Kelham O'Hanlon was installed at no1 by Malcolm Allison after a row with Jim Platt. Kelham was ok but not the keeper that Jim Platt was.
Steffen has been superb this season and grown in confidence throughout. We have been lucky to have such a rock in our defence. He will be a hard act to follow if we do lose him.
 
Mate of mine a regular at Swindon reckons Sol Bryn is a very good keeper and decent with the ball at his feet (importantly for us). Of course this is two tiers below us but a bit like strikers a good keeper is a good keeper.
 
fmttmadmin said:
It was Stephen Pears that had the worldie v Leicester.
And earlier in the thread Kelham O'Hanlon was installed at no1 by Malcolm Allison after a row with Jim Platt. Kelham was ok but not the keeper that Jim Platt was.
Steffen has been superb this season and grown in confidence throughout. We have been lucky to have such a rock in our defence. He will be a hard act to follow if we do lose him.
Click to expand...
Might not have been Leicester then, it was a long time ago, but I definitely remember Poole being on fire in one game when Pears was out.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top