It is well documented that one of Cardiff City’s failings this season has been a struggle to adequately replace Neil Alexander, now performing domestic and European heroics at Glasgow Rangers.
Dave Jones’ natural preference for a big commanding keeper backfired as his choices for this season, players it appeared he had deals sewn up for, never arrived which then saw the arrival of Michael Oakes permanently having not started any game for Wolves the previous season and then, as the season was about to start, Ross Turnbull on loan from Middlesbrough.
Turnbull was a disaster and soon sent back to Middlesbrough under the pretence of an injury there while Oakes, while not out of his depth and not helped by a defence performing below par, was unable to keep a clean sheet and rarely inspired real confidence. Existing keeper David Forde was regarded in similar tones after a spell between the posts at the end of last season and found himself being loaned out to Luton then Bournemouth and being regarded as successful at the lower levels where he is sure to feature next season.
It took until October to have anyone worthy as Kasper Schemicel was the business between the sticks arguably producing a starfish jump Save of the Season in all divisions during a game at Leicester City but he unexpectedly returned to fight for first team football at Manchester City. It never happened and he ended up on loan again at Coventry. Now told he can leave the North West club – along with Sven Goran Eriksson, many City fans, myself included, would love to see him back here but you get the feeling his time here did not end of the very best of terms.
January brought the arrival of two new keepers in Polish 19 yr old stopper Erwin Sak who showed promise in the recent F.A. Welsh Cup Final and even made previous youth keeper Josh McGinniss change his position to centre-forward instead but he is only ready to be number 3.
It appears Enckleman would love to stay with his current contract at Blackburn expiring and City have offered him an offer to sign until 2011 but the deal terms will, no doubt, be thrashed out first. City are said to be looking from another Premiership young’un on loan to stiffen competition in a position that hasn’t really had any at the club for a long while.
Dave Jones’ natural preference for a big commanding keeper backfired as his choices for this season, players it appeared he had deals sewn up for, never arrived which then saw the arrival of Michael Oakes permanently having not started any game for Wolves the previous season and then, as the season was about to start, Ross Turnbull on loan from Middlesbrough.
Turnbull was a disaster and soon sent back to Middlesbrough under the pretence of an injury there while Oakes, while not out of his depth and not helped by a defence performing below par, was unable to keep a clean sheet and rarely inspired real confidence. Existing keeper David Forde was regarded in similar tones after a spell between the posts at the end of last season and found himself being loaned out to Luton then Bournemouth and being regarded as successful at the lower levels where he is sure to feature next season.
It took until October to have anyone worthy as Kasper Schemicel was the business between the sticks arguably producing a starfish jump Save of the Season in all divisions during a game at Leicester City but he unexpectedly returned to fight for first team football at Manchester City. It never happened and he ended up on loan again at Coventry. Now told he can leave the North West club – along with Sven Goran Eriksson, many City fans, myself included, would love to see him back here but you get the feeling his time here did not end of the very best of terms.
January brought the arrival of two new keepers in Polish 19 yr old stopper Erwin Sak who showed promise in the recent F.A. Welsh Cup Final and even made previous youth keeper Josh McGinniss change his position to centre-forward instead but he is only ready to be number 3.
It appears Enckleman would love to stay with his current contract at Blackburn expiring and City have offered him an offer to sign until 2011 but the deal terms will, no doubt, be thrashed out first. City are said to be looking from another Premiership young’un on loan to stiffen competition in a position that hasn’t really had any at the club for a long while.
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