CHARLIE FROM THE STANDS: A good goalkeeper can make all the difference!

As a young lad entering the old Brandywell changing rooms many moons ago, you encountered some interesting characters from the minute you walked in the door.

Most had a bit of craic in them, some were a bit quieter than others, but then you always had one or two that fitted into the ‘mad’ box – and more times than not, it was often a goalkeeper.

During my early days, Russell Payne and Alan Gough were the two ‘keepers at Derry City. Both were good goalkeepers in their own right, and Russell was one that probably didn’t get the credit he deserved. Alan Gough on the other hand, he definitely flirted with the ‘mad’ category on occasion.

Then came the main man, David Forde. For anyone not familiar with Fordey, he was one of these people that was a grumpy big shit when things weren’t going his way, and he was a grumpy big shit when things were going well too. The tightest man in Ireland, he was only ever carrying Euros when we’d go for a coffee in Derry, and sterling when we went to Donegal. But, what a goalkeeper.

What Fordey was, was a winner, a steady reliable presence that staff, players and fans could rely on once he stepped out onto the pitch.

He wasn’t afraid to be heard, and demanded a certain level of standards from himself and his teammates. There was one occasion when Stephen O’Flynn gave away a stupid last-minute penalty in an important cup game in Cork. Fordey raced into the changing room after the match – something unusual for him unless it was heading to lunch - and went for Flynner. Now, Flynner isn’t a small man by any stretch of the imagination. But in full Monk-mode Fordey, steam coming out his ears, veins popping out of his head, Flynner looked tiny. But that was just Fordey showing how much winning meant to him.

He was an integral part of our success at Derry City during those years. People forget he was only 22 when he arrived in 2002/2003 season, but Stephen Kenny put his faith in him and made him his first-choice goalkeeper.

New trend

The younger goalkeeper has become a trend this season in the league, with the retirement of Alan Mannus. In fact, Galway stopper Brendan Clarke is the last of the old guard, as this younger generation of technically gifted goalkeepers continues to emerge. This season, you see the likes of Brian Maher (23), Andrew Wogan (18), Leon Pohls (26) Conor Kearns (25) Ed McGinty (24) Marcelo Pitaluga (21) as starting goalkeepers, with the average age only reaching 24 arguably because of Clarke.

This wave of young goalkeeping talent is encouraging, because as all of you will know, for a country whose national sport is GAA, you would think we’d have our pick! Unfortunately not. Even in the league itself, St Pat’s, Bohemians and Dundalk are all still in the market for a goalkeeper. You look then on how many times Alan Mannus had to come out of retirement because Shamrock Rovers couldn’t find a replacement. The value of a good goalkeeper cannot be underestimated and this year, it will be crucial in the title race.

For me it's no surprise to see Shelbourne and Derry City sitting at the top of the table, with Sligo close by, solely because they have the best three goalkeepers in Conor Kearns, Brian Maher and Ed McGinty. Indeed, Maher’s call-up to train with John O’Shea’s Ireland squad is testament to the level he has performed at in recent seasons, and undoubtedly his ability to step into those sessions and be able to do what the staff and players need him to do. Play.

Gone are the days when goal-kicks are boomed down the pitch. The position has become critical to starting attacks, recycling the ball, managing a game. And yes – having to do the rest of the job as well. Look at the scrutiny the likes of Andre Onana at Man United is under, every single week. The man is as gifted as any goalkeeper out there when it comes to having the ball at his feet. His distribution of right and left is outstanding. But that then puts his actual goalkeeping attributes under the microscope when he lets a soft one in.

What Maher exemplifies is the modern-day goalkeeper – the one that has to be as good with the ball on the deck, as he is at shot-stopping. You feel that if Derry are to go and push for a league title, that the foundation of that push will lay with their number one.

Not to worry

Bohemians stunted Derry City’s strong start to the campaign with what could be described as a surprise win at Dalymount, with the managerless home side running out 2-1 winners. The loss will not define City’s season, and I would argue that it isn’t one that should worry too many fans.

The game itself wasn’t a classic nor did it resemble the usual high-octane games between these sides. For me, the game told us more about Bohemians than it did Derry. Bohemians did well and looked like a team that got a boost from a new man in charge. Derek Pender’s caretaker duties seemed to reinvigorate Bohs, but I still see them struggling as the season goes on.

Sligo seem to be finding a groove that sees them sitting third in the table. With so many new players coming into the club, I expected it to take a little longer for them to gel. That doesn’t seem to be the case going by Saturday night’s demolition of Drogheda. This game will also be remembered for a world-class save from Ed McGinty from a point-blank header. At a crucial time in the match, it could have swung the momentum of the game in Drogheda’s favour - the importance of a top-class goalkeeper.

Dundalk and Waterford’s stalemate was one which hardly raised eyebrows around the league, and having watched Keith Long’s side in action at the Brandywell a few weeks ago, I must admit, I’m still not convinced. Yes – they have signed well, particularly at the back, but Padraig Amond will need as much support as possible in finding goals. Dundalk are becoming an anomaly, one where they will continue to put in excellent or terrible performances - you never know what you are going to get from them. But without a doubt, Stephen O’Donnell will be happy with a clean sheet.

Shamrock Rovers first win of the season is a decent result against a tough opposition in Galway United. The home side had some late chances, but Rovers will hope that this win might finally get them going this year. I still think they are not as strong as previous seasons and until they get everyone back, I can’t see them going on a big run of winning games.

The Shelbourne train keeps moving forward, and driving that train is Will Jarvis. He makes the hard parts of football look easy, gliding past people and finding the back of the net. One of his teammates said this week that he can go as high as he wants in the game, and he’s certainly lighting up the league this season so far. After six games, Shelbourne are unbeaten with five wins and a draw, and find themselves five points clear. With Dundalk at home and Derry at home coming up after the International break, I see them disposing of Dundalk with ease before the clash at Tolka against Ruaidhri Higgins’ side, tells all.

To finish, I have to reference the Leinster Senior League result: St Mochta’s 2-0 Dundalk. What a disastrous result for Dundalk, and that result is even more stark considering the likes of Ross Munro, Daryl Horgan, Robbie Mahon, Ryan O’Kane, Hayden Muller, Paul Doyle and Zak Bradshaw all started. I had thought Stephen O’Donnell would have been one of the names in the hat for the Bohemians role in the coming weeks, but with that result, I am not sure. It could be a long season for the Lilywhites.