Sam Walker

I think the Port Vale keeper we played on Weds is on loan from Villa? He looked decent.
Then again, he conceded two and they’re bottom of the league.

 

I agree, Think we missed Baldwin today

 

Just for balance to the argument -



Doesn't miss a game, joint 2nd for clean sheets in the league. He's a fine League 1 goalkeeper, I'm sure plenty of clubs in our league would love to have him.

 

If Alexander believes Walker is capable of playing in whichever League we're in next season that's all that counts, if not he'll need to make his priorities with regards his player budget.

 

Thats a fair comment

 

Surely clean sheets are a measure of the strength of the whole defence not just the keeper?

 

Agreed and get sub standard replacements in for them

 

I like Walker overall but I'm not having 'clean sheets' or 'goals conceded' as a meter for how good or bad a keeper is. It only tells about 5% of the story.

 

9

I agree. Age is against Walker and i feel he has declined since that Barnsley wonder goal. Might partly explain why the defence is shambolic away from home. He lacks confidence and the defence lack confidence in him. I'd like an upgrade signed and competition for next season.

 

His form has dipped, but the chopping and changing of defenders this year hasn’t helped at times. I think an upgrade will come in the summer, as others have said.

 

They say the basis of a good defence be it 3 or 4 at the back is to select the regular 3 or 4 to start games so they can build an understanding and build confidence, unfortunately our manager prefers the rotation route, its frustrating as were hardly in a position to challenge Alexanders managership as he's got us into an excellent position in the league by basically changing our defenders on a regular basis.

 

There has to be flexibility, read the game as it plays out in front of you, then adapt to what you see.
Easy enough, read, interpret, adapt.
For every attack there is a defence, you just need to see it.

 

I was looking back at the programme from 11 May 1985 with my son at the weekend. Squad of 13 players in photo, 1 substitute and consistent team selection through the season. He was staggered at the squad size. Does exactly as you note. Builds confidence. Different game today I guess but the WoaP article on players used was telling. Lincoln had used the least, Cardiff similar and us many many more. Thats the answer. Smaller squad with better quality in 1 to 11.

 

Walker is an average goalkeeper at this level
Nothing more, nothing less
Can we improve on him . Of course? But we can also improve on every single player
It’s a team game and his position is easy to highlight
No real competition is also a major factor as well

 

Yes without doubt the game has changed ( not sure for the better) and players have to be far fitter, at times you can question just how fit they need to be when they are constantly monitored during the game, there seems to be far more injuries in the modern game than the past where IMO it was far more "robust" shall we say, there is the odd tackle that could be career changer but I do believe modern day footballers are far better at faining injuries in the hope of getting the opposition sent off, once the card is show they miraculously get up and continue.
I've not read the WOTP article yet but fellow posters have pointed it out with regards rotation, I'm a big beliver in playing your strongest starting 11 (old school I know) if that's not possible for what ever reason the quality of players either Cardiff or Lincoln bring in wouldn't be a massive downgrade on the player they are replacing which has been the case on a few occasions with Alexander.

 

Nothing any keeper could do about their goal tonight. But Walker is ponderous at times, doesn't seem to read the game, slow off his line and takes ages for dead ball kicks. We can definitely do better for next season.

 

Oh ffs give it a rest. Nothing Walker could do about their fluke goal tonight.