TheShed wrote:

arabugsy wrote:

Foo Kin Twat wrote:

Where's Bugsy or someone that watches the youngsters on a regular basis for the SP?

Can't judge as I haven't seen him enough but, from what I have seen, and if they're not going for experience, McCallum would be my no 1 by a mile.
 

 
Totally agree bugsy, has to be McCallum starting, if no one else comes in.

Thanks lads.  Fingers crossed at least one of them seizes the gloves!
 

What happens if all the lads have howlers in their pre-season games?

Does Jackie have a Plan B?Are we scrambling about the week before the season starts trying to sign whatever freebies are left?

I just worry this is another shortsighted piece of management.

Anybody could come in and have a howler though surely Tek?

Unlike us, the manager is watching these three in training every day, and has been for at least a year.

He hasn't just plucked this idea to go with one of them out of thin air. I'd imagine he's done it because he's decided that they're all ready for first team action.

If he thinks, say, McCallum is ready, then I'm quite content with that. We're giving youth a chance to shine in every other area of the park. I'd be delighted if one of our own goalies makes it. The only way that will happen is if they get games.

And the club could do the same with every other position. Buy solid, dependable journeyman that you know exactly what you'll get. That isn't the route the club is going down though. Like I say, it's happening everywhere else on the park, I don't see why it's such a big issue now it's happening between the sticks.

Also, I reckon JM knows exactly which out of the three will be his first choice this season. He'll play them all in pre-season to give them a fair shout but I'm pretty sure he'll at least be heavily leaning towards one.

Whoever comes in out of the three will make mistakes. As did Gauld. As did Robertson. And Souttar, and Armstrong and Connolly and Telfer etc etc etc. If we're never going to give young keepers a chance then the club would be as well dispensing with youth keepers altogether and playing over agers in the 19s.

FWIW, I think we'll find out for sure once Nadir is sold. There is a chance, although I don't believe it myself, that McNamara is pushing the three forward because he has no budget to go and sign a goalie. We'll find out for sure if and when he gets a bit of cash to spend.

Tek wrote:

So let me get this right.

Szromnik =92 minutes 1st team football
McCallum = 90 minutes 1st team football
Zwick - 0 minutes 1st team football

2 of these keepers were at Tannadice last season but Jackie was never tempted to play them or recall McCallum at anytime despite Rado having regular howlers.

And we're not having a squad number 1 as were not sure who's the best out of them and we'll gauge it during pre-season.

Wow.Just wow.

Think you're on to something there, TEK, I honestly believe JMac couldn't drop Rado because his confidence was so fragile and it would've been the end of him (Rado, no JMac ).

Now, for me, we have two hungry young keepers fighting for no 1 equally.

Can't be so bad because I already rate McCallum and Zwick, who I haven't seen enough of, certainly impressed me on the ZONE with his attitude.

Having said all that and FWIW, I'm not convinced keeper is the best of positions for developing fledgling players.
 

McCallum is not a complete novice I think he has played about 50 games in the lower leagues. It really is now or never for him.

After yesterday's press release I was massively underwhelmed, as I thought an experienced goalie was a must, as I cannot see Szromnik being in the running for Number 1 position; and Arbroath had problems at BOTH ends of the park in the 2nd half of last season as we did.  Based on what Bugsy said about Zwick's interview I have watched it tonight and you ken what - I like the cut o the laddie's jib.

This is a guy who has come over here for at least a year at his own families expense and despite not speaking the language has toughed out home sickness to earn a professional contract with us.  That to me shows character and mental toughness.  I for one am more than happy he is given a chance with us, as that epitomises what our Club is all about.  His hero is a certain Manuel Neuer, so here's hoping he's picked up a few of his traits.

huntedbyafreak wrote:

Bet we could get Jamie Langfield from the sheep

I'd take him

 
I would too. I think he would do really well for us. He's got a weird relationship with our fans in the way that we give him a lot of stick but gradually our fans have developed a lot of respect for the good natured way he has taken it and tbf has showed a bit of character in some big games against us in the last 2 years.

When was the last time we sold a keeper for good money 

huntedbyafreak wrote:

St Obswell wrote:

When was the last time we sold a keeper for good money 

 
Don't think we ever have tbh. Apart from Craig Gordon I don't think any Scottish club out with Celtic and Deadco ever have tbh

Trap_6 wrote:

arabugsy wrote:

Having said all that and FWIW, I'm not convinced keeper is the best of positions for developing fledgling players.
 

Ha! I kind of agree Bugsy. I wonder if it's an Arab thing? United have hardly had much success in playing rookie goalies in recent years. Gallacher was the last one who managed to make any kind of positive impression, and he made his debut over 15 years ago.

Since then we've seen Jarvie, Samson, McGovern, Szromnik and a few others I'm probably forgetting. None of whom covered themselves in glory.

It would explain the jitteriness surrounding the prospect of going with one of the three. The fact is, rookie goalies clearly work at other clubs. Sooner or later, United are going to have to find one who can step up an do the business. If the management team think he can be found among the three, great.
 

Sorry T, you're right about the lack of startling introductions by our rookie keepers, but I was alluding to the fact that goallies tend to mature about 40, so it may not be the best position for our business model.

At the same time, we've coached some keepers where others have benefitted, because of our impatience.

 

Me and Waffelz KENT.

What a magical thread.

Very, very scary to boot.