2025/26 SUFC SEASON REVIEW / SCHOOL REPORT - Part 3: Goalkeepers

[Deadbat]

Goalkeepers



Michael Cooper I did not think Cooper would be one of the major disappointments this season but like a number, he dropped off considerably. It did not help we had changes in defence and of course the manager alongside that but he seemed nowhere near the keeper of a year ago. He was rightly being discussed as one of the best keepers outside the top flight and there was talk of interest from the Premier League and even England talk in some circles. A year on and those two things are not close to being discussed. Cooper clearly had some injury issues and maybe should have been taken out long before he did, but he played most of the game and it was a struggle. Shots were going in, that did not go in the previous season. He started making mistakes and routinely we would concede goals we should not have done. Granted there was a mess in front of him, but he never really found the form of the previous season. We were conceding goals aplenty and invariably too many shots he should save, he did not. He also made big saves to keep us in games or preserve leads, the season before.



This simply stopped happened and the stats bore this out in terms of him being one of the poorest keepers in the league at saving shots. He had one of the lowest made saves versus expected saves stat. His distribution became even more shaky and he also stopped taking crosses (Leicester away an awful goal to concede) – one of his big strengths the year before. He did not fall off a cliff but like with Burrows, was teetering on the edge. Many would have replaced him but the lack of competition behind him made even this idea seem a poor one. Davies’ showing at Coventry gave further evidence to this as he was badly at fault in a defeat. However, he did improve for a period around Xmas and started to make some big saves and get back to some sort of form but he could not maintain this. He made some big errors in games again – one that directly cost us goals in games and weak hands/wrists as he struggled to get across his goal saw long range shots start to go in again. He pushed one out at home to Oxford and there were others where he did not deal with routine shots. He eventually was taken out with an injury after the defeat v Coventry at the Lane – that was something round the back of his keen. This would see him ruled him out for the rest of the season and despite rumours that it was an even longer term one – Wilder via Danny Hall fanned these flames saying he would be back for pre-season. He does need some competition here but probably needs to write this season off, get back to full fitness and hopefully get back to the standards he showed before, as like others -was way below what he is capable.



Grade D- (Last season A-)





Adam Davies A keeper that I have never had total confidence in sadly. He was always a number 2 at best and played sparingly when Foderingham or Cooper was injured but never convinced when he did making mistakes and struggling to control his box with high balls. It is crazy he is still around but probably a good pro and never grumbles which is someone you need but the fact is, he is not good enough to properly provide competition to the number one. When he got a rare opportunity, you always worried. He came in at Coventry and made a mistake and you saw why Cooper remained in, despite his poor form and rumours of an injury. When Cooper was taken out, Davies came in and to be fair was not as bad as I feared. He does not take crosses and this continued to be a theme but made some decent saves and not sure many goals/defeats were down to him. Some odd moments in terms of decisions for an experienced keeper (storming out at QPR and Bristol City) showed why he was not the steadying influence you would hope but he actually was decent enough and did not let us down too much in games but again, as with Cooper, goals went in too easily at times. Yet, I am not sure he did lots wrong and was securer than I thought. I feel his time should be up now and we need to look for a better alternative to Cooper. A nice guy but ultimately, we need to look improve now. I was shocked when I heard we may trigger an extension to keep him. Whilst there is an argument, we have limited funds and maybe a backup keeper is not where the money should go, we need to be looking for better competition and despite doing ok to close the season, he has shown he is not good enough to play for a team with aspirations at the top of the league. However, in terms of this season, he did ok. It comes to something when I am marking him higher than Cooper on his actual performances though – shows how much of a drop off Cooper had.



Grade C (Last season C-)



Others (not played/gone on loan/young players)



Ivo Grbic Remarkably he is still here. On loan in Turkey again – this time at Fatih Karagumruk – his team were fighting relegation most of the season. Saw mixed reviews on his time here -with some poor displays mixed in with some man of the match performances as he played for a poor side. His stats were largely ok. His signing at the Blades has been a disaster. He has one year left – hopefully we can find someone to take him off our hands this summer but the best scenario is probably a season long loan again (after he is around for pre season and we might see him play again) before we are finally rid of his services. Another total waste of money.



Luke Faxon Not pushed on really but maybe that is harsh but not had a football league loan and means he has just played development football for the u21’s. He is now 21 and seems a while since he was getting interest from some Premier League clubs. I watched him for the u21’s in the final game of the season against Norwich and he looked way off being ready – being at fault for all 3 goals. I know there is an argument loans do not always work but he absolutely needed/needs it. He is still under contract for 2 years as we got him tied down to a long deal but the fact he was not even risked when the season was done – is a concern in terms of how ready he may be? Has to be given a loan next season – even if it is National League.





Next season



A year ago, I spoke of Cooper being the undisputed number one and worried we may lose him. I thought Faxon was a promising number 3 type and we just needed a good back up to compete. Faxon not really pushing on and Cooper with an injury/poor season – we are not as secure as we were. Ideally Cooper comes back fit to form but has a good back up who can push him. Davies is/was not that but seems set to stay if reports are correct. Faxon can get some loan time out somewhere too. Cooper has a big season to prove his fitness and that he can return to form but if does not, it is concerning Davies is the next man up.





Returning players;



Player / Position Years remaining (contract expires) Red this year – Orange next year - Green longer contract –



Goalkeepers



Adam Davies Out of contract (2026) – option for another year

Ivo Grbic 1 year (2026)

Michael Cooper 2 years (2028)

Luke Faxon 2 years (2028)

 

[crucialkneeligaman]

As long as Coops comes back sorted & re-discovers his form, wouldn't be too concerned having Adam as back up keeper.

 

[Addison]

A crucial position to fill on the field at the moment for me. CW mark one immediately moved out Long and brought in Moore - promotion season. A year later Henderson on loan and promotion within two seasons to the top flight. We've never built on that since between the sticks.

Cooper had a poor injury record before he came to us with a serious cruciate ligament injury at Plymouth. Add in continuing back problems to the current knee injury he is recovering from and there is cause for concern even if he starts the season he will break down during it. A fit Cooper provides confidence to the defence but there are still flaws in his game not least his height and physique. He is an excellent shot stopper but it was noticeable teams crowded him at set pieces knowing his lack of inches restricts his ability to collect the ball. Hence him punching more often than catching. His kicking and distribution game deteriorated rapidly last year.

Exposing Cooper to our poor performing medical services has not helped his recovery. The club were in a postion to challenge for a play off spot in January. The decision should have been taken then for Cooper to have his operation and bring in a quality loan goalkeeper for the the rest of the season. It would have improved the outside chance of going up. Unfortunately the calamity recruitment and overspending in the summer may have prevented that. There is a possibility the constant injections in his back contributed to his overall fitness and exacerbated his knee problems.

What was more concerning was the apparent belief that Davies was a competent back up. He isnt imo and never will be. This is a goalkeeper who has been at the club for over four years. Yet in that time no one has coached out of him his inability to move half a yard off his line when defending a corner. His dracula complex and rooted to the spot hesitation affects defenders confidence and we look considerably more vulnerable at the back as a consequence. Yes our centre backs have been pathetic but Davies adds to that considerable failing. To give him another year smacks of desperation and lack of funds. If he starts the season due to Coopers contining injury problems I fear we will be back down at the bottom again.

As for the goalkeeper coach he allegedly recommended Grbic so little hope of goalkeepers developing their skills on his watch.

The game has moved on and tall commanding keepers who dominate their area are now a must have. Man City and Liverpool by way of example. For SUFC to move forward we should be looking for someone of a similar ilk. Radek Vitek on loan would be ideal imo allowing time for Cooper to get back to full fitness.