With transfers getting underway in the switcheroo of the English Hockey League, the first notable goalkeeper signing is Harry Gibson joining Surbiton. This is an interesting swap given that Kettle solved Surbiton's ongoing goalkeeping conundrum (with split seasons and a regular change in goalies) and provided consistency for them going forward. Gibson alternatively brings a wealth of experience at his age and means Surbiton are in the luxury position of being able to build a squad around him planning ahead.
It would seem that players and clubs are looking to the future and with the next Olympic cycle starting (with the culmination of the Rio cycle), replicating the success of GB goalkeeper James Bailey who joined Wimbledon from Reading and took them to Europe whilst developing into an international standard goalkeeper. And it would seem England/GB coaches are more than happy to be giving young goalkeepers opportunities moving forward, whereas before age and experience at the highest level was considered first (and hard to come by i.e. without those opportunities); remembering that Pinner had to wait his turn behind James Fair.
After strong U21 campaigns and a successful debut season in the Premier League, it would appear Gibson is following his ambition and development path into a top keeper, and offering him greater exposure that may provide the platform to attract interest from abroad (like a football move to get Champions League football and so on), given Hinch going to play in Holland and so on.
But with increased opportunities at international level mean Gibson's absence from league games and forces the club to carry two no.1's and juggle the man management of keeping both happy, just like when Scanlon offered cover for him when he was away on international duty at the time. Rumours link his U21 deputy with Elliot Bullman, but he is said to have been plagued with injuries and without much national league experience at Teddington it would be quite a step up for him (or for anyone in that position; U21's isn't men's league!).
It would seem that players and clubs are looking to the future and with the next Olympic cycle starting (with the culmination of the Rio cycle), replicating the success of GB goalkeeper James Bailey who joined Wimbledon from Reading and took them to Europe whilst developing into an international standard goalkeeper. And it would seem England/GB coaches are more than happy to be giving young goalkeepers opportunities moving forward, whereas before age and experience at the highest level was considered first (and hard to come by i.e. without those opportunities); remembering that Pinner had to wait his turn behind James Fair.
After strong U21 campaigns and a successful debut season in the Premier League, it would appear Gibson is following his ambition and development path into a top keeper, and offering him greater exposure that may provide the platform to attract interest from abroad (like a football move to get Champions League football and so on), given Hinch going to play in Holland and so on.
But with increased opportunities at international level mean Gibson's absence from league games and forces the club to carry two no.1's and juggle the man management of keeping both happy, just like when Scanlon offered cover for him when he was away on international duty at the time. Rumours link his U21 deputy with Elliot Bullman, but he is said to have been plagued with injuries and without much national league experience at Teddington it would be quite a step up for him (or for anyone in that position; U21's isn't men's league!).
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