Playoffs review: Scott developing well

Although hockey has a different approach to that say of more mainstream sports, there is still a lack of real depth to England's goalkeeping. Both in attitude to having competition but also in talent available. And whilst many might question this comment, Chris has various scouting traits in his favour: his age, his ability and his growing confidence and reliability for his team, it's not too much to suggest, even by long shot, that he could be part of the extended training squad/GBSL teams going forward. Patrick Smith is still a deputy for Fair, Bailey is doing well adjusting to the Premier league, even though there is work to do still, so there needs to be a way to bridge the gap between GB international and benching reserve or even travelling, just as with English football right now.

Scott was an important member of his team in the playoffs, making some key stops that secured the points to see them go up and return to the Premier league. Obviously they didn't do too well in the first time round with Scott at the helm, but it's a tight division, and having been developing well in the North division with regular playing time (goalkeepers need games to develop, training only does so much!), he should be more well drilled and comfortable with expectations on him going into the new season.

Tall and imposing, Scott has good reactions and athleticism, making some acrobatic diving stops against drag flicks especially in the game against Southgate. With strong technical foundations throughout his game, from consistent ready stance to angles and positioning, he has the cornerstone to go far. It's just a case of how much he wants it and how far he wants to push himself.

You can see him in action in the clip below.

Lee Ible to Cardiff & Met

The only real goalkeeping transfer in the January window seems to be Lee Ible who has made the move from Liverpool Uni to Cardiff. With Cardiff pushing for promotion again after their success winning the West conference last season, it looks like they're looking to sure up their back line. Ible, who has caps for Wales and experience playing in the Premier league division for Brooklands MU, will provide Cardiff with a lot of experience going forward. Cardiff currently sit four points behind league leaders Bath, so they'll be making additions to try and repeat their success last season, but also to get one step further, if the opportunity presents itself. Ible has recently taken a step down from national league to focus on working on his coaching CV but with this transfer obviously seems interested in getting back in the thick of things. 

Chris Scott giving Brooklands more than a fighting chance

Having taken over from Lee Ible (Welsh international) at Brooklands MU, the young Chris Scott has been making a good enough impression "in between the sticks" even if he hasn't set the league alight. With competition for the Premier League starting to hot up and English hockey refinding its form, Brooklands are not the same side they were, but are still challenging to win the league in the North division of the national domestic competition. Making the most of his size as one of the taller goalkeepers in the league, he covers a lot of goal. A young goalkeeper, it may be a while into he gets in tune with the position at this level, but has shown strong fundamentals so far. Kit wise Chris favours the tube style hi-control rhp and wears ice hockey elbow pads on both arms.

Ible in his playing days for Brooklands in an away game against East Grinstead.

You can watch him in the clip below in a goalie duel between himself and Jamie Cachia of Sheffield Hallam before their promotions:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjHGy5jAbiY