Revolving Gloves

For a club which has had a reputation for developing fine goalkeepers down the years, Ipswich seem to have found the position to be somewhat unwanted in recent years. It may just be that a porous defence may not be entirely the fault of the defenders that constitute it.

Its not that the club have been particularly remiss with their goalkeepers. Most of the changes seem to have been with just reason and almost entirely supported by the supporter base. Yet, the fact remains that the club can now boast having eight different number ones in eight years.

Richard Wrights departure in 2001 was followed by Matteo Sereni in 2002. The much-maligned Andy Marshall managed just one year, before being replaced by Kelvin Davis. Its perhaps no coincidence that, with Davis in the net for two consecutive years, it led to our highest finish in recent years. With his enforced sale to Sunderland, the custodianship was passed to Lewis Price and Shane Supple. Over the next two seasons, duties passed between the two, until the arrival of Neil Alexander. And now we have Stephen Bywater.

All of the above have had long stints as the No. 1 at Ipswich. Its an unprecedented number of first-choice keepers, but even more surprising because its something that has been completely alien at Ipswich. Prior to 2001, Richard Wright, Craig Forrest, Jon Hallworth and Paul Cooper managed the job between just the four of them for a period of almost 25 years.

Its probably nothing more than a curiosity that will be forgotten in history. But, consistency and familiarity are the basis of all good teams, but particularly any good defensive unit. The club cant really be blamed for these changes too much, since some of them were beyond their control and, as previously mentioned, all seem to be supported by fans. But perhaps the clubs poor defensive organisation in recent years might not be simply about the defenders.

Unfortunately, with Ipswich now in the play-off positions and Stephen Bywater currently only contracted until the end of the season, there is every chance that 08/09 might welcome another new face between the sticks....