New goalkeeping coach Bobby Mimms has said he’s excited to work with what he believes is a solid goalkeeping department at the club, and he’s looking forward to playing his part now in boosting competition further.
With David Marshall and Eldin Jakupovic vying for the spot between the sticks, there’s also Dusan Kuciak waiting for his chance to impress, and following his appointment to Mike Phelan’s backroom team, Mimms said he was looking forward to working with all four – Allan McGregor included following his return from injury – to really give the gaffer a decision to make in the future.
Speaking to the Official Site having now had a few days with the boys, Mimms explained.
‘They`re all senior goalkeepers and they`re all in a battle for the number one spot. That competition is something that the Club needs, and behind that we`ve also got the young goalkeepers like Will Mannion who are trying to push themselves on and get into that group. There`s a good mix at the moment. Competition for places is healthy no matter which position on the field you`re looking at.’
He added.
‘Where goalkeepers are concerned, although they are all fighting for one position, they tend to work together really well as a group and have a strong friendship and healthy rivalry between them. That brings the best out of each other and they all learn from each other as well.’
Having come in as Gary Walsh’s replacement with him leaving the other week to join Steve Bruce at Aston Villa, Mimms also admitted that Walsh had played his part in helping him to land the role as they have known each for quite some time.
‘I`ve known Gary for a long time and he called me and helped to push things along for me. He said it was a good group to come into and thankfully the manager has given me the opportunity to come here. I obviously know Neil McDonald as well. We worked together at Blackburn and West Ham, as well as a short period at Blackpool. We go back a fair way!’
