2025/26 Season's first choice goalkeeper

[cerbera45]

As this season draws to a conclusion and having used an unprecedented 4 goalkeepers what have we learnt about the possible custodian in the gloves for the new campaign next season. Who would you go with?!?

 

[Fairport]

I have never been impressed by Hayes either at Solihull or with us
It was a shame when David Martin left as he was an ideal replacement when Collin was unavailable. I can't see us signing another keeper in the close season though

 

[Shrimp and two veg]

I like both our keepers, theyve both made outstanding saves during the season and commanded when needed, theyre not perfect but they are both proud to be with us and are worthy of their place for next season. For that reason, i'm out.

 

[WestyReturns]

I have never been impressed by Hayes either at Solihull or with us
It was a shame when David Martin left as he was an ideal replacement when Collin was unavailable. I can't see us signing another keeper in the close season though

I thought Dave Martin was a lot better than Collin and was ideal to bring Collin on as he was. Was a real shame when he left. Another f up due to the clown scummer.

Hayes is a decent solid keeper at this level but isn't a great shot stopper. Collin is a great shot stopper but is prone to the odd mistake and needs to improve on dealing with crosses. Both are very young (for keepers) and hopefully both can improve.

 

[It'sGrimUpNorth]

Bart

 

[BEERMONSTER]

I have a feeling that Collin could well move on in the Summer, just a feeling but I think his Agent will be active in looking to secure a move up the pyramid. Very difficult to keep two young ambitious and fit goalies happy, both will feel they need to be playing if there's no senior keeper on the books in front of them. I believe the Management perspective is Hayes edge's it as 1st choice but if Collin does move on I would expect us to look at an older and experienced keeper which brings another dynamic to the table and dependent on who is available could be more than a contender for the No.1 spot.

 

[RHB]

A toss up between Collin and Hayes is a difficult choice. Both are contracted to 2026 so neither will move on unless bought by another club. I've gone for Collin as I believe he has more potential to improve, but I'm not too sure that Kev really trusts him. I would be amazed if we bring in anyone else, on extra cost basis alone. But, if we start with Hayes as first choice, it would not surprise me if Collin pushed for a move.

 

[onceknownasrab]

Collin all day long for me. Four years younger than Hayes but, IMO, years ahead of him. Collin has the potential to go a lot higher and, despite errors from inexperience, he has done fantastically well for a keeper of his tender years.

 

[in the know]

It's not out of the question that Dave Martin would come back. I know he thoroughly enjoyed his spell with us and is geographically good for him. I also know he's not averse to a return but nothing is in motion other than retaining contact. Had contracts got sorted early on for both he and JD instead of leaving until last and running out of budget they would both still be on the books as player\coaches, which worked well for them, kev and the club financially, because it utilised their best attributes at the stage of their careers. Dave as a fine keeper in his own right as needed and a first class coach that Colin thrived under and gained massive confidence.
JD is perfect for seeing out games with his experience and Sutton is a prime examp!e of needing that nous. Between them they could fill 6 jobs for one salary each. Coach, play, scout (keepers in Dave's case).

 

[flangejackrabbit]

I would like to see @ShrimperStats take on the Collin Vs Hayes debate.

 

[amsemp]

Collin for me and it’s not close. On form I think he’s much better and I think he has a much higher ceiling than Hayes. Blessed to have two really good keepers as 1 and 2, but Collin is number 1 for me.

 

[OldBlueLady]

Collin for me and it’s not close. On form I think he’s much better and I think he has a much higher ceiling than Hayes. Blessed to have two really good keepers as 1 and 2, but Collin is number 1 for me.

Yes, same for me. Collin, on his day, is a really good keeper, but had some confidence issues and the crowd getting a bit restless at times, which affected his confidence.

 

[CrippsCorner]

Like others have said, I do like both... I have been impressed with Hayes attitude though, he really wanted to come to us, and seems passionate and quite directive in games. Hope Collin's recovery goes well so we at least have this choice to make!

 

[cerbera45]

maybe the signing of Hayes has made some of us realise how good Collin is (or could be given time)?

 

[Farmer Fossett]

Both are decent keepers for this level. I would however have thought that Hayes will be first choice for next season.

 

[SouthendSpence]

I do wonder if the poll would look differently had we held on Saturday?

 

[Maroon Blue]

I do wonder if the poll would look differently had we held on Saturday?

Don’t think there would even be a poll if we had held on Saturday.
Collin getting the votes as he is out of the firing line. If it was held after the York away game in December would be different again
Although Hayes would not have been an option then.

 

[thenobster]

I like Collin, but I feel we could do better than either, hence a n other

 

[cerbera45]

Don’t think there would even be a poll if we had held on Saturday.
Collin getting the votes as he is out of the firing line. If it was held after the York away game in December would be different again
Although Hayes would not have been an option then.

is that a rhetorical question?

 

[undercovershrimper]

I am waiting for Wiggy's expert opinion on this one...