Handle Safely

DEREK Adams’ 180-degree about-turn as regards goalkeeping safety was what led to Kyle Letheren returning to Home Park.

Argyle boss Adams had decided he was content to go into the season with Luke McCormick and Robbert te Loeke as his senior goalkeepers, with under-18s stopper Michael Cooper serving as back-up, should Luke or Robbert get injured.

As early as the fourth league game of the season, against Scunthorpe United, Cooper was on the bench, with te Loeke out with a back injury. Adams, therefore, had a rethink.

Letheren, a free agent since leaving York City, was brought in on Tuesday to bolster the group of glovemen, with Derek looking to replicate the size of his goalkeeping trip last season, when Luke was backed-up by Vincent Dorel and Marc McCallum.

“I enjoyed, last season, where we had three goalkeepers, because it became competitive,” said Derek. “When you work with two goalkeepers it is not the same. I had thought about going with two but seeing the situation - I didn’t like it in my first season at the football club, it was better in the second season. We’ve got young Michael Cooper and Max Childs with the under-18s, but they don’t train with us.

“We could only have used the emergency loan market if both goalkeepers were out. That would be something we could have used, but bringing in experienced goalkeepers is beneficial, not just for game time, but training. Sometimes one might be injured, and you’re only left with one, and at a professional football club, that’s not very good. That’s why I’ve changed my mind.

“You have to be sure that you have good competition for places. We have that in the outfield 10, and goalkeeper is a vital position, and you have to have cover there as well.

“[Kyle] was here as a young boy, many years ago. Over the time since then he has gained a lot of experience and played a good number of games. He’s competition for Luke, as is Robbert. It keeps people motivated and bouncing along.”