Budtz: Presence is key.
Former Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Jan Budtz has spoken to www.doncasterroversfc.co.uk during the close season and cited the need for a “commanding figure” to become Rovers’ number 1 next term.
Between Ross Turnbull and Manchester United loanee Sam Johnstone, Rovers kept 13 clean sheets in the league last term, but it wasn’t enough to keep Paul Dickov’s side in the Championship and Budtz says the rebuilding job starts between the sticks.
“The importance of a having a good goalkeeper is massive; their experience can be invaluable and perhaps account for a third of a team’s total points in a season,” he said.
“For me, one of Rovers best keepers in recent years was Neil Sullivan. You need a figure who is as imposing in his 18 yard box as he is in the dressing room; a real presence."
The goalkeeping position could be an area Dickov needs to strengthen in the close season with Johnstone returning to Manchester United and Turnbull and Jon Maxted’s contracts due to expire and the Rovers' former No 1, believes Rovers are in safe hands however, regardless of who dons the gloves.
“The ‘back five’ need to work as a unit and give each other that solidity, with the likes of Rob Jones, James Husband, Luke McCullough all contracted to the club next season a solid back line is already in place so that’s a great starting point.
Budtz played a total of 34 games while with Doncaster Rovers and continues to successfully juggle his role as the Club’s Social Inclusion Officer and being first choice at Conference North outfit Gainsborough Trinity FC.