Darrell Clarke: Liam Roberts silences the critics with Walsall
Saddlers manager Darrell Clarke has heaped praise on goalkeeper Liam Roberts for overcoming his critics to become a fixture in his starting XI.
The 24-year-old has been part of a defence that has kept five clean sheets in 10 league games so far this term. Despite having a back-line in front of him keeping him quiet, when called upon the shot-stopper has been one of Walsall’s most consistent performers.
And Clarke has been pleased with the effort from his number one.
“I think we have to give Liam massive credit, “ he said. “When I first came into the football club there were a lot of questions being asked, I did a fans’ forum where there weren’t too many polite words said about him by one or two fans.
“Even the ardent fans will respect the season he’s had – he’s still very young for a keeper, he’s caught crosses, one or two mis-kicks, he’s made some vital saves when need be, he’s doing his job on a consistent basis and long may that continue.
“I find the lad a pleasure to work with, trains very, very hard and we want to keep that positive mindset that he’s got at the minute. When he’s performing the way he’s performing he deserves the credit.
“I’m sure the supporters that were doubting him are going to give him the benefit of the doubt after the first 10 games of the season.”
Instrumental to Roberts’ improved form has been the introduction of new goalkeeping coach Maik Taylor. The former Northern Ireland international, who also played for Birmingham and Leeds, joined the club in the summer.
“Maik Taylor, my goalie coach, has been a massive influence,” Clarke added.
“The goalie’s union is a special union, we say they weren’t very good as a footballer at school, that’s why they ended up in goal – we have a bit of banter with that.
“Maik Taylor is doing great work for me with the goalie’s, we have Rosey (Jack Rose) in the background who’s working and training very, very hard as well.
“We have two very capable ‘keepers that are pushing each other and they have to keep them standards and I know Maik’s on top of that.
“You look at your goalie coach who’s had 88 caps for Northern Ireland, which probably amounts to one for England - we give him a bit of banter for that one.
“Joking aside, he’s a great lad, he’s a very good coach and that’s why we’re delighted to bring him in - really pleased with him.”
