Maik Taylor keeping spirits high in Walsall's goalkeeping union

Rose and Liam Roberts battled for a place between the sticks all season with Roberts often favoured under Darrell Clarke and only losing his place after a string of mistakes.

Eventually, Rose lost his place due to injury and Brian Dutton also started off playing Roberts, but when he picked up a knock Rose was given the jersey and kept it until the end of the season.

For goalkeeping coach Taylor it can be a precarious position, but Rose has applauded him for how he handled it.

He said: “Maik got us together in training under the old gaffer and said ‘look boys, either of you can play and I don’t know who’s playing and I’m just going to support both of you’.

“He trained us exactly the same, did not favour anyone and left it to the manager. We came on to the training pitch and trained hard for the shirt.

“For me and Robbo we’ve both respected each other and helped each other in training.

“We didn’t fob it off or go through the motions, we worked hard. Everyone gets on really well.”

Although Dutton has now departed the club, Rose insists he appreciates the chance the former manager gave him by keeping him in the side.

“When the gaffer came in I was frustrated that I wasn’t in the team,” Rose added.

“Robbo got his injury and the gaffer had no hesitation to put me in the team.

“He said it’s my position and it’s not the case that when Robbo is fit I’m going, he said if I play well I’ll stay in.

“That’s what I’ve done for him and the team.”