This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Leeds United have been linked with a move for David Stockdale as their goalkeeper spot looks to be headed for a rocky period.
Indeed, Kiko Casilla could be staring a long-term ban in the face after being charged with racially abusing Jonathan Leko during the Whites’ game against Charlton earlier this season.
This has reportedly led to United considering signing a new goalkeeper, and according to The Sunday People (via Leeds Live) one man that they’re interested in is the Birmingham City stopper.
While many Championship fans may remember Stockdale for his heroic performances for Brighton that aided their promotion back in the 2016/17 season, he simply isn’t that player anymore.
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He isn’t Birmingham’s number one anymore for a reason, and it’s not as if he’s been dropped in favour of a top-class stopper as Lee Camp is the man consigning him to life on the bench, someone that’s made some clangers in 2019/20.
Stockdale conceded 53 goals in 36 appearances during his last full season as number one at Birmingham, and that return just isn’t good enough for any team looking to challenge at the top-end of the Championship.
You couldn’t even blame those stats on a dodgy defence as his showings in goal were poor as well.
He actually had to issue an apology to all Birmingham fans after his performance against Brentford in the Blues’ 5-0 loss back in February 2018 – that’s how bad he was.
This isn’t the same goalkeeper who was brilliant for Brighton in this division, this is a man who conceded five in three while being sent on an emergency loan down to League One to play for Southend United.
He simply isn’t up to scratch at this level anymore, and he could easily cost Leeds points if they brought him in in January. They’d be better off promoting from within.
