Pic: David Holmes
BRAINTREE'S bid to keep themselves in the National League received a helping hand – from their NINTH goalkeeper of the season who arrived so late they had to scribble the name of his shirt's old owner out!
The Iron's relationship with their goalies has certainly been a topsy turvy one this season, and on Friday the club announced the arrival of their tenth keeper with the signing of former West Ham youth stopper, Clarke Bogard.
In fact, they've let go more keepers than they have leads as new manager Hakan Hayrettin tries to repair the damage of their poor start to the campaign.
Since former boss Jamie Day announced the arrival of Jamie Butler from Hemel in the close season, things just haven't worked.
Signing Sam Beasant, Sam Cowler, Josh Strizovic, Will Puddy, Ross Fitzsimons and Joe Taylor – they even had to rely on midfielder Sam Corne between the posts when they went down to ten men at Macclesfield.
Pedigree
Braintree beat the clock by a minute to register Daniel Lincoln so he could play against Woking last week – but that didn't stop things getting shirty!
“We had to get the goalkeeper's top and get to work,” joked chairman Lee Harding. “We found a biro and coloured in the name on top of the number. Never let it be said we aren't professional here… two arms, two legs? You're in!”
Hayrettin took over a month ago and thinks he is finally getting his feet under the table.
“Not many clubs can say they have had eight goalkeepers play for them with a week to go in October, but I wasn't here for most of them!” the 46-year-old said.
“We've had so many other injuries too, it's been horrendous. We managed to bring Daniel Lincoln in very last minute on Tuesday – minutes before the deadline in fact – and he did really well for us, he's got great pedigree.”
The former Grays and Thurrock boss has already seen enough to suggest safety is certainly achievable – and that was enhanced by the fine 3-2 win at Woking.
“I've won this league twice as a player with Barnet and with Wycombe and as a coach at Luton a few years back, I know what it needs and I think we have players who can do the job for us,” he said.
“I've got a good bunch, but they need to listen more. But who doesn't at this level? They've responded in a positive way, but it's small steps.
“But if you haven't got any socks you can't pull them up – everybody knows the rules here. I've been here three-and-half weeks and every game we're getting better bar Dover, which was a blip. But we still need to learn.”
