EFL-bound Loach wishes Spireites well

By John Lyons

CLASS ACT: Scott Loach shone at Chesterfield

DEPARTING goalkeeper Scott Loach has wished Chesterfield ‘the very best’ for the coming campaign after grabbing the chance to jump back into the Football League with both hands.

The much-travelled 34-year-old was snapped up by League One big guns Derby County on a one-year deal on Wednesday following an impressive campaign in the National League for the Sprieites.

The former England Under-21 international made 48 appearances in all competitions for the Derbyshire club, further cementing his reputation as one of the top shot-stoppers outside the EFL.

Before moving to Chesterfield last summer, Loach had spent two seasons with both Barnet and Hartlepool United in Non-League’s top flight.

However, he also has bags of Football League experience from his days with the likes of Watford, Ipswich and Notts County.

After making the move to Pride Park, Loach tweeted: “Thank you to everyone at Chesterfield for the last year, had a really good time, and enjoyed some great moments. Wish you all the very best for the coming season.”

Loach is the first to admit he is unlikely to get as much match action with the Rams as he did at the Technique Stadium but he is relishing the opportunity to return to the big stage.

“It feels really good to be here,” he told RamsTV.

“It’s an unbelievable place, it’s an unbelievable club and it’s a good opportunity for me here and enjoy this stage of my career and offer my experience as well.

“The move was a bit of a surprise. I think the role (as third choice) with goalkeepers is coming in a lot now where there is an experienced one and if I can pass on any advice and help the young goalkeepers here then that’s fine.

“I will be there for them and raise the tempo of training and do the bits behind the scenes that people don’t really see.

“I am going to push the lads in front of me and be there for the team and be called upon when needed. I have not come here to lie back and sit down and just train every day.

If I work hard and get the opportunity then I will be very grateful and that’s what I’m pushing for.

“I love playing and I want to play, but I’m also sensible and realistic so if I can help Joe Wildsmith and the other goalkeepers out there then that’s what I’m here for.”

Loach isn’t expecting quite the same hurly burly in the third tier as there was in the National League.

“The principles stay the same in terms of keeping the ball out of the net,” he added. “I think you can say it’s more physical lower down the leagues, but the game has changed a lot now with the ball at your feet, so you have to be more precise.

“I feel at this level and even in the Championship and Premier League, you don’t have much to do – but there is no room for error.”