📝Slocombe Signs

[Newish Pie]

Great to have Sam on board for another two years. I doubt we will see much of him in league games, injuries permitting, but will be a more than capable back up to come in for the extra games we will have to play next season, or as injury cover. Every successful club needs experienced model pro's like SS, CR, AC, RB and JOB.

Agreed. I'm sure someone said it on the 'differences to get used to' thread, but the transfer window means we can't just identify a list of loan targets and try to bring them on short term loans if/when needed to cover injuries. We're going to need a squad that's deep enough to carry us from window to window.

[kill_the_drum]

Great news.
I don’t worry with him between the sticks but it’s an area that I certainly think we could improve on.
However, a bit like Mike Edwards, I don’t think you can ever write him off.

[the_anticlough]

I guess for the bulk of an epic season he played the sweeper-keeper role very well, better than the younger keepers actually.

Paradoxically, the nerves-induced gaffes might disappear now we're at the higher level 1) the worst has already happened, you take a goal-kick to yourself in a Wembley final and if you're not sent off for that it could be for taking down the player to concede a pen just moments after! You can't top that really 2) the intense pressure to be perfect and win all the time to get out of the NL has gone, we're in a more forgiving scenario now 3) the new contract's signed and sealed.

Nobody should say 'there's no sentiment in football though'.
Family men, model pros who gave their all for 4 years and ultimately succeeded in achieving something so difficult couldn't and shouldn't be shown the door now, in a cost of living crisis and at the wrong end of their careers. I'm glad to support a club that values its people and treats them right. Slocs has earned it and you have to pleased about it.

[TSANHO]

I guess for the bulk of an epic season he played the sweeper-keeper role very well, better than the younger keepers actually.

Paradoxically, the nerves-induced gaffes might disappear now we're at the higher level 1) the worst has already happened, you take a goal-kick to yourself in a Wembley final and if you're not sent off for that it could be for taking down the player to concede a pen just moments after! You can't top that really 2) the intense pressure to be perfect and win all the time to get out of the NL has gone, we're in a more forgiving scenario now 3) the new contract's signed and sealed.

Nobody should say 'there's no sentiment in football though'.
Family men, model pros who gave their all for 4 years and ultimately succeeded in achieving something so difficult couldn't and shouldn't be shown the door now, in a cost of living crisis and at the wrong end of their careers. I'm glad to support a club that values its people and treats them right. Slocs has earned it and you have to pleased about it.

Completely agree with this. The club has been wise in the characters it has recruited since the brothers took over and it is paying dividends now. A settled group that doesn’t need overhauling every year and are good examples to any new players walking through the doors.

[Oldstripy]

Sam Slocombe interview

Sam Slocombe says the overall package on offer at Meadow Lane makes it the perfect place for him at this stage of his career.

The 34-year-old goalkeeper signed a new two-year contract with us this morning and is ready for the latest chapter.

“The next couple of years are possibly going to look a little bit of different for me,” said Slocombe, who first joined us ahead of the 2019-20 season.

“It may be possible to operate in League Two with one senior, experienced goalkeeper, but I don’t think it’s the right approach for a club that has ambitions of being successful.

“For the benefit of the squad, we need strong competition in all areas. That’s football and that’s what I’ve had all my life – competition brings the best out of everyone and if we can get that in every position it’s a really positive thing.

“That said, I back my own ability and will put up a big fight for the shirt - as I always have. I would never be comfortable accepting life as a number two.

“I’ve got strong experience in League Two, having won three promotions at that level. I know what it takes to get out, whether that be automatically or through the play-offs.

“I want to be available to play for as long as I can. From a young age, even before I turned pro, I always said that until my body gives up on me I would never do anything that restricts my opportunity to play football.

“I don’t feel 35 – my body feels good and I know I can still compete at a very high level, but I’m also mindful of what’s further ahead.

“There were multiple options for me this summer, whether that was to go higher and become a ‘shoulder to lean on’, knowing I wasn’t going to play, or going lower and being guaranteed games.

“But this is a big stage in my life. It’s my wedding anniversary today and we’re due to have a baby within the next couple of weeks.

“What’s best for my family has to form a huge part of any decisions about my future - and the whole package this club provides is brilliant.

“My wife went to more matches towards the end of last season than she has since the start of our relationship. The biggest thing she had to say after the play-off final wasn’t anything about the game, but about how everyone at the club is so nice. That’s big for me.

“It’s also great to be so close to where we’re based so my family can regularly experience the brilliant matchday atmosphere at Meadow Lane and I can always be around for them.

“The great feeling behind the scenes is credit to the owners and all the staff. Everyone’s in it together – we all understand that it’s not always easy and we have to be there to support each other.

“All of that, combined with me being able to continue imparting my knowledge and experience to help my team-mates and the club progress, means everything blends together nicely for it to be the right decision.

“It’s exciting to be involved in this club at the minute and I think it can only go one way.

“Notts has been a big part of my life over the last four years and I’m pleased it’s going to continue.”

Having already attained coaching qualifications, Slocombe will continue to pursue more over the duration of his new contract and believes he’s in a great position to learn from our backroom staff.

“It would be stupid of me not to take on board the techniques of people like our goalkeeper coach Tom Weal and head coach Luke Williams,” he said.

“Working with Tom is very different to my experiences elsewhere, but it’s helped me massively. We’re very fortunate to have someone of his quality and work ethic.

“The gaffer, meanwhile, has been incredible in the way he’s worked with more experienced players like me, Connell Rawlinson and Jim O’Brien.

“He knows we understand what he wants and trusts us to be part of the process by passing our knowledge on to younger members of the squad.

“That’s something I enjoy and take a lot of pride in. Along with Tom and our previous keeper coach Jake Kean, I’ve been able to influence young keepers who have gone on to do really good things.

“Joe McDonnell, for example, has had a good few years since he was here, and Anthony Patterson’s progress speaks for itself.

“I’m really honoured to have left the tiniest stamp on these keepers – and it’s going to be another big couple of years for Tiernan Brooks. If I can have an influence on him reaching his potential, I would be just as proud of that as I am of my performances and achievements over the last four years.”

https://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/news...w-deal-310523/

[tied_up_in_notts]

Wise words from Sam as always, and I for one am delighted to have him aboard for at least another two years, in whatever capacity he is needed.
It's slowly coming together.

[jackal2]

It's been evident that Sam has been a model professional throughout his time at the club. Was fully invested in the play off penalties scenario and even when loan keepers were keeping him out (Patto) he was still happy to play his part as a mentor when needed to the younger players.

Very clear we are after a younger first team starter and will provide excellent support in that respect. Three keepers with himself, Brookes and a newbie is spot on considering we've got 3 cup competitions next season as well as the league.

This.

Not only will Sam provide good and experienced competition to the new senior keeper (whoever he is), but anyone who has ever seen him interviewed will know he's a very intelligent and thoughtful presence to have around the dressing room to help the younger players. I wouldn't be at all surprised if he ends up as a coach or manager because he certainly communicates well.

Hopefully this will enable us to loan Tiernan Brooks out for more first team football with a National League side to continue his development, because he showed in the games he played that he's very capable too.

[marky]

Good news, now Notts need an experienced no1 as that Brooks fella simply isn't ready for first team football.

[Mud Pie]

I do think it's a position we could stand to upgrade, but there's no doubt about Sam's total value to the club so defo good news.

I'm also impressed the club has now got enough money *and sense, obviously, to keep people like him and JO'B, at the club. Asides from their contribution to the squad, the consistency from such a special season will help us keep the ball rolling.

[jackal2]

Good news, now Notts need an experienced no1 as that Brooks fella simply isn't ready for first team football.

Is this something certain fans just get in their heads about "young keepers/players" and repeat parrot fashion, irrespective of the actual evidence?

We were unbeaten in the four games Brooks played, he looked confident and showed the courage to come out of the area and play the way Williams wants, which isn't easy, and he saved a penalty to boot. I've seen much more experienced keepers do far worse: Bob Catlin, Brian Parkin and Pegguy Arphexad to name three off the top of my head!

As I've said above, Brooks probably needs a loan now to a mid-table National League team to top up on his experience with us and Boston last season, but there will come a time when we can't keep saying he's "one for the future", especially when he's done little wrong when given the chance.