Isted to sign on free in the next few days

Absolutly. Whatever his wage demand there must be 10 clubs in for him, he’s a free agent, young for a keeper and in red hot form, proven at league one and would make a good backup in the championship at least, it’s a no-brainer for anyone needing a keeper at our level.

I don’t think this is a straightforward signing, while ever Collins is on the books there’s only so much we can throw at him and with others interested it wouldn’t take much for someone else to offer a higher wage or be a team closer to his home and offer a similar wage. Hopefully the pull to us is enough. He’s not guaranteed a starting place here while ever Colin’s is around, you’d expect him to start when the season begins, but one injury and Collins will be in and he won’t make a mistake and be dropped either. They’re both top keepers.

If Collins goes/is going then it should be an easy signing with budget to spare, game time to offer and his connection to the club. It makes business sense as well to get Collins off the wage books, make a bit of cash on his sale (keep in mind he’s in his last year) and then sign an up and coming keeper on a longer, cheaper deal, as a new number 2. Put any of that spare wage budget/transfer cash into strengthening elsewhere as well.

 

We've already got two younger keepers I think - Searle and the guy signed from Spurs(?)

 

When we sold Walton, Duff chose to bring in Isted rather than use Searle, so maybe he’s not ready yet. Would be nice to have an academy/development team keeper on the bench though

 

I’d say all parties already know what they’re doing - these talks will have been already done. Isted wouldn’t come unless it was certain. Also, regardless of which, Isted was a 3rd choice keeper prior, so he’ll be getting a big increase regardless of where he goes now.

It’s now just down to timings of everyone involved. I wouldn’t be surprised if Collins went next week, or on deadline day. It’s just how these things play out.

 

I really rate Collins, but he has been second choice. We surely will get half a million for him in the last year of his contract, which should cover Isted's wages. With some good youngsters that is the way to go I reckon...

 

I know this will go hugely against popular opinion but I didn’t rate Isted as much as many others. I think he’s a decent league one keeper but got big improvements to be made to his game. He makes some world class saves but has also conceded some really poor goals, ie Burton and Mk Dons: I’m not saying he doesn't have the capability to improve, because he does and is obviously a talented lad.

he played really well at Wembley, probably his best performance for us, but I don’t think we should be held to ransom and it would be remiss if a championship team to have a punt on him based on one (very good) performance.

I will be pleased if we sign him but if he goes elsewhere for more money then so be it.

 

Does tha want to borrow mi specs.

 

As I say, I appreciate it is a view that won’t be shared with the majority and I’m not been contrary, just not as overwhelmed as others!

 

Been there done that. It's all about opinions mate. I had the similar opinion about Ray McHale. And got folk telling mi I'm mad.
Maybe I am lol. But does it matter?. Not really, it's not life changing.

 

I actually agree.

He’s a rookie, let’s not forget that. Collins has several seasons under his belt.

I’m happy with either, but Isted still has a lot to learn.

 

I agree totally. Isted has made some great saves, but has been beaten at his near post on a number of occasions. Collins has played 107 games for us, the vast majority in the Championship, and has acquitted himself very well. Personally, I would prefer to keep him, if that is possible.

 

So who would you pick over the other to start the new season ? I think Duff had it right to keep Isted in. And if he arrives I believe he would start with him.
I suppose Collins doesn't make mistakes. As you seem reluctant to point out. And as for near post errors Both have made em. Or doesn't that count.
Charlton away. ? Cost us a goal. You may point to the one at Bolton. I'd say that was 1 each.
107 games in the championship doesn't make you the better goalie. Or Duff would have brought him back when fit.
I'd like to keep Collins but he'd have to be content to start as 2nd choice for me. As imo Isted is the better all round keeper. Dare I say by a big margin.
I dont know if Searle is ready to be No.2 but only one way to find out I suppose.

 

Exactly where I am with him.

Good. But not what many would have you believe.

 

Interesting comment on the Wembley game. He had a great game, but when I showed my mate (a non-Barnsley fan) the highlights the first thing he said for their winner was 'keeper should have saved that.' When I thought about it, he was right. He palmed it into the goal. I'm sure he's gutted about it and he also saved us a couple of times on the day. I hope he signs, but I'd be sad to lose Collins. Happy with either keeper between the sticks come August.

 

I think that we should prioritise keeping them both.

Unless we ship in an alternative adequate replacement for whoever is the first pick goalie out of Collins and Isted, when one of them leaves.

If the first pick gets injured or loses form or starts taking his place for granted, then a worthy successor is required. You can't mess about with a shoddy substitute.

Is Searle good enough to step up? I've only seen him play once.

 

I think protecting his near post is his biggest weakness. But he's still quite an inexperienced keeper. It's something I think can be coached into him. I think he's miles better at claiming crosses and commanding his area than Collins, which is why I'd prefer Isted. I don't know the stats, but I'd be surprised if the number of goals we conceded from crosses into the box hadn't decreased since Harry came into the side.

 

If Duff had played him at any point, I reckon a contract extension might have been an option. I really think we'll cash in on Collins. Great sweeper keeper.

 

Alternatively, I'd be happy to see Collins remain at the club. I don't think I have to like either/or, both for me are decent goalkeepers.