Ben Killip

Many people, me included, completely wrote Ben off as being a capable keeper at this level. Having been second choice at a team that got relegated out of the league, it's understandable why people were skeptical about his abilities. And last season when we saw him, he looked every bit an average lower league goalie. So absolutely hats off to him for keeping his head up, presumably working hard in training to improve himself, and getting his reward. He's far from the greatest keeper we've ever had, but he's looked extremely solid and dependable since he came back into the side, which is all you can ask for. Keep up the good work Ben.

 

Agreed. Keepers take time to develop & he's been vastly improved this season. He deserves the shirt.

 

I agree, he's done well!

 

He got pilloried on here for a few goals going in at the near post whereas when Roberts did same he was not pilloried. In Killips favour, I think only one was deffo his fault and the others were down to poor defending by other defenders. A few of us on here did support him but were put down by this boards would be goalkeeping specialists.

 

He’s better than the £[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]m Chelsea man that is for sure.

 

I don’t think there’s a lot between keepers, but it’s just a position where there’s little room for error. I think anyone that’s played team sports will agree that feeling valued can positively affect performance, but sadly, many keepers don’t get the luxury of a run of games to impress.

I hope Killip continues in the same way now. Much sooner our own players do the business than loanees.

 

Yes, kudos to Ben, well done lad.

 

No doubt he's done very well but I think we need to sort it out in January. If Solena deemed not good enough it's up there in priority with Striker and left side of defence

 

I thought he was awful in the opening day defeat to Mansfield. Wouldn't have been bothered if I never saw him in a Barnsley shirt again.

Since being restored to the side I think he's been largely outstanding. Can't recall a goal that was definitely his fault. His distribution has been really good, much better than Slonina's and as good as anything we've seen in a keeper for a while.

He's changed my opinion of him completely and I'm happy to be wrong.

 

It's definitely his to lose. And at 29, he's still probably 2-3 years from his peak.

 

100% this^^^^^^^^^

 

I might be at all three home games this festive period. I just hope Killip doesn't drop a clanger during those . (That'll do for me).

 

Agree with the above .
And he sure knows how to kick the ball downfield.

 

Always favoured Killip over Solina. Reads the game better. Does the easy things easy. Not making em look spectacular. The effort they had in the dying minutes yesterday a prime example. Solina would definitely have punched it. The defence have much more confidence in him. I'm so glad for the lad. I've allus said goalkeeper is the hardest position to get hold of. Many a goalkeeper have left for better supposed prospects and money. (that I understand to a degree). And stagnated.

Imho and I wish Solina well, but he has to vastly improve his game to reach the highest level as a regular and not be a bench warmer.

 

He wasnt *really* a number two, still played majority of league games when for Hartlepool when he joined us, about 30. The season before he was in for nearly every league game. He got dropped but the narrative on here when he joined was ridiculous as though we were picking up an inexperienced kid when in actual fact he had played around 200 games for Hartlepool.

Another example though of our fans writing yet another player off before seeing him play or ever seeing him play ever at any club. Very happy for him and I've been impressed - hope he continues to do so. You reeeeds

 

Agree.

Although he did come back into the team behind a settled back 3.

He’ll earn his money now with the disruption we have in defence.

 

Me too, and I'm saying that as a Slonina fan. I don't think Gaga has been brilliant but I genuinely think he'll have a very good career. As for Killip, it's definitely his shirt to lose now mate

 

I think some judged him on where he came from not his ability.

 

I was certainly guilty of that, but his early performances were far from inspiring. He's come on in leaps on bounds since then - really pleased for him, and for BFC.

 

100% ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Also some value money over career.
Look at those who left. Over recent times.

Liam Robert's Not sure what happened there. Was he offered a contract. ?

Harry Isted would have signed under Duff apparantly.

To a lesser degree. Both getting plenty of game time.
Collins
Walton. Admittedly on loan.

Biggest mistake made on a career level
Adam Davies.


All I may add (Including Killip)
imho better all round keepers at this stage of his career than Solina.