BWFC: Take The Stage

So, among our many problems comes another: goalkeeper Ben Amos is out for 3-6 weeks with ankle ligament damage.

This means that our only senior goalkeeper is Paul Rachubka whom we acquired towards the end of last summer. He was someone whom I actually suggested because the clubs he’d been at and his CV seemed suitable – he looked like someone who had lots of experience and probably wouldn’t be on very high wages.

However, little did I know at the time of his reputation following his Leeds days.



While, yes this is very funny, it’s the poor man’s career and what he’s devoted his life to. I know football is cutthroat and goalkeepers a this level can’t afford to be anywhere near that bad, but it may well just be down to nerves – something that hopefully won’t prove to be too much of a problem.

He’s played a couple of games for our first team and not done too badly. However, it really isn’t ideal is it. We were denied permission to bring in an emergency loan keeper. Those calling for Harry Campbell and Ross Fitzsimons to be called up ahead of Rachubka, I think, should hold fire for now. Neither has played at this level (or anywhere near it to be honest). Rachubka has, and while his career may not have panned out exactly as he might have liked it to, there’s a reason he’s played in the Premier League and was once on the books of Manchester United. He can’t be that bad, hopefully.

Amos came in as a back up last season and really made the number one position his own here which prompted Neil Lennon to offer him a four year deal last summer. He’s made mistakes this season and has, on the whole, been slightly disappointing. However, maybe ‘Chubs’ as he’s amicably known by his team mates can step up to the plate for the Wanderers.