We have 4 keepers produced by the academy who are in their 20's, plus 2 others ages between 17-18 in the youth set up (and no doubt we will have another young keeper from this July's school leavers who will join the under 18's set up this summer).
Why do we need 4 goalkeepers on our books, and 5 (going on 6) in the academy?
The only reason I can think of, is that Cutler has gained a little too much influence in the power vacuum left by the Pulis and Hammond sackings.
Having up to 10 goalkeepers on your books at any on time is a great example of the warped thinking - or lack of it - going on at the club right now.
As previously stated by Neil Cutler, we need to increase the intensity of training and competition at first team level. Now I can't say anything of the other academy goalies as I can't remember seeing them play. But I from what I've seen of Palmer I'm not confident he's good enough to step in at Championship level at this moment in time if required, especially for a team hoping to push for promotion.
He has decent technical ability but his decision making is questionable, and for a well sized lad he should command the box better. He needs a loan spell at a lower level to get his knocks in and develop his game in a 'real' all be it less pressurised environment; and he's reputedly the best of the current academy bunch.
Keepers tend to develop later than outfield players. It's good to have a number on the books with a few out on loan so they can make the majority of their mistakes elsewhere before getting near the first team. While I'd prefer not to re sign Myhill we have just signed two 25 year olds, and there's only so many young keepers who'd be wiling to sign and battle it out for a number one/two slot.
So if we send Palmer on loan to gain the experience he needs we will need another keeper just in case, as it's surely better to have a stand in keeper on the books as opposed to trying to secure one on emergency loan in the event of injury to others.
