TWTD understands that former Colchester United and Bristol City keeper Dean Gerken is set to spend time training with the Blues in Ireland next week. The 28-year-old was released by the Robins at the end of last season.

Gerken, from Rochford in Essex, began his career as a youth player with Southend before moving on to the U’s in 2002.

After seven years with Colchester — during which time he spent a short spell on loan with Darlington — the 6ft 4in tall keeper moved on to Bristol City for an undisclosed fee in June 2009.

While at Ashton Gate he made 60 appearances, having been former England keeper David James’s deputy for much of the time.

Blues fans will recall his outstanding performance to earn his side a 0-0 draw at Portman Road in February 2010.

Having released Arran Lee-Barrett - who we understand trained with the Blues last week - and Jason Brown at the end of the season, Scott Loach is currently Town’s only senior goalkeeper and one, probably two, new keepers are likely to be on manager Mick McCarthy’s summer wish list.

As reported on Friday, Waterford United youngster Jack Doherty is also to join up with the Blues party at Carton House in Kildare on Monday.

Photo: Action Images

sammyitfc added 18:23 - Jun 29 Remember he was excellent in both games against A few seasons back, both 0-0 because of him in their goal, and being from Bristol I know he would be a very reliable keeper
0

suffolkpunchdrunk added 18:25 - Jun 29 Gerken relishes whopper of opportunity with Big Mac!
0

Marcus added 18:34 - Jun 29 With only one keeper we could be on a pickle.
0

Marcus added 18:35 - Jun 29 In not on! Damn autocorrect.
0

Blue_badge added 18:36 - Jun 29 A"Blues party at Carton House" - not the best pre-season prep!
0

PortmanPie78 added 18:40 - Jun 29 I'm loving it
0

Edmunds5 added 18:47 - Jun 29 I enjoyed the suspense of not knowing who the player was until I scrolled down, I had Carlo Nash in my head for some reason. Can't say I've seen him play that often, seems to have been a prospect but has gone of the boil a little bit the last couple of years. Whether he is better than Loach I don't know but it would provide healthy competition which is always good.
0

Tractorog added 18:53 - Jun 29 Is he a little green for our needs? Or will we relish the opportunity of watching him?
0

Liastro added 19:15 - Jun 29 Hopefully if we sign him up, we won't be left in a pickle when it comes to GKs.
0

bluemikey100 added 20:12 - Jun 29 sometimes he can concede a few goals and looks a bit of a wally
0

itfcjc added 20:25 - Jun 29 Do we really need any more filling for the goalkeeping sandwich
0

theobald1985 added 20:28 - Jun 29 decent enough keeper does the basics well and if he is happy to sign and be number 2 to loach its a no brainer really. if loach is to be number 1 there is no point bringing in another keeper who considers himself to be number 1 as it will inevitably lead to resentment.
0

FenboyBlue added 20:39 - Jun 29 I like gherkins
0

thebeat added 21:20 - Jun 29 Id be too worried he'd leave the goal ajar too much
0

lonelyblue added 21:54 - Jun 29 He sounds like the real dill..pickle. Hang on, give me a moment...
0

lonelyblue added 22:03 - Jun 29 Something about...if we soak him in vinegar it'll be easier for MM to pickle him for the first team. This is a lot harder than it looks. Congratulations to everyone else. I did make a genuinely funny off-the-cuff remark about procrastination this week though, in my defence.
0

Newdawnagain added 22:53 - Jun 29 Very interesting...he was recently on holiday at the same place as my family. Couldn't put a name to the face. He smoked like a chimney, still I guess keepers don't need to be too fit!!!
0

hollywoodginge added 00:08 - Jun 30 He was superb for Col U when ever I saw him play which was often, still a good age for a keeper, I'm not unhappy with the prospect of signing him. I am still not convinced by Scott Loach, the fact he is a town fan doesn't matter a jot to me and it certainly doesn't make his flaws excusable. I hope a suitable deal can be reached to get Hendo back.
0

Blue_Again added 02:18 - Jun 30 Cress well chops gerken.. Ill get my coat
0

paulnstar added 06:20 - Jun 30 why is everyone saying back up to loach ive seen him loads for Colchester he is a top keeper and imo as good as if not better than loach
0

trumanswampy added 07:49 - Jun 30 Some strange comments about "him accepting he's a number 2" Surely you want all your keepers to consider themselves as a number 1, as with every position. No idea what he is like, seems like a good idea for Mick to get him in to have a prolonged look at him!
0

jas0999 added 09:09 - Jun 30 Would be a decent back-up keeper. For me, we still need a new No. 1 if we want to press on next season.
0

marcusevans added 09:30 - Jun 30 A free signing? Sounds like an EXTRA VALUE DEAL to me really. And shouldn't we be taking a look at Mark Bunn also? Don't worry you'll all Ketchup in a minute.
0

Bergholtblue added 18:44 - Jun 30 Remember the 2010 game, we would have won 6-0 had it not been for Gerken. Couldn't understand why he was never first choice but David James was there at the time, and it goes to show that perhaps we shouldn't judge on one game.
0

theobald1985 added 20:31 - Jun 30 i think your number 2 keeper at least has to know that the manager views him as the number 2 keeper. of course it is up to him to prove he should start and take his chance if he gets it but they should be told up front where they will be in the pecking order. this is the system at most clubs. i have seen gerkin lots for colchester too and he is good but i think loach is better. gurkin lost his place at col u after a.bad spell to aiden davidsonvwho was nearly 40 and wovrking as there gk coach at the time. he is very capable and would be goid competition for loach

0

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls