Dean Gerken has praised goalkeeping coach Malcolm Webster for his part in helping to turn him into Town’s first-team number one.

The opportunity to work with Webster for a second time was uppermost in his mind when he agreed to join the club on a pre-season trial following his release by Bristol City.

Gerken said: “I worked with Malcolm when I was a lot younger and he’s brilliant the way he goes into the technical side in real depth. He keeps you mentally strong and doesn’t let you switch off. He pushes you all the time.

“When you are playing in the team and you might want a rest because you are tired he gets that extra 10 per cent out of you, which makes you that little bit fitter, stronger and mentally on top of the situation.”

Gerken revealed he is also grateful to Town’s other goalkeepers, Scott Loach and Michael Crowe, for keeping him on his toes and ensuring he doesn’t let his standards slip.

He added: “Everyone knows about Scott and what he has done in the game over the years, so I don’t have to go on about him. As for Michael, he is an up and coming keeper and one day he will make a lot of league appearances.

“I’ve got to keep them both at bay. They’re good lads and we all help each other out when we need it. As I’ve said before in previous interviews, there are only the three of us in this position.

“No one else knows what it’s like so it’s important you help each other and both Loachy and Michael give it to me in abundance.

“With the three keepers we’re basically on our own. But the gaffer’s quite good about it and even if he doesn’t get involved in the goalkeeping he tells you what he wants you to do.

“He lets it be, sort of thing, and is happy to leave the technical side to Malcolm because he knows he’s the expert. You get other managers who do try to get involved and maybe they don’t know what they’re talking about.

"As long as I do what the gaffer wants me to do and he’s happy about it, that’s the main thing.”

Photo: Action Images

essextractorboy93 added 10:32 - Dec 20 Since Gerken has come into the side I think he has done really well. And it is also good to have competition for places all over the pitch. He was definitely man of the match against Forest last Saturday.
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