Town boss Mick McCarthy believes keeper Dean Gerken is amongst a number of his players who are proving people wrong at their former clubs. Gerken, who has established himself as the Blues’ first-choice number one this season, is one of several players to have joined Town having been released by their previous sides.

In Gerken's case he has also had to prove himself to sections of the Blues' support this season, however, McCarthy dismisses the suggestion that the 30-year-old was to blame for Town's autumn blip during September and October.

“I don’t understand the comments that I’ve ‘kept faith in him’,” he insisted. “I didn’t really have to show that much faith in him because I thought he was playing well.

“I keep repeating myself, the only goal I would put half down to him was the third goal at Reading and I can’t think of any others, he was playing well.

“But it’s always the same, whether it’s fans or pundits or journalists, you’ve got to find something and there’s always a little piece of wallpaper which you can keep picking at until somebody peels it all off.

“And that’s not a criticism of anybody, that’s just the way it is. And it’s up to the manager to know who is playing well and recognise it and not make changes when they’re unnecessary, and it was unnecessary. It’s lovely when you’re proved right.”

Gerken joined the Blues after a trial following his release by Bristol City in the summer of 2013 and is one of a number of Town players whose former clubs may now regret allowing them to move on.

“We’ve had a few,” McCarthy reflected. “David McGoldrick was [by Nottingham Forest], so was Christophe Berra [by Wolves], Skusey also came in on a free [from Bristol City], so there are a lot of them that are proving a lot of people wrong. But I like that.”

Photo: Action Images

peteswindon added 08:48 - Jan 7 Shock horror maybe Mick knows more then most of the fantastic managers in here.
0

dirtydingusmagee added 10:15 - Jan 7 Credit where its due .he has deffinately improved,
1

rugbytomc added 11:02 - Jan 7 Mick is never going to publicly criticise a player or doubt their ability - the worst he would say is they can move on (like he did very cooly with Taylor and now with Stewart). Like many people here I agree Gerken is a good shot stopper but freezes to his line too much, doesn't talk and command his area enough and doesn't deal well with crosses. I have no idea if there is a better and affordable keeper out there but given how all of Mick's past transfer business has gone, I believe he will get one if he thinks there is and until that point he will continue to give Gerken as much confidence as possible so he can perform to the best of his abilities whilst he is playing for us. I don't honestly think he could get any of the players he puts out on the pitch to perform better than they have been, so he just bides his time and money until better alternatives become available (should that ever happen). On a separate note - any chance of Joniesta coming back until Bishop is fit?

1

battyblue added 16:21 - Jan 7 Mick if you believe Gerks has only made one mistake you are deluded i know even the best keepers make the odd mistake but Gerken has consistently,on the plus side he has improved in response to the criticism and had a couple of very good games so lets hope he keeps improving because he has quite a way to go as yet to be an above average keeper.
1

prebbs007 added 18:25 - Jan 7 essex57. Do you downmark every post I make for a laugh or is it more sinister ? Do you actually read them before making your judgement or are you just making a point ??? Certainly shows your intelligence anyway !!!
1

hinchers1066 added 19:34 - Jan 7 Well said prebbs007!!!!!!!!!!!!! Am awaiting email???????
1

Blogs 297 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls