O'Neil: A Tough Decision on Keeper
Saturday, 8th Aug 2026 22:13

Town manager Gary O’Neil says he’s yet to make his mind up who will start in goal for the Blues against Sunderland on the opening day of the Premier League season in a fortnight’s time.

Kjell Scherpen made his first appearance for the Blues following his £8.5 million plus £2.5 million move from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in this afternoon’s 3-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano with fellow Dutchman Kayne van Oevelen, another new signing having been brought in from Volendam for £3.4 million earlier in the summer, replacing him in the second half having also featured in previous friendlies.

In addition, Alex Palmer has started a number of friendlies this summer, while Christian Walton, who took over from the former West Brom man after he suffered an injury last October, then kept the shirt for the rest of the season, is closing in on a return to fitness having hurt his foot early last month.

It’s understood the Blues were looking at sending Van Oevelen, who has impressed fans with his range of passing since joining the club, out on loan to a Championship until Walton picked up his injury, something which may now be revisited.

Town also have David Button in the squad but with the veteran not expected to be registered for the season ahead, training with the first team and playing as an overage player in the U21s.

While Scherpen, who at 6ft 9in tall will become the Premier League’s tallest player when he makes his debut, is tipped to be the man starting against the Black Cats, O’Neil says he’s not yet made up his mind.

“I’ll just keep assessing it, really,” he said. “I haven’t thought too much about the Sunderland game in terms of team, whether that be goalkeeper or nine or centre-backs.

“Just moving through each day, seeing who does well, seeing who looks like they can do the job.

“But I’m sure as we get closer to Berlin and as we get closer to Sunderland, it’ll become clear for me that who’s the best one to start for us.

“Another good two signings, Kayne and Kjell have added some real competition in the unit.

“Palms has done well when he’s played and obviously Christian had a fantastic season for us last year.

“The goalkeeping department’s in a good spot, it’ll just be a tough decision for me to make at some point as to who starts in the goal.”

Photo: NURPHOTO

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ITFC_1994 added 22:49 - Aug 8 Would be strange to spend all that money on Scherpin not to start, but KVO has looked class from what we've seen.... My guess would be: Scherpin 1 KvO and Walton to battle out for 2 and then one to leave on loan in Jan Palmer to go, either loan or permanent
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GTRKing added 23:10 - Aug 8 We are stacked with GK’s I feel palmer will go WestBrom Sherpin number 1 Walton number 2 KVO on loan maybe Let’s see what happens
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armchaircritic59 added 00:07 - Aug 9 Tough one that, I get the feeling if somehow we could fuse together the likely best parts of our two new Dutch keepers, we'd get one hell of a keeper. I've been wondering if we'd ever get another Dutch pass master, never thought it might come from a goalkeeper!
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JewellintheTown added 08:09 - Aug 9 Early days for Scherpen. Fans need to keep off his back while he beds in or we could end up with Muric nerves & he lack confidence I'm sure he'll come good, but spoilt for a number 2 as needed.
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Bazza8564 added 08:13 - Aug 9 Jewel, yes 100%. Looked nervy yesterday, it truth probably didnt have enough to do saves wise. It's between the two dutch boys for me, no room for sentiment
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earlsgreenblue added 08:39 - Aug 9 Based on what’s been seen so far there’s only one starter for me, size of transfer fee & size in between the sticks doesn’t count………..KVO is the man “so far”
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Brogan55 added 08:47 - Aug 9 Sharpen has to start against Sunderland.We haven’t seen him under pressure.The trouble is we have Muric in our memories.We,the supporters must get behind him from the first minute. Oevelen looks good with distribution.
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SickParrot added 12:52 - Aug 9

Gary is just trying to keep his four keepers motivated. Unless Scherpen is injured it would be a big surprise if he didn't play aginst Sunderland. We didn't pay 8.5 million for him to sit on the bench. If he wasn't selected it would indicate that he's no better than what we already had and could affect his confidence. Hopefully his nervy performance on Saturday was a one off.

AlpineBlue added 10:42 - Aug 10

I would say for most of the games this season, I think size really does matter. Our box is going to be getting peppered with crosses and set pieces this season and we need to be able to dominate that box and a 6'9 fella is going to be an enormous presence.
Obviously we need good distribution as well, but being dominant in and around the penalty area is rule number 1.

If GON is honest and transparent with the keepers and the fans, I don't see why he can't have a horses for courses approach. Against Cov, Hull, Fulham and a few others, we can perhaps prioritise getting the ball up field. In those games where 3 points are realistic. Against the big teams though, we need our box to resemble a duck's backside.