Jeepers Keepers

There is a custody battle ongoing at The Valley. Or rather, a custodian battle. It seems that there may be up to four contenders for the goalkeeping jersey. Here, I analyse the various options.

Dean Keily or 'Deano' - current holder of the jersey but for how long. Spent the initial few months of the season injured and then the next six weeks moaning about not being in the team now he was fit. With Stephan Andersen playing well it was up to Deano to keep his head down, work hard in training and bide his time. However, he proceeded to throw his toys out of the pram, have a bust up with Curbs and is alledgedly on the move in January. When Curbs decided to 'rest' Andersen Deano duly arrived between the sticks and conceded eight goals in two games wilst producing distinctly below average performances. A much improved performance against Sunderland contributed to the team getting back on track. The jury is out though and we may not see much more of Deano at The Valley.

Stephan 'Gillian' Andersen - undoubtably the 'numero uno' keeper in the long-term at The Valley. Some impressive performances were tainted when followed by a couple of minor errors at a time when his defence decided to go collectively and individually 'awol'. At just 23 Stephan is quite young for a keeper, a breed who generally don't produce their best, and are said to be at a peak, when approaching 30. I just hope that Stephan stays around long enough for us to see and appreciate it. Unfortunate to be dumped for the sulking Deano he has however not done himself any favours with Curbs by refusing to play for the reserves and insisting that he has nothing to prove to anyone. Not a wise move, just look at Jason Euell. However, I believe that in a year or two Stephan will prove himself to be the best Charlton keeper since Sammy.

Thomas Myhre - a Norwegian international who is pushing hard for a first team place but looks set to be frustrated on that score. Is always likely to be the one stuck on the bench as understudy. Reliable and steady he won't let us down if ever called upon. If Norway had qualified for the World Cup I don't think he'd have hung around but the signing of an 18 month contract extension to June 2007 can be interpreted in many ways not least that it could signal the departure of Deano.

And last, but by no means least :

Antti Niemi - currently the custodian at Southampton it is widely rumoured that he is set for a £1.5 million January switch to The Valley. In my opinion Antti has it all and is up there as one of the top three keepers in the Premier League, behind only Cech and Given. If he signs it can only mean that Deano will be departing (Everton or Wigan Ath) and that Myhre and Andersen will battle it out for a place on the bench. Niemi will the undoubted number one.

It remains to be seen what happens on this front but whatever transpires we will have three more than capable keepers on the books and will probably be the strongest in the Premier League in that department.