Max: Debt I owe to rival Jamal
Crocombe says he has learned so much from the man he replaced in Brewers’ team
BURTON Albion goalkeeper Max Crocombe has heaped praise on the man he replaced in the team – and kept out of it.
Jamal Blackman who, like Crocombe, was signed in the summer, started the season as the Brewers’ first-choice keeper but was injured in the fourth match of the season and Crocombe replaced him.
Since then, the form of New Zealand international has been so good that Blackman has barely had a sniff and that form culminated in Crocombe being voted player of the season by supporters this week, winning more than 50% of the vote.
Blackman last appeared for one game in March when Crocombe was away on international duty and has made only eight appearances.
Much is said about the “goalkeepers’ union” but it can obviously be frustrating for the senior keeper who is not in the team.
As such Crocombe was full of praise for Blackman when he accepted his accolade at the club’s awards night on Wednesday.
“I would love to say about him, what a great man he is and what a fantastic person he has been for me, away from the pitch,” said Crocombe.
“He’s been an incredible support and I can’t speak highly enough of him. I’m very lucky to have had him in my camp.
“As he knows, I’ve learned a lot from him, and I take a lot of pride from having stayed in the team with a goalkeeper of such high quality behind me.
“I also want to thank the goalkeeper coach, Jake Kean.
“He’s been brilliant, a massive help with his advice and preparation going into games and after games and I think he was quite big in bringing me into the club.
“I’ve leant a lot on the experience from the goalkeepers’ union.”
Full interview: Pages 38-39.