Gary is a huge boost for Sam
SAM JOHNSTONE says he will rediscover his best form after West Brom hired Gary Walsh as goalkeeping coach this month.
Johnstone excelled working under Walsh last season on loan at Aston Villa from Manchester United, keeping 22 clean sheets as Steve Bruce’s side made the Championship play-off final.
But after losing 1-0 to Fulham at Wembley and in the financial chaos that followed, cashstrapped Villa could not afford to buy Johnstone permanently.
The 25-year-old joined relegated Albion for £6.5million instead but has kept only three clean sheets this season.
Ahead of tonight’s trip to struggling Bolton, Johnstone said: “It’s great to have Walshy in. He’s a very good coach and I’m happy he’s here and we’re working together again. He can bring me a lot of confidence.
“We’re finding great form now. I’m sure Walshy will slot right in and he’ll work us hard every day and improve us.
“He has been promoted before so he brings experience. He has worked with some good goalkeepers. I really enjoyed working with him previously.
“We know each other and hopefully he is happy he is working with me and Boaz Myhill and Jonathan Bond too.
“He gives you little pointers. I’m open to discussing new things and where you can improve.”
Bolton have tasted victory only once in the Championship since September and sit just one place off the bottom of the table, three points adrift of safety.
Fans are planning to protest over the way the club is being run, although a proposed mid-match walk-out in front of live television cameras has been shelved.