BONHAM BLOOMS AS AN ADOPTED CUMBRIAN
JACK Bonham reckons going on loan to Carlisle was one of the best decisions he’s ever made – because it’s helped his decision-making!
Like many a young goalkeeper, the Stevenage-born shot-stopper has found first team action hard to come by.
There is, after all, only one spot available in a team and clubs will tend to go for the experienced option.
At Brentford, Bonham was understudy to the highly-rated Dan Bentley and didn’t fancy another campaign sitting on the bench. So, it was off to Carlisle to get EFL experience on loan – and Bonham is relishing every minute.
“This is my first season of games and I’m learning things every week,” said the 24-year-old. “It’s massive and I’ve come on leaps and bounds. There’s a lot to learn in decision-making, with through balls and crosses. You become a lot sharper and you’re more ready when you get more opportunities to play.
“One of the biggest things is being on the front foot with through balls and another is making the right decisions on the ball. We like to play out, but sometimes you need to realise when it’s not on and have to go long.”
It seems as though Bonham is a quick learner. His form has improved markedly and he came third in the PFA League Two Player of the Month awards for January. Bonham kept three clean sheets in League Two plus another in the 0-0 draw against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup (The Cumbrians lost 2-0 in the replay at Hillsborough). “It’s just nice to be noticed. It’s good for confidence,” he said. “Early in the season, I was out of the team for a while, but I got my head down. “When I got back in, I needed a good run and I think I’ve had that over the last 14 to 15 games.” One of the reasons he has prospered is working under former Man City, Wolves and England defender Keith Curle, 54.
“He’s a very demanding manager,” Bonham told
“You expect something like that from someone who has had such a good career.
“There have been times when he’s asked for more from me. I think I have responded and tried to implement the things he’s asked. It’s probably helped me to have that, it’s a positive.”
While Bonham has impressed for the Cumbrians, it hasn’t been the best of seasons for the club.
Becalmed in mid-table, they are going to have to pull out all the stops if they want to replicate last season’s achievement and reach the play-offs.
“We still believe we can do it, but we need to start picking up results now, go on a run and see where it takes us,” said the former Watford keeper. “You can’t rule it out.”
When the season ends, the 6ft 4in keeper will return to Brentford better for the experience and hoping for a chance to stake a claim for the No.1 jersey.
Ahead of yesterday’s game against Chesterfield, he said: “I want to prove I have the ability to play a season. My long-term goal is to go back and play in the Championship.”
Whatever happens, Bonham will be eternally grateful to Carlisle for giving him a chance.
“I live in a house with a few of the players, which is great for team bonding and togetherness,” he added. “As far away as it is, the club make it as easy as possible.”