HUNGRY JACK IS GLAD ALL ROVER
THE path to the top isn’t always an easy one, but goalkeeper Jack Bonham certainly has the determination to make it.
Since joining Brentford five years ago, the Stevenage-born keeper has had few first-team opportunities with the Bees. A loan spell at Non-League Arlesey Town enabled him to get some game time and he’s gradually eased his way up the divisions.
Last season was a breakthrough one for Bonham, who turned 25 on Friday. An initial half-season loan with League Two outfit Carlisle turned into a full season at Brunton Park and he went on to make 49 appearances in all competitions.
Now, he’s taken another step up the ladder, again on loan from Brentford. This time, his destination is League One side Bristol Rovers. Joining near the end of August, he impressed in his opening two matches – a 1-1 draw at Shrewsbury and a goalless home draw against Plymouth.
And the former Watford keeper is hoping that a productive campaign with Rovers will help him continue to look onwards and upwards.
“Last season was invaluable,” said the former Republic of Ireland U17 keeper. “I can’t put any price on it. It was what I needed for a few seasons and to get the amount of games that I did was great for me. It probably set up the opportunity to come to Bristol Rovers this season.
“I’ve hit the ground running and it’s what you want when you join a team quite late. It’s a great club to be at and the fans were great last Saturday.
“If I can get 40-odd games this year, I can’t see why I couldn’t make the step up to the Championship or be contending to play.
“I’ve been at Brentford for a long time and it’s my aim to get in the team and play there. I’m out of contract next summer, but if I do well this season I can’t see why Brentford wouldn’t commit to an extension. If not, it could help with somewhere else.”
Bonham’s long-term aim is to make it to the summit of English club football, the Premier League. It may seem a long way off right now, but he mentions Burnley keeper Nick Pope as an example of one keeper who has successfully made it.
The 26-year-old had a host of Non-League and lower division loan spells in his Charlton days before getting his big break with Burnley.
“I’ve set my goals and I don’t see why I can’t progress to the Premier League,” said Bonham. “I definitely think there’s a route for English goalkeepers to progress.
Progress
“Nick Pope got a move to Burnley and he’s done well enough to get an England call-up. There are chances out there to progress, but it’s about playing consistently and being consistent week in, week out.”
Right now, Bonham’s immediate aim is to secure a regular place in Darrell Clarke’s Bristol Rovers side and help them move away from League One’s lower reaches. Ahead of the weekend, the Pirates were in the relegation zone after a stuttering start to the season.
However, the goalkeeper is convinced they won’t be there for long.
“We are aware of the quality we have and we shouldn’t be in the position we are in,” added Bonham ahead of yesterday’s game at Luton.
“We’ve tightened up at the back and just need to be a bit more clinical in the final third. There’s no real panic or need for crisis meetings. It’s early doors and there’s a long way to go. It’s not impossible for us to get up near the top.”