New keeper handed big job by Dale boss Hill
NEW Rochdale goalkeeper Magnus Norman has not come to the Crown Oil Arena to merely make up the numbers.
Boss Keith Hill insists the 21-year-old, who has signed on loan from Fulham until January, is at the club to feature in the first team.
Hill revealed competition for Josh Lillis’ place had not been as keen as he’d hoped, hence the arrival of Norman.
“He has come to play – every player that I bring to this club has a responsibility to work hard to play. It’s no difference if it’s a centre forward, a central defender or a goalkeeper,” said Hill.
“We have four goalkeepers at the club and only one can play, so I feel it is going to be competitive.
“It has been less competitive than it should have been and that’s why I have brought him in.”
Hill said the 6ft 3ins stopper boasts all the traits of a modern goalkeeper.
“He’s a giant and comes from good stock, good pedigree,” said Hill.
“With the way Fulham play he is educated in what I want and the way that I believe a goalkeeper should play, so it’s a perfect match. It should be an easy transition for him.
“He has come to be competitive with the other goalkeepers at the club.”
Lillis’ understudy, Brad Wade, 18, signed his first professional contract during the summer but lacks experience of ‘men’s football’, something Hill is keen to address.
“Brad Wade has to play this season. He is going to play for the youth team this weekend and we need to integrate him into men’s football very quickly. So there is a possibility that one, maybe two goalkeepers might go out on loan.”