KEEPER DAVID’S SET TO EXIT THE BLUES...
BIRMINGHAM City boss Garry Monk has hinted that goalkeeper David Stockdale will be leaving the club in the January transfer window after his emergency loan spell at Wycombe was brought to an end.
The 33-year-old stopper, who joined Blues from Brighton last year, played twice for the League One Chairboys after their two regular goalkeepers were ruled out through injury, but he is now back at St Andrew’s following the conclusion of his emergency stint, not that he is particular happy about it.
“Wish I could have stayed for longer, but unfortunately I’ve been recalled by Birmingham,” he tweeted.
“I was enjoying my football and both me and Wycombe thought it was going to be extended until their goalkeeper was fit.
“Birmingham have decided not to extend the loan. I am frustrated as I am back with the Under-18s.”
Stockdale has played 39 games for Birmingham, but has been frozen out this season, since the arrival of 34-year-old Lee Camp, from Cardiff, while former youth teamer Connal Trueman, 22, has also moved above him in the pecking order.
Monk says his intent is totally on the players in the first-team squad at St Andrew’s and expects Stockdale, who also had a seven-day loan spell at Southend earlier in the campaign, to be leaving the club next year.
“My energy and focus is on the squad I’ve got – I’ve said that since the very start,” said Monk.
“The players who have been here from day one, they are my focus.
“In terms of David and some other guys, they have worked hard, got themselves out and are playing and I expect him to do the same.
“I’m sure that’s how he feels as well, in terms of when it comes to January.”