Pre-Match Thoughts: Pearcey Discusses Derby's Goalkeepers And Carabao Cup Test

Derby County’s Head Goalkeeping Coach Jason Pearcey is full of praise for the Rams’ new-look goalkeeping unit, describing them as a ‘dream’ to work with.

Derby added West Ham United loanee Joseph Anang to the ranks earlier this month, who followed Joe Wildsmith and Scott Loach through the door after their summer moves in July.

It’s been a complete revamp of the goalkeeping department following the Rams’ exit from administration last month, with no senior shot-stoppers on the books at the beginning of July.

With three brought in over a short period of time, Pearcey’s delighted with how his unit is looking and - ahead of Derby’s Carabao Cup Round Two meeting with West Bromwich Albion at Pride Park Stadium on Tuesday (7:45pm kick-off) – he spoke to RamsTV to discuss the roles each goalkeeper will play, the fight for a place in the starting XI and what he expects from someone between the sticks.

On The Goalkeeping Department…

We came back for pre-season with no senior goalkeepers on the books and unable to sign anyone. Joe Wildsmith was on the target list and when we were able to sign him, we did. Then we brought in Scott Loach, who has great experience and is here to push the other two. He knows the role and he’s brilliant at it with the support he offers. Joseph Anang was the final one we wanted to get in. With the way we play and watching him come through West Ham’s academy and play games out on loan, it’s the perfect fit. We want him to come and battle with Joe, who’s done really well so far. They both know the shirt’s up for grabs and that’s going to improve both of them and the team. They’re low maintenance, hardworking and a coaches’ dream. They’re great all-round people.

On What He Wants From A Goalkeeper…

First and foremost, someone who can keep the ball out of the net! With the way we play, we’re asking goalkeepers to do something that’s really alien to them. We’re asking them to play high, we’re asking them to be the controller that sets us off on attacks and to be comfortable with their feet.

On Joseph Anang…

I was delighted to bring Joseph in - we tried to get him earlier in the summer. He’s someone I’ve known for a long time and I’ve seen him come through the ranks at West Ham United. He trained a couple of times after joining and it was a freak incident in training that has unfortunately led to him cracking a bone in his arm. We’ve been told it’ll be a five or six six-week spell on the sidelines but we’re keeping him involved and are working with him tactically so he’s ready to come back and put pressure on Joe Wildsmith.

On Joe Wildsmith’s Start To Life As A Ram…

I’ve known Joe through the Academy system for a long time. He was at Sheffield Wednesday and I’ve followed his career. He was a victim of the Academy system and I don’t think he ever really got the respect he deserves up there, so we took advantage of that and signed him. He’s got fitter since he’s been here, has improved and taken on the information of what we’re asking him to do. He’s getting better every week and hopefully that continues. It’s been brilliant to get three clean sheets so far.

On Scott Loach…

With 500 games under his belt, Scott knew he was coming here as a number three. Not as a training goalkeeper, but someone who’s here to push the other two. He wants to start his coaching badges, so we will help him with that. The young lads can learn from him as well and that’ll help him to extend his career. He’s a great lad, he’s always around the others and offers them advice to see if there’s anything else he can help with. He’s the perfect fit for us really.

On Harrison Foulkes…

He’s similar to Scott Loach but lower down in terms of age and experience. He’s at a stage where he needs to play games and we’re going to try and get him a loan soon. But he’s also great to have around the younger boys and help them come through. It’s difficult to find experience to help young goalkeepers develop. Even non-league clubs want experienced goalkeepers, but you can’t get experience without playing. It’s a catch 22 situation, so it’s really hard. We’re always pushing for our younger goalkeepers to go out on loan as and when things come up, and we’ve done it over the years. It helps them to go and sample senior football and toughen up a bit for when they come back here.

On The Weekend Draw At Fleetwood And Facing West Brom On Tuesday…

Everyone was frustrated with the Fleetwood result, drawing 0-0 up there. But we’d rather be having the chances we created than nothing at all. We’ve got a lot of experienced heads in the dressing room and they know exactly what we’ve got to do. We’re not panicking.

There are lads in the group that haven’t been getting many minutes so they will be involved against West Brom on Tuesday and looking to get their fitness up and stake their claim for a place. We’re taking the Carabao Cup matches very seriously.