Zach Jeacock
This is an interesting one, because I suspect our climb might actually be massively beneficial for Zach, even if it means time away from the club. I have some method in my thoughts, not just “oh, he’s sure to go out now”.
It feels to me like the plan with Zach is a long-term successor to George Wickens. In the Championship, George will get more interest from scouts. If he does well, as he has this season, he’ll get a move, just as Lukas did a few seasons ago. The difference is he’ll be more proven at Championship level, so slightly more attractive to buyers.
What would we then need from Zach? We know his ability, we know he’s a good keeper with the right profile, but he’s played seven matches this season. What he’ll need is a loan spell, and now we’re not in League One, there is every chance he could go there. Let’s face it, if we loan him to (for instance) a Burton Albion-type side, and he goes in as their number one, he’ll be getting games, and the understudy tag gets shrugged off. If we make sure there is a recall in the event of injury, so he wouldn’t miss his Championship chance should George get injured, then we’re protected as well.
Zach signed a long-term deal in November, he’s here to stay, and now he can have a loan at the level without us helping a rival. If he gets games, if or when George does leave, we have a ready-made replacement who should have plenty of senior minutes in the tank.
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