It looked like the writing was on the wall for Sheffield United goalkeeper Wes Foderingham when Ivo Grbic signed in January.
The big Croatian stopper arrived as one of Chris Wilder’s signings in the winter window and the Blades boss immediately made it clear that Grbic would be his number one.
Wilder threw Grbic straight into the squad to play Brighton in the FA Cup – where he conceded five – before he was then taken off with a concussion in the 3-2 defeat at Crystal Palace.
Since then, 33-year-old Wes Foderingham has come back into the fold and played a key role in the win at Luton, before being left helpless against Brighton at the weekend.
However, speaking positively about Foderingham, former United striker Carl Asaba has said that Foderingham has fully justified being picked again.
“We spoke when the new keeper signed that that’s not necessarily Wes out the door. The manager’s going to pick the players on merit and after Grbic had recovered from his concussion Wes justified his inclusion at Luton, part of the winning team. I thought he made some good saves against Brighton as well,” Asaba said.
New contract for Wes Foderingham one of Wilder’s toughest calls
The contract situation with Wes has been one of the long-running sagas at the football club. Negotiations have apparently been underway for some time now but nothing seems to have moved along.
The signing of Grbic seems to be a nod towards United moving on from Foderingham longer term.
However, the Blades will need a squad for next season and keeping Foderingham wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.
On the flipside, Foderingham has probably earned the right to go and be a number one somewhere else, so if he does go, then he’ll leave with our best wishes really.