Darren Randolph G Free agent b.1987

[DannyInvincible]

I don't know Danny,
I've watched Swansea a fair few times and it's safe to say their defence is porous, some atrociously poor defending, yet Fabianski consistently puts in good performances, makes the absolute peach of a save on a regular basis, if he's at fault for some poor keeping decision, it's because he makes the occasional error, not his defence exposing him.

I haven't seen Darren's goalkeeping mistakes, afair he showed early promise this season in the West Ham goal, but the errors were always there, costly errors and they have accumulated.
Randolph and Adrian are two reserve keepers.

Fair point. I suppose a weak defence will inevitably present a top goalkeeper with plenty of opportunities to showcase his abilities, whereas it will expose an inferior (or less confident) goalkeeper.

[paul_oshea]

1h
OptaJoe‏ @OptaJoe
4 - Darren Randolph has made more errors leading to goals than any other player in the Premier League this season. Clumsy.

Shock horror we need stats to prove the glaringly obvious for a long time.

Randolph plays a handful of games for ireland a year, ine one month he could almost play the same at West Ham, his odd mistake(s) for ireland wont be as noticable over a year as say a couple of months or less for West Ham. Given the fact we're generally setup defensively compact hr is going to have less chances to prove his erroneous ways.

Dolly Parton sleeps on her back, no sh1t sherlock.

[Stuttgart88]

I think he looks more at home and less anxious for Ireland, it's not just a statistical thing.

And any mistake at international level is likely to be very costly. Over the course of a campaign an error that costs Ireland a win against, say Wales, will affect us more than having a mare for West Ham at Sunderland. A team like Ireland will rarely recover from 3 or 4 wasted points. A team like West Ham can probably throw away 9 points a season without it changing much.

Speaking of which, I think he was fouled for the first goal but even still he should have been more streetwise and not allowed himself to be blocked. For the second if he decides to come for it he either has to catch it and clean out anyone in front of him or punch it 25m from goal.

[Closed Account]

Shock horror we need stats to prove the glaringly obvious for a long time.

Randolph plays a handful of games for ireland a year, ine one month he could almost play the same at West Ham, his odd mistake(s) for ireland wont be as noticable over a year as say a couple of months or less for West Ham. Given the fact we're generally setup defensively compact hr is going to have less chances to prove his erroneous ways.

Dolly Parton sleeps on her back, no sh1t sherlock.
Whoosh.

[DeLorean]

I don't know Danny,
I've watched Swansea a fair few times and it's safe to say their defence is porous, some atrociously poor defending, yet Fabianski consistently puts in good performances, makes the absolute peach of a save on a regular basis, if he's at fault for some poor keeping decision, it's because he makes the occasional error, not his defence exposing him.

Agree with this as well. I haven't seen the highlights from the weekend either but his opposite number on Saturday has made a big name for himself this season despite playing for the worst team in the league.

I think Mignolet is a good example of how it's easier for a goalkeeper to look good in a lesser side. He looked like a really decent goalkeeper at Sunderland and a complete liability at Liverpool, although he hasn't been too bad lately.

[geysir]

Agree with this as well. I haven't seen the highlights from the weekend either but his opposite number on Saturday has made a big name for himself this season despite playing for the worst team in the league.

I think Mignolet is a good example of how it's easier for a goalkeeper to look good in a lesser side. He looked like a really decent goalkeeper at Sunderland and a complete liability at Liverpool, although he hasn't been too bad lately.
To couple what you say along with what Stutts' says,
Darren looks good in goal for Ireland, better than he does at West Ham, because it's easier for a goalkeeper to look good in a lesser side?' :)

I'd say he'll have another season at West Ham as reserve keeper before moving on to other pastures. Of course it's possible that West Ham don't get another keeper in.

[Stuttgart88]

Yeah I think Randolph will be lucky to be still number one starting next season, and I think one more full season at WHAM is the optimistic scenario.

Mignolet is a great example of it being harder at a big club even if you looked good at a struggling club. In his last 2 games he has made result-changing saves in fairness.

And I think Fabianski looks good week in, week out these days. Too good to go down with Swansea. West Ham might buy him! I'd have him back at Arsenal myself, though if I was in the market for a keeper ready to play for a top 6 club I'd think of going for Fraser Forster. England have some good young keepers, Heaton, Buckland, Sunderland kid...

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Bilic defends Randolph.

http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/slaven-bilic-refuses-to-blame-darren-randolph-after-goalkeepers-error-costs-west-ham-win-at-a3515821.html

[SkStu]

Adrian in for Randolph.

[DeLorean]

A nice day for Adrian to come back in, Everton didn't have a shot on target and had only four overall.

[Stuttgart88]

Looks like Adrian wasn't the solution to WHAM's problems.

[DeLorean]

West Ham's half arsed effort was much more a factor than Adrian, who actually had a very good game I thought and blameless for any of the goals. He made a lot of decent saves to keep them in it at 0-0 and 0-1. He had kept three clean sheets in a row prior to that too to be fair.

[DeLorean]

Interesting comments from Packie Bonner regarding Randolph - http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/packie-bonner-darren-randolph-still-the-irish-no-1-450241.html


He’s going into the summer now, he’ll have time with the squad, two weeks together, he’ll be fine. He was left out of the West Ham team which was a bit disappointing for him but the pressure is so much on these teams now. If you make one or two mistakes you are out: in our day you could make 10 mistakes and you were still there.

That’s changed. But he knows what it takes to play at that level and I think he’s old enough now to handle all that. He’ll be desperate to get back in at West Ham but whether that happens or not, he’s in a different position now than he was three years ago — that’s for sure. People will come looking for him.

He handled the European Championships really well. Do you know what I liked about him? I thought he was really alert, I thought he got into the line of the ball very quickly. If I had to talk about Darren five years previously when he was at Motherwell or when he was at Charlton, then I would say he needed to get his fitness levels up, he needed to get sharper.

When he went to Motherwell, Gordon Marshall worked really hard with him. And I think he’s stepped up. Some goalkeepers, it takes a little bit of time but he’s up at a high level now.


What were the other options. (David) Forde? You have to look to the future. Now don’t get me wrong: David did well and I was delighted to see him do well because he’s ex-League of Ireland. But if you’re going to look to the future, Darren was the obvious choice for me.

Put him in there and see what he can do. And his kicking is good. It suits the way that Martin plays. Martin is more direct, as we know, and Darren puts the ball into very good areas.

[seanfhear]

He does a good long ball and that suits Long........

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

MOTM.

https://twitter.com/FAIreland/status/870489001941225473

[DeLorean]

O'Neill discusses the goalkeeping situation - http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/gloves-on-in-battle-to-be-irelands-number-one-451805.html

[Stuttgart88]

I have a feeling he'll go for Westwood.

[OwlsFan]

I have a feeling he'll go for Westwood.

What makes you think that ? Would be very surprised if he does.

[Stuttgart88]

There has been more focus on the choice between the two keepers in the media this week than there has been in the earlier part of the campaign and O'Neill has been a bit more positive in public about KW than he has been too. I'm wondering if MON is beginning to doubt Randolph especially after the Uruguay blunder. He'll have noticed a tendency to get caught in no mans land. It's just a hunch based on crumbs of evidence.

[DeLorean]

There has been more focus on the choice between the two keepers in the media this week than there has been in the earlier part of the campaign and O'Neill has been a bit more positive in public about KW than he has been too. I'm wondering if MON is beginning to doubt Randolph especially after the Uruguay blunder. He'll have noticed a tendency to get caught in no mans land. It's just a hunch based on crumbs of evidence.

I agree with all of this although I don't have any major feeling as to what O'Neill will decide. I'm not going to be a bit surprised either way but I think one thing is for certain, this is Westwood's best chance of being selected since Randolph broke into the side. I feel O'Neill is genuinely disappointed that Randolph didn't take his chance to remain as West Ham's number one. He'll also realise that he wasn't just dropped for the fun of it. The error the last day might just have tipped the balance alright.


Randolph has been dodgy all year, now he's been dodgy for us. I see a pattern.

Instead of going from strength to strength, I think Randolph gets found out the more he plays. It's logical that the more you play the more mistakes you can make, but it also allows you the opportunity to build up enough good will that the occasional blunder will be overlooked. Westwood has done that at Sheffield Wednesday, I think he could have a string of dodgy performances at club level now and still have their supporters on side, given his overall consistency (and brilliance) over three years. Randolph's errors are a bit too frequent I think.

[geysir]

You're shifting quotes from thread to thread, Del.
That quote from me is taken out of context, from another thread where I was replying to Lionel.

Players moving up a level and given a decent opportunity to prove themselves there, either stay within the boundaries of their ability, improve or disimprove.
By today's standards, relating to tolerance levels of error prone goalies, Randolph was handed a rare opportunity by West Ham.
I don't see it that his skill levels were exposed, he simply got worse by allowing more errors into his game. Afaics, he still has top goalkeeping skill levels and a lovely strike of the ball.

[DeLorean]

I don't see it that his skill levels were exposed, he simply got worse by allowing more errors into his game. Afaics, he still has top goalkeeping skill levels and a lovely strike of the ball.

Fair enough, and I wouldn't entirely disagree. By being 'found out', I meant the quantity of errors have accumulated a bit too rapidly for my liking, he's still capable of doing some very good things and performing well though, that goes without saying I think.

I would add that it's a bit disappointing that a high percentage of his mistakes are actually coming from not dealing with crosses, an area where he really excels at times and looked excellent early on.

[Stuttgart88]

I don't see it that his skill levels were exposed, he simply got worse by allowing more errors into his game. Afaics, he still has top goalkeeping skill levels and a lovely strike of the ball.I agree with this. He has real talent and is a super ball striker. I remember all those years ago when his underage manager McCaffrey said he had everything. Full of expectation I then saw him fumble a straightforward ball against England U21s and he generally didn’t impress.

The issue isn’t his talent, it’s more his concentration and/or judgment. Any time I’ve been disappointed in him it’s been for highly avoidable, basic stuff. He tends to do the hard things well.

I really like how he brought authority to the position from the moment he took to the pitch against Germany but I have to go with my instinct and think I’d be more comfortable with Westwood. Marginal.

[Stuttgart88]

I just posted a link to a Dan McD article favouring Westwood for this match. I thought it was more relevant in the match build-up thread.

[DannyInvincible]

O'Neill on his decision to stick with Randolph for the Austria game: http://www.the42.ie/randolph-westwood-debate-3438916-Jun2017/


Darren Randolph has done nothing wrong. He lost his place at club level, but he’s been terrific for us. If I was to go and not play everybody who lost their place at club level over the last three or four years [I wouldn’t have many to choose from]. There was no reason for me to take Randolph out of the team.

He came on at a moment’s notice against Germany [in the Euro 2016 qualifiers] and has held the position since. I’ve got much time for both [Randolph and Westwood]. I don’t think there’s a fantastic amount between them.

[Andrew]

Some save against Austria and O'Neill seems to have a lot of faith in him.

[Closed Account]

Joe Hart set for a medical at West Ham. I don't see any Premier League sides coming in for him so is it the last we'll see of Randz in the EPL?

[mark12345]

Joe Hart set for a medical at West Ham. I don't see any Premier League sides coming in for him so is it the last we'll see of Randz in the EPL?

Yes. Middlesbrough maybe, if they can't get Westwood.

[zero]

Yes. Middlesbrough maybe, if they can't get Westwood.

he was linked with newcastle but i don't see it happening.

[Olé Olé]

Deal agreed to sign for the Boro:
http://m.bbc.com/sport/football/40690832

Fee mooted to be £4.5m.

Decent move for him and for Ireland. Can't complain too much.

[DeLorean]

Sounds like a very good move. Middlesbrough have been defensively sound for a number of years also so he shouldn't be too busy there. I've been just looking at their goalkeeping situation at the moment.

Valdes and Guzan have left the club.

Konstantopoulos is a 38 year old journey man with one cap for Greece. You'd imagine he wouldn't be much of a threat. He has recently signed a contract extension.

Then there's a former Real Madrid goalkeeper who, at 28, has only played twelve senior matches!

Randolph's biggest threat appears to be Connor Ripley, the son of former Blackburn Rovers title winner, Stuart. The 24 year old spent the last few years out on loan but seemed to excel for Oldham last season, keeping eighteen clean sheets and making the League One team of the season.

On a side note, if Patrick Bamford recaptures his previous Championship form when he won player of the season, it might be useful to have Randy and Cyrus knocking around at Boro. Christie, in particular, will be able to relate to Bamford's situation.

[Olé Olé]

If they hold onto Gibson it will make Randolph's life a lot easier too.

[liamoo11]

There's only room for one Gibson in the championship!

[Diggs246]

Yep great move for himself and ireland

[samhaydenjr]

Randolph and Middlesbrough on the end of a 1-0 defeat to Wolves. Terrible start to the season for one of the promotion hopefuls - I mean, they're only out of the drop zone on alphabetical order: http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/championship/table

[Closed Account 2]

It's at times like this when you realise AFC Bournemouth have a wise naming strategy.

[DeLorean]

Two wins and two clean sheets for Randy & Cyrus as Middlesbrough get their season back on track after their opening day defeat. Seems like an inspired move for both.

[liamoo11]

Two wins and two clean sheets for Randy & Cyrus as Middlesbrough get their season back on track after their opening day defeat. Seems like an inspired move for both.

Definitely. Was fantastic to see how Randolph didn't hang around and the moment Hart was in the frame he seemed to get the first ship out of there. It would have been easy to go with nonsense talk like I'm here and will fight for my place and just end up with no football. It was a decisive move and if Adrian had got away first he would likely have been stuck there

[Olé Olé]

Boro look quality and Monk is a quality manager. It's early door but if they can keep Ben Gibson and keep Assombalonga firing then they have a great chance. A sideways move for Cyrus may ultimately be an upward move.

[DeLorean]

Boro look quality and Monk is a quality manager. It's early door but if they can keep Ben Gibson and keep Assombalonga firing then they have a great chance. A sideways move for Cyrus may ultimately be an upward move.

Seems like it could be the best of both worlds for Christie, both in terms of game time and promotion prospects. Derby's probably a better place to live though!

Just a little update on the post at the top of this page. Connor Ripley signed a new three-year deal at Middlesbrough last week before joining Burton on a season-long loan. That eases the pressure on Randolph significantly it would seem and emphasises Middlesbrough's faith in him - http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11680/10978563/middlesbrough-keeper-connor-ripley-signs-new-deal-before-joining-burton-albion-on-loan

[Stuttgart88]

I’d guess there are some very nice places to live within 10 miles of Middlesbrough. Same as Sheffield and other northern cities.

This is good for Randolph. I’d prefer a keeper being undisputed no.1 and conceding few goals in a winning team for a top club in the Championship rather than a struggling team in the EPL, losing more often than winning and facing criticism, being low on confidence or fighting to keep his place.

[DeLorean]

I’d guess there are some very nice places to live within 10 miles of Middlesbrough. Same as Sheffield and other northern cities.

Reminded me of this...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO8yHVYof44

[DeLorean]

I noticed on several other websites a few fans persisting with the folly of criticising Randolph, which is laughable in the extreme; he was almost entirely faultless, again, over the two games.


I wouldn't disagree that he was almost faultless over the two games, although Didi Hamman felt he should have been shaper for the Georgian goal, nit picking perhaps. He didn't have a lot to do though, it was well documented how Georgia didn't get as many chances as their dominance deserved and he made one decent save against Serbia.

However, he was absolutely atrocious in his stint as West Ham's number one. People can ignore it all they like but he was probably directly responsible for more goal concessions than any other PL player during his time as first choice goalkeeper. I don't think I'm exaggerating. Anybody that thinks his quality of performance has been better than Westwood's over a significant period either hasn't been paying attention or probably blinded by the fact that he's done okay for us for the most part (his major errors either went unpunished or they happened in friendlies that were easily forgiven). He's a very average goalkeeper.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

The only time Randolph concerned me over the two games was an errant ball out in the opening ten minutes against Serbia, but Elliot's distribution is hardly better; he's been torn asunder by Newcastle fans for that.

As long as he is performing for us, his club form is a moot point for me.

Walters is first name on the team sheet despite his declining fortunes domestically.

I'm sure there are other examples, McCarthy when he was injured every other week last season.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Five clean sheets in seven for Randz.

[Stuttgart88]

I saw a clip on Sky Sports last night where he flapped at a ball across his 6 yard box that really should have cost a goal. It was a square ball, waist high and he dived out, failed to catch it and it dropped straight to an attacker's feet who whacked it against the bar, possibly with Randz redeeming himself with a touch. It was really poor goalkeeping / decision making. Just saying.

[OwlsFan]

I saw a clip on Sky Sports last night where he flapped at a ball across his 6 yard box that really should have cost a goal. It was a square ball, waist high and he dived out, failed to catch it and it dropped straight to an attacker's feet who whacked it against the bar, possibly with Randz redeeming himself with a touch. It was really poor goalkeeping / decision making. Just saying.

I saw that as well but unfortunately I also saw Westwood's blooper against Brentford enabling them to score their first away goal of the season.

[OwlsFan]

In the EFL team of the week: https://www.efl.com/news/2017/november/team-of-the-week-3rd-5th-november-2017/?utm_source=emailmarketing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=efl_roundup_06112017&utm_content=2017-11-06

Goalkeeper: Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough)

Marcus Tavernier’s sixth-minute strike proved enough for Middlesbrough to take all three points against Sunderland in the Tees-Wear derby at the Riverside Stadium.

Just moments beforehand, Randolph made a fine double save to keep out the visitors, and looked assured throughout, thwarting the Black Cats in their search for an equaliser.

[eitoof]

Yikes. Anyone see his sliced clearance for Vydra's third goal?

[OwlsFan]

Yes, but game was lost at that stage. Luckily he hasn't done anything as blatant as that for us yet, although, despite Whelan or Beglin, cant remember which, giving him MotM in Copenhagen, I wasn't convinced by the two saves where he pushed the ball out to on-coming Danish players.