david_smith
Darren Randolph recent joined Middlesbrough for £5 million, and many West Ham fans were sad to see the goalkeeper leave the Hammers.
This is according to Sam Inkersole, West Ham United writer for Football.London, who says that West Ham fans would rather have sold Adrian than the Ireland international shot stopper.
Slaven Bilic has brought in Joe Hart on loan from Manchester City, and the 30 year old is no doubt eager to get as much playing time under his belt as possible before next summer’s World Cup in Russia.
“Middlesbrough have got a decent goalkeeper in Darren Randolph, of that there can be no doubt,” Inkersole told GazzetteLive.
“When Joe Hart arrived at West Ham on loan for the season, one of the keepers was going to go, with the majority thinking it would be Adrian.
“Many would have preferred that as well.
“Randolph replaced the Spaniard in between the sticks for three-quarters of the season before losing it back to Adrian for the final five games.”
The West Ham correspondent also assessed Randolph’s – who made an instant impact for Ireland with an assist for Shane Long in the boys in green’s 1-0 victory over world champions Germany – strengths and weaknesses between the posts.
“On his day, Randolph is an outstanding shot stopper.
“He even displayed that in a recent pre-season friendly with one save particularly world class as he fought for his spot.
“He can produce a series of outstanding saves – his one from Jordan Henderson at Anfield was voted save of the season in the Premier League – but is prone to the odd lapse every now and again.
“Coming for crosses can be his downfall at times and his distribution can be sometimes suspect, but as a shot-stopper he’s excellent.
“There are quite a few Hammers fans who are disappointed to see the Irishman go – as is Slaven Bilic – but in a World Cup year, it’s no surprise to see Randolph depart.”
Randolph has become new Boro boss Garry Monk’s sixth signing of the summer following the club’s relegation from the Premier League last season, and the Teeside club will be looking to bounce back immediately this season.
