Scott Loach tips his Pools understudy to have bright future

Hartlepool United No 1 Scott Loach reckons understudy Ryan Catterick has bright future in the game.
Hartlepool United's young goalkeeper Ryan Catterick.Hartlepool United's young goalkeeper Ryan Catterick.
Hartlepool United's young goalkeeper Ryan Catterick.

Youngster Catterick spent much of the season on the Pools bench, with former England call-up Loach playing every minute of the club’s 49 games last campaign.

But, with a year remaining on his Victoria Park deal, Loach feels like Catterick can push him all the way under manager Matthew Bates.

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“There have been times when the management could have changed things,” he said, reflecting back on 2017/18.

“We have a young goalkeeper here called Ryan Catterick who is doing well behind the scenes.

“I am sure if he keeps progressing he will have a very bright future ahead of him.”

Loach was recently awarded the player of the year award by the supporters and his fellow players.

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And he saved special thanks for the trophies for all four coaches who have influenced him throughout the season.

“I am honoured,” said Loach.

“I feel like I came here with a job to do and obviously I feel I could have done it better.

“I want to thank Craig Harrison and Bernie Hirmer, obviously they are not here anymore but they brought me here. And then Batesy and Ross (Turnbull) who have taken me on to another level, as they have lots of the other lads.”

In a season of much change on and off the park, Loach was Pools’ only constant. Come rain or shine he was between the sticks, producing some top class save-laden performances along the way.

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After the summer, the 29-year-old hopes to pick up where he left off.

“It was my target to play every minute of every game and I did that,” he said.

“I want the same again next season.

“You look at the top keepers they all want to play every minute of every game - that’s what I want to do.

“I want to take the team and myself on to the next level and I will be working even harder next year to make sure we do that.”