Derby County have signed goalkeeper Josh Vickers. What can the 27 year old bring to The Rams? We spoke with the Rotherham United podcast, New York Talk to find out!
Derby County have just signed Josh Vickers. What do you make of it?
In a word – predictable. I am as certain as I can be he isn’t the only player Paul Warne would have at least approached and with Vickers lack of game time over the last season it is no surprise to see him go to Derby. I am of the opinion he could play in the Championship but the with Paul Warne and Andy Warrington link it makes sense to see him go to Derby.
He only played only five times for The Millers last season, why was that? How did he perform?
There are a few reasons he only played five times. Firstly is Viktor Johannson, Viktor had a sensational season for us in goal and was in the conversation as one of the best keepers in the Championship. There isn’t much to choose between the two but Viktor had the shirt and didn’t do anything to lose it. Viktor did get injured around Easter and Vickers came back in for a few games and did very well, but he got injured which cut short his appearances, had he stayed fit he would probably have seen out the season for us.
Prior to last season, he was the starter for Rotherham in League One and made 25 appearances in all competitions. What led to his decrease in playing time this season?
In the 2021/22 season Josh Vickers was superb and had earnt the right to be the starter. Johannson was still learning and make a few mistakes and Vickers came in and was superb. Then came his real weakness, another injury. He had what Paul Warne described as a serious hand injury which ended his season in March, Viktor took the shirt and has never looked back. It is likely if Vickers had been injury free he would still be out number 1.
How would you sum up his time at The New York Stadium?
“Stop start” is a probably an accurate way to describe his time. He was signed as a number two, came and played and barely made a mistake but injuries cost him any sort of consistency.
Did Rotherham express any interest in re-signing him once is contract expired?
We certainly offered him a new contract and by all accounts it was on improved terms which is a little bit of a surprise as he is second choice. Millers fans mostly accepted it was likely he would move on because he should be a first choice keeper for someone.
Would you call his time at Rotherham a success?
He was a key part of a team that won the Papa Johns Trophy, promotion and that survived last season. I think he can only be described as a success, he almost single-handedly won us some points in the promotion season and without the injuries who knows where he would be.
What are his strengths? His weaknesses?
His strength is shot stopping. He's has pulled off some outrageous saves. There are times as a fan you just assume it has gone in and somehow he pulls off a worldie. In terms of player he doesn’t have to many weaknesses, maybe kicking can be off at times but the real weakness is staying fit.
The modern goalkeeper needs to be good with his feet. How is playing out from the back?
We are not a team that plays out from the back so he hasn’t really been tested. But it is not something that is a clear issue for him, whenever he has to use his feet he seems pretty solid.
Do you think Vickers can be good player in League One for Derby?
If he stays fit he is one of the best keepers at League One level. He has so much to give as a keeper and by all accounts he is great teammate and great guy to have around the squad.
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