Ryan Allsop: The Low Down

UPDATED: According to The Derby Telegraph, Ryan Allsop has signed for The Rams.

Ryan Allsop is currently training with Derby County following his release from Wycombe Wanderers. How did he get on at Adams Park? And what could he bring to Derby County? We spoke with Johnny from The Wanderer Fanzine and Tom from JJ’s Left Foot to find out all about the 29 year old.

Allsop played 29 times for Wycombe last season. How did he perform?

The Wanderer: Generally very well. You could take the simplistic view that a goalkeeper in a team who get relegated can’t be that good, but the truth is, our fate would have been sealed much earlier had it not been for Rocky, who proved himself to be a solid Championship ‘keeper and was certainly in the running for Player of the Season before picking up an injury mid-February. Unfortunately for Allsop, David Stockdale then came in and did so well that he never got his place back.

JJ's Left Foot: He was arguably out player of the season up until he got injured. From the play-offs to then, he was in the best form he'd ever been in for Wycombe, so he got rather unlucky in the end really.

Why was he released from Wycombe? Was it due to performance or financial?

The Wanderer: Well it certainly wasn’t due to performance, but then I can’t imagine it was a financial decision either, given that the club is in the best shape it’s ever been in. I suspect that it was perhaps more a case of Allsop wanting to play regular first team football and being allowed to leave to find that elsewhere. It’s an odd decision otherwise, to allow a proven goalkeeper to leave – especially as we’ll now have to bring in a new number two.

JJ's Left Foot: As well as Rocky performed, David Stockdale is the superior 'keeper and was in scintillating form himself when he came into the side - and was rewarded with a new contract this summer. We couldn't reasonably have expected to keep two 'keepers of that calibre in League One, and I'm sure Rocky wants to be first choice somewhere (although I doubt that would be the case at Derby?), so it made sense not to renew his contract. It's just the way it goes sometimes.

He has been with The Chairboys since 2018. How would you sum up his time at

Adams Park?

The Wanderer: A bit mixed, but overall, successful. He looked very shaky in his first season, making a number of costly errors and eventually losing his place for a few games, as we narrowly escaped relegation. However, despite many expecting him to be dropped the following season, he kept his place in the side and barely put a foot wrong as we won promotion to the Championship, putting in some incredible performances along the way and taking that good form into last season.

JJ's Left Foot: He could be streaky - and there were a fair few high profile mistakes in his first couple of seasons - and he's never been a commanding presence, which isn't ideal, but he served us well and performed solidly - and brilliantly in his last season with us, as mentioned.

What are his strengths?

The Wanderer: It might sound like a bit of an obvious one – but he’s a great shot stopper. To expand on that, he’s exceptionally agile, with great reflexes and a good sense of anticipation, so he’s able to position himself well to pull off instinctive saves from point blank range. His kicking is generally spot on and he’s pretty handy when ‘game management’ is needed – you will never see a ‘keeper take longer over a goal kick than Rocky if the situation requires it!

JJ's Left Foot: Reflexes and stopping powerful, long-range efforts, and kicking (long)

What are his weaknesses?

The Wanderer: The 2018/2019 season showed that he can be error-prone and although he managed to put that behind him, I do suspect he might be something of a confidence player, who could get the jitters if he has a couple of bad games. His biggest weakness is that he doesn’t command his area as well as your average Championship goalkeeper, although again, he did actually show noticeable improvement on this over the course of last season. Don’t expect him to save any penalties.

JJ' Left Foot: The command of his box, as above

What is he like in the dressing room?

The Wanderer: I can’t really answer that, but what I would say is Gareth Ainsworth is very particular about the character and attitude of players he brings in to the club. Players can be jokers and extroverts – it’s basically encouraged – but they must be professional, hardworking and well-behaved off the pitch. The fact that Ainsworth brought Allsop to the club, not once but twice (he also had a loan spell in 2016) suggests that Rocky has a good head on his shoulders.

JJ's Left Foot: I honestly couldn't tell you, but he always seemed like one of the quieter members of the squad.

Is he a good goalkeeper at Championship level?

The Wanderer: Yes, I’d say so. Are there better out there? Probably, but given Derby’s difficult situation, I suppose most of those players will either be too expensive or, with the greatest of respect, not want to go to Derby. Allsop won’t command ridiculous wages, is proven at this level and can be relied upon as a professional, so you could certainly do a lot worse.

JJ's Left Foot: He was for us, but at the same time there wasn't a huge sample size to work with. It's hard to say how he'd fit into another side.

What would you expect from him next season in the Championship with Derby County?

The Wanderer: I reckon he’ll be busy! On the plus side, he has plenty of experience when it comes to relegation battles and will be a good man to have in your corner when things are tough. I think a key factor in his success at Wycombe in 2019/2020 was that he played behind a very settled defence, so hopefully you’ll be able to keep the same back line as much as possible. He’ll be itching to get back playing after missing the second half of last season and I’m sure he’ll do a great job for you.

JJ's Left Foot: As I've said, I wouldn't expect him to be number 1, but I'm sure he'd be a reliable enough back-up!