THE VIC MORGAN COLUMN: Will Wes be regarded as Town's best ever?

6:00am Thursday 7th March 2013 in Sport

THE VIC MORGAN COLUMN THE VIC MORGAN COLUMN

QUITE an afternoon wasn’t it at the Ricoh?

Terrific win, terrific atmosphere and a terrific save from Wes Foderingham.

Even now, several days later, it still defies belief how Swindon’s goalkeeper was able to keep Leon Clarke’s goalbound header out of the net.

It just goes to show the importance of a top man between the sticks. I find it remarkable that Wes can be out of action for large parts of the game but retain the concentration to make crucial saves at the death - as he did at Leyton Orient, as he did at Crawley and more.

That effort under a blue sky against the Sky Blues brought to mind crucial saves...

February 1, 1986. A wet and windy day at Northampton’s old County Ground. Swindon, unbeaten since a snowy day at Tranmere, were under the cosh.

A shot seems destined for the top corner of the net before an arm appears from nowhere to turn the ball over the bar. Even now I can see Kenny Allen making that save and, like the effort at Coventry on Saturday, it turned out to be a decisive moment.

Charlie Henry’s goal gave Swindon the win put them second in the table and on the way to a record breaking Fourth Division championship win.

A balmy Friday night on September 1 20 years later. Swindon at Chester and a miracle save by Peter Brezovan.

Again a shot seems certain to go in. Again an arm appears Twizzle-like from nowhere as Brez turns it round the post for a corner.

Lee Peacock went on to secure Swindon the three points which kept them top of the table with an unblemished start to what turned out to be another Fourth Division promotion season.

Could history be repeating itself? What is certain is that Wes could go on to be one of Swindon’s greatest ever goalkeepers. If not THE greatest. It depends, of course, on how long he stays before he inevitably plays at a higher level.

England honours too? His positional sense is second to none and has an incredible record of clean sheets. Long may it continue.

My top three, with all due respect to other great County Ground stoppers: Peter Downsborough, Jimmy Allan and Wes’ current mentor, Fraser Digby. All decent I think you’ll agree.

It’s one of the great pub debates, of course, like best centre forwards or wingers. Goalkeepers don’t always get the praise they deserve. Apparently you have to be crazy to be one - I think we should add incredibly talented to that too.

Comments(30)

Ollie Reed's Parky dance! says...
6:36am Thu 7 Mar 13

Framers getting down low and tipping a Tranmere header on to the post with a few minutes to go to spare us the agony of extra time in the 2nd leg play off semi in 93. Now that's one I remember!

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Ollie Reed's Parky dance! says...
6:37am Thu 7 Mar 13

Meant to say Fraser by the way

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Lazaat says...
7:25am Thu 7 Mar 13

The performance by Peter Downsborough against Arsenal at Wembley on 15th March 1969 will take some beating! All those at the match remember Rogers breakaway goal from in his own half to win us the game, but Downsboroughs saves especially in the first half kept us in the match, he was magnificent that day!

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RED-MERLIN says...
7:47am Thu 7 Mar 13

Lazaat wrote:
The performance by Peter Downsborough against Arsenal at Wembley on 15th March 1969 will take some beating! All those at the match remember Rogers breakaway goal from in his own half to win us the game, but Downsboroughs saves especially in the first half kept us in the match, he was magnificent that day!
I'll never forget the Peter Downsborough save from Jon Samels at Wembley.- Dived from the near post to double fist the shot - unbelievable !

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footballexpert says...
8:08am Thu 7 Mar 13

I remember the Chester game on the Friday night as it was my wedding day, at the reception in the evening I was getting the score fed through to me and I was very happy indeed, the Mrs thought it was becuase I was so happy to be marrying her!!!!!!

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ecklington says...
8:24am Thu 7 Mar 13

RED-MERLIN wrote:
Lazaat wrote:
The performance by Peter Downsborough against Arsenal at Wembley on 15th March 1969 will take some beating! All those at the match remember Rogers breakaway goal from in his own half to win us the game, but Downsboroughs saves especially in the first half kept us in the match, he was magnificent that day!
I'll never forget the Peter Downsborough save from Jon Samels at Wembley.- Dived from the near post to double fist the shot - unbelievable !
Just like Wes, though, Downsborough made so many fantastic saves throughout his time at Town, not just at Wembley.

I don't think there is much to choose between the two of them, both totally outstanding, and we all hope Wes goes on to represent England in due course, he deserves it.

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Psychedelic Syd says...
8:25am Thu 7 Mar 13

Peter Downsborough had some fantastic games - the one at Wembley as Lazaat says was certainly his finest hour. Like Wes he wasn't particularly big but his reactions and positional sense were outstanding. Fraser Digby is right up there in my estimation too and a great club servant for so many years. In his case the word legend is fully deserved.

Wes? I can't remember ever seeing a goalie at Swindon who inspired so much confidence. In my opinion he is the best I've seen in 50 years of following Town. Occasionally his distribution can be a little wayward but never have I seen his like. He is incredible at times. I just hope he stays for as long as Fraser and sees us up into the Championship. We would concede many more without him, not just because of his superb goalkeeping skills but also because the defence is so confident in him. If a defence loses confidence in the goalie then things rapidly go pear shaped. Wes is still developing and learning so could get even better. We are so fortunate to have him. Long may we enjoy seeing him - give him an extended contract now Jed and get moving on Si Ferry and Nathan Thomson too!

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bivver says...
8:51am Thu 7 Mar 13

Psychedelic Syd wrote:
Peter Downsborough had some fantastic games - the one at Wembley as Lazaat says was certainly his finest hour. Like Wes he wasn't particularly big but his reactions and positional sense were outstanding. Fraser Digby is right up there in my estimation too and a great club servant for so many years. In his case the word legend is fully deserved.

Wes? I can't remember ever seeing a goalie at Swindon who inspired so much confidence. In my opinion he is the best I've seen in 50 years of following Town. Occasionally his distribution can be a little wayward but never have I seen his like. He is incredible at times. I just hope he stays for as long as Fraser and sees us up into the Championship. We would concede many more without him, not just because of his superb goalkeeping skills but also because the defence is so confident in him. If a defence loses confidence in the goalie then things rapidly go pear shaped. Wes is still developing and learning so could get even better. We are so fortunate to have him. Long may we enjoy seeing him - give him an extended contract now Jed and get moving on Si Ferry and Nathan Thomson too!
As you say Wes is still developing and learning.I remember Peter Downsborogh at his magnificent best at Wembley but he was a mature keeper. Wes can only get better and better. The prospect looks awesome, and so he has a wonderful future ahead of him. So the question is - how long can we keep him.
Wes edges in front of Peter (just) in my estimation, because of his potential.

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hertz says...
9:34am Thu 7 Mar 13

Now Vic don't go larging the boy up too much he will only get dropped . Ooops no so sorry not anymore Kev treats them like humans . COYR

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TheDukeOfBanbury says...
10:13am Thu 7 Mar 13

Best goalkeeping display of all time by a Swindon keeper.

Peter Brezovan at Hartlepool away first game of season. Saved 2 penalties and a deflected shot and save probably one, if not the best save I have ever witnessed. Better than the save at Chester away the same season.

How we came away with 3 points that game I will never know but still remember the locals going on about our keeper saying the best they have ever seen.
He was never the same after breaking his shoulder.

Wes is destined for the top if he continues to play like he has done. Top keeper for sure.

Kenny Allen will always be the "joker" between the sticks. Loved the banter with the Town End.
"Kenny how's your golf ?"
Then he would pretend to practice his swings.....Catweazle to all you younger fans.......Great character.
Lets not forget Mr Digby in this.

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Custodian says...
10:20am Thu 7 Mar 13

At the Preston home game recently it occurred to me that we had three of the best ever Town keepers in the ground at the same time. Peter Downsborough was on the pitch to collect his Hall of Fame commemorative tie, Fraser Digby was in the dugout as our goalkeeping coach and Town's current outstandingly talented keeper, Wesley Foderingham was doing his best to keep another clean sheet.

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The Jockster says...
10:21am Thu 7 Mar 13

Can't agree with Vic about Jimmy Allan, no arguments about Downs or Diggers & Wes is right up there with those two. Brez was a quality keeper and Kenny Allen was useful too particularly as he was no spring chicken even when he was playing for us.

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Old-Stager, Hilperton says...
10:29am Thu 7 Mar 13

The Jockster is correct about Jimmy Allan, who was a very poor 'keeper for Town for far too long.
Wes Foderingham is definitely in our top three in my lifetime, the other two being Peter Downsborough and Kenny Allen.

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buckobassettboy says...
12:33pm Thu 7 Mar 13

We had some real mingers too.Tony Hicks belly flopping over the ball at Villa park-Norman Oakley -my first game he let in 6 and Frank Haffey-He was the Scottish International that let in 9 at wembley.What's the time?Nearly ten past Haffey

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Swindon1984 says...
1:03pm Thu 7 Mar 13

Danger of course is that if he truly has international ambition (and there's no reason why he shouldn't), then he'll need to move on at some point - no way a League 1 keeper will be picked for the England squad. If we're promoted there may be chances for him on the margins of the squad but he'll likely be getting a lot of attention before then, and I expect him to leave within the next year or so. Honestly can't blame him and wish him all the very best when he does go - just being realistic that we can only hold on to top talent for so long before the big boys come knocking.

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STFC MARLOW says...
1:08pm Thu 7 Mar 13

Wes is the best for me. As you say he might not have to do anything for 80 minutes but pulls out the saves when required.

Long may it continue. Arise Sir Wes.

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PeteHedges says...
2:21pm Thu 7 Mar 13

Glad we have Wes, he is the best goalkeeper Town have had in years, a different class to most since Fraser Digby. Now we have both working together, can only be good for the future.

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smirg kcab says...
4:01pm Thu 7 Mar 13

Don't forget Norman wisdom aka frank talia lol

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nosyrudeman says...
4:48pm Thu 7 Mar 13

I remember Peter Downborough coming back with either Bradford or Halifax on a Tues night and we slaughtered them 0-1. PD had the game of his life and he was no spring chicken then, kept out everthing we could throw at him.

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Oi Den! says...
4:58pm Thu 7 Mar 13

nosyrudeman wrote:
I remember Peter Downborough coming back with either Bradford or Halifax on a Tues night and we slaughtered them 0-1. PD had the game of his life and he was no spring chicken then, kept out everthing we could throw at him.
I remember it well too! He was unbeatable. I'm pretty sure it was Bradford City. Reminds me of the performance of the Barrow goalkeeper, also on a Tuesday night a few years earlier (might even have been in the glory season of 68/69). I think they beat us 1-0, with Fred Else stopping everything we could throw at him and cries of "Sign him on!" from the Town End.
.
Foderingham, Digby and Downsborough - in that order - for me.

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swwindon61uk says...
5:46pm Thu 7 Mar 13

Great question for me this,for me Wes is not just yet.
My vote would go to Digby.
Downsbourgh superb from what i can remember,not all down just to child hood memories i hope!
We have had some great goalkeepers on loan down the years Given,Flowers and Andrews spring to mind.
Kenny Allen and Scott Endersby fans favourites but not the best between the sticks.
My Favourite goalkeeper and IMO is in the top 3 is Jimmy Allen,would not have lasted today mind as he could never keep the ball in play with his kicking.
Worst Jack Findley?
Any other offers!

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swwindon61uk says...
5:50pm Thu 7 Mar 13

nosyrudeman wrote:
I remember Peter Downborough coming back with either Bradford or Halifax on a Tues night and we slaughtered them 0-1. PD had the game of his life and he was no spring chicken then, kept out everthing we could throw at him.
One my outstanding memories of being a town fan this,it was against Bradford.
I remember there was no booing him,in fact quite the reverse.

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swwindon61uk says...
5:57pm Thu 7 Mar 13

Is Jimmy Allan the only player not play for us on religious grounds?

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Oi Den! says...
7:18pm Thu 7 Mar 13

swwindon61uk wrote:
Is Jimmy Allan the only player not play for us on religious grounds?
I think so. And I recall that the keeper we signed on loan to replace him in our first ever game on a Sunday - a 2-2 draw v Bolton? - didn't cover himself in glory. Alan Spratley from QPR.

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swwindon61uk says...
7:31pm Thu 7 Mar 13

Oi Den! wrote:
swwindon61uk wrote:
Is Jimmy Allan the only player not play for us on religious grounds?
I think so. And I recall that the keeper we signed on loan to replace him in our first ever game on a Sunday - a 2-2 draw v Bolton? - didn't cover himself in glory. Alan Spratley from QPR.
Remember the game well but not the stand in goalkeeper, perhaps this why!
Remember it being freezing cold.

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nosyrudeman says...
7:41pm Thu 7 Mar 13

Oi Den! wrote:
nosyrudeman wrote: I remember Peter Downborough coming back with either Bradford or Halifax on a Tues night and we slaughtered them 0-1. PD had the game of his life and he was no spring chicken then, kept out everthing we could throw at him.
I remember it well too! He was unbeatable. I'm pretty sure it was Bradford City. Reminds me of the performance of the Barrow goalkeeper, also on a Tuesday night a few years earlier (might even have been in the glory season of 68/69). I think they beat us 1-0, with Fred Else stopping everything we could throw at him and cries of "Sign him on!" from the Town End. . Foderingham, Digby and Downsborough - in that order - for me.
Fred Else ex Blackburn Rovers if my memory serves me correctly.

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nosyrudeman says...
7:47pm Thu 7 Mar 13

swwindon61uk wrote:
Is Jimmy Allan the only player not play for us on religious grounds?
Yes, was this when the coal miners were on strike and the leccy was only on Fri/Sat/Sun.

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swwindon61uk says...
8:19pm Thu 7 Mar 13

nosyrudeman wrote:
swwindon61uk wrote:
Is Jimmy Allan the only player not play for us on religious grounds?
Yes, was this when the coal miners were on strike and the leccy was only on Fri/Sat/Sun.
If i remember rightly didn't we play Cambridge United on a Wednesday afternoon?
Seem to remember taking the day off school to go to the match.
Those were the days,the youngsters of today and all that....LOL

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Oi Den! says...
8:22pm Thu 7 Mar 13

nosyrudeman wrote:
swwindon61uk wrote:
Is Jimmy Allan the only player not play for us on religious grounds?
Yes, was this when the coal miners were on strike and the leccy was only on Fri/Sat/Sun.
It was definitely around that time. We played some games on Tuesday afternoons too. I remember a defeat to Pompey, with Bobby Kellard scoring. Just looked him up and found he has the distinction of being the first player to be sent off on a Sunday!

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Oi Den! says...
8:28pm Thu 7 Mar 13

Didn't realise Fred Else was ex-Blackburn. My knowledge of him went no further than that one game for Barrow against us. But I now see he's a legend at all his old clubs, including Blackburn.

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