Millwall goalkeeper Tom King on his target at Stevenage – and how rival Dave Martin has helped improve him

By Richard Cawley

richard@slpmedia.co.uk

Tom King is hoping that an impressive loan spell at Stevenage will only strengthen his claim to move up the goalkeeping pecking order at Millwall.

The 22-year-old shotstopper had started four times for the League Two club since the start of January and kept two clean sheets.

King’s first shutout came on his debut for the Hertfordshire-based outfit, a 0-0 draw in the FA Cup against Reading.

The former Crystal Palace youngster dropped to third-choice at The Den following the summer arrival of David Martin – manager Neil Harris opting to bring in an experienced shotstopper to compete with Jordan Archer for the number one shirt.

King made 17 appearances in the 2016-17 campaign and is keen to show he can be a long-term number one in SE16.

Asked about keeping out Reading at Broadhall Way, King replied: “That is the big question mark next to me – can I do it in the Championship over 40-plus games? That is yet to be seen, but I hope to get the chance to prove that to myself and everybody else.

“It was a Reading team that wasn’t at full throttle, due to their league commitments, but I managed to equip myself against a bunch of players worth a hell of a lot of money.

“I’ve kept three clean sheets this season – two for Stevenage and also one against them when Millwall played them in the League Cup. It is hard for a lot of people to understand but goalkeepers can’t take 100 per cent of the credit for clean sheets, just like they can’t take 100 per cent of the blame for a goal.”

Martin arrived on a short-term deal just after the summer transfer window closed – having been a free agent since leaving Milton Keynes at the end of the season. Early in December he signed an extension until the end of June.

“I had a couple of conversations with the manager during December and once Dave’s future was resolved it was the cue for me to start looking elsewhere,” said King.

“I had a little bit of interest, which was good considering the lack of game-time I’d been getting. Teams were willing to take a chance. I’ve managed to build a good reputation last season.

“I’m living in a hotel here full-time with weekly commutes just to check on family and friends.

“The goalkeeping coach Chris Day, who used to play for Millwall, lives locally and we’ve been out for dinner a couple of times. It’s allowed us to thrash out some basics so that I wasn’t left behind in the early stages.

“My base is Portsmouth. The journey time is not too dissimilar. I’ve got a friendship group at Millwall but it feels good at a new team – new faces, new voices and different coaching ideas.”

King had a significant taste of football at the level above but is quick to dismiss any suggestion that a drop below League One was a dilemma.

“No chance,” he responded. “It is a great set-up here and something I couldn’t turn down. The manager is great and there is Glenn Roeder [assistant manager] and Chris to learn off of as well.

“Nicky Shorey is a bit of a hero for me, being a Portsmouth fan. And we’ve got Joe Martin, who I know well from his time at Millwall.

“I’m lucky that I’ve worked with Chris and Kevin Pressman, who have both played so many games at a high level. Their tips help me improve.”

King also has no axe to grind over his own prospects of game time at Millwall diminishing following the club’s promotion in May.

“I don’t bear any grudges,” he said. “Dave Martin has helped me come an awfully long way at the start of the season. That is technically – on and off the pitch.

“The manager has got to do what is best for the team. If he needs experience and wants to go that route it is his role to make those calls. It’s proved to be a great decision. Dave did really well at Aston Villa, especially when he had just come back from a little injury.

“I’m part of a great club like Millwall. They are looking to push the level higher and higher – if Dave Martin helps with that then all the better.

“I can only thank the manager for giving me first-team football last year. He has given me a chance to progress and I hope to one day repay that faith and compete for the number one spot at Millwall.

“I’m really happy just getting football, which I haven’t had the chance to do between the summer and December.”