‘A fantastic talent’ – Bromley boss on Chelsea loanee

Bromley boss Andy Woodman has called Chelsea loanee Teddy Sharman-Lowe a “fantastic talent”, with the keeper set to battle it out with fellow new arrival Grant Smith for the number one spot at Hayes Lane.

The 20-year-old, who was a member of the England U20 World Cup squad in Argentina this summer, has joined the Ravens on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

Stopper Grant Smith has also joined Andy Woodman’s side this summer after leaving Yeovil Town.

The 29-year-old has had spells at Chesterfield, Bognor Regis, Boreham Wood and Lincoln during his career.

“He’s a fantastic talent,” Woodman told the South London Press of Sharman-Lowe.

“He’s 6ft 4in – a commanding goalkeeper. He’s a good all-round keeper, in my opinion.

“The only thing he hasn’t got is experience in this league. But watching him play last year and watching him over the last few years, he’s more than capable of coming into this football club.

“We’re delighted that Chelsea have put their trust in us to help him on this journey. He will be brilliant for us.

“He will compete with Grant Smith – everyone knows about him – he has had three promotions.

“We will have an experienced one and an up-and-coming one. They will be battling it out for the number one shirt at the start of the season.”

Reice Charles-Cook has left the club after he turned down a new deal with the National League side.

“There was one thing I tried to get last season – I wanted two goalkeepers competing for the same shirt,” added Woodman.

“We had people competing for the shirt in every other position. We had Tom Smith come in, but then Reice was injured. Then Tom went to Colchester when Reice was back in the team. 

“We never really had competition in that position. It’s really important for the two goalkeepers to push each other.

“We have that this year. We loved Riece – he was great for us. But we have to move on.”