‘He is a quality goalkeeper’ – Swindon Town reaction to Joe Wollacott signing for Charlton Athletic

Charlton Athletic have signed Joe Wollacott from Swindon Town – what can Addicks fans expect from their new goalkeeper?

Jonny Leighfield, from the Swindon Advertiser, provides insight on the 25–year-old.

HOW WOULD YOU SUM UP JOE WOLLACOTT’S TIME AT SWINDON?

Overall, it was a very successful spell for Wollacott. For the first two months of last season, he was the standout player courtesy of consistently high-quality performances. He dropped off a touch around international breaks but came back well around February and March. However, once he had helped Ghana qualify for the World Cup in March, he seemed to let his standards slip slightly. Now he’s at a well-established League One club and there is no pressure on him to be playing at a higher level consistently, I would expect him to continue to improve.

HIS CONTRACT AT SWINDON ENDED THIS SUMMER, WOULD THEY HAVE LIKED TO HAVE KEPT HIM?

Absolutely. He was an excellent number one for the majority of his time at Swindon. But as I previously mentioned, the pressure from Ghana about needing to play at a higher level meant it was never likely that he’d stay.

DO YOU BELIEVE THAT CHARLTON IS A GOOD FIT GOR HIM AT HIS AGE?

I believe so. He’s still got plenty of room for improvement but at the same time he is a quality goalkeeper. With Charlton harbouring ambitions of promotion, he could grow as a goalkeeper at a similar rate to the Addicks’ progression up the EFL.

AS A KEEPER, DISTRIBUTION IS BECOMING REALLY IMPORTANT, HOW DOES HE FARE AT THAT PART OF THE GAME?

His distribution was quite impressive for the most part, but it also relies on the defence to want the ball quickly too or for others to give him an option. Sometimes, it was frustrating to watch Town play out slowly from a defended corner, for example, as either no-one was offering themselves or Wollacott turned a risky throw down. But his footwork is usually decent and he is extremely composed with the ball at his feet.

ANY WEAKNESSES?

I would say his biggest weakness is being unable to command his area well enough. He comes for crosses when necessary, but only when he is absolutely sure he can get there. As for coming out when there is a through-ball, let’s just say he’s no Ederson [at Manchester City]. If he can really get to grips with that area of his game, and perhaps a new goalkeeping coach might help, then he’ll be a really well-rounded goalkeeper.