Phil SumblerFreddie Woodman – the goalkeeper on loan from Newcastle United – has picked up the Championship golden glove award for this season – the first Swansea keeper to do so sinc Dorus De Vries in the 2009-10 season.
That season saw the Dutch stopper keep 24 clean sheets and whilst Woodman has kept just 20 this season it is more than any other Championship keeper and he takes the award as a direct result.
The Swans conceded just 15 goals in the opening 27 games of the campaign as a clear reason why we pushed forward and competed at the top and whilst the defence doesn’t look as tight recently there has still been some good performance from Woodman doing the main part of his job – keeping the ball out of the net as often as he can.
Woodman will keep goal for the Swans in the play offs having missed out last season but with the award safely on his mantelpiece at home he knows he could help the Swans into the Premier League to join his parent club who all but secured their safety with an impressive result at Leicester yesterday evening.
Woodman’s award quickly got praise from the Swans boss but, like the keeper, both were quick to point out that although Freddie takes the accolade the award is about the efforts of the team as they explained via the club’s official website
Swans boss Steve Cooper: “It’s great for Freddie to have recognition like this, and he was quick to point out that it was more of an award for the efforts of the team
“That’s what we stand for here – it’s all about the team, and everyone within the squad shares that belief. It’s something that we’re passionate about, and it has been an approach that has served us well once again this season.
“Defensively we have been very strong, and that is down to the performances throughout the team – starting with the attackers doing their jobs up top, through to the midfielders and defence and finally with the goalkeeper – and the coaches that work day in, day out with them.”
Award winner Freddie Woodman: “I feel guilty for accepting it because many people look at clean sheets as down to the goalkeeper, but I know how hard the team has worked for clean sheets.
“Every clean sheet we’ve had this season, after the game it’s always been a collective congratulations to everyone.
“While my name is on the award, it’s the team that has really won the award. Every player has played their part and should feel proud.
“It’s a massive team effort, and it’s an amazing achievement to keep 20 clean sheets in the Championship.”
