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Tom Glover

Strikeb4ck

Well-Known Member
Aug 8, 2010
4,483
9,409
Thought he was OK, flailed for the ball a couple times and made a few decent saves. Didn't think he was a standout player or anything - those plaudits went to the back 4 and Amos/Onomah.

That being said, this was the keeper who was extremely highly rated when we picked him up, right? Name sounded familiar.
 

thinktank

Hmmm...
Sep 28, 2004
45,893
68,893
752gaY3.jpg


ABJb9cE.jpg
 

CJMurray

****
Aug 3, 2011
3,565
10,563
Good article on him from last year:

Tommy Earns His Spurs
WHEN he was just 14, exciting Sutherland Sharks goalkeeper, Tommy Glover, so impressed legendary former English keeper, Pat Jennings, that he kept him in England for two months training.

Today, Tommy, just turned 16, has signed a two-year deal with Jennings' English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspurs and the "Spurs" Academy.

The Menai High schoolboy, one of the youngest Australians to play for an EPL club academy, has stood out since starting his career with Sutherland Sharks junior teams in Metro League under 11s, and then Premier League Sharks U13s.

Less than two years ago, Sutherland's goalkeeping coach, Ron Tilsed, the former Arsenal star and former Young England goalkeeper, and John Klapppas, the former Sutherland (now Rockdale) director of coaching, recommended Tommy to Tottenham and he flew over for a trial.

Jennings, the Tottenham goalkeeping director, was excited about Tommy.

"So much so, Jennings quickly moved the Australian youngster up from under 16s with the 'Spurs' Academy," said Tilsed.

With FIFA rules restricting overseas clubs signing youngsters under 16, Jennings negotiated to get Tommy for short stints in England, before offering him a contract when he turned 16.

"For his tender years, I'm amazed he's coped so well in England; it's a fantastic achievement for Tommy," said Tilsed. "He has worked so hard with me in the past four years and he deserves the chance.

"He says the pace of the game in England compared to Australia has really opened his eyes. But because Tommy is so down-to-earth, I'm sure he will grasp his opportunity."

Even the then Australian Socceroos goalkeeper, Mark Schwarzer, sought the youngster out for a talk at a Socceroo training session last year in Sydney.

"Mark had heard about Tommy in England, and wished him all the best for the future at Kogarah Oval training," said Tilsed. "Tommy was quite thrilled with their short meeting.

Announcing the signing on their new website, Sutherland Sharks FC stated: "Tommy Glover is an intimidating sight between the sticks, standing at about six foot five inches, and just 16.

"Tom has put the hard yards in and while losing him is a major blow for the club, it is one that the Sharks take happily, as it's our job to help these dreams come true.

"The Sharks wish him all the best and have no doubt we'll be seeing more of him in the future."

Tilsed has thrown out a challenge to the youngster.

"I have told Tommy I would like to see him the No. 2 goalie for Tottenham by the age of 21."
 

The Scarecrow

Well-Known Member
Jan 17, 2013
5,597
12,201
I noticed he was quick off his line to sweep at a couple occasions. He seems like a good understudy to Lloris in a few years.
 

tommo84

Proud to be loud
Aug 15, 2005
6,120
11,100
I always think it's very tough for non-goalkeepers to judge young goalkeepers as there is so much of their game which can't really be assessed until they are in a fully competitive environment (decision making, commanding the box on crosses, concentration). This is possibly why we tend to hear so little of wonderkids between the sticks in comparison to outfield players.

Glover outshone the Chelsea goalkeeper last night but still had a very big wobble late on when he came for a cross and did an air-punch. Interesting to read that Jennings is a huge admirer though. I believe Friedel has talked him up a bit too.
 
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