25 Aug 2026 09:56:14.
Lots of positives from last night, the front 3 can score against anyone, Palmer had his best game in over a year, Lacroix had an excellent debut and we have missed a commanding presence like him at the back.
I felt most players did well but Colwill had a really shaky game and Gusto’s passing was poor.
Ok, here I go again, the goalkeeper! I feel we have 2 options - Diogo Costa or, might be unpopular, Emi Martinez is available possibly a loan?
I don’t agree with the blocking Penders development argument, he is one for the future and untested at this level.
Football is results based and results based now, not in the future.
We need to make the change now.
25 Aug 2026 10:35:16
Swfc, I was banging the drum for us to sign Costa all last season. I think the blocking argument is valid, but I am less inclined to go with the untried and young argument. If he is as good as people say, then pick him.
I wouldn’t have Martinez anywhere near our club. Any ability he had has long since passed, and, to me, he doesn’t look like a guy that sets a good example.
He is on a very long list of Premiership goalkeepers who are well below standard. Putting aside Raya and Anderson, the remainder may well be the worst batch of keepers in Premiership history, in my opinion.
25 Aug 2026 10:52:11
TomB, I respectfully disagree. I believe Emi Martinez is way better than Sanchez, not even close in my opinion.
25 Aug 2026 10:58:28
I am totally disinterested in other clubs goalkeepers. We have got ourselves in a bit of a pickle. It appears Penders isn't deemed ready to start and we go into the season with Sanchez as our number 1. I accept the concerns about blocking Pender's path, but if Sanchez remains as a starter our path to Champions League football will be blocked.
25 Aug 2026 12:24:49
swcfc, Respectful disagreements are what this site should be about. I never said Martinez wasn't better than Sanchez, but he is bang average in my opinion, and, from what I am told, is a bit of a kn@b.
Jimbo, that's why managers get paid the big bucks to make big calls. I personally don't think he will change Sanchez for the Brighton game, but I would be very happy to be wrong!!
25 Aug 2026 13:32:52
Sanchez became Brighton's third choice keeper for a reason. Expect they would quite like to see him in goal for us on Sunday. Though, obviously, if he is, I would hope he could make up for his shocker versus Fulham.
25 Aug 2026 13:42:42
Tom, Alonso didn't choose our two keepers. He has a decision to make, and if he gets it wrong, it could derail our season. We shall see.
25 Aug 2026 14:05:32
GK and midfield (if Enzo leaves, especially, of course) quality, experienced replacements are key to how we are likely to fare this season - likely crucial to whether we get Champions League football or not.
We still also have tons of players who may or may not leave. Plus, qn of whether on loan or sold.
Heck of a lot still to happen this window, and not great at all if Enzo leaves at the last minute of it. Again, doubt if either Bournemouth or Palace - both with European football this season - would want to lose Scott or Wharton, perhaps not even for crazy money.
25 Aug 2026 14:20:24
Jimbo, obviously, Alonso didn't choose our two keepers, but I am sure if he wanted a top keeper signed the club would have agreed. I am only guessing, but I would think a collective decision was made to go with what we have.
It's now up to Alonso to make the call on selection.
Alonso has seen them both pre season, and, as far as we know, he hasn't said "get me a keeper." Along with others, he will have to take a share of responsibility, as all managers do.
25 Aug 2026 16:03:46
I have no idea if Alonso has asked for a new keeper: we would probably never find out. The club seems heavily invested in Penders, and Sanchez has his mate Roberts watching his back. So I wouldn't assume Alonso is happy with what he has.
25 Aug 2026 16:38:00
I am not assuming anything, I am, as usual, just guessing.
One minute we are all saying "Alonso is influencing the so-called new transfer policy, so I can't see that so-called influence changing when it comes to keepers."
It will be Alonso's choice who to pick in goal against Brighton.
If Penders isn't up to being our keeper, then Alonso should already know that, in my opinion.
What age was big Pete when Jose made the call to pick him instead of CG? Managers are paid to make the big calls.
25 Aug 2026 17:09:17
Regardless of who's to blame, Tom... One thing is for sure, Sanchez is not good enough, and having him in net all season would significantly damage our season.
25 Aug 2026 18:00:08
I'm not into the "blame" game when it comes to transfers. Sanchez is just a player we have signed that hasn't worked out. It happens at every club.
If Penders is good enough, pick him. If not, go out and buy Costa.
25 Aug 2026 18:23:18
Tom, I don't know who the "we are all saying" are. Alonso appears to have had more influence on signings than previous coaches. That doesn't necessarily mean he will get his way on every incoming or outgoing. Yes, he will have to make a decision between a complete dud or a young inexperienced keeper.
Personally, if Penders is as good as some people say, I would throw him in at the deep end. It's hard to conceive that he would do a worse job than Sanchez.
25 Aug 2026 18:52:09
I cannot recall a single poster or fan mate who has not said Alonso seemingly being involved in the transfer decisions isn't a good thing.
No, it doesn't mean he will get his way on every transfer. In my opinion, it should be a collective decision, but if he says he needs a keeper, they should at the very least give it some consideration.
Anyway, this is all academic, play Pinders and let's see what all the noise is about, and yes, it can be worse but at least we know.