Lions step up goalkeeper search

Last updated : 10 February 2005 By Charlie Roper
Graham Stack
Stack out for another month
Manager Dennis Wise is facing a race against time to sign a goalkeeper before the weekend deadline for Saturday's clash against Gillingham at the Priestfield Stadium.

Wise currently only has one fit first choice goalkeeper available for the game and with Graham Stack out for at least another month, he is keen to bring another experienced keeper in loan. The manager could call on youth keeper Terry Masterson if needed but the youngster has yet to play a senior game for The Lions and Wise elected to go without a reserve goalie last weekend against QPR.

That leaves Andy Marshall, who has only recently returned from a bout of viral meningitis.

Wise is said to be keeping a close eye on the situation at Upton Park, where Alan Pardew now has the luxury of three first choice keepers, and is thought to be interested in bringing either James Walker or Stephen Bywater to The Den. But with Stack's loan spell coming to an end in May, the manager may elect to bring in a new goalkeeper in on a permanent basis.

If that's the case, Wise may decide to look further afield. Colchester United's Dean Gerken and Hull City's Boaz Myhill have both been watched by club representatives but a move for out-of-contract Kevin Pressman has been ruled out.