Dan Grimshaw is determined to challenge for the first-choice goalkeeper position at Norwich City, currently occupied by Vladan Kovacevic, as the Championship season unfolds. The young shot-stopper made a notable impact during the Canaries' emphatic 5-1 victory over Walsall in the FA Cup third round, marking his first appearance since the team's Carabao Cup exit against Southampton in August. Read more about Makama Denied Championship Player of the Month Honour.
In a backup role, patience is crucial, as opportunities can arise from injuries, suspensions, or dips in form. Grimshaw remains focused on maintaining his readiness and views the increased competition within the club's goalkeeping department as a positive development.
"I want to get into the team and play as many games as possible till the end of the season. That's obviously my main aim as someone who's not in the team right now," Grimshaw stated in the club's programme. He added, "For me, I've got to train every day and week and try and prepare myself as I would do if I was playing, just in case that ever changes. In that case, I'll be ready or if he's ever injured or anything like that. If I know that I'm training right, then I'm always ready to step in to help the team when needed."
The camaraderie among the goalkeepers has strengthened with Kovacevic's arrival. Grimshaw noted, "Louie Moulden is obviously someone I've known before, so we're really close and get on really well. Vlad's come in as well and we're all working together and just trying to get the best out of each other."
The transformation in Norwich's goalkeeping setup extends beyond the players, following the departure of Tony Roberts to Chinese Super League club Shenhua Shanghai. Declan Rudd has now taken on the role of head of goalkeeping, supported by newcomer Ricardo Pereira, bringing a fresh training approach at the club's facility in Colney.
"We had Tony and everyone really enjoyed working with him, so we knew it was going to be a big change, but Dec's come in, with Ricardo as well, and they've both been really good," Grimshaw reflected. "There's a slight change in how we train, but it's been really good for us all."
Grimshaw appreciates the diverse insights brought by Rudd and Pereira. "They have different ideas on different things as part of goalkeeping. Obviously, everyone has their own ideas, and they're putting that across to us. We're just working through that and working hard every day to get better."
Grimshaw's determination to secure the number one spot at Norwich City is clear. With a supportive and collaborative environment, the competition among the goalkeepers is set to elevate the overall standard of goalkeeping at the club. Read more about Norwich Target Fofana as Derby Lead January Chase.