Yates happy to take a chance on two teenage goalkeepers

Crawley Town manager Mark Yates is confident signing two young goalkeepers Freddie Woodman, 18, and Callum Preston, 19, will work well despite their lack of experience.
By The Newsroom
Published 30th Jul 2015, 18:38 BST

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Goalkeeper Freddie Woodman has joined on loan from Newcastle United. SUS-150729-175101002Goalkeeper Freddie Woodman has joined on loan from Newcastle United. SUS-150729-175101002
Goalkeeper Freddie Woodman has joined on loan from Newcastle United. SUS-150729-175101002

He rates both yesterday’s new recruits as having the qualities needed to succeed in League Two for the Reds.

Woodman has played for both England under-17s and under-19s and has come on a year’s loan from Premier League club Newcastle United.

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His dad was Newcastle’s goalkeeper coach Andy Woodman who is also leaving St James’ Park, to join Alan Pardew at Crystal Palace, for whom he played.

Burgess Hill v Crawley Town. Callum Preston. Pic Steve Robards SR1516627 SUS-150716-171759001Burgess Hill v Crawley Town. Callum Preston. Pic Steve Robards SR1516627 SUS-150716-171759001
Burgess Hill v Crawley Town. Callum Preston. Pic Steve Robards SR1516627 SUS-150716-171759001

Yates said: “Some would say it’s brave to take a chance on him being an 18-year-old but I like him and think he’s a really good keeper, a prospect and I’m prepared to take that chance on him and give him a good go.

“I know he’s chomping at the bit to play.”

Preston, 19, is a Wales Under-19s international and has been at Crawley throughout pre-season and is a product of Birmingham City’s academy. He has also played on loan at Non-League sides Worcester City and AFC Telford United.

He has impressed during their pre-season friendlies and kept a clean sheet during Monday night’s win against Reading, during which he played most of the game.

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“And Callum - he totally deserves it. Came down off his back and has looked after himself. He’s played well too in games.

“He made or four excellent saves against Fulham and two or three against Brighton and a couple against Reading.

“He’s grown with every game and he fits the bill.

“People question if it the right thing to do bringing in two teenagers. It’s right for us.”

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Related topics:Freddie WoodmanNewcastle UnitedPremier LeagueLeague Two