Murray delighted to have captured two experienced ‘keepers.
Having filled arguably the toughest positions in his squad, boss Adam Murray is hoping our new goalkeeping duo of Scott Shearer and Brian Jensen will bring success to One Call Stadium.
Glaswegian Shearer, 34, joins on a free transfer from Crewe Alexandra and will be our first choice custodian in the 2015/16 campaign, whilst big Danish shot-stopper Brian Jensen joins us in a dual role as player/coach.
Between them, they possess over 30 years experience in the professional game. Shearer has achieved promotion seven times, whilst Jensen played in the Premier League and made over 300 appearances during a decade at Burnley.
On Shearer, who was the first out of the two to put pen-to-paper, Murray said: “I think he brings a full bag of tools to the table. We spoke to a number of goalkeepers all ranging from different levels to different ages. We felt that Scott was the overall best package.
“He’s somebody that is technically very good. His distribution is superb, he’s a huge character and he knows how to win. He’s been in winning changing rooms and he knows what it takes to get out of this league. He’s an individual that sets standards.”
Our boss continued: “We tried to get Scott in during the transfer window last season after I took over [as manager], but it wasn’t do-able and then he went to Burton Albion.
“With all the goalkeepers we have spoken to, they all hadn’t played that many competitive games over the last couple of years. [That was] partly because they’ve been at good clubs and had been number two.
“Scott was one that we looked at we recognised that he’d played at this level and the one above. He’s been competitive and successful at this level, which is obviously a big thing for us. He’s at an age now where I feel we could have a number one here for the next few years who will give us that stability and the experience that I think has been missing.
“The number one jersey was obviously a big one for us and that’s why we didn’t rush it.
“With the whole package put together and everything Scott brings to the table, this is the right one. Sometimes your gut instincts tell you where to go, and when you put the facts and stats and speak to the people you trust in the game, you put the whole picture together.
“The more time has gone, the more secure and happy we are with this signing. To get it done today, a few days before we start pre-season training, we’re ‘over the moon.’”
Should Shearer be out of action at any point during the upcoming season, our boss believes he has a more than adequate back up in Jenson, who featured frequently for Crawley last term.
“We’ve brought Brian in as a number two, but also as a goalkeeper coach,” said Murray.
“It’s an area that I’ve been very mindful of over the past couple of years as we’ve never had a full-time goalkeeper coach, so to be able to be able to get a dual role for a package that I feel is right for the club and to bring someone in of Brian’s stature and experience and intelligence football-wise, is brilliant for us.
“It makes us very, very strong in that area now.
“Brian played at League One level last year and he’s somebody that has played at the highest level. He’s had a great career and comes here with a wealth of knowledge and experience and his contacts in the game are ridiculous.
“So to be able to bring him on board, both from a playing and coaching point of view, will be a major piece of jigsaw.”
He added: “We’ve had a number of conversations with Brian over the past few weeks to get his views and his thoughts on the game, and his input on how we’re going to do things. It’s been great for me. To have him coming into our environment, not just on the coaching side, but to push Scott, I feel we’re in safe hands.”
