Rob Smith hails former AFC Telford goalkeeper James Montgomery following award
AFC Telford United boss Rob Smith declared James Montgomery as the ‘best keeper I have ever worked with’ and insisted the former Bucks shot-stopper fully deserved his supporters’ player of the season gong.
Montgomery – who kept 10 clean sheets in 31 games over the first half of the season before joining Gateshead in January – was unveiled as the winner at the Bucks’s end of season awards.
The 22-year-old from the North East was unable to attend the event atthe ceremony at Whitehouse Hotel on Saturday night, where skipper Luca Havern picked up the players’ player award, but Smith said: “He is the best keeper I have ever worked with.
“Personality wise, he is fantastic and he is definitely the best keeper I have worked with. It just goes to show, the keepers we have brought in since – it’s really difficult to take over the gloves from him. He was awesome, and he is fully deserving of it.”
Montgomery has continued to impress for Gateshead in the National League, and some believe he could be due for a move higher up the pyramid over the summer. “I hope so. To me, he is a Premier League goalkeeper in the making. He really is. No-one deserves it more,” Smith added.
Montgomery was very grateful to have his outstanding contributions recognised andsaid: “I’d like to thank everyone – the fans that voted for me, and gave me the honour of receiving this award.
“I’d also like to thank all the lads, the gaffer, (goalkeeping coach) Andy Pryce, (assistant boss) Larry Chambers and (head of youth) Luke Shelley – and all the backroom staff.
“It was a great time, I loved every minute of it. There were ups and downs but it’s a place in my heart and I wish everyone the best of luck for next season– hopefully it is a bit better than the last two or three.”
Meanwhile, Telford ended the National League North campaign on Saturday, drawing 0-0 with Harrogate Town and finishing 17th. In summing up the season, Smith said: “It’s the worst season I have ever had as a manager.It has been the hardest, worst, most unenjoyable season I have ever had.”
“It has been so difficult. Everything we have tried to do has not come off, and the players feel the same. We achieved our status for next year and we can start again.”
