AFC Telford No.1 Sheridan Martinez has Gavin Cowan’s full backing
Boss Gavin Cowan is ‘completely sold’ on the ability of Sheridan Martinez and has no qualms with him being AFC Telford United’s No.1 goalkeeper.
Twenty-five-year-old Martinez returned to the Bucks earlier this summer after a spell last season in which he did not play a competitive minute.
He has been between the sticks for the majority of pre-season and, having also worked with him at Solihull Moors, Cowan and goalkeeping coach Darren Acton believe he is ready to prove himself in National League North.
"Me and Darren are completely sold on his ability," said Cowan, whose charges wrap up their run of friendlies at Aberystwyth Town tonight.
"The problem with Shez is he's not had games, so he needs someone to invest in him and trust him.
"Fortunately for him, we're in a bit of a position at this stage our life at AFC Telford and that's what we have to do.
"We're not in a fortunate position to go out and get a £400 or £500-a-week goalkeeper, which I think they go for at this level – although I don't know as I haven't spoke to any of them.
"In terms of Shez, where we're at is that he wants someone to invest in him.
"We see what he does on a day-to-day basis and Darren's worked with him for a few years – he is a bit of a father figure to Shez, who has got undoubted ability."
While Martinez is seen as the No.1, Cowan still wants to add to his goalkeeping ranks.
Former New Saints shot-stopper Andy Wycherley has been training and playing friendlies over the past few weeks.
An agreement could be on the cards for him, as well as another glovesman – if it fits within what is a tight budget.
"We'd like to sign Andy with a view to sending him out on loan," added Cowan.
"Again, where we are financially, we'd need a loan club to take him.
"For me, anyone in the league below should be jumping at the chance to sign him. He's a very good goalkeeper.
"We're just committed to Shez and think he's our No.1 at the moment.
"We're working on bringing in another goalkeeper as well.
“We’d like to keep Andy around because though he’s not at the moment, he could certainly be a goalkeeper for us in the future.”
