Rob Green has signed for Chelsea FC on a one-year deal after being released by Huddersfield. He will be a backup to Thibaut Courtois and Willy Caballero for his new club.
Chelsea Sign Rob Green
Bench
There seems to be a pattern with older goalkeepers, who enjoy sitting on the bench whilst winding out their careers. Green now signs with Chelsea to fulfil this role. Chelsea have had the likes of Mark Schwarzer in the past who performed a similar role. Another comparison can be made at Manchester City who had the likes of Richard Wright on their books. These goalkeepers rarely played unless absolutely needed. Most of the time, they were completing coaching badges whilst still training with their clubs in case they were indeed needed. Nevertheless, they did so on decent salaries. Green will probably fill a similar role for Chelsea.
Indeed, his experience could benefit the younger players at Chelsea. With the experience of both the Premier League and the English Football League, he can guide future goalkeepers. This experience is best used here rather than on the pitch. He is past his best playing days and Chelsea won’t be relying on him for the biggest games. Instead, fans should expect him to be moving towards coaching or towards his future career in football, should he choose to take it.
A final reason that Chelsea signed Green could relate to fulfilling squad registration criteria. Green qualifies as a homegrown talent and thus allows them to select a bigger squad. Eight players need to be homegrown. This is probably the most important reason for the signing.
Career
Rob Green has had some career, with plenty of ups and downs. He began his senior career helping Norwich to promotion. Some of his performances were impressive, securing points to help his team survive. Sadly, he could not save his team from relegation, and with the drop in the league came a drop in his performance. He transferred to West Ham for £2m. There he made 219 appearances with the club, playing his best football there. Relegation met with Green again, yet he once again saw his team promoted.
However, he eventually left the club, joining QPR on a free transfer. Julio Cesar was his biggest rival there. But, again, Green rose superior as QPR’s first choice goalkeeper, until the arrival of new manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. QPR needed to cut their wages and so they cut Green from their squad. Next, he joined Leeds United. His time here was not his best football, with a few high profile errors. Finally, he failed to make an appearance at Huddersfield, who then released him.
His international career was also full of ups and downs. He made only 12 appearances for England. But, in that time he was able to be the first choice goalkeeper for the World Cup 2010. Unfortunately, Fabio Capello’s faith in the goalkeeper didn’t come off. Green dropped Clint Dempsey’s shot in the back of his net in excruciating fashion. After this, he no longer featured in any international tournaments.
Now, Green signs for his final club, perhaps. The 38-year-old was considering retirement from football after his release from Huddersfield. Whether he is seeking money, glory or to help guide younger players, he must have some final purpose in playing football.
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