It is not only the pessimists in our support who fear the emergence of a John Ruddy shaped hole between the posts. Craig Brown has already signed one goalkeeper, Lee Hollis, who looks set to be a back up but reading between the lines it seems clear Fraser will be replaced. Brown himself freely admitted he was in discussion with clubs abroad and with the media now linking us with other ‘keepers, Darren Randolph from Charlton is the latest candidate, his time seems to be up. Certainly Fraser does not inspire confidence but whoever the new man is will have a hard time. Billy Thompson failed to over the Motherwell support after succeeding Ally Maxwell and Ruddy is some act to follow. As an exceptional ‘keeper, he must have been worth 10-12 to us points last season which suggests a goalie only a little better than average would still see us make a net loss. This signing could be the key to the whole campaign.
The defence in front of our number one, whoever he may be, is at least fairly settled. Stevie Hammell might never have fulfilled the potential he had as a 17-year-old but he is a more than competent left back for the SPL. Craigan has his flaws and his mistakes are usually howlers but his vast experience was crucial in helping settle the defence last season and he will be a key member of the back four once more. It seemed taken for granted Mark Reynolds would move on meaning Hutchison or Saunders would step up but so far it hasn’t happened. However, given the financial situation, it is easy to imagine John Boyle driving Reynolds to the station himself – or at least ordering his driver to take him – to ensure we do not lose out on a fee next summer.
Hutchison looked excellent in the summer of 2009 but injury problems hampered his progress. Saunders seems a little rougher around the edges, not aided by being shuffled around the back four, but we should have faith in both. Hateley signing on again gives us good cover at right back if he is not playing in midfield while young Cypriot Angelis Charalambous seems more likely to be one for the future.
Financial hardship means that it is impossible to have true cover for every position but instead we will have five or six players capable of playing almost anywhere in the back line. Craigan and Hutchison are two who cannot be moved from the centre – one would imagine – but should Reynolds end up staying, it is no more than 50-50 that we would buy another defender. A specialist right back is high up on our list of priorities but it is only third behind a goalkeeper and a striker to replace Jutkiewicz. Craig Brown may well decide that Saunders and Hateley can do the job between them and despite their faults, they probably did well enough here last term to earn our backing.