Farewell Darren Randolph

It looks like Darren Randolph's time at the Valley is finally coming to an end. Parky is being linked with Freddy Hall, a Bermuda international, as back-up for Rob Elliot.

Darren's had mixed fortunes during his time with us but I wish him well and would expect someone to snap him up. He's certainly seen enough loan action to have visibility with lower league clubs.

He has fallen out of favour with Phil Parkinson and the decision to bring in Carl Ikeme when Elliot was injured recently and play him ahead of Randolph was the final nail in the coffin.

Good football management is a harsh world and Parky's decision to prefer Ikeme was a kick in the teeth, especially when he was promptly dropped after having to be played in the F A Cup defeat at Hereford, where he nearly earned us a draw after pulling off a series of superb saves.

I saw him in W H Smith's at Peninsula Park, Charlton, before Christmas and was struck by just how big he actually is. At 22, he has time on his side and at least he can console himself with the beautiful Rochelle Wiseman.