Brighton Fan View: An Australian making headlines for the right reasons

Perhaps it seems the wrong time to be singing the virtues of an Australian, but what a fantastic signing Mathew Ryan has been for Brighton.

There was widespread disappointment when David Stockdale refused to sign a new contract last summer, having played such a big part in Brighton’s promotion to the Premier League, but the capture of Australia No.1 Ryan was a shrewd move.

The reasons for Stockdale’s departure continue to bemuse Brighton fans. There was talk of an England recall as he helped us to promotion but then the Yorkshireman said he wanted to move closer to home and subsequently moved to Birmingham. Some Brighton fans speculated about why Stockdale had made such a move and, while I would prefer just to be grateful for what he did for the club, the switch has clearly not worked out. Instead of being a regular in the Premier League, our former No.1 is now battling to avoid relegation to League one.

When Ryan arrived from Valencia, he had big shoes to fill and a mistake in a pre-season friendly with Atletico Madrid – albeit he played very well in that game – meant he took a while to win over some fans.

But for much of this season Ryan has been outstanding. He has pulled off some fantastic saves, he is confident with the ball at his feet, his kicking with either foot is impressive and his penalty save in the dying moments of a draw at Stoke simply elevated him to another level with supporters.

In a season when a number of Brighton players are emerging as modern-day ‘legends’ – a phrase used far too liberally in my opinion – Ryan is certainly among them but there is still plenty of work to do to earn such accolades, starting with this weekend’s visit of Leicester. Brighton have a chance to take a huge step towards Premier League survival as a win against the Foxes would lift us on to 37 points, with Huddersfield at home and Crystal Palace away to follow in our next two fixtures.

Leicester will be tough opponents as they beat us away earlier in the season and Jamie Vardy showed for England against Italy on Tuesday how dangerous he can be. But he has got to get past Ryan and our favourite Aussie has showed this season that won’t be easy.

You have to hand it to Brighton’s recruitment team because Ryan, Pascal Gross, Davy Propper and Jose Izquierdo have all proved to be tremendous signings. You can add in that mix too Tim Krul, who is an excellent back-up stopper to Ryan and someone we are lucky to have.

Krul spoke this week about his desire to stay longer than his one-year contract which expires in the summer, albeit that commitment could be tested by an offer of being a No.1 choice elsewhere. In fact, it will be an interesting summer as Brighton decide who will be the back-up to Ryan for next season. Krul? I would be happy with him. Niki Maenpaa? He has not let the club down when called upon but he seems surplus to requirements. Christian Walton? The England under-21 goalkeeper has enjoyed a superb season on loan to Wigan and deserves the chance to push for first-team opportunities at the Amex.

In all, we are well served in the goalkeeper’s department – and delighted to have a sporting Aussie as our No.1.