With injuries to both Michael Verrips and Simon Moore, Sheffield United’s goalkeeping situation was beginning to look a bit dire. If both of them were to stay on the sidelines for a few months, it would have left Sheffield United with only Dean Henderson as an option in the net as the team only has those three keepers on their roster. That’s why, this week, the side recalled Jake Eastwood from his loan spell at Scunthorpe United.
The move makes perfect sense. Should Henderson receive an injury during a game, there would be nobody to replace him. When the news of Eastwood’s recall was announced on Twitter, fans were thrilled.
No choice! Makes sense ?
— TheBlades (@skibumg) January 8, 2020
Verrips and Moore both badly injured then? Or just precaution
— Smig (@Smiggy) January 8, 2020
Right choice. Makes sense bringing Jake back to cover for Deano.
— Jamie Davies (@daviesblades83) January 8, 2020
Great to have him back great prospect.
— Rob Brown (@RobBrow87970296) January 8, 2020
Would you like to see Eastwood given a chance to start now that he is back?
Yes
No
Others joked that the only other option would have been to call up a fan. One supporter was a little disappointed not get a call from Chris Wilder himself.
Didn’t fancy taking me up on my offer of playing in net then? Cheers lads I’m offended now
— Chris Laycock (@Lincs_Blade) January 8, 2020
Now that would make a good half time announcement – “is there a keeper in the ground? “
— Gary Sinclair (@sinclairgaz) January 9, 2020
What do we think?
While Eastwood likely will not see much game time, the move helps cover for the unfortunate injuries that Wilder has seen his side face.
Should Henderson receive a freak injury, Eastwood could find himself as the starter after being shipped out on loan. That would certainly be an extreme scenario though.