Second keeper in a week joins Brewers
Burton Albion have added further strength to their goalkeeping department by signing Jamal Blackman following his departure from Exeter City. He follows New Zealand international Max Crocombe, who signed last week from Grimsby Town.
The Brewers had no senior goalkeepers on the books a short time ago, following the departures of Craig MacGillivray, who had been on a short-term deal to the end of the season, Jordan Amissah, who was on loan from Sheffield United, Ben Garratt, after three years with the club, and back-up keeper Callum Hawkins at then end of the season. But the position looks much healthier now with two keepers in the building who were established number ones for their respective clubs last season.
“Jamal is a good keeper with good pedigree,” said manager Dino Maamria. “We worked really hard to get him in and now we have two good keepers in Max Crocombe and Jamal Blackman and good competition for the number one spot” That’s one department of the pitch we are happy with and it’s brilliant to see the squad shaping up nicely.”
Blackman said: “I’m really pleased to be here. I’m looking forward to the season, bringing my experiences here and seeing what I can do. Knowing the club and playing against Burton a few times, it’s a team I know who are looking to play well and implement their game. It’s one of those places where we can do well in the league with the gaffer and the players he’s bringing in.
“Training at St George’s Park is an amazing place. Training’s been really good and everyone’s been really welcoming. It’s been quite easy to integrate with a few players who I already know here as well so it’s been really good.”
Blackman played 42 matches for Exeter last season following their promotion to League One but it was his only season with the club. Croydon-born and a former England youth international, he began his career with Chelsea in 2006 after being scouted for their academy. He was 13 then and signed a pro contract in 2012.
He remained on the club’s books for 15 years but, as with so many of the Premier League club’s youngsters, he had a good number of loans without playing a senior game. He included spells with Middlesborough, Leeds United, Wycombe Wanderers, Bristol Rovers, Rotherham United and Sheffield United, for whom he kept a clean sheet against the Brewers.
Blackman made a permanent switch to Los Angeles FC in 2021 before heading to Huddersfield Town, where he was a part of the squad that reached the Championship play-off final, although he made only three appearances for them.
He signed for Exeter on a free transfer last season and kept nine clean sheets in 38 League matches. Exeter manager Gary Caldwell has said that financial factors were involved in his release: “It was a difficult decision as he came here to show how good a goalie he was and he had a good season,” said Caldwell. “But financially we decided we had to go in a different direction and also felt I wanted a different personality in goal from next year.”
Blackman has won caps at under-16, under-17 and under-19 level for England and stands 6ft 6in.
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