Joining the likes of Cole Stockton and other high profile figures at the Shrimps, Morecambe goalkeeper Connor Ripley is another player set to be released from their contract by the Lancashire Coast club in June.
The news comes even after Ripley was recognised for his impressive individual season. Morecambe might well have slumped to a disappointing relegation to League Two, but Ripley still picked up the Player of the Season accolade for Morecambe FC voted for by Shrimps supporters.
Despite conceding 78 goals as Shrimps keeper this campaign, Ripley’s passion and bravery on the pitch throughout the season showed to Morecambe fans a goalkeeper that was battling even if Derek Adams’ men often fell short and succumbed to a disappointing defeat.
Ripley has travelled a far distance throughout his career to play for various clubs, playing for the likes of Motherwell, Oldham Athletic and Burton Albion out on loan. Morecambe had become Ripley’s home after a career stacked full of temporary moves away, the ex Middlesbrough shot-stopper becoming a fan favourite at the Mazuma.
Now, however, he’ll be looking for another move elsewhere. You imagine that the 30-year-old shot-stopper will be in high demand, with a number of teams needing to add reinforcements to their goalkeeper position over the summer.
Where will the former Preston North End goalkeeper end up next?
Peterborough United
Darren Ferguson’s Posh might well look to Connor Ripley to fill the void in the goalkeeping position in the summer, Will Norris only in at Peterborough United on loan and expected to return back to his parent club Wolves.
Other than Norris, Posh only really have the inexperienced Will Blackmore to fall back on in the goalkeeper department. Therefore, getting in the experienced and trusty head of Ripley wouldn’t be the worst bit of business.
Ripley did comically let a Joe Ward free-kick go between his legs in favour of Darren Ferguson’s side when the two teams faced off at the Mazuma in February, but he’s shown more than enough in his career to prove he’s capable of playing at League One level.
If Posh remain at this level next season, expect Ripley to be targeted. Even if Posh win promotion via the playoffs, Ripley could even be purchased still as adequate backup to bolster the selection of shot-stoppers at London Road.
Stevenage FC
Although Steve Evans’ men managed to secure automatic promotion in the end up to League One and celebrated in style, one constant nuisance in this promotion-clinching campaign was the amount of goalkeepers used due to injury issues.
Relying on the emergency loan services of young Hull City keeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala after Jon McCracken’s injury, Steve Evans might well move away from the loan market completely if Ripley is now available.
Offering experience in net, Connor Ripley would hope a move to Stevenage would see him come in at a relegation-threatened team and steer them to safety with impressive displays along the way.
Bristol Rovers
With Ellery Balcombe returning back to the Premier League with Brentford after a promising loan spell at The Gas, Bristol Rovers will need to bring in a goalkeeper this summer.
Conceding 73 goals over the course of the campaign, Joey Barton’s men were consistently bailed out by their goalscoring numbers to stave off any relegation fears. If it wasn’t for the goalscoring exploits of Josh Coburn and Aaron Collins, the Gas could have been in trouble.
Joey Barton might look to the free transfer market to add to the goalkeepers he has available to him at the Memorial Stadium to sort out his leaky Rovers side, James Belshaw already at the club not the strongest option. Therefore, Ripley could be purchased on the cheap to take the number one jersey.
Bolton Wanderers
Bolton follow a consistent trend on the list so far, another team that will be eager to bring a new goalkeeper into the building with their current choice in net returning back to their parent team higher up the football pyramid.
James Trafford has starred in goal for Bolton over the last two seasons, amassing over 60 appearances for Ian Evatt’s men over two full campaigns on loan from Manchester City. Getting Trafford back for a third loan spell on the trot feels like a bridge too far, Evatt now having to explore different options.
In a similar scenario to Darren Ferguson at Peterborough United, Bolton could still well be playing Championship football next season if they taste promotion success via the playoffs. Ripley wouldn’t have to relocate far to join Bolton, making the short journey from Lancashire to Greater Manchester.
It remains to be seen whether or not Evatt would gamble on Ripley’s services, but with better quality players around him, the ex England U20 international could thrive at a team like Bolton.
Derby County
Lastly, Derby County could well look to bring Connor Ripley to Pride Park to give the Rams’ number one keeper Joe Wildsmith a run for his money in net.
The Rams’ recently released retained list looks as if Scott Loach – a backup option to Wildsmith – could well be off with his contract up. On top of that, Luke McGee – who offered another option in goal temporarily – has returned back to Forest Green after making zero appearances.
Connor Ripley could be seen, therefore, as a worthy free transfer buy to provide healthy competition to Wildsmith with these two absentees leaving a gaping hole in the goalkeeper department at the club. It would be a solid and sensible purchase, as Derby aim to be competitive at the top-end of the division next campaign whilst not breaking the bank.
What are your thoughts on the selection of clubs I’ve picked out that Connor Ripley could potentially join? Let me know by commenting below…
