When it was announced that fan’s favorite Tom Hadler was to return to parent club Gillingham, many wondered whether anyone could fill the gloves of the 21-year-old. Despite the best efforts of the Tigers to extend his loan period until the end of the season, his impressive form proved enough for the Gills to insist he returned to the Priestfield Stadium.
James Hamon is the man who takes his place, having arrived from Exeter on a three month loan. After conceding three goals on his disappointing debut, one of which he fumbled into his own net, we profile the two goalkeepers and see if he can fill the void left by Hadler.
When Tom Hadler arrived at the start of the season as competition to Alex Harris, who has since left the club, he only had loan experience under his belt. His spells included Folkestone Invicta, Tonbridge Angels, Grays Athletic, as well as a short time with the Tigers back in 2015. He became a commanding presence behind the back four, and with a number of great performances came some outstanding saves, such as this one against Poole Town.
? @TomHadler1 didn’t have much to do on Saturday, but when he did… ?? pic.twitter.com/Q49ZOBvvut
— Gloucester City AFC (@GCAFCofficial) October 30, 2017
James Hamon arrives having played 28 times for Exeter since his arrival in 2013, mainly featuring in the 2013/14 season. He’s found game time more limited in recent seasons, and was loaned out to Southern League Div One side Hayes and Yeading United in 2016.
This season Hamon has featured heavily in the Checkatrade Trophy, conceding eight goals in 300 minutes of cup action. He has shown goalkeeping potential throughout his time at Exeter, and will be hoping he can improve his confidence and reach his form from four years ago whilst putting in strong performances for his new team every week.
Little separates the two physically, with both keepers being 6ft 1in, but mentally the previous Football league and extra year of experience that the Exeter loanee has could prove to be helpful in commanding his defence as Gloucester hope to improve their defensive record, and personally for the keeper to try and once again break into the first team when he returns to the Grecians.
Hamon will hope for a better performance this weekend against Havant and Waterlooville, and ultimately help Marc Richards’ side avoid relegation as they currently stand 19th in National League South.
