Rochdale have recently suffered an additional squad blow with the news that goalkeeper Louie Moulden had been recalled from his spell to join League One side Northampton Town, but who could they source as a replacement?
The National League side have had a difficult period due to several injuries and loan cancellations, with Moulden being the latest player to exit the football club.
Since arriving on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Moulden made 29 appearances in all competitions for Jimmy McNulty’s side, keeping six clean sheets as the side continued to push towards the playoff places.
Similarly, Moulden also earned five assists for the National League side, which for a goalkeeper is extremely impressive and a huge asset to lose.
Moulden has had previous experience before his stint at Rochdale, with loan spells at Ebbsfleet United and Solihull Moors where he became a penalty-saving hero under Neal Ardley.
The shot-stopper has been recalled by Wolves and has been subsequently loaned out to League One side Northampton Town for the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign, leaving a major hole in Jimmy McNulty’s side.
Rochdale currently sit seventh in the National League, occupying the final playoff place in the division. McNulty’s side are a point ahead of Gateshead but have played two games more than Rob Elliott’s side. The club are at home to Wealdstone this weekend, looking to make it three home league victories on the spin.
With that being said, let’s take a look at five potential options that Rochdale could consider to replace Moulden…
Tiernan Brooks
Notts County goalkeeper Tiernan Brooks is the first name on this list and was a suggestion that I had previously made when National League rivals Solihull Moors were in search of a Tommy Simkin replacement.
The 21-year-old is yet to make an appearance so far this season, following his return from Irish side Cork City, where he made four appearances.
Brooks is in search of regular game time and is good with the ball at his feet, something that Moulden was also successful in and would arrive as the like-for-like replacement.
Richard O’Donnell
Former Rochdale goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell is a more experienced short-term option that Rochdale could look to consider over the coming days.
The 35-year-old is currently contracted to League One side Blackpool, making ten appearances so far this season and keeping four clean sheets although he is yet to feature in league competition.
Given his location, there is a possibility that the shot-stopper could be available on loan, even if it is short-term until the club sources an alternative option, but that does depend on how serious the injury to Daniel Grimshaw is that he sustained during their FA Cup replay last night.
Zach Jeacock
Birmingham City youngster Zach Jeacock is the next possibility for Jimmy McNulty’s side as he looks to secure regular first-team minutes away from St. Andrews.
The 22-year-old is currently on loan at National League North Side Gloucester City, keeping four clean sheets so far this season but his loan is set to expire at the end of January.
Given his impressive performances between the sticks, there is a possibility that Birmingham could look to promote him into the National League and Rochdale would be an ideal destination for him.
Jed Ward
One goalkeeper who has already featured in the National League this season is Bristol Rovers shot-stopper Jed Ward, having recently returned from Stuart Maynard’s Wealdstone.
The 20-year-old kept three clean sheets in 19 matches for the football club but returned to the League One side back in the middle of November.
Like Brooks, Ward is another goalkeeper who is comfortable having the ball at his feet and could slot straight into the tactical side of Rochdale’s play if he were to make the move.
Jamie Jones
Finishing with another former goalkeeper, Middlesbrough’s Jamie Jones is potentially another option that the National League side could consider.
The 34-year-old is yet to feature for Michael Carrick’s side so far this season and hasn’t played at Spotland since his loan spell during the 2014/15 campaign.
Jones is likely to be available on a short-term loan deal and given his experience in playing for Rochdale, the chances of a reunion could be high.
Rochdale fans, would you be happy with any of these players or is there something else you’d rather see?