David Stockdale refuses to ‘accept’ Sheffield Wednesday back-up role – but will support Cameron Dawson
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The veteran stopper, who was praised for his early impact in Wednesday colours having signed from Wycombe Wanderers last summer, last played in a December draw at Exeter City.
Stockdale had helped the Owls rack up 11 clean sheets in the league by that time and his dropping for Cameron Dawson – who himself has been excellent since stepping back into the side – came as something of a surprise to many at the time.
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Hide AdThe 37-year-old spoke candidly on his refusal to accept the role of back-up, but explained he takes pride in his role helping Dawson to continue his form.
“It’s a good job I like Cam, isn’t it!” he joked with BBC Sheffield’s Adam Oxley as part of an interview for their #TimeToTalk mental health campaign.
“It never gets easier and the day I accept it is the day I shouldn’t be playing. I told Cam ‘I’m going to be hot on your heels’, but I did an interview [when he signed for the club], you can probably look back on it. I said whoever was playing, I’d be supportive.
“At the end of the day there’s one thing we all want to do and that’s win promotion.”
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Hide AdWhere other goalkeepers may have sulked their way through proceedings since being dropped, Stockdale has shown his support of Dawson publicly on several occasions.
“On a personal level we’re friends, we get on,” he said.
“It wasn’t Cam’s decision to do that [drop Stockdale]. Why should I jeopardise his happiness or career when it was only going to reflect badly on myself.
“He’s 10 years younger than me. I was once there. Can you imagine someone older when I was there doing something bad to jeopardise me, how I’d feel?
“I’d rather be known as an OK goalkeeper but a nice lad, rather than a really good goalkeeper and a bit of a div.”
The full interview is available to listen to via BBC Sounds.