Butland an example to all young pros

It has been reported in yesterday’s press that Birmingham City ‘keeper Jack Butland has turned down the opportunity to speak with Chelsea.

I stand up, take my hat off and applaud the teenage stopper for rejecting what would without doubt would be a fabulous financial opportunity in favour of regular first team football.

Of Chelsea’s current keepers, Petr Cech is undisputed number one and only turns 31 in May.  This is still considered a ‘spring chicken’ for a goalkeeper and the Czech number one is set to still have many years left at the top level.  In reserve, Ross Turnbull has not exactly staked his claim to Cech’s throne, particularly in the recent humiliating 2-2 draw with London neighbours Brentford, but is an experienced Premier League keeper none the less.  Further down the pecking order, Chelsea have the highly rated Belgian Thibaut Courtois, who is rapidly making a name for himself on loan at Atletico Madrid.  Therefore with such goalkeeping back up it is difficult to see where Butland will get a game.

There is no doubt that Birmingham are likely to be forced into letting go of their most sellable asset for the good of the club at some point in the near future, be it in January or the summer, and I expect there to be no shortage of speculation surrounding Butland as we enter the final day of the transfer window.  However, the realisation that a move to Chelsea could halt his career before it has even got going, regardless how financially inviting the move could be, is something Butland should be commended for.

Butland appears to have his feet firmly on the ground, something very refreshing for one so young.  I have no doubt that Butland will very soon be a Premier League keeper, but at this stage of his career playing games and gaining experience is far more important.  If Butland can continue to grow into a first team regular now in the right environment, the financial rewards will certainly follow and his abilities will be to the benefit of his club, English football and most importantly himself.

Aaron SharpFollow @ajs26061988