Express & Star

Title-winning Wolves keeper earns praise

Published
Last updated

Some players go through their whole career without winning a league winners' medal.

more

But Wolves goalkeeper Jon Flatt has done it just 15 games into his career, having helped Cheltenham Town to the National League title.

Flatt joined the Robins on loan in early March when on-loan Charlton keeper Dillon Phillips suffered a knee injury.

At the time Cheltenham were just one point clear of Forest Green at the top of the National League.

But in their final 10 matches Flatt, who played every single minute, helped them win 22 points of a possible 30 to finish 12 ahead of Forest Green and return to the Football League as champions.

Flatt also kept four clean sheets, including three in succession.

And that experience is now set to benefit both Wolves and Flatt, with his form having not gone unnoticed by boss Kenny Jackett.

Jackett said the experience accrued by Flatt during his time with Cheltenham was invaluable.

"It's terrific at his age to go into that type of pressure situation, where you're at the top of the National League, and needed to keep it going," Jackett told the Express & Star.

"He kept his place, which is credit to him, and then they finished off strongly as champions which is terrific.

"It's been very good for him and is good for the future.

"It's tough for young players to get the experience they need.

"It's very easy for them to go two or three years maybe in an under-21 squad, work hard and do everything they can – but sometimes getting that chance or an opportunity is a big thing for your career.

"And I would suggest for Jon that's a vital one.

"For next year, whether he comes back here or goes back out on loan, people would trust him again, because he's been a regular first team player.

"If he can get out into the league next year and be a number one, and then start building up his game, aged 20 or 21 as a goalkeeper you can only improve."

[comments_cta header="What do you think?" button="Log in and start commenting"]