Dean Needs to Play: Aiden

Colchester United goalkeeping coach Aiden Davison believes it is key that U’s stopper Dean Gerken plays ‘consistently’.

The young keeper has been linked with a move to Premier League giants West Ham over the past few days…

‘Dean can play in the Premier League but he needs to play football consistently,’ Davison told The Colchester Gazette.

‘I had the situation in my career where the bigger club you are at you find better quality players in your position.’

He went on: ‘Dean can learn his trade and then play in the Premier League week-in, week-out when the time is right.

‘Dean will be an excellent goalkeeper and will be a better keeper for this season’s experience – although people might find that hard to believe. He will draw on the experience mentally.’

Hammers manager Alan Curbishley also revealed to The Colchester Gazette: ‘There is nothing in the Dean Gerken link at all.’