Harrow Borough manager Dave Anderson is confident he can find a replacement for James Shea despite admitting he has lost the best goalkeeper he has ever worked with.
As an ex-goalkeeper himself, the Northern Irishman knows he is losing a fantastic talent but has already identified a number of potential replacements.
“I’ve got a few names in mind and it’s something we’re not really worried about at the moment,” Anderson said.
“There’s a possibility of a loan deal and another couple of goalkeepers knocking around. I’m weighing up my options really.
“We’re really pleased for James. You should never stop people from progressing.
“As a football club, we don’t want to hold anyone back.
“I’d made Wimbledon aware of him and I’m delighted for him to be able to go there.
“We allowed him to go and train there a few times last season. I knew they were seriously looking for another goalkeeper and I thought he was a great choice.
“He’s as good as I’ve seen in 30 years and I’ve had some good ones.”
Wimbledon had been looking for a new shot-stopper to compete with Ross Worner for the gloves, following the departure of Seb Brown this summer.
Anderson reckons Shea, who was released by Arsenal last summer, will give his new team-mate a real fight for his place after watching him develop last season at Earlsmead.
He added: “It’s a club that’s close to my heart and I know all of the staff down there. He did do well when he went down there and they monitored his progress throughout the season.
“Neal Ardley wants him to challenge for the first-team spot and it will be a genuine contest. I think he will be sold again because I think he can play even higher.”
Harrow, who will find out their Ryman League fixtures for the season on Monday, kick-off their pre-season campaign against Wealdstone on Saturday, July 19, and a visit from an Arsenal XI a week later really catches the eye.
The Stones began their warm-up for the new season with a 3-0 win over Leverstock Green at the weekend and a trip to Burnham awaits on Saturday.
