Inside View with Charlton goalkeeper Darren Randolph
14:37, 25 March 2010
Darren Randolph denies Simeon Jackson in the 2-2 draw against Gillingham on Saturday Picture: Barry Goodwin
Being involved on Saturday was unexpected – but, just like any substitute goalkeeper, you have to expect the unexpected.
It was good to get on the pitch but any impact always happens when you least expect it and with Rob (Elliot) living down in Gillingham, being a Charlton fan, and knowing the Kent rivalry between the two clubs, I knew he’d love this game.
He said in the warm-up that he was struggling a bit, though, so I got myself ready because I knew there was a slight chance of me coming on.
Obviously, Rob couldn’t continue in the second half, so fans would have seen me warming up with goalkeeping coach Andy Woodman during the interval so I could be as sharp as possible for the resumption.
I was pleased to keep a clean sheet in my 45 minutes on the pitch and was happy with the way I played.
You could say I had one serious save to make when Dennis Oli hit one from close range and I stuck out my arm and my leg at the same time and it just hit me. I was determined not to concede when I came on and to give us a chance to get two goals and win. We got one and their keeper made a few saves and we hit the bar, so we were a bit unlucky.
I understand that the fans get frustrated – and we could all hear the boos at the end – but sometimes they need to understand that it’s harder for the players when the fans are getting on your back.
David Mooney was getting a bit of stick, so I was buzzing for him when he scored. That was just the lift he needed and then everybody got behind him.
The atmosphere can affect people in different ways. Some people might not want to try something in case it goes wrong, whereas when it’s going well, you’ll try it, it comes off and everyone claps.
We do have characters in our team who aren’t fazed by it, though. We have people who will keep taking people on, keep passing and keep trying shots.
As for me, I’m like everybody else involved in football – I want to play. You wouldn’t be in the game if you didn’t want to play and with Rob out for a few weeks, I’m hoping to hold onto the gloves against Huddersfield on Saturday.
I’m out of contract in the summer, so it’s an uncertain time for me, but I’ve been told to keep training hard as if I’m going to play in the next game and when my time does come, if I’m prepared right, then hopefully I’ll take my chance. I’m just concentrating on this season at the moment.