What does Stockdale’s arrival mean for Tomasz Kuszczak?

The arrival of of David Stockdale from Brighton and Hove Albion gives Harry Redknapp a healthy choice between the sticks.

Redknapp has always prefers having three ‘keepers competing for the jersey and you’d assume that will be the case next season.

You’d struggle to find a Blues fan who thought it a priority to sign another goalkeeper. Indeed, Tomasz Kuszczak has performed well as first choice. But free transfers of Stockdale’s ilk don’t come along very often.

Unlike Adam Legzdins, Kuszczak won’t settle for being second fiddle. The Pole is still more than capable and his performances last season were of a high standard on the whole.

I can’t imagine Redknapp wanting to lose Kuszczak but I also can’t see the club standing in his way if an offer arises from elsewhere.

Stockdale was the stand out goalkeeper in the Championship last season and is, without doubt, a marquee signing.

The problem revealing itself to Redknapp now is that he has two ‘number ones’.

The assumption is that Stockdale will be the first choice, assuming he has a half decent pre-season.

That leaves Kuszczak either kicking his heels on the bench or seeking employment elsewhere. I’d take a stab at the latter.

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