Blackpool's keeper conundrum

It looks like Paul Rachubka finally has some competition for the goalkeeping jersey at Bloomfield Road.

After being an ever-present since his arrival at the club in early 2007, Rachubka is facing his longest spell out of the team, even though he isn`t injured.

Rachubka`s red card against Crystal Palace at the end of January was his first in a Blackpool shirt. In came Matt Gilks for his Seasiders debut and with the team winning 1-0, Gilks couldn`t have been more surprised and delighted at his league debut for Pool.

Despite conceding three goals against Doncaster, Gilks kept his place in goal for the Ipswich match and he helped Pool earn a point at Portman Road.

All the signs are that Tony Parkes and Steve Thompson are prepared to give Gilks a fair crack at the whip. The philosophy of 'when you get your chance if you perform you will keep the shirt` seems to be a firm but fair strategy employed for a few years now at Bloomfield Road.

Rachubka seems to be on the receiving end of this, which is unfortunate for him considering his dismissal at Palace was more to do with Ian Evatt`s sloppy back pass than his own error.

Looking at the two keepers both seem to have their own qualities. Nobody can deny Rachubka is a fine shot stopper whereas Gilks has impressed with his commanding authority in collecting crosses into the box. A combination of these two strengths would be ideal.

The voting in this week's poll has fluctuated quite dramatically. Rabs held a comfortable lead up until the weekend. But after another strong display from Gilks at Ipswich the voting has evened out. The American just edges it though with 53 per cent compared to Gilks on 47 per cent.

But Gilks has had to be patient in waiting for his chance to impress the Blackpool fans so now he`s in the team he won`t give up his place easily. Rachubka will have to bide his time and wait to see when he will have the chance to add to his 91 Blackpool appearances.

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