"I haven't come here to be your understudy"

By CCFCSleepingGiant.com
August 7 2002

Martyn Margetson has sent a confident message to Neil Alexander - "I haven't come here to be your understudy."

The Neath-born goalkeeper completed his move to Cardiff on Monday after being controversially released by Huddersfield during the closeseason. He has signed a two-year deal with the club that he has supported since childhood.

The 30-year old, who last year won a place in the PFA team of the season for Division Two, has no intention of keeping the City bench warm on a permanent basis.

"I haven't come here to be No.2," said Margetson. "I played every match for Huddersfield last season so I'm not used to being a substitute.

"A far as goalkeepers are concerned there's only one shirt up for grabs and Neil has got that shirt at the moment. I don't wish ill on anybody but if my chances comes I'll be raring to go."

Lawrence signed Margetson after he impressed during a week-long trial at the club. However, he has been told that he will start the season as Alexander's back-up after the Scotsman excelled during the last few weeks of last season.

Speaking to the Western Mail, Margetson continued: "I've never shirked a challenge before and I'm relishing this one.

"To be fair, I don't see myself as an understudy but a club like Cardiff needs two No.1 goalkeepers. There's healthy competition here and the club needs that.

"Neil might have had it all his own way last season but that's not going to be the case this season. He can't afford to be complacent and I'm sure he won't be.

"If Neil carries on playing the way he has been doing then I'll be the frustrated one. I could be No.2 all the time - that's the worst case scenario.

He added, "I've been working with Neil for two weeks and we're getting on well. There's definitely no animosity between us. In fact, I've never come across two goalkeepers at a club who don't get on. Goalkeepers have a mutual respect for each other.

"Right now my brief is to push Neil as hard as I can. If he plays well then I suppose I'm doing my job which is to keep him on his toes."

This is just what we need - a new goalkeeper who has confidence in his ability and who will push Alexander to his limits. It promises to be a tough battle between the Celtic shot-stoppers.