New goalkeeping coach Maik Taylor believes that competition in the squad will be key to a successful season under manager Darrell Clarke.
With plenty of new faces expected to come through the door between now and the start of the season, the 47-year-old wants everyone to fight for the right to be in the starting XI and says that once a player has earned their shirt, they mustn’t get complacent.
“I think competition, not just in the goalkeeping department but across the board, is massively important,” said Taylor.
“It is important that you don’t become complacent and rest on your laurels. Nobody is guaranteed a start and I think that is important, you have got to earn the right and if you start the season and the jersey is yours, then it is your responsibility and your chance to stay in the team and keep the jersey.”
And with competition expected to be in place for last season’s number one Liam Roberts, Taylor is hoping that it will help the 24-year-old reach his full potential.
“There is a lot of pressure on the number one being in the team and being able to perform week in, week out and have that level of consistency,” Taylor continued.
“Mistakes are part and parcel of the game, it’s just human nature in a way but it is important that you learn from your mistakes and why you have made the mistakes and try and not repeat them, I think that is the key.
“It’s now a learning period for Liam. He has played a handful of games now and his confidence and experience will slowly grow and hopefully it will continue next season.
“There is no question that we will get somebody in to push him all the way and then we as a team can benefit from that if that competition pushes Liam to produce the kind of performances that are going to keep him in the team.”