Southampton loan goalkeeper coach Ryan Flood to Dundee United
Ryan Flood (left) with Dundee United keeper Benjamin Siegrist
Written by Simon Austin — April 16, 2022
WE’VE written a lot about the burgeoning business of player loans in professional football, but never about coaches being loaned out. Until now.
Southampton have just loaned their B team goalkeeper coach Ryan Flood to Dundee United for the remainder of the season.
The deal is seen to work for both parties. The SPL side needed a first-team goalkeeper coach to replace Tony Caig, who had been appointed as Newcastle United’s Head of Academy Goalkeeping last month.
Meanwhile Southampton were eager for Flood to gain first-team experience and Dundee United, vying for a European place after finishing in the top half of the SPL when it split last weekend, should offer a competitive environment.
Flood said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be here. Dundee United are a hugely ambitious club with a great tradition and I hope I can play a part in helping them achieving their goals.
"I may only be here for the short term, but I’ve already been made to feel incredibly welcome by everyone. I sense a real buzz throughout the club. The manager has a real energy and positivity and that has spread throughout the dressing room. We have achieved a top six place but let’s see what comes next.
"I’ve worked with some great keepers, including Fraser Forster at Southampton and we have real talent in the ranks here. Benjamin Siegrist and Carljohan Eriksson are both top operators. It’s my job over the next few weeks to make sure they are fit, focused and ready to help the team.”
The 33-year-old came through the ranks at Queens Park Rangers and signed professional forms at MK Dons, but his career was cut short by injury at the age of just 21.
Since then he has devoted himself to coaching and this will be another important step in that journey.
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