Max Crocombe: “It’s been nice to have a run in the team; I think it’s over 40 games now that I have started now, and I can’t thank the gaffer enough. He’s backed me and been a calming presence in the sense that he is not constantly checking over my shoulder and allowed me to get on with my game. He is the best manager I have worked under without a shadow of a doubt.
Over the last few years, I’ve had a lot of situations where I’ve been a part of an unsettled squad, and I’ve been one of the players to take the hit for it. It’s been frustrating, but now, [under Paul Hurst], I’ve been backed, and I think we’ve both reaped the rewards from that. Together as a club and myself individually, we’ve put together some really good performances and created unbelievable memories for the supporters. Already this season we’ve had a number of great results, particularly on the road, and that is something we want to keep going. It’s also nice to look back on last season to instil belief that we can do something like that again.”
Less exciting elsewhere in League Two for Wimbledon and Colchester who each suffered 1-0 defeats. Tommy Smith is still a long term absentee for Colchester but unfortunately it was a Nik Tzanev fumble that led to the goal that Wimbledon conceded. He did make a few killer saves later on to keep his side in the contest but they couldn’t find a goal.
Max Crocombe: “It’s been nice to have a run in the team; I think it’s over 40 games now that I have started now, and I can’t thank the gaffer enough. He’s backed me and been a calming presence in the sense that he is not constantly checking over my shoulder and allowed me to get on with my game. He is the best manager I have worked under without a shadow of a doubt.
Over the last few years, I’ve had a lot of situations where I’ve been a part of an unsettled squad, and I’ve been one of the players to take the hit for it. It’s been frustrating, but now, [under Paul Hurst], I’ve been backed, and I think we’ve both reaped the rewards from that. Together as a club and myself individually, we’ve put together some really good performances and created unbelievable memories for the supporters. Already this season we’ve had a number of great results, particularly on the road, and that is something we want to keep going. It’s also nice to look back on last season to instil belief that we can do something like that again.”
Less exciting elsewhere in League Two for Wimbledon and Colchester who each suffered 1-0 defeats. Tommy Smith is still a long term absentee for Colchester but unfortunately it was a Nik Tzanev fumble that led to the goal that Wimbledon conceded. He did make a few killer saves later on to keep his side in the contest but they couldn’t find a goal.
Max Crocombe: “It’s been nice to have a run in the team; I think it’s over 40 games now that I have started now, and I can’t thank the gaffer enough. He’s backed me and been a calming presence in the sense that he is not constantly checking over my shoulder and allowed me to get on with my game. He is the best manager I have worked under without a shadow of a doubt.
Over the last few years, I’ve had a lot of situations where I’ve been a part of an unsettled squad, and I’ve been one of the players to take the hit for it. It’s been frustrating, but now, [under Paul Hurst], I’ve been backed, and I think we’ve both reaped the rewards from that. Together as a club and myself individually, we’ve put together some really good performances and created unbelievable memories for the supporters. Already this season we’ve had a number of great results, particularly on the road, and that is something we want to keep going. It’s also nice to look back on last season to instil belief that we can do something like that again.”
Less exciting elsewhere in League Two for Wimbledon and Colchester who each suffered 1-0 defeats. Tommy Smith is still a long term absentee for Colchester but unfortunately it was a Nik Tzanev fumble that led to the goal that Wimbledon conceded. He did make a few killer saves later on to keep his side in the contest but they couldn’t find a goal.
3rd choice? Why would he not be #1?
Because it’s League Two and this is his first season where he’s actually had the chance to establish himself. Could he snag the number 1 jersey? Sure. But I reckon he needs to do a bit more to push out the incumbents in Marinovic and Sail. I’d have him 3rd at the moment, ahead of Woud, Tzanev, Searle and Paulsen.
If Max keeps up his solid form though he should definitely be in with a shout, especially with Oli and Stefan both looking/sounding a little shaky at the moment.
8 clean sheets from 18 games across all competitions this season. Any goalkeeper worth his salt is taking those returns.
Excellent to see them doing well after being promoted too. So much for struggling after going up a level eh?
Caught a few glimpses of him on the latest episode of Welcome to Wrexham as well. Probably not a game either keeper will remember with fondness! 😂
Watched all 18 episodes. It's brilliant. Good news, there is a season 2 coming - covering this current season which has them in 2nd place behind Notts County at the moment.
Story in the Grimsby Telegraph quotes a local BBC radio interview Crocombe did about his hopes to still play for the All Whites.
“I’ve always wanted to be involved [with New Zealand]. But, it has been difficult with the lack of international windows. In the past, when I’ve gone away, I’ve lost my place in the team and missed league games which was frustrating.
“It’s been a difficult situation at times, as much of a privilege as it is, of course, I want to be involved, and I’m disappointed when I’m not. Recently, with the vaccination restrictions, amongst other things, I don’t think I’ve been allowed to be selected."
So vaccination status had him in the same boat as Tzanev, otherwise he'd probably have been there ahead of guys like Searle or Gould. I do remember reading in a Burgess NZH story that an unnamed second player (after Tzanev) was in with a chance of a call up, but missed out due to travel restrictions. League not stopping doesn't help either, as it doesn't really benefit anyone if he flies all the way around the world to be third keeper, and ends up missing club games.
Big result that! 😯 Love it that he's getting all the starts across all their competitions too. Hardly heard of him putting a foot wrong all season this far. Which I guess is what you want to see from the guy between the sticks.
Max Crocombe saved two penalties as the Mariners booked their place in the knockout stages of the Papa John’s Trophy with a shoot-out victory over Manchester City U21 at Blundell Park.
Unfortunately didn't get the dream tie they would have hoped for in the next round. Play away at winner of Luton Town / Wigan Athletic (a replay).
Max Crocombe is the last remaining New Zealander in this season's FA Cup. Kept a cleanie as Grimsby Town beat Burton 1-0 in the 3rd round
The other five kiwis to play first team EFL footy this term have all been eliminated so now it's Grimsby all the way, baby #FlyingKiwishttps://t.co/XzfsV2pdDH
