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Lee Nicholls named in the Championship Team Of The Season

25/04/2022

Not since 2016-17, have Huddersfield had a player in the Championship team of the season, when Tommy Smith and a certain Aaron Mooy were named alongside David Wagner in the team. There were calls for Carlos Corberan, Lewis O'Brien and Lee Nicholls to be included in the side, but it was only Nicholls that made it.

Signing a 28 year old goalkeeper on a free transfer from MK Dons, who only played in 14 games in all competitions last season for the League 1 side, was hardly seen as a 'bums off seat' signing, but how wrong that assessment was.

19 clean sheets in 44 appearances (all competitions, 18, in 42 in the Championship) is even more impressive when Town conceded 71 goals in the Championship last season. That improvement alone should be enough to warrant a place in the side, but in reality, he has contributed so much more to deserve a place.

A look at the numbers

18 clean sheets, which ranks him 1st in the division, 129 saves, again the most in the division, goals against per 90 is 0.95, which sees him rank 6th, although no keeper higher has played more games than him. Nicholls has prevented 5.1 goals this season, which ranks him 7th in the league. I think though it is also important to consider that Town conceded 71 goals in 46 games last season, whereas Lee has conceded 40 goals in 42 games this season. The transformation has been huge and partly it has been down to the defensive recruitment, but don't take anything away from Nicholls, his performances and the way he plays, must fill the defence in front of him with so much confidence. He has picked up 7 yellow cards this season, which is the most by any keeper in the division this season, but this proves the lengths he goes to, to make sure that the team wins and allows them to relax and concentrate. It may not be the most 'sporting' thing to do, but I think that the gamesmanship side has certainly been missing from the Town side in recent seasons.

It isn't just the amount of saves he is making, it is also the complexity of saves that he is making. The save against Millwall was world class, and one which showed a huge improvement in his game. Having let in a poor goal at Stoke earlier in the season, Clem and Nicholls worked on improving his reaction to a save and getting up to get across the goal for a second save. The save at Millwall was proof of his development this season.

Huge credits to Paul Clements

I think there was a dark cloud hanging over every person at the club after what happened last season, but that has completely vanished and not least with Paul Clements. The signing of Joel Pereira who let in 11 goals in two games, still wakes me up in the middle of the night. Along with the decision to let Ben Hamer leave, leaving only Ryan Schofield in goal for the rest of the season was a bold and very risky decision. I feel really sorry for Schofield, he clearly cares about the club and he had his confidence absolutely torn to pieces playing in that side last season. He is a decent shot-stopper, and he has some great reflexes, but his game is nowhere near complete as of yet. So, credit to Paul for going out and saying this is the 'keeper that I want at Town and out of nowhere he has become the best goalkeeper in the Championship.

I think as well with Clements, it's not just the signing of Nicholls that is so impressive, it is also the improvements in his game that have become so noticeable. His distribution has improved massively and that is down to the work that Clem has done on the training ground with him.

It is not just the signing of Lee, if you look at the academy and the goalkeepers there, Nicholas Bilokapic, Jacob Chapman, Giosue Bellagambi and Michael Aquah all of whom are looking really promising. 19 year old Aussie Bilokapic who made his debut from the bench in the FA Cup against Burnley in January looks the pick of the bunch. Back to the first team, there is Lee, Jamal Blackman and Ryan Schofield all of which have played at this level, it is the strongest Town has been in their goalkeeping department in years. A lot of credit should be given to Paul Clements for that.

England Ambitions

At 29 and having never played top flight football (yet), it is at most a long shot that Nicholls is called up to the national team, but from a purely performance-based point of view, Nicholls should be in. Rated the best 'keeper in the Championship - ahead of Sam Johnstone and apart from Aaron Ramsdale, no other English keeper has played consistent minutes in a side that isn't underperforming.

It is certainly a long shot, but in my opinion, certainly an avenue that England should take. It gives hope to all players that even towards the end of their careers, there is a chance to play for England and is a perfect example that hard work beats talent and that players don't always develop at the same rate.

I think Lee has epitomised Huddersfield Town this season. Written off before the season started, fought for his place in the team, learnt from his mistakes and developed into the strongest 'keeper in the Championship. It is a thoroughly deserved award and one that makes you put a smile on your face again as a Town fan.