Crystal Palace boss, Roy Hodgson is currently targeting 6 feet and 9 inches goalkeeper, Tomas Holy. Holy is a 26-year-old goalkeeper from Rychnov nad Kneznou in the Czech Republic and currently plays for Gillingham in EFL League One after signing in January 2017.
The keeper started his career at Hradec Kralove before making a move to Sparta Prague in 2010. Holy graduated to the first team in 2012 and he played 12 games for Sparta’s B team while also making three loan moves to Graffin Vlasim, Viktoria Zizkov and Fastav Zlin during his time at the club.
He has so far appeared for the Czech Republic U-16, U-17 and U-18 sides with 12 caps all around.
Holy is a regular starter for the EFL League One side with 23 appearances this season. His massive structure in front of goal does not slow him down one bit. On the contrary, he is quite agile and blessed with great athletic abilities.
Hodgson is currently on the lookout for a first choice goalkeeper to replace the inconsistent Julian Speroni and Wayne Hennessey. With the likes of Diego Lopez already linked to the club, he is also considering a number options for a possible transfer in January.
The effects of Hodgson for the Eagles have been immediate and quite refreshing for the fans as they dug themselves out of the relegation zone not a single loss in their last 8 games in the Premier League. However, they are not out of danger just yet with the second half of season still left.
With 29 goals conceded already a goalkeeper has been the saving grace to many clubs who end up in the relegation battle. Jordan Pickford was immense for Sunderland last season and he earned himself a move to Everton this summer with his remarkable display in between the stick for the Black Cats.
The Daily Mail claims that funds will be made available to the 70-year-old manager this January even with the club currently facing a £100million bill in redeveloping their home stadium, Selhurst Park. Hodgson is eager to add quality to the attacking lineup as well as the defensive end. With Wilfried Zaha already attracting so much interest from top Premier League sides, he might have to find a replacement for him too.
It would be interesting to see Holy jump a step in the career ladder and directly move into top-flight English football. While adjusting to the pace will not be an easy feat, he will look to make a significant impact for the Glaziers.
