Derby sign international goalkeeper Poulson

Author: Paddy Finnemore

Jez Poulson re-joins Derby Futsal Club, making it the third major signing of the summer after Sam Hutsby and Joe Illston.

Poulson joins the Derby ranks to provide some considerable competition to an already developing team of goalkeepers.

Poulson has played futsal for over 10 years, with the majority of that time spent in the top division. He most recently played for Loughborough Students in the FA National Futsal Series Tier One.

Back in 2016/17 he spent a season at Derby as they were battling for promotion from the National Futsal League Division Two North.

Derby General Manager, Matt Hardy is pleased with how the team of goalkeepers is coming together:

“We’re delighted to be bringing Jez back to the club. After the decision to allow Archie Robinson to leave, we needed to bolster the goalkeeping ranks and someone of Jez’s ability will bring considerable competition for Rich Hankey to battle for the number one spot, something that will benefit them both.”

The difference, and complimenting attributes that Poulson will bring to the team is what Hardy is looking forward to seeing the most:

“His character is something that at times I think we lacked in the changing room last season. He’s that calm head in the key moments and it’s something that I think will benefit all of the players as it did when he was with us before. Lads understand the level he’s been at and respect his approach and what he has to say.”

With his 10 year futsal career, and international experience Poulson is ready to pass on his wisdom to the developing Derby team:

“The players in the squad are more than capable of getting Derby challenging for the league and getting promoted. I know a lot of the players and coaches, so I know they are good people and the club is run in the right way. I have huge experience from the last nine seasons. I can also help the younger players develop and learn.”

Although he will be huge asset to the Derby ‘Goalkeepers’ Union’ with his calmness and futsal intelligence, Poulson is ready to push for a starting place:

“I want to play regularly week in, week out. I have come from the top tier of futsal, so I am used to fast paced play and the best players in the country. My aim is to cement a starting place every week. I want to make an impact on matches and help the team become as strong as possible.”

The 28 year old goalkeeper has played at the very top of the english domestic game, six seasons spent at Loughborough, and two at Birmingham. He also brings with him international experience having represented the England national team. Poulson has two career goals to his name, and outside of futsal remains in sport working with EFL Championship club Sheffield Wednesday as part of their Sports Science team.

Hardy would like to go on record in thanking Loughborough Head Coach, Joao Almeida for the part he played in assisting Poulson and the club in his return to Derby.