NCM Report Cards: #1 Saul Deeney

These report cards will basically serve as an individual report for each player, as to how their season went.

They will include a season highlight, lowlight, detailed summary and an eventual rating (out of 10) as to how we feel they performed over the course of the season.

They will appear on the site in squad number order and will also include the players who have left the Magpies throughout the course of the season.

So, here we begin, with young Irish stopper Deeney.


Name: Saul Deeney
Age: 22
Position: Goalkeeper:
No. of Appearences '04/05: 37 (1)

Season Highlight: Finally making the No.1 jersey his own.
Season Lowlight: Getting sent off on his 22nd birthday vs Kidderminster.

One of the few players whose report will be of a positive nature, Deeney has transformed from an excellent prospect to an excellent goalkeeper over the past season.

After spending the two seasons' prior to this one as third choice behind Steve Mildenhall and Stuart Garden - making just 10 first team appearences - Deeney finally emerged from the shadows at Meadow Lane, becoming the undisputed first choice 'keeper by the end of the season.

It all began before the campaign for Deeney, with - after Garden had already been released - a public spat between then-boss Gary Mills and Mildenhall, leading to Mildenhall being handed the No.26 shirt and Irishman Deeney being thrust into the limelight by being given the No.1 jersey.

It proved to be something of a false dawn though, with a mystery shoulder injury on the eve of the new season giving Mildenhall - who had now accepted the paycut that caused the initial spat with Mills - a chance to re-claim his place between the sticks.

However, an opening day howler by the former Swindon keeper led to him being the brunt of yet another public dressing-down from his manager but, in bad news for Deeney, also led to Mills bringing in Aston Villa 'keeper Wayne Henderson on a three-month loan.

Mildenhall wasn't to play for the club again, eventually moving to Oldham Athletic in November, but the arrival of the impressive Henderson meant Deeney again had to settle for the role of understudy, though he did manage to impress in the Carling Cup, where Henderson was unable to play.

Deeney was to receive his first-team chance in unexpected circumstances though, when Henderson was hastilly recalled by Villa ahead of Notts' crunch October derby at Mansfield Town.

The Magpies were hammered, but Deeney received great acclaim from all quarters for keeping the score down to a respectable 3-1, producing a number of top class saves, including one from a penalty.

The young Irishman was growing in stature and confidence, but that said confidence received a bit of a knocking when Notts were hammered 5-1 at Rushden & Diamonds in Mills' last game in charge. Despite the scoreline though, Deeney did manage to save another penalty.

Under the stewardship of long-time team-mate Ian Richardson, Deeney's presence continued to grow. That is, until the re-signing of old adversary Henderson on a season-long loan cast his position in fresh doubt.

And when Henderson was preferred to his fellow countryman for the home league game against Wycombe Wanderers, it appeared that the unlucky Deeney would never be able to establish himself as No.1 keeper at Meadow Lane.

However, an assured display in the televised FA Cup Second Round replay win over Swindon Town meant Deeney re-captured the No.1 spot over his rival and has rarely looked like giving it up since.

Rumours were abound that Richardson turned-down a bid from Swansea for the on-form stopper during January, whilst Deeney's all-round game continued to improve.

The keeper's form was best summed up when he almost single-handedly gained the Magpies a point at high-flying Scunthorpe Utd in a 0-0 draw just after Christmas at Glanford Park.

Henderson eventually returned to Villa Park early due to the lack of first team oppurtunities, with Charlton's 18-year-old Rob Elliot brought in as cover.

Deeney's season lowpoint came on March 12th though - his 22nd birthday - when he was sent off following a fracas for an alleged stamp. The stopper picked up a three-match ban and a clip round the ear from Richardson.

He returned from the ban though for the final games of the season, continuing to perform with his renewed assurance, showcasing his tremendous shot-stopping skills.

After throwing his gloves into the crowd after the season's finale at Cambridge - in what smacked of a farewell gesture - Deeney's future is now uncertain, with the youngster's current contract coming to a close and a new deal two-year deal rumoured to be on reduced terms.

The offer has remained unsigned for two months, and it now seems certain that the Irishman will move on, with Sheffield United the likely destination. Should he move on to pastures new, we'd certainly wish him all the best.

The keeper can count himself unfortunate not to win the Magpies' player of the season award, such was the standard of his displays this season. Should he continue to progress in such a manner - even it is away from Meadow Lane - a full Irish call-up can't be far away.

Season Rating (out of 10): 8

Stay tuned to NCM for more end-of-season report cards, with David Pipe, Ian Richardson and Mike Edwards next on the agenda.