Burton Mail

Loach hanging up gloves after Rams exit as he concentrat­es on coaching career

- By LEIGH CURTIS leigh.curtis@reachplc.com @Leighcurti­s_dt

SCOTT Loach has confirmed he will focus on his passion for coaching after deciding to hang up the gloves following promotion with Derby County.

The goalkeeper was one of six players to be released by the club at the end of the season following their return to the Championsh­ip.

Loach did not feature for the Rams last season but was a popular member of the dressing room in what proved to be a memorable campaign.

The former Watford and Ipswich Town goalkeeper had contemplat­ed carrying on playing but has now decided to hang up the gloves on what has been a brilliant career.

Confirming his decision on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, Loach said: “And just like that.

“Lived my dream, and loved every second of it, thank you to everyone who’s been there supported me and gave me the opportunit­y! I have a new passion now which is coaching and I look forward to attacking that head on! Much love! Up the goalies. Loachy x”

Loach joined the Rams in the summer of 2022 when the club had come out of administra­tion following David Clowes’ takeover. He made three appearance­s for the club which all came in the EFL Trophy.

He had also helped out with some coaching during his time at Pride Park Stadium and already runs a popular goalkeepin­g school of his own.

Loach provided valuable support last season to both Joe Wildsmith and number two Josh Vickers.

Looking back on the Rams’ promotion, Loach joked: “I milked the life out of it.

“I haven’t taken the medal off! But the squad was really good and when it is together you all feel part of it. Leaving Chesterfie­ld to come to Derby, I couldn’t say no at the age of 33 and going to a club that size.

“I was just thinking whatever the role is just go for it. Funny enough, the first year I went there, the lad who they brought in on loan (Joseph Anang) to compete with Joe snapped his arm in his first training session.

“He broke it bang in the middle of his arm and it took 16 weeks to heal. It worked out all right for me though. But promotion this year was great. We had a few older heads in the team.

“I am not sure what everyone is going to do with their pathways now that the club is back up but we were bought in for a reason– not just me – but the whole squad collective­ly almost to reset the club and get them back to where they are.

“Whatever journey they go on – we’ll have to wait and see.”

 ?? PIC: MATT WEST/REX/ SHUTTERSTO­CK ?? Keeper Scott Loach was released by Derby County after the 2023-24 promotion campaign.
PIC: MATT WEST/REX/ SHUTTERSTO­CK Keeper Scott Loach was released by Derby County after the 2023-24 promotion campaign.

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