Quakers keeper’s move is finalised

8:47am Thursday 5th June 2008

FULHAM yesterday confirmed the signing of Darlington goalkeeper David Stockdale on a twoyear deal.

Roy Hodgson's interest in the 22-year-old was revealed in April, where an undisclosed fee was agreed, believed to be £350,000 rising to £600,000.

And after agreeing terms on a deal that will keep him at Craven Cottage until 2010, Stockdale was finally unveiled as a Fulham player yesterday.

Hodgson said: "David is one of a number of highly-rated young English goalkeepers and he will continue to develop his skills and realise his full potential at Fulham under the guidance of Mike Kelly and the rest of my coaching staff.

"I am confident he will be a valuable asset to the team in the future."

However, it may be some time before Stockdale gets an opportunity to stake his first-team claim under Hodgson.

Stockdale is the second goalkeeper to leave the North-East for west London after Mark Schwarzer ended his 11-year association with Middlesbrough by joining Fulham last month.

Antti Niemi and Kasey Keller are also on the goalkeeping books, although the pair have both been linked with moves following the arrival of Schwarzer.

Stockdale's elevation to the Premier League completes a remarkable 12 months. The Leedsborn goalkeeper, who joined Quakers from York City in August 2006 following a trial, started last season as understudy to Andy Oakes.

But after Oakes was sent off on his Quakers debut on the opening day of last season and then suffered a shoulder injury in October last year, Stockdale eventually made the No.1 jersey his own.

With 21 clean sheets last season, Stockdale's performances attracted interest from a host of clubs.

His final appearance in a Quakers shirt came in the penalty shootout defeat to Rochdale in the League Two play-off semifinal last month.

He said: "I am delighted that my move to Fulham has finally been made official as it has always been a dream of mine to play in the Premier League."

"I would like to thank the manager, colleagues, staff and fans of Darlington who have all been great to me and I leave with some wonderful memories."