West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has revealed that goalkeeper Darren Randolph was disappointed but understood his decision to replace him in goal with Adrian for the the match against Everton last weekend.
The Irish international has been first choice since November but has conceded 42 goals in 27 appearances in all competitions, keeping just six clean sheets.
Still, it was a surprise when the 29 year old was dropped after the Hammers boss had written a column for the Evening Standard questioning the need to chop and change keepers. Talking at today’s pre-match press conference about the decision to replace Randolph, Bilic said:
“I had a couple of meetings with them individually and explained my decisions. Darren is a great professional, of course he is disappointed but he understood my decision. He is training hard and waiting for his chance, just like Adrian waited for his.”
Bilic also refused to reveal whether Adrian would continue in goal on Saturday when they face Stoke City, but going by what the Croatian said about Randolph, having to wait for his chance, it suggests that the Spaniard may be given the nod to continue in goal after keeping a clean sheet against Everton.
