Goalkeeper Out, Goalkeeper In

Last updated : 15 May 2013 By Jim Bonner

Simon Eastwood has decided to join Blackburn Rovers rather than stay at Portsmouth.

It was widely expected that Eastwood was going stay ann sign a new contract but the lure of a better contract at Ewood Park was too much. It is expected that he is likely to be the third choice keeper behind Paul Robinson and Jake Kean.

It's a shame that Eastwood has decided to leave as I believe he would have been a good goalkeeper at League Two level despite the (sometimes harsh) criticism aimed at him this season.

Despite that, the Championship is likely to be too difficult for him but I wish him all the best at Blackburn where he will join up with ex-Pompey goalkeeping coach John Keeley who joined Rovers when Michael Appleton was appointed there.

Guy Whittingham has wasted no time in replacing Eastwood as he has signed John Sullivan after he was released from Charlton, although the deal hasn't been confirmed yet.

The 25-year-old spent the last part of this season on loan at AFC Wimbledon and is rated by their fans as a stopper with plenty of potential although he is far from the finished article.

Only time will tell if he has been signed as a number one, or if he is to be understudy to Phil Smith who has won promotion from League Two before with Swindon Town.