Ipswich Town have surprised everyone with their success on return to the Championship and goalkeeper Vaclav Hladky has played a big part for Kieran McKenna.
Ipswich Town fans can be forgiven for being a little concerned back when Hladky had to come into the starting XI earlier in the season. He’d struggled to impress in League One prior to the start of this season and was only called into the side with Christian Walton sidelined.
Walton was instrumental in leading the Tractor Boys to victory. when such a great performance in the promotion season, many would have supported him to thrive in the second division when he kept 24 clean sheets in 47 games across all competitions in the 2022–2023 campaign.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion player even attracted interest from other teams, but Walton has struggled this year.
Walton was second choice when Hladky, the stand-in, returned after an outstanding performance while sidelined. Even though the Czech goalkeeper kept up his impressive play, a few poor performances in cup tournaments only cemented his bench spot, which puts him in a difficult situation heading into this summer.
This summer is the end of his contract at Portman Road, although Ipswich Town has the option to extend it. Nevertheless, Walton might gain from making a fresh start and relocating, even if the Tractor Boys decide not to renew his contract.
Returning to his peak performance
There’s no denying that, despite Ipswich Town’s achievements, Walton has had a difficult season personally. It’s not easy to lose one’s starting position, but the Truro native’s ability to block shots is something that everyone can use as a timely reminder.
Moving elsewhere will be the wisest option if he doesn’t get the chance to regain his starting position under McKenna.
When playing at his best, Walton is a goalie who can maintain a starting position throughout the Championship. He would be a valuable addition to a second-tier team or, possibly, an ambitious third-tier team hoping to advance, as he was a step above in League One.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Hladky might be difficult to unseat from the starting role, therefore Walton would undoubtedly benefit from going somewhere else in order to return to his incredible best.
