The 30-year-old joined Villa on a free transfer this summer after serving as John Ruddy’s backup at Norwich City.
Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has revealed his delight at Mark Bunn’s start to life at the club and stressed that the veteran goalkeeper is not just settling for a backup role.
Sherwood was speaking to AVTV after watching Bunn start for Villa’s Under-21 side in Monday night’s match against Derby County, when the 30-year-old keeper produced a couple of impressive first-half saves to help Gordon Cowans’ men clinch a narrow 1-0 win.
The former Norwich City man joined the claret and blues on a two-year deal last month after his contract at Carrow Road expired this summer and has since established himself as Brad Guzan’s main backup over the promising Jed Steer.
Having previously served as John Ruddy’s No. 2 with the Canaries – playing just 31 times during his three seasons in Norfolk, few expect him to pose much of a threat to Guzan’s starting job going forward, but Sherwood stresses that the ex-Blackburn stopper has so far made an excellent impression on him.
“I think he’s an all-round good goalkeeper, with Premier League experience,” the Villa boss told AVTV. “He’s come in and been very bubbly around the place and been a good addition to the squad.”
| Premier League | Team | Season | Goals Conceded GAME | Errors Lead To Goal | Errors Lead To Shot | Clean Sheets | Saves GAME | Total Crosses Claimed GAME | Cross Claim Accuracy | Goal Kick Accuracy | Appearances | Mins Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Bunn | Norwich | 2012-2013 | 1.43 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 2.57 | 1.04 | 88% | 45% | 23 | 1,854 |
| Brad Guzan | Aston Villa | 2014-2015 | 1.41 | 4 | 1 | 9 | 2.97 | 2.12 | 96% | 52% | 34 | 3,060 |
On whether Bunn could see in action cup competitions or even the league this term, Sherwood added: “That’s the aim, like everyone here. They’ve all got a chance to play if they keep performing, but Brad’s done very well in the last two games.
“Every game’s important so, at the moment, we’re just focusing on Crystal Palace [this Saturday].”
Initially earmarked as Shay Given’s replacement following the Irishman’s move to Stoke City, Bunn certainly looked like an accomplished shot-stopper in pre-season and, having made 23 top-flight appearances for Norwich during the 2012-13 campaign, he has been tested at the highest level.
He might not be an exciting prospect for the future at age 30 but, should Guzan’s form dip again this term, then the claret and blue faithful can at least rest assured that there is a solid alternative waiting in the wings to take over between the posts.
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