Millwall have today confirmed the expected season long loan of goalkeeper David Forde to Portsmouth.
The Republic of Ireland international joined from Galway in the summer of 2008, and with over 330 appearances to his name, he has been a virtual ever present – however last season Jordan Archer came in over him and with Archer’s performances, it’s time for Fordey to move on and get greater game time himself before he hangs up his gloves.
Making his debut against Oldham at the start of the 2008/09 season, he then went on a run of playing every league minute until August 20, 2011.
His maiden season for us saw 19 clean sheets, only one less than Golden Glove winner that year Danny Coyne at Tranmere and he also saved five penalties.
In our return to the Championship in 2009/10 he kept 21 clean sheets including three in the Play Off run, and he followed that up the next year with 20 clean sheets during 2010/11.
With eight years with us, Forde will live long in the memories of many and the 36 year old is in our record books with 23 international caps gained, which moved him ahead of Eamon Dunphy’s 40 year record.
He also departs as the 2013/14 Player of the Season winner, having finished as runner up on three occasions.
Making the move to Portsmouth for the season he should be nailed on as No 1 and come next summer he won’t return as this is his last year of contract.
Vital Millwall on:
