John Clancy had only worn the gloves in goals in a handful of games before he became the Rangers’ full-time Premier League goalkeeper at the start of this season.
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The Rangers had lost veteran goalkeeper Shaun Glover and there was no obvious replacement.
Clancy decided to throw his hat in the ring as he backed his ability and wanted to help the club.
“I wasn’t sure if I was even going to play but I could see the predicament they were in and I told Keithy (Rangers first grade coach) I would be happy to give it a go,” Clancy told the Argus.
“I had a couple of trial games, went to the Nambucca Cup and I must have done alright because I was given the job.”
Fast-forward to the preliminary final and Clancy produced consecutive saves in a penalty shootout against Port United to keep his side’s season alive and advance them to the grand final.
“It was one of the greatest highs I have ever felt, it will only be topped by winning the grand final this Saturday,” Clancy said.
It wasn’t luck that saw Clancy succeed in goals as he’s put in the effort at training alongside goalkeeper coach Col Willis to constantly improve.
“I credit Col with all of my success, he’s put in a lot of hard work with me – two hours every Tuesday and Thursday,” Clancy said.
“He has passed on so much knowledge and instilled confidence in my ability.”
Clancy helped the Rangers finish the year with the second best defence in the league and had seven clean sheets in 16 regular season games.
The Rangers face off with Wallis Lake in the Football Mid North Coast Premier League grand final this Saturday at 3pm at Harry Elliot Oval.
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