Club news

Sanchez Ready To Embrace Loan Move

By Alex Stedman • 04 July 2018

Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is relishing the prospect of his loan move to Forest Green Rovers during the 2018-19 season.

The Seagulls’ stopper heads to The New Lawn at the end of this week for his first taste of senior football, and the Spaniard cannot wait to get started.

He said, “I’m really excited because I’m going to see the difference between an under-23 changing room and a first-team environment – I can’t wait to meet everyone. 

“People talk about the difference of going on loan and now I want to experience that myself. 

“There are lots of different factors involved and it brings extra pressure every week in front of lots of fans – it’s something I’m looking forward to.” 

The Sky Bet League Two side finished 21st during their first season in the Football League, and Sanchez insisted Mark Cooper’s men were the right fit for him at the current stage of his career. 

“The club just feels right for my first loan – the people are great and when I went there and spoke to everyone I knew it was the best place for me. 

“I wouldn’t say the move is a reward – it’s more about timing and it’s the right stage for me to go and get out into a first team.

“Last year I was injured in the first half of the season – I was happy with how I did in the second half of the campaign, but this will be a different challenge.”

The 2017-18 campaign saw Christian Walton, Ben Hall and Ben White all enjoy successful spells away from the Amex Stadium in the EFL - the goalkeeper emphasised he’d be looking to emulate their success away from the Seagulls, as well as discussing the style of football he expects to encounter in the division.

“Other players here have gone out on loan and done well, and I want to try and do the same - I want to keep as many clean sheets as possible and try to be the best that I can.

“There’s a difference between League Two and academy football and it’s definitely more physical, but I’m big myself and it’s something I’m looking forward to.

“I’ve played against big players, so it isn’t something new. At that level players really relish the game and there’s a big age range – they’re all challenges and I’m looking forward to it.”