Ankergren: Albion have an incredible future

Casper Ankergren believes Albion have an 'incredible' future as he leaves the club after 11 years as player and coach.

The 41-year-old is returning to Denmark to be goalkeeping coach at one of his former clubs Brondby but will leave Sussex with memories to last a lifetime.

He was part of the squad which won promotion from League One to the Championship and, in 2017 the Premier League, before working under Ben Roberts as part of the team which coach Albion’s goalkeepers.

“The club is doing really well, and this could possibly the season when we finish in the top ten. The future looks incredible,” he said. “The facilities are among the best in England, the stadium is fantastic, the club has an incredible coaching and backroom staff who work really well together – everything is in place for Brighton to do really well.”

Ankergren made 77 appearances after joining the club from Leeds United, making his debut in a 2-1 win at Swindon Town in League One in August 2010. He has many fond memories of his playing career.

“Looking back, the League One promotion campaign was special in many ways. Player for player we probably didn’t have the best team, but we played the best football and the togetherness in the squad was unbelievable. It was a fantastic achievement because there were some big teams in League One that year, especially the month when we had eight games and won them all.

“There have been some ups and downs, including a season when we were only safe in the Championship with one game to go. But then of course the season we got promoted to the Premier League, what an achievement. To be part of that even if I didn’t play was fantastic.”

Ankergren has also had a close-up view of Rob Sanchez’s rise, having worked with him when he arrived from Spain as a 16-year-old.  

“You could see then he was very talented. When he came to train with the first team from the under-23s you could argue he was already the best shot-stopper and cross-taker at the club.

“He is incredibly athletic, good with his feet and very brave. He has all the tools to become a top goalkeeper. Going on loan to Forest Green and Rochdale was important for his development and he’s got a great mentor in Ben [Roberts]. I wish I’d had some of his confidence when I played. The best keepers in the world have belief in themselves, and he’s not afraid to show it.”

Ankergren is also an admirer of head coach Graham Potter, calling him ‘the best tactician I have ever worked with.’

“He’s incredibly calm, very intelligent and thorough with what he does. His coaches - Bruno, Billy and Bjorn - all link up really well with him and he doesn’t make any rash decisions.”

Roberts admits Ankergren’s return to his native Denmark is a big loss.

“His impact has been huge, both on and off the pitch,” said Roberts. “He acts as my conduit with the keepers because, at times, I can be quite demanding and that’s when his really nice nature comes into play. He gets where I’m coming from, while the boys all look up to him as a coach and a man, so it’s provided a nice balance.

“Off the pitch, with the help of the analysts, he’s greatly increased his skill sets. He films all our training sessions, sends out highlights and motivational videos to our keepers and stays in touch with our keepers out on loan – making sure I’ve got all their clips to watch when I need them – not to mention the compiling of a number of scouting reports. His work ethic has been phenomenal, which has no doubt led to this opportunity with Brondby, where I’m sure he’ll be a huge success.

“Aside from becoming a great coach he’s also become a great friend. We’re really going to miss him.”

Look out for a full tribute to Casper in Saturday’s match programme for the game against Arsenal.