Following his late August loan move to Bristol Rovers, the 25-year-old stopper has kept eight clean sheets in 14 appearances for the League One outfit.
Better still, Bonham has conceded just six goals from the 67 shots he’s faced across all competitions so far. That equates to a hugely impressive save percentage of 91%.
Bar injury time goals in two of those games, that statistic could have been even higher. A decent run for a decent keeper who claims to be in the form of his life.
“This is the best spell of my career,” he told goalkeepersunion.net.
“I’m at the highest level where I’ve had a clear run of games. Sometimes stats can be misleading for a goalkeeper, but it’s nice to see performances backed up when the stats look good!”
Bonham, who’s picked up a string of MOM awards already this season, says he owes much of his early promise to goalkeeper coach, Stuart Naylor.
“I’d have to say he’s been a massive part of me starting the way I have,” he added.
“He’s very straight and honest and creates a relaxed atmosphere in training, which suits my personality and the way I like to work. The gaffer also gave me the chance to play soon after I joined, so knowing he had faith to make that call helped me settle in.”
This is the best spell of my career
Rovers fans have played a part, too. Upon signing for the Gas, Bonham was under no illusions there may have been reservations in some quarters about his relative inexperience at third tier level – a perception he believes has been put to bed thanks to recent displays.
“I’m sure they were a bit nervous at first,” he added.
“On the surface it looks like a Championship No3 who can’t get in the side is coming down to play in League One. However, I never saw myself as Brentford’s third choice and I was always confident I could come here and show what I have to offer.
“The fans have been great. To know they’re behind you during games gives you a real boost so I’d have to thank them for being so supportive.”
Indeed, Jack. And they’re thanking you. Twitter says so:
@geoff20man most important signing in January… Jack Bonham, need to do everything we can to keep him
— stefan horn (@fatboystef) November 3, 2018
Fully in love with Jack Bonham and can’t wait to have my heart broken when we don’t sign him
— Jess Noble (@jessxnoble) October 23, 2018
Jack Bonham is very excellent
— Timothy (@timnotron) October 10, 2018
jack bonham unreal keeper
— Eves (@eviewestx) September 22, 2018
https://twitter.com/willtaylor_/status/1043535096249245697
Bonham’s back in action this Sunday as Bristol Rovers travel to Barnet in the FA Cup First Round.
