Cameron Dawson’s imminent departure from Sheffield Wednesday is seen by one of his esteemed predecessors in goalkeeping as the much-needed catalyst for his career. Dawson, a lifelong Wednesday supporter who has been with the club since he was 15 years old, appears poised to leave S6 permanently as his contract expires at the end of the month. Talks have been ongoing with League One side Bristol Rovers regarding a potential move, reuniting Dawson with manager Matt Taylor, with whom he experienced a successful promotion-winning season at Exeter City in 2021/22.
Despite Sheffield Wednesday offering him a new contract, the arrival of experienced goalkeeper Ben Hamer and the impending loan re-signing of James Beadle have signaled the club’s readiness to move forward without Dawson. Chris Turner, a former Owls goalkeeper himself, understands the emotional and professional implications of leaving one’s hometown club in pursuit of regular playing time. Turner believes that Dawson, now 28 years old, is at a stage in his career where such a move would be prudent and beneficial.
“In your career, there comes a time when it’s the sensible thing to do,” Turner explained to The Star. Drawing on his own experience of leaving Sheffield Wednesday for Sunderland, Turner emphasized the importance of playing regular first-team football for a player’s enjoyment and career progression. He expressed confidence in Dawson’s abilities, citing his impressive performances at Exeter City and believing a move would rejuvenate his career.
“Sometimes, taking a step down can lead to stepping back up,” Turner added optimistically. He suggested that a successful stint in League One could pave the way for Dawson to return to the Championship and attract interest from higher-level clubs, much like his former teammate Joe Wildsmith, who left Wednesday for Derby County and subsequently excelled.
Wildsmith’s journey serves as a blueprint for Dawson, according to Turner. He highlighted the potential benefits of a fresh start at a new club with new fans, surroundings, and managerial support. Turner acknowledged the existing relationship between Dawson and Bristol Rovers’ manager Matt Taylor as a positive factor in any potential move, underscoring the importance of finding a club where Dawson can be the undisputed number one goalkeeper.
Reflecting on his own career decisions, Turner noted that sometimes leaving a familiar environment is necessary to progress. He expressed confidence that if Dawson follows a similar path, he will thrive and enjoy his football once more.
In conclusion, Turner believes that Bristol Rovers could provide an ideal platform for Dawson to reignite his career. He emphasized that success at this level could quickly propel Dawson back into contention for higher-level clubs, echoing the journey of other local talents like Wildsmith. Turner’s perspective underscores the importance of seizing opportunities and embracing change in the pursuit of professional fulfillment and success in football.
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