New Boro keeper Farman focused on moving forward

Lincoln city goalkeeper Paul Farman celebrates after the final whistle of the Emirates FA Cup, Fifth Round match at Turf Moor, Burnley. (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

The 29-year-old made 228 appearances during his six seasons with the Imps, including making more than 50 appearances during their National League title-winning campaign.

The talented Farman made 18 appearances in all competitions in Lincoln’s first season back in the EFL, playing an influential role during their Checkatrade Trophy victory.

And he left Sincil Bank with the Imps’ best wishes ringing in his ears, moving south in search of first-team football.

Farman has been working hard in pre-season under Dino Maamria and his backroom staff as the Broadhall Way outfit look to hit the ground running in the forthcoming League Two campaign, starting with Tranmere Rovers on Saturday.

Goalkeeper Paul Farman, Lincoln City. (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

Farman said: “It’s been a hard summer. I’ve been involved in a lot of running, but that’s the way it is. It has been tough, but everyone’s buying into the gaffer’s ethic.

“He also believes in keeping the place tidy, looking after everything we have around the training ground. He has set high standards on and off the pitch which also means we’re demanding more from each other every day in training. It’s all going really well”.

One feature fans have noticed during Boro’s summer friendlies is Farman’s impressive organisational skills.

The Gateshead-born netminder is fast earning a reputation as a keeper who demands more from his defenders – and is not afraid to tell them exactly what he needs from them, loudly.

Farman smiled: “I like to be very vocal as it helps the boys in front of me and also it helps me to stay involved in the game.

“It’s probably a bit old school now hearing the keeper constantly bark at the defenders, but they enjoy it and I like hearing back from them.

“The boys are really steady. I like people that play in front of me who demand more from me and vice versa. I like us to run through brick walls for each other, and what I have seen so far I am really pleased with.”

CometSport has studied Farman closely in pre-season matches at the Lamex and during training at Bragbury End.

The former Imp has impressed with his footwork, confident handling, command of the box and distribution. The modest six foot five inch keeper agrees, adding: “I’d say distribution is one of my big strengths, teams seem to struggle with my big kick.

“Some managers and players say it’s ugly, but I don’t really care if you want to win.

“I don’t see the point in playing sideways and backwards and then going back to the keeper. I just want to get it forward, win the second ball and then play in the final third. Some people don’t like playing it, but here people are buying into it. When we have to play we play – but when we have to go big, we go big.”

Ironically as a youngster Farman had a weak kick. He explained: “When I was a lad I actually couldn’t kick a ball off the floor!

“Sports scientists have come into the game a lot more since then, but I’ve never been a big fan of lifting heavy weights on the legs.

“I do a lot of light resistance work focusing on fast-twitch fibres and through time I’ve been able to just generate power in my right leg.”

With the feel-good factor back in the town as the Maamria revolution continues, Stevenage are a club on the rise.

The arrival of the new North Stand can’t come quickly enough for Farman and not just because of the increased revenue it will bring in as the club look to boost income.

But also for more of a specific football-related reason.

Farman added: “This feels like a club going forward, especially with the new stand coming in. They need to get that on quickly so it stops the wind which can affect a goalkeeper.

“It is a great club and the gaffer is trying to create a winning environment and being relentless.

“If we keep doing that then we will keep getting better.”