‘Would be excellent’ – What Bristol Rovers could expect from transfer target Cameron Dawson

As previously reported, Bristol Live understands Bristol Rovers are in talks with Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Cameron Dawson and are confident they can get a deal over the line.

If completed, the move would see the 28-year-old reunited with former manager Matt Taylor, for whom he was first-choice on loan at Exeter City in their promotion campaign to League Two in 2021/22 , playing 45 of the Greeks’ 46 league matches. .

It would also see the end of a 12-year association with Wednesday, coming through the academy in S6, during which Dawson went on to make 129 senior appearances for the Owls, 83 of them coming in the Championship.

During his time at Hillsborough, the goalkeeper won promotion to League One, helping Wednesday to the League One play-offs just over a year ago, before spending most of last term as second choice .

It certainly sounds like it would be an impressive coup for Gas when you talk to people who know him. However, one person who has come to know Dawson well over the years is Sheffield Wednesday writer at the Sheffield Star Alex Miller, who spoke to Bristol Live about what Gasheads can expect from the potential addition.

Dawson joined Sheffield Wednesday as a youngster in 2012. What makes you think he would have made the decision to leave for good and what factors would come into play?

Cam has had a fascinating career at S6 with some dizzying highs and snaky lows. He was constantly cut and traded by different managers in competition with other ‘keepers, initially with fellow academy graduates Joe Wildsmith and Kieren Westwood, then with David Stockdale and later with Devis Vasquez and James Beadle.

He signed a long-term deal under Garry Monk in January 2020 in what appeared to be a statement that he was Monk’s man, but has been in a state of flux since then. Dawson has had a mixed relationship with the club’s fans, and with the arrival of Ben Hamer, it feels like a sensible time for him to spread his wings and have a go elsewhere.

Dawson got a run of games from October to January but was dropped for the latter part of the campaign. What were the reasons why Danny Rohl decided to make a change between the sticks?

In short, it was the loan of James Beadle, an England youth international of great repute at Brighton. Rohl’s preference for a ball-playing goalkeeper was evident – Dawson’s ability with the ball at his feet is underrated – and after an up-and-down start, Beadle eventually came on to play a big part in the Owls’ survival in the season last.

How integral was he two seasons ago promoting Wednesday from League One?

Huge. Dawson started out from the side when David Stockdale took the gloves, then he was in, out, then back again. Knees bent, arms outstretched and all that. But his form in the final weeks of the promotion season was as good as ever, he made big saves in the Miracle play-off semi-final and his performance at Wembley was exceptional. I remember talking to him after the final and the Wednesday fan in him was obvious – a really nice memory. Then again, it was all change and Wednesday brought in Devis Vasquez on loan from AC Milan.

Do you think League One is up to him or could he get a move to the Championship to be number one?

I can’t claim to be a goalkeeping expert, but I would suggest there is a championship goalie out there. At his best and confident, he makes great saves and commands his area well. What will be interesting is to watch him from the front and make something of himself away from Wednesday and away from the intense scrutiny he has experienced at times. Joe WIldsmith did it at Derby and I have every confidence Dawson can do it too, especially with a manager he’s had success with before.

How do you rate the signing for Bristol Rovers if completed?

I think he would be an excellent signing. Dawson and Taylor have a great relationship – he spoke of keeping in touch during Taylor’s time at Rotherham United – and you can’t help but feel that’s important for a goalkeeper. If he can get a run of games as the number one and get some momentum going, I have no doubt he will be very successful. He’s a great guy too. Fans will love it.