Middlesbrough allowed 11 players to leave the club during the January transfer window, with five leaving on a permanent basis and six loaned out.
Another name to add to the loan list is veteran goalkeeper Andy Lonergan, who has departed Middlesbrough for League One Rochdale, joining on a short-term deal. Boro now have just two goalkeepers to choose from with Darren Randolph and Dimi Konstantopoulos fighting for the number one spot.
The club announced the departure on their official website, and made clear of the rules regarding emergency loan deals for goalkeepers.
They state ‘Under EFL guidelines, clubs can sign goalkeepers on an emergency loan basis outside of the transfer window when all of their own professionals in that position are injured or suspended. The agreement runs for an initial seven days, but can be extended by further weeks should those circumstances continue.’
Lonergan joined the Teessiders as a free agent in the summer, having last played for Leeds United before being released. He has played twice for Boro since arriving, with both appearances coming in the Carabao Cup, with victories over Notts County and his new club Rochdale.
The 35-year old was the hero against County in round one, after saving two penalties in the shoot out. Striker Jon Stead and defender Dan Jones’ spot kicks were both kept out by the Boro man.
Lonergan joins Josh Lillis and Brad Wade as the third goalkeeper at Dale, and will join up with his new side ahead of their game against Coventry at Spotland this weekend.
