Karl Darlow

Karl Darlow (born 8 October 1990) is an English professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Premier League club Newcastle United. He is the grandson of former Wales international forward Ken Leek who was part of the Welsh 1958 World Cup squad.

Club career

Nottingham Forest

Weeks after being released by Aston Villa at the age of 16, Villa goalkeeping coach Eric Steele recommended Darlow to Forest and he was signed up to their academy. After impressive displays in the reserve team Darlow was awarded a space on the bench where he was present for the majority of the 2010–11 season. His debut was against Crystal Palace, on the last day of the 2010–11 season, as a substitute for Lee Camp. The Reds won the game 3–0, a result that secured them a play-off spot.

Loan to Newport County

In March 2012, Darlow joined Newport County in the Conference National league on loan for a month. He made his first appearance for the club in a 1–0 home win against Gateshead.

Loans to Walsall

On 21 September 2012, Darlow joined Walsall on loan for one month. While there, he signed a new three-year contract at parent club Forest, keeping him there until 2015. On 22 October, his loan with Walsall was extended until 22 December 2012, however Forest recalled him four days later owing to an injury to Forest goalkeeper Dimitar Evtimov.