278: Connor Ripley

<div>Every so often you meet a goalkeeper and think, "Yeah, this lad's got that bit extra."<br> <br> Connor Ripley is one of those lads.<br> <br> After waiting more than ten years to earn a sustained period of first team football at his registered club, the Middlesbrough-born stopper has revelled in his rightful role as No1 in recent seasons.<br> <br> Successive campaigns at Morecambe and Port Vale have garnered rave reviews, the EFL have offered accolades and fans have made him very much a favourite.<br> <br> Now, with a 250th professional appearance under his belt, the 30-year-old is enjoying his football and loving his life.<br> <br> Here, he talks taking on jiu jitsu, lugging logs up a hill alongside Gordon Strachan and maturing as a goalkeeper.<br> <br> NB: Explicit language is used in this recording.</div>