Harry Lewis is fiercely loyal to the goalkeepers’ union and the relationship he has with Liam Roberts at Mansfield Town.

A lot of people will agree that going in goal when you’d play football as a kid was the least glamorous option.

There’d be a lot of eye-rolling and pleading your case to play outfield but if you were lumped between the posts – especially on a cold and rainy day – it very much felt like you’d drawn the short straw.

Over the years, influential goalkeepers in both the men’s and women’s game have shown kids it’s cool to be the one wearing the gloves, and the role is just as important as any other position on the pitch.

While goalkeepers have been getting their flowers more regularly, the majority of the attention naturally falls on the the number one. They’re the ones making most of the appearances, after all. But what about the deputy?

Being the number two goalkeeper is not an easy role to take on at a club and it can leave the players in its category going months without a first team appearance.

It’s an admirable job that can go unnoticed until the time comes to step in for a Cup game or during the absence of the first choice goalkeeper. For Harry Lewis, his role as back-up to Liam Roberts is crucial for Mansfield Town and it’s one he’s been enjoying since his arrival in January.

The 29-year-old is crystal clear on how the two shot-stoppers work together and what is expected of him as the number two. Lewis spoke extremely fondly of his teammate and gave us a closer look at how deputy goalkeepers operate when the spotlight is mostly on the first choice.

“I’m under no illusion Robbo is the number one and I’m the number two goalkeeper. That’s what I’ve been brought here to do and I’m really happy,” Lewis said during a recent press conference.

“From last season, it was about getting out of the situation I was in because it was making me unhappy. So coming here now, being a part of this and being ready when called upon is massive.

“It’s a tough gig because there will be a big spell of not being on the pitch and sometimes not even being on the bench, but it’s just about being there and being a reliable pair of hands when needed.”

Lewis had a lot of praise for Roberts, who has quickly become a fan favourite since his arrival at Stags in 2025. His debut campaign in amber and blue saw him scoop multiple Player of the Season awards and he’s since committed to a new two-year contract with the club.

Roberts’ impact on Mansfield Town’s defence has been undeniable and Lewis holds his teammate in extremely high regard.

“I see Robbo as the best goalkeeper in this division, so he’s a person I try to measure myself against every day.

“He’s so consistent. Everything he does, he does with such a purpose. He’s so solid and I think the best goalkeepers aren’t the ones who are 8/10 one week and 5/10 the next. Robbo has been so good for so long now and everywhere he’s been he has done really well. He’s someone I admire a lot.

“I think that’s an important characteristic of this squad. Robbo brings the best out of me and I like to think I push him and bring the best out of him.”

With time on the pitch extremely limited for second choice goalkeepers, it wouldn’t be out of place to wonder if they’re truly happy doing a job many of their teammates probably don’t envy.

For Lewis, it’s much bigger than having less game time – it’s about working as a unit, being solid behind the scenes and feeling comfortable in the system he’s a part of.

“We’re not too far apart in terms of age but he’s someone who I think is a really good goalkeeper and that makes my position as the number two a little bit easier to deal with. Because I’m behind someone who I get along with really well and have a lot of time and respect for,” he continued.

“I’ve seen plenty of goalkeepers who don’t get on during my time in the game. At the end of the day, there is only one goalkeeper who can play. But I’m a big advocate for the goalkeepers’ union – it’s such a tough position and you have to be there for each other.

“Robbo has been great with me when I’ve played and I like to think that I give him what he needs on a match day and leading up to the game. Lots of positivity and building up his confidence. I like to think we’re there for each other, which is really important because it can be such a lonely position when you’re going through a tough time.”

Nigel Clough has made it clear that if Roberts is unavailable, Mansfield Town’s net is well protected under Lewis. The 29-year-old is highly valued and the staff feel confident enough to deploy him at any point they might need or want him, rather than only as a last resort.

“It’s nice to feel that support from the manager. I’ve seen some situations where the number one will try to push through any injury or illness to try and play but there were points last season where I did play when Robbo possibly could have gotten through the game but the gaffer trusted me to step in,” Lewis said.

“Even with Robbo’s back injury during pre-season, the gaffer was happy to put me in and that gives you a lot of confidence, knowing you’re backed by the manager. That’s a big part of being a number two as well – you have to feel like you are trusted when there’s an opportunity to play and it’s nice to have that there.”

Lewis stressed the switch between fielding a club’s number one and number two goalkeeper should be ‘as seamless as possible’, rather than a gulf in quality that leaves fans feeling concerned.

When a player takes on the back-up role, they need to make sure the team isn’t panicked by the idea of being without the first choice between the sticks.

“You can’t go chasing and try to be a superstar, you’ve got to just be calm and reliable. I think that was the case last season,” Lewis said. “It needs to be as seamless as possible going from the number one to the number two and I’d like to think that’s something I showed last season.”