GK1 issue 3

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE GOALKEEPING PROFESSION

£4.50

TM

AUTUMN 2011

N O RD

Craig

GO

SAVE OF THE SEASON?

The greatest saves of all time GK1 looks at the top 5 saves in the history of the game Coaching Corner The art of saving penalties Equipment Precision, Uhlsport & Sells Goalkeeper Products Kid Gloves The stars of the future On the Move Summary of the latest GK transfers Business Pages Key developments affecting the professional ‘keeper

Exclusive interviews with: Gordon Banks OBE Gary Bailey Kasper Schmeichel Also featuring: Alex McCarthy, Reading FC John Ruddy, Norwich City Alex Smithies, Huddersfield Town Bob Wilson OBE

Welcome to

The magazine exclusively for the professional goalkeeping community.

Editor’s note Andy Evans / Editor-in-Chief of GK1 and Chairman of World In Motion ltd

Welcome to the Autumn edition of

suppliers, coaches and managers alike we are

GK1 – the magazine exclusively for the

proud to deliver the third issue of a magazine

professional goalkeeping community.

dedicated entirely to the art of goalkeeping.

After a frenetic summer of goalkeeper

GK1 covers the key elements required of

transfer activity – with Manchester

a professional goalkeeper, with coaching

United, Liverpool, Chelsea and

features, equipment updates, a summary

Tottenham amongst those bolstering

of key transfers and features covering the

their goalkeeping ranks – our latest

uniqueness of the goalkeeper to a football

edition of GK1 brings you a full and

team. The magazine also includes regular

comprehensive round-up of all the

features ‘On-the-Move’, summarising all the

‘keepers who made moves in the Summer

latest transfers involving the UK’s professional

2011 transfer window. We also catch

goalkeepers; ‘Kid Gloves’, promoting the

up with legendary goalkeepers Gordon

country’s up-and-coming goalkeeping

Banks OBE and Bob Wilson OBE, and give

starlets; ‘Outside the box’, focusing on life after

our verdict on the five greatest saves

football, and many other goalkeeper specific

of all time. We bring you an exclusive

topics. In ‘The Business Pages’, GK1 offers a

interview with John Ruddy - one of

summary of the key developments – legal,

just 4 English goalkeepers to start for

contractual and administrative - to affect the

a Premier League club on the season’s

professional goalkeeper. GK1 is a magazine

opening weekend – and sit down with

for the goalkeeping profession. We actively

four of England’s brightest goalkeeping

encourage your contribution, so please feel

prospects, underlining that despite a

free to contact us with your suggestions as to

current shortage of home-grown Premier

how we can improve YOUR magazine.

League GK talent, the future of England goalkeeping is in safe hands.

With the endorsement of the leading players, key brands, glove and equipment

GK1 Magazine is published by World in Motion ltd, a leading global management company and the UK’s foremost agency for professional goalkeepers.

CONTENTS GK1 Management, Chancery House, 1 Lochaline Street, London, W6 9SJ info@gk1.co.uk Tel: +(44) 208 741 6060 www.gk1.co.uk Publisher: World In Motion ltd Editor-in-Chief: Andy Evans Deputy Editor: Charlie McNicholas Commercial Editor: William Pethybridge Features Editor: Rob Dakin Design: Tim Alexander

How did he do that?

4 The greatest saves of all time Exclusive Interview: 6 Safe as the Banks of England Gordon Banks Coaching corner 10 Featuring: Science fiction or science fact an indispensible guide to saving a spot kick Learning the trade - just4keepers News in brief 15 Exclusive Interview: 16 Ruddy brilliant John Ruddy Paradise found 18 Matt Jones

Well done Bob 20 Bob Wilson’s charity bike ride On the move 22 All the latest transfer news Kid Gloves 26 The stars of the future Where are they now?

30 Ian Feuer The Business Pages 31 Featuring: Neil Doncaster - crucial SPL vote Outside the box 32 Ex-England stopper Gary Bailey Essential Equipment 36 The latest goalkeeping products Precision Goalkeeping 38 with Kasper Schmeichel AUTUMN 2011

3

How

did he do that?

GK1 asks a select group of the nation’s top goalkeeping coaches for their Top 5 great saves of all time.

GK1

headquarters

striker Rivaldo. Ridiculous really. www.

more than three yards out. Goal? With the

and as per

youtube.com/watch?v=iieYg7Sm8FM

Scottish keeper stranded following the

usual, opinions

were flying back and forth across the office as to the greatest save of all time.

Prompted by Craig Gordon’s miraculous save for Sunderland against Bolton, we were

4

penalty box pinball you’d have thought Peter Schmeichel: Rapid

so. Yet with the Bolton fans starting to

Vienna v Manchester United,

celebrate, the mighty Scot managed to

Champions League, 1996

incredibly stretch a giant arm backwards,

Similar in several ways to our

put it under the ball, and scoop the ball

extolling the virtues of a host of famous

winner. Schmeichel pulled off a save to

out from under the bar. www.youtube.

saves, some old, some new.

rank alongside Banks’ legendary stop

com/watch?v=PqAmG3xK9_Y

Enter, GK1 editor Andy Evans to restore

from Pele in the World Cup in 1970 as

order before concluding there’s only one

United beat Rapid Vienna 2-0 to go into

solution!

the quarter finals of the European Cup. He

And so to kick off your latest edition, GK1

went down to his right and defied logic

2

Jim Montgomery: Sunderland v Leeds United, FA Cup Final 1973 Jim’s effort would have to come

has surveyed a group of top goalkeeping

by scooping the ball up and somehow

coaches to bring you the Top Five jaw-

over the bar from Rapid’s Rene Wagner.

‘double-save’ competition. The first save is

dropping, eye-bulging, gravity-defying

Banks once said: “It was as good as mine

good, but the second has near paranormal

saves of all time.

against Pele.’’ Sorry Gordon, but our

qualities. Commentator Brian Moore takes

judges beg to differ! www.youtube.com/

a while to realise it’s not a goal. Monty’s

watch?v=UZvJ8GT73rM

efforts coupled with Ian Porterfield’s goal

(In reverse order:)

5

Gregory Coupet: Barcelona v Lyon, Champions League, 1999 After just two minutes at the Nou Camp the Lyon keeper pulled

out one of the all-time great stops as he

3

close to winning, were this a

combined to cause one of the great FA Cup Craig Gordon: Sunderland

upsets of all time. www.youtube.com/

v Bolton, Premier League

watch?v=PZmFoo4payA

December 2010 With just a few seconds left

first acrobatically headed an unintended

at the end of the first half Bolton won

lobbed backpass by a defender onto his

a corner. Gary Cahill headed into the

own crossbar, and then immediately parried

danger area before Zat Knight smacked

a close header by the arriving Barcelona

a shot towards a gaping goal from little

1

Gordon Banks. England v Brazil World Cup 1970 Turn the page for more… www.youtube.com/

watch?v=ngE9RCAdWaE

Craig Gordon’s wonder save against Bolton, December 2010 AUTUMN 2011

5

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Gordon Banks

Safe as the Banks of England During England’s glory years, the No1 jersey belonged to Gordon Banks OBE. For some, possibly the game’s finest exponent of the art of goalkeeping. Banks has received endless accolades - not to mention a World Cup winners’ medal - but he knows he’ll always be best remembered not for one season, one tournament or even one game - but for one save...that just happened to be the greatest save of all time!

M

ore than forty years on, following GK1’s canvas of opinions, we had the pleasure of

congratulating Gordon, who took time out to recall the memories of the day he wrote his name into footballing folklore in the sweltering heat of Guadalajara.

‘Gol’ “It’s true,” recalls Gordon. “He shouted ‘Gol’ as he headed it!” It had taken the greatest player of all time to bring out the very best from the finest ‘keeper these shores have ever produced.

Not one to use a dozen words, when one or two will do, Banks warms to the topic as the memories of that roasting-hot day - and a very special pair of gloves - come flooding back.

“To be honest, I thought it had gone 6

AUTUMN 2011

in! But as soon as I realised I’d kept it out, I knew I’d done something a bit different,” says the typically modest Yorkshireman.

Hot and Bothered “Everything that day was in Brazil’s favour.

It was a midday kick off. The only shadows were around your feet and it was 102 degrees out on a rock-hard pitch. In the team-talk, Alf (Ramsey) told us to keep possession and hold off from sprinting until the final third otherwise we’d be dead by half time.”

From the start, Banks watched on as the World Cup holders struggled to cope with the flair and pace of the tournament favourites, Brazil.

Yet even prior to that great day, the Brazilians had the upper-hand, thanks to some under-hand tactics from the locals.

“Brazil had been in town for a couple of weeks, handing out little flags, meeting and greeting the locals,” recalls Banks, who kept for his country on 73 occasions.

“And the night before the game, local fans stopped the traffic outside our hotel at about 2am and of course all the car horns

Banks with Brazil legend Pele

that little fella Tostão was unmarked on the

73-year-old, who now travels to Liverpool to

near post!”

sit on the weekend Pools Panel.

Like so many great keepers, Banks relied on

“Because I was diving backwards, the

his positional instincts, making his way across

bottom half of my body swung around

the goalmouth in the blink of an eye as Pele

and I ended up facing almost backwards...

rose to send a bullet header goalwards.

and that’s when I saw the ball bouncing

The reason why this awe-inspiring effort

away.

started. It took the police a couple of hours

seemingly never grows old has much to do

to restore peace and quiet by which time we

with the need for anticipation. It wasn’t a

clipped me on the top of the head. Tostão

were all wide awake! Then they came back

knee-jerk instinctive save from a point-blank

had his hands in the air then started

again and did the same thing.”

shot. Everything Banks did that day came

clapping. Pele had his hand in the air, almost

“Moore-o (Bobby Moore) came and

from a split-second conscious ability to judge

asking how that had happened,”... a question

make any difference in the end. On the day

exactly what he needed to do to keep his team

no one has ever really answered.

we played superbly.”

level.

“A bit naughty but to be honest, it didn’t

“I never used to stand on my line, always

Best Laid Plans

Don’t Look Up

two or three yards off it. Thank goodness. I

“We created more chances and should have

Banks was to make save after save to keep

looked at his take-off point and his balance

won. In fact, that was the first time I started

England level - a consummate athlete at the

to help work out which way the header was

to believe that we could go on and win the

peak of his powers. Just ten minutes into

going. That’s when I also heard him shout

World Cup again...and I thought we’d see

the game, the attack and its fabled outcome

‘Gol’!”

Brazil again in the final. That time, they’d be

began with the Brazilian captain Carlos Alberto.

“He was such an amazing player. He fizzed this beautiful pass with the outside of his right foot, to Jairzinho. In a flash, he

“I knew straight away I’d have to guess how high the ball would bounce off the

the ones who were nervous.”

Sadly, Banks’ plans were to be foiled days

rock-hard surface whilst at the same time

later by a severe stomach upset, confining

reaching behind me.”

him to hotel quarters while a two-nil lead

Watching the save back in real time does

became a 3-2 defeat to West Germany.

“Of course I was disappointed. I think I

ghosted past Terry Cooper towards the

little justice to Banks’ efforts. Only in slow

by-line. For a moment it looked like he’d

motion can you consider the acrobatic ability,

was a better keeper in ‘70 than in ‘66. I was

over-run it. If he managed to get the cross in

the calculations necessary, the instincts and

in my thirties, all the experience I’d gained

I knew we were in trouble. He looked up and

the amazing distance covered...all in the blink

for England and at club level and I was in

so did I...and quickly wished I hadn’t!”

of an eye.

such good form; supremely confident in my

“Rivelino was charging in from the left, Pele was sprinting through the middle and

“I just thought it was a goal. I’d managed to get the top of my thumb to it,” recalls the

abilities. It felt like it was my time and I know that spread to the players around me.”

AUTUMN 2011

7

as it was nil-nil at the time. Like they say, sometimes saving a goal’s as important as scoring one.”

So often these days polls are dominated by recent players, recent goals, recent teams...yet in some ways it’s the legacy of Banks’ moment which is the most significant.

“I suppose it’s the internet which keeps the interest these days. Kids can listen to their dads, well their grand-dads, then log on and read about it and play it over again and make their own judgements.

“I’m sure it helps that the header was from Pele. He was the very best I ever saw, built to play football with such a great brain.

“We didn’t talk about it at the time, just shook hands as we left the field. It never really cropped up again until we got home.”

Years later, the Brazilian legend came over to the UK to collect yet another award - and not for the first time explained why his memories of the day are so clear.

“I’ve played all over the globe, won World Cups, scoring more than 1000 goals. went and found some at a local sports shop.

But every time I come here to England, the

The palms and the backs of the fingers were

only thing people ask me about is Gordon

As the Pele save had proven, if it was save-

covered in those pimples you find on a table

Banks!”

able, Banks was your man.

tennis bat! I popped them on at training the

Wonder Gloves More than four decades later, the memories are undiminished, the pride still

next day and they were terrific.

“Because we were at altitude, the ball

there and the recollections saved for a lucky

was moving about a bit and so my handling

few.

wasn’t what it needed to be.

But our chat reveals a chapter of the

“Five minutes with these gloves on and

Banks on Today’s Keepers GK1: So who does Gordon Banks

story lost in the midst of time regarding the

I couldn’t drop a thing. They were brilliant

enjoying watching these days?

gloves he wore that day.

and sent my confidence through the roof

GB: “I get down to the Britannia Stadium

and they’re the ones you see me wearing in

when I can to see Stoke (He’s the Hon. Club

Guadalajara.

President ) and sometimes to Leicester. Joe

“In the heat of the Mexican sun, the players wore as little as possible. The keeper’s attire couldn’t have been more simple - cotton shirt, ordinary shorts and a cap if the sun shone,” remembers Gordon.

In England, keepers only wore gloves if

“To be honest I couldn’t wait to get home to see if I could flog a few pairs,” he joked.

Legacy

Hart is a terrific talent. He’s had a tough time of late, but he’s young and he’ll be great for England in years to come.

“I’m not surprised to see Craig Gordon’s

it was wet! Little woollen ones at that! That

It wasn’t really until England’s GK1 returned

save in the Top 5. He’s a special talent

was until a week or so before the Brazil

home that the fascination with THAT save

and that was a real reflex save from very

match.

became apparent.

close range and he had to fetch the

“I was lying in bed watching a football

“Every time I was interviewed on TV or

ball almost from behind him. He’s of

match in my hotel room and saw this

by the newspapers, the question about the

an age where he’ll keep on improving

Mexican keeper had these big gloves on,”

save came up over and over again.”

and Scotland have got themselves an

remembers Banks.

“I went straight to Alf (Ramsey) and asked if I could go into town to find some. Off I 8

AUTUMN 2011

So does he tire of discussing it?

excellent talent there. Reina’s another

“I can’t afford to! No, seriously, I’m very

terrific keeper I’d pay to go and see.”

proud to have made the save especially

COACHING CORNER COACHING CORNER COACHING CORNER COACHING

Science Fict or Science

FACT

Some say it’s an art, others insist it’s a precise discipline.

Either way, this month, GK1 looks at the evidence to see if there really is an indispensible guide to saving a spot kick.

CORNER COACHING CORNER COACHING CORNER COACHING CORNER

ion

T

he casino barons of Las Vegas

wearing red and then had the same ‘keeper

couldn’t get away with loading

change his shirt to a coloured one. After

the dice against you as much

all the penalties had been taken he saw

as this! For heaven’s sake,

that only 54% of penalties were scored

he’s only 12 yards away! No defenders

against the keeper in red as opposed to

to worry about, time on his side and

69%, 72% and 75% against ‘keepers wearing

just you, with a hope and the occasional

yellow, blue and green shirts respectively.

prayer to stop what four times out of five,

Considering only 20% of all penalties are

is the inevitable...a goal.

saved in professional football this increase in

The boffins working on behalf of the

save percentage by wearing red is certainly

penalty takers reckon they’ve devised the

not to be sniffed at. But, red is not a colour

perfect penalty: one which no keeper,

commonly worn by goalkeepers in England.

however agile, however focused, however

In the 2010/11 Premier League season no

lucky, has the proverbial ‘cat in hell’s chance’

goalkeeper wore red.

of saving!

Sadly, having worn red winning the

All it takes is a run up of 5 or 6 paces, approaching the ball at an angle of 20 to 30 degrees, kicking it at 65 mph, crossing the line 50 cms below crossbar and inside the post, unstoppable!

Well, with all due respect, GK1 scoffs at the theory of a perfect penalty! Our research

World Cup back in 1966, it’s likely to be a long time before England’s GK1 wears red!

Stand Off-Centre

2

In theory it makes no sense... but every keeper’s tried a version of this at one time or another. Researchers in

has gathered together the thoughts of some of the finest scientific, psychological and

Hong Kong learnt that if a ‘keeper stands a

good old fashioned footballing brains to

small distance closer to one post than the

give you the optimum chance to become

other it may not be obvious to the kicker

this weekend’s penalty hero!

but subconsciously the penalty taker knows

Seeing Red

1

which side has a larger target area and will tend to shoot that way. Armed with this

Since the late 1890’s, when

information the ‘keeper is in a stronger

keepers first wore a different

position to dive to the larger area and can

coloured-jersey, green has

increase his chance of saving the kick.

been the predominant colour

Researchers found that by moving just

of choice. But latest research from the

10cm towards one side of the goal and

University of Chichester confirms green

making one side of the goal 3% bigger,

is the least successful colour to wear and

the goalkeeper can increase his chance of

actually red should be the ‘must have’ colour

saving the penalty by as much as 15% even

in every goalkeepers’ wardrobe this Autumn.

before the kicker begins his run up.

Award-winning psychologist, Dr Iain Greenlees found that ‘keepers in green saved one in four spot kicks compared to the ones in red who saved almost half!

His studies noted that red is seen as a signal of danger in the natural world

What to Watch For

3

Away from Far Eastern philosophies into the footballmad city of Liverpool - and no surprise their boffins have had

and therefore penalty takers notice the

little better to do than spend valuable hours

goalkeeper more easily. It encourages a

researching football! But Mark Williams, from

natural fear of failure and makes the ‘keeper

the John Moores University, believes he’s

look bigger in the goal than he would

stumbled upon a treasure trove for keepers in

wearing a different colour.

need of all the help they can get.

He used 40 football players and asked them to take 10 penalties against a ‘keeper

He reckons in the time between the award of the penalty to the spot AUTUMN 2011 11

COACHING CORNER COACHING CORNER COACHING CORNER COACHING kick taking place, there’s a gold mine of

“We do many things on two levels, such

information to be gleaned to help predict

as thinking where to put the ball (or where

where a penalty taker will shoot.

to fake it), but not thinking about what the

He saw how more experienced goalkeepers considered such elements as

feet, legs and body will do to achieve it.”

So, the more the pressure, the more

his standing leg, kicking leg and hips for the

likely they are to disguise where they’re

opponent.

planning to aim?

He believes by looking at the ‘shape’ a

“The more we practise, the more our

player adopts before taking the penalty the

actions become automatic skills,” explains

‘keeper can stop penalty saving from being

Peter.

a lottery.

“From the point of view of the player

“They become unconscious memories of how to react. These memories take over

taking the penalty the optimal position for

when thinking fails, such as in front of

the standing foot is facing directly down the

80,000 fans.”

middle of the goal,” said Professor Williams.

“When the goalkeeper saw the penalty taker’s foot face towards the left or right hand side of the goal it allowed the ‘keeper the necessary information to predict where the penalty would be taken. Standing foot points left, penalty going to the left;

Ashley Barnes - Photo by Paul Hazlewood

Increase their Anxiety Levels

4

“In a penalty kicking competition the only thing that threatens success is the goalkeeper, so we monitor his movements.”

No one’s expecting you to save

The research proved that if a kicker’s

the penalty, so why worry? The

eyes are drawn to the goalkeeper, he tends

stress and the strain are all on

to shoot in that direction and overcoming

the shoulders of the taker. For

this tendency was significantly harder when

standing foot points right, penalty goes to

decades now, keepers have employed less

penalty takers were under pressure, or in a

the right hand side of the goal.”

than gentlemanly time-wasting techniques.

“threat condition”.

The research was backed up with the help of the nation’s most successful penalty taker, Matt Le Tissier, who converted a staggering 49 of the 50 penalties he took.

“My approach to penalties was always

Few have done so more successfully than ol’ spaghetti legs himself, Bruce Grobelaar.

Researchers at Exeter University believe

And as Grobbelaar appeared to know instinctively, goalkeepers can make themselves more likely to attract the

his crazy antics in Liverpool’s 1984 European

kicker’s gaze by appearing larger than life or

Cup final victory against AS Roma are the

clowning around.

the same. Pick my favourite spot and focus

perfect example of how to become ‘a threat’

on the strike of the ball. I never thought I

to someone with plenty on their plate

by a later Liverpool goalkeeper, Jerzy Dudek

was giving away any clues to the ‘keeper but

already. Frankly, the last thing they need, is

who copied Grobbelaar’s spaghetti legs

it looks like I was wrong!’

you showing off!

routine and saved two penalties in the 2005

Psychologist Peter Naish agrees that the signs are there if you look closely enough.

“Penalty takers mention not thinking too

“The research shows that we focus on things in the environment that we find threatening,” said psychologist Greg Wood,

The same tactic was used to good effect

Champions League final against AC Milan to win the match.

“During a highly stressful situation, we

deeply, yet trying to fool the goalkeeper,” he

who led the study at the University’s School

are more likely to be distracted by any

said.

of Sport and Health Sciences.

threatening stimuli and focus on them rather than the task in hand,” said Greg.

“So, when a penalty taker is about to start his run up naturally he will focus on the goalkeeper rather than spaces all around him. This disrupts the aiming of the shot and increases the likelihood of subsequently hitting the shot towards the goalkeeper, making it easier to save.’

This school of thought is echoed by football watchers and supporters. They all say ‘pick a spot, stick to it and ignore the ‘keeper.’ So there is another piece of information a ‘keeper might be able to pick Petr Cech

12 AUTUMN 2011

up on, the attacker’s eyes, is he looking

CORNER COACHING CORNER COACHING CORNER COACHING CORNER one way? Can you distract him? If you can get him to focus on you and not his spot then there is a greater chance he will take a

Colour of Goalkeeper’s Top Goals Conceded

penalty which can be saved.

72%

More interestingly, keepers can learn a great deal from the advice given to penalty takers by sports psychologists.

“I would tell penalty takers to pretend you are in a practice match, look at where you are going to hit the ball and aim it

69%

the penalty as long as possible. I’m not sure how well it works because you do still need to have a bit of luck.

There’s only one safe bet!

6

75%

54%

The best news of all is that, thankfully, your opponent rarely produces the perfect penalty. And armed with GK1’s

research, we hope you’ll be saving even

there. Totally ignore the goalkeeper. Even if

more penalties this season! The academics

he knows where the ball is going he is not

certainly think so. Surely, if a ‘keeper

going to get to it if it is well placed.” Sound

tempted to stand up straight and hope

wears red, stands to one side, waves his

advice - but perhaps the key indicator

it gets blasted down the middle. I tried it

arms, watches your eyes and notices your

to keepers that distraction, showing off,

once when Leicester City’s Matt Elliott was

standing foot pointing in one direction then

waving your arms, knees, legs, frankly

going through a phase of just smashing

it must be impossible to score a penalty isn’t

anything you can get your hands on, will

them. When he placed it past me, I wished

it?

increase your chances of success.

I’d at least dived. That way, even if it does go

Forget the rest...and ask the best.

5

We’d all love to be able to guarantee

down the middle, it could still hit your legs.

success. There are “lies, damned lies and

“You have to face the fact that some

statistics”, but as we all know, there’s only

players are virtually impossible to save, so

one safe bet when it comes down to

All fine in practice, you may

it’s just trusting to luck. Eric Cantona was like

penalties and that’s when the Germans are

say. But these academics

that. He used to wait for you to dive before

playing: they’re 100 per cent likely to win.

would have you believe

he took it. I’ve been told he used to practise

that penalty saving is not a

it in training. He would wait until the last

One or two penalties worth another look:

second before he struck it and was so good

l http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_

complex art, merely a simple science?

But a PhD can’t give you any idea of what it’s like for keepers at the highest level waiting for the ref’s whistle to blow.

One man who would, however, is the Premier League’s most successful penalty

that he could change his mind at the last minute if he needed to.

“You have to remember that the pressure

Gi98iEziKQ&feature=player_embedded l http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XuEGH

HoZGM&feature=related

is on the penalty taker, rather than you. You

l http://www.youtube.com/

can try and add to that pressure by delaying

watch?v=xMjBPwUzcvg

saver, Mark Crossley. Having faced 14 penalties, he saved 8; a save percentage of 57%. The average in the Premier League is 28%.

“I like to know who my opponents’ penalty taker is before a match. I always look at which side he put his last one and whether he favours that side or likes to vary it, in which case it becomes a guessing game,” reveals Mark.

“I don’t think there’s a system of ‘reading the eyes’ so always just concentrate on the ball on the run-up.

“Always trust your instincts. If I’m facing a right-footed player I usually go to my left and the opposite if it’s a left-footer. If I get the instinct to go the other way, however, then I’ll go with it.

“I know it sounds obvious, but always make sure you dive. In the past I’ve been

Darryl Flahavan AUTUMN 2011 13

COACHING CORNER COACHING CORNER COACHING CORNER COACHING

Learning the trade Founded in 1999 by former Everton goalkeeper, Ray Newland, Just4keepers is now established as one of the country’s leading coaching courses for young goalkeepers. And it’s not just based in the UK: they have over fifty dedicated coaches working in seven countries.

O

ne of those coaches is Dave

have gone on to bigger and better things,

later they say if he continues the way he

Bennett who runs courses

however, just as important for me are the

has he’ll be going to Wrexham’s centre of

in the Shropshire area. “I

ones who are never going to achieve that,

excellence for trials. That gives me more

started in July 2009 with

who come every week with a smile on their

pleasure than seeing the better kids getting

the first class in Shrewsbury, now I’ve got

face because they love every minute of it.”

taken on by league clubs.”

four in Shrewsbury, one in Welshpool and

This grassroots approach of making

The coaching philosophy is central to the

one in Wrexham,” explains Dave. “The

goalkeeping as accessible as possible is

success of Just4keepers. Their view is that

courses run for an hour per week in each

obviously something Dave feels passionate

kids will only learn and improve if they are

location teaching kids between the ages

about. Ask him about his greatest

enjoying themselves and so every session

of seven and sixteen.”

with every child, whatever their age

It’s obviously a format that’s

and ability, is designed to be that

working. Since they started,

way. “Our whole ethos is based on the

Just4keepers has had over 200 young

kids having a good time but being

goalkeepers picked up by professional

disciplined when they need to be so

clubs. “If the parents and managers of

they can learn,” insists Dave. “I’ve had

the clubs are wise enough it’s an ideal

some great achievements but most

grounding,” he says. “Lack of proper

importantly the kids always say how

specific coaching from an early age is

much they enjoy it and that’s the

a common complaint from keepers -

biggest part of it. If they enjoy it they’ll

the younger the kids come to us, the

be more confident.”

better it is. Firstly they get an idea if

It’s not just about coaching

they really want to be a goalkeeper

technique and fitness - Dave also

and secondly they improve far quicker

believes it’s crucial to work on the

when they’re young.”

mental side of the game from an early

While their success rate of placing

age. “I always drum it into them, you’re

youngsters at league clubs is without

in a team but you’re on your own,” he

question, Just4keepers is more

says. “You’ve got to be strong mentally

than just a breeding ground for

and I do pride myself with working on

professionals. Dave is keen to point out that

achievement and it isn’t the latest recruit

that side of the game. I always equate it to

the courses are there to provide coaching to

to a league club. “I’ve got a lad in Wrexham

being a golfer or a tennis player. If a centre

any child, regardless of ability. “The balance

who fourteen months ago could hardly

forward loses the ball, the midfield is behind

is that we’re always going to have kids

catch a ball,” he says. “His mum came up

you, if a midfielder misses a tackle, they

coming to us that aren’t going to make it,”

to me and said she didn’t know what to do

have the defence to rely on. If a defender

Dave reveals. “Ray’s ethos from day one was

with him, they’d asked him to play in goal

makes a mistake they have the goalkeeper

if they want to come and learn, you’re there

because he’s a big lad, huge for his age. They

but if you make the mistake there’s nobody

to teach them. Yes it’s great that there’s

thought great he can go in goal but he had

behind you - you look round but there’s

the list on the website with the lads that

absolutely no ability – now fourteen months

nobody there, you’re on your own.”

14 AUTUMN 2011

NEWS IN BRIEF NEWS IN BRIEF NEWS IN BRIEF NEWS IN BRIEF NEWS IN

News in brief

l ADO Den Haag goalkeeper Gino

Sergio Ramos’ calamitous dropping

defeat against Mexico in June. When

Coutinho faces up to a year in jail having

of the Copa del Rey from an open-

interviewed post-match, Howard

been found guilty in a Dutch court of

top bus back in April. See footage of

labelled the decision to hold the post-

owning a cannabis farm containing

Stekelenburg’s gaffe here:

match conference in Spanish “a f******

4,200 marijuana plants. Coutinho, once

www.youtube.com/

disgrace”, adding that “you can bet your

a Holland U-21 international, has also

watch?v=sqrrzWN8WKQ

a** if we were in Mexico City, it wouldn’t

been accused of forgery and money

all be in English.” Howard has since

laundering and has been sentenced to

apologised for his language, admitting

12 months behind bars.

he was “caught up in the heat of the moment.”

l Hanover 96’s second choice goalkeeper

l Tim Howard has remained the subject

Markus Miller has recently sought hospital treatment for what he

of press coverage in recent weeks with

describes as “mental exhaustion”.

the launch of Everton FC’s bizarre new

Miller, 29, plays for the same club as

2011/12 goalkeeper shirt (pictured left).

Germany goalkeeper Robert Enke, who

Howard’s green camouflage number has

committed suicide in November 2009

divided fans, with some labelling it the

by throwing himself in front of a train

worst kit of all time, whilst others expect

after battling depression for years. Miller

the shirt to sell well. The shirt is available

has been praised for speaking publicly

now from www.kitbag.com.

and openly about his condition, with

l Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa

club president Martin Kind praising his

has blamed a failed drugs test on

goalkeeper’s “great demonstration of

unknowingly consumed beef containing

courage”. GK1 wishes Markus Miller a

banned substance clenbuterol. Ochoa,

speedy recovery.

who was removed from his country’s

l One of the fairytale goalkeeping

CONCACAF Gold Cup squad as a result of

stories of 2010/11 took place in Brazil,

testing positive, was one of five Mexican

where São Paulo GK1 Rogério Ceni

players found guilty of taking the drug,

became the first goalkeeper ever to

which is often used to boost muscle

score 100 career goals after curling in

mass. Ochoa, who has since joined

a sublime free kick against local rivals

French side AC Ajaccio, described the

Corinthians. Ceni, a set-piece specialist,

situation as “bad luck”.

hailed his goal as “beautiful”. See the

l A top South Korean goalkeeper has

free kick any attacking player would

admitted being involved in a match-

be proud of here: www.youtube.com/

fixing scandal which has brought shame

watch?v=6OjvQWRAOkc

on the country’s K-League. Yeom Donggyun, who has played for his country’s

l One of Europe’s top goalkeepers, Ajax

No1 Maarten Stekelenburg, damaged

U-23 side and been involved with the

his growing reputation by dropping his

full national squad, has admitted fixing

club’s league title trophy out of a bus

games last season while playing for the

window last month. Stekelenburg, who

Chunnam Dragons. The story broke after

stands at 6’6” and has 40 international

l Everton FC goalkeeper Tim Howard

another former K-League player, who

caps, claims he dropped the trophy

was forced to apologise for using

allegedly worked as a broker, was found

when trying to avoid a tram line just

foul language following the USA’s

dead in an apparent suicide in June. The

above the bus. The incident mirrored

4-2 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final

case continues.

AUTUMN 2011 15

Ruddy brilliant e v i s u l Exc w e i v r Inte with y d d u John R

When John Ruddy joined Norwich City from Everton in the summer of 2010, few would have envisaged the role he was about to play in the Canaries’ bid for promotion to the Premier League. John has emerged as one of England’s brightest goalkeeping talents, producing countless displays that have helped propel his club to English football’s Holy Grail.

N

orwich’s promotion is

hearts and minds of the Norwich City

going down bravely to 2 late goals at

all the more remarkable

faithful. John was more than happy to lift

Stamford Bridge, but John modestly

given that they began the

the lid on the team’s celebrations that day,

downplays his own recent form when

2009/10 season in League

shedding some light on the team spirit at

pressed on the Canaries’ clamour for

the club.

potential international honours: “No, I’m

One, suffering a 7-1 hammering on the season’s opening day at the hands of Colchester at Carrow Road.

“We stayed down in Portsmouth.

not thinking about that at all. My main

We were due to fly back but the Gaffer

aim is to stay as number one at Norwich

decided to stay down. We went out, had

– it’s as simple as that.” John may not be

same manager that orchestrated the 7-1

a few drinks and - as there has been all

expecting a call from Fabio Capello, but

thrashing that day – the Canaries’ rise has

season –there was a great camaraderie

with Ben Foster joining Paul Robinson in

been meteoric: they now become the

between all players and staff. It was nice

taking an indefinite England sabbatical,

first club since Manchester City in 2000

to be able to enjoy the moment, although

a first full call-up for the St Ives-born

Since Paul Lambert took the helm – the

to secure back-to-back promotions into the Premier League.

After promotion was finally clinched after a 1-0 victory at Portsmouth, GK1 reader John Ruddy put the club’s achievement into perspective: “Promotion is massive. The whole city had been buzzing going into the season’s run-in and now that it’s finally happened, it’s a dream.

Certainly from a player’s

I’m not thinking about an England call-up. My main aim is to stay as number one at Norwich – it’s as simple as that.

point of view it’s a dream

stopper may be around the corner.

Despite producing an impressive 11 clean sheets in 2010/11, Ruddy remains determined to improve: “I want to perform better than I did last season. I said to other people recently that I didn’t feel I had a game where I played really well last year. That’s disappointing for me from a personal point of view, and yet we still got promoted so there are a

to be competing in the Premier League

for most of us it hadn’t really sunk in

lot of positives to take out of that season.

this year, and obviously the management

properly. It was quite a surreal feeling.”

I’ll take those positives into this year and

and coaching staff feel the same.”

John is no stranger to the big stage having spent five years at Everton.

Norwich have made a strong start to

hopefully I’ll help us stay in the Premier

their 2011/12 campaign, drawing in their

League which is primarily the main aim.”

consecutive opening 2 games before

Norwich fans, however, have been made to endure a six-year absence from the Premier League, and John is quick to point out the importance of promotion to those related to the club off the pitch.

“The fans will be delighted to have teams like Man United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal come to our stadium. And financially it’s massively rewarding for the club. The people in the boardroom deserve a lot of credit. They have pumped a lot of their own money into the club and are now getting reward for it. It’s brilliant for the whole area, not just the city of Norwich but the region as a whole.”

Simeon Jackson’s goal at Fratton Park on May 2nd 2011 will live long in the AUTUMN 2011 17

Matt ‘Indiana’ Jones

Paradise Found

This nation’s goalkeeping balance of payments in recent years has been in severe deficit - all about imports with very few GK1 talents being exported to the continent and beyond.

O

ne keeper bucking that trend is Matt Jones - a

based player to succeed over here.”

Matt believes English players are yet

talented gloveman who

to be forgiven since the days of Graeme

swapped his native

Souness at Benfica. Similar spells in Portugal

Potteries for a spell in New York before

did not work out so well for players such

landing at the Portuguese First Division

as Michael Thomas, Scott Minto and Brian

club CD Santa Clara.

Deane.

“Portugal is one of the great footballing

“As nice as it would be to have some

nations, so for me to begin my professional

English company over here, on the flip side

career here is a great platform to begin

it is a great way for me to get noticed.

from. The standards are very high,” says the trail-blazing 24-year-old.

Surprisingly, Matt has not been plying his

“I’ve worked hard and played pretty well most of the time, so it’s been very easy for me to get noticed, which can only be good

trade in the footballing hotbeds of Lisbon

for my career,” says Matt, whose two-year

or Porto... but on the stunningly beautiful

contract at Santa Clara ended in May.

islands of the Azores, 930 miles west of Lisbon, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean!

So how do the locals refer to our Englishman abroad? “On the day I signed, we did the customary photo shoot and my

League Of His Own

shirt had ‘Matt Jones’ on the back rather

“As far as I know, I am the only English

than ‘Jones’! And no matter how hard I try to

player in the whole of Portugal, which was

explain, everyone, the players, the fans and

shocking to me at first. Having said that,

the manager all call me Matt Jones!”

there is such a dramatic difference in both

18 AUTUMN 2011

“I’ve been out here for over 2 years now.

the culture, language and playing styles.

It took me quite a long time to pick up the

I can see why it is difficult for an English-

Portuguese language. Culture-wise it’s

obviously so much more chilled here than

at home. Why not try your luck here? You

Bound for America

my time over in the States. It’s very relaxed

can come over here and get another chance

At 14, Matt left his boyhood heroes at Port

and calm but the language was what I had

to play.”

Vale and headed for four years at Premier

to work on.”

Have It!

So what about the lifestyle in this

League West Bromwich Albion. “That was

tranquil paradise? Presumably different to

great experience for me. Sadly, they said

the hustle-and-bustle of NYC?

they didn’t think I was going to be good

“It’s couldn’t be more different! The diet is

So what does a goalkeeper, who’s keen to communicate with his defence, learn to

very healthy: lots of fish and rice. Everything

shout first? Perhaps “Keepers!” or maybe

is very fresh - no hot dogs, no fries and the

“Get out!” ?

portions are a lot smaller!

“Tira” which roughly translated

enough to play in the Premier League so they let me go.”

Like so many youngsters released by a club, his future as a professional hung in the balance.

means “Clear it..Get Rid..Have it!”

However this dark cloud was to come

Thankfully, after over 2 years here, I can

with a silver lining.

pretty much say what I want to on and

“I had a couple of trials at other clubs

off the field.”

but nothing really came of it. I was just

Sadly CD Santa Clara’s progress

starting to think about playing semi-

has been less successful. Always the

pro and maybe going to university in

nearly-men, the proud club has made

England.

an annual habit of missing out on

“Then, out of the blue I got a call

promotion to the Primeira Liga...much

from Sacred Heart University which is in

to the amusement of their closest

Connecticut. They told me they could

rivals Maritimo, based on the island of

offer me a four-year scholarship. I’d get my

Madeira.

education at an American university and

“We missed out on promotion two

get to play. It couldn’t have been better. I

years running and finished 2010/11 in

had nothing else on offer so I just went.

mid-table,” reflects Matt.

“I got bigger and physically stronger

“A new coach came in and he

and that really helped. But it was really

brought in 18 new players, chopped and

my confidence that improved so much.

changed the team, and I found myself

I picked up a lot of awards and it made

on the bench for a spell which was

me fall back in love with football again,”

obviously frustrating. As a goalkeeper

said Matt who graduated with a first-class

you’re pretty much never going to

degree in business management, before

have the chance to come on for 10

embarking on his travels to the Azores.

minutes and impress. You know, like any professional, all I’ve ever wanted to always

Punched Out

Future’s Bright

do is play.”

“The football is pretty different too. It’s very

Those entrepreneurial skills have been

technical. You’ve got to be an athlete as

put on hold for the time being whilst he

Je Ne Regret Rien?

much as a player. It’s tactical. Here they let

concentrates on doing his best in Portugal.

So does he regret embarking on these

the ball do the work.”

But tactics for a keeper are surely similar

travels - and would he recommend others to try their hand abroad?

“I wouldn’t have changed a thing to be

“Every kid out there, including me, dreams of playing football for a living and

the world over? Isn’t it just about stopping

for me to be given a chance to do this is

goals?

a great honour. And if you can’t get lucky

honest. It’s been a good place for me to

“Ultimately yes, but their style of keeping

come and play football. I’ve made some

is very different. When I first arrived they had

great friends; we have one or two nights out

no idea what I was doing. When I was a kid I

or maybe head for the beach, but the pace

was taught by Frank Barber, the goalkeeper

down interest from clubs in the UK to

of life here means it’s really easy just to focus

coach at Wigan, and he had a unique way

prolong his career in the Portuguese

on the football.

of teaching. They punch it a lot more here. I

League, signing for União da Madeira.

was always taught - if you can catch it, catch

From one sun-swept Portuguese island to

English players over here. You get a lot of

it. Over here they punch it to just get rid of

another, Matt’s adventure overseas looks set

good players that just drop out of the game

it.”

to continue.

“I’m surprised there aren’t any other

breaks at home, then be brave enough to look further a field.”

Since our interview, Matt has turned

AUTUMN 2011 19

Well done Bob I n our last issue of GK1, Bob Wilson talked to us about The Willow

Foundation and his plans to raise money for the charity by paying

all 20 Premier League clubs a visit on

a marathon bike ride. GK1 is delighted to report that Arsenal legend Bob completed the 500 mile, 11 day cycle, raising more than £300,000 for The Willow Foundation along the way.

Bob, who incredibly turns 70 this year, hopes his cycle experience will inspire others to get involved. His personal diary and photo diary of the 11 day cycle challenge, which set off from Fulham’s Craven Cottage, visited all London clubs on day one, before

Above: Arriving at St James’ Park, Newcastle Below: Leaving Craven Cottage, Fulham

heading north and finishing at Newcastle’s St James’ Park, plus an extra visit to Scotland’s Hampden Park, can also be viewed on the website listed below. His challenge was both empowering and rewarding and Bob hopes it will act as a catalyst for further cycle challenges up and down the country.

“Every pound raised for Willow is making a positive difference to the lives of young people living with life threatening conditions such as cancer, motor neurone disease, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy and organ Above: Arriving at Hampden Park, Glasgow Below: At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea

failure. Willow’s special days help them and their families rebuild lost confidence and restore some normality to their lives away from the pressures of hospital visits and treatment. With your support we can help create many more precious, positive memories of family life even in the most difficult of circumstances“. Bob Wilson OBE, Life President, Willow Foundation.

Congratulations, Bob, on your fantastic achievement from everyone at GK1!

For details on the Charity Cycle Challenge visit www.bobwilsonsoccercycle.com or for more information about the Willow Foundation visit www.willowfoundation. org.uk or telephone 01707 259777.

All photos by Tom Bunning AUTUMN 2011 21

On the

move

Summer 2011. Would this transfer window finally deliver the much anticipated flurry of goalkeeper transfer activity that had been so missing in the previous 3 windows?

W

ith Manchester

Trafford club have been impressed with

United, City,

Danish goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard

Liverpool and

who signed from Aalesund in January.

Spurs definitely in

Whilst publicly Arsene Wenger continues

the hunt for either a number 1 or 2

to deny any intent to recruit a goalkeeper

goalkeeper, and with well-documented

in this window, his young keepers remain in

uncertainties at The Emirates, an

demand. Hull City failed in their pursuit of

astonishing 46 goalkeepers available as

a permanent move for Vito Mannone, who

free transfers on the ‘PFA List’, plus the

had joined the Tigers in January on loan,

activity surrounding all of the midlands

whilst James Shea returned to The Emirates

Premier League clubs, it seemed that

following a loan spell at Southampton.

Summer 2011 would have many of the

Blackburn Rovers have released Welsh

country’s goalkeepers packing their

international Jason Brown (pictured),

glove bags and heading for pastures

who spent time on loan at Leyton Orient

new..

and Cardiff City last season, and have allowed Frank Fielding to turn his loan

Tottenham were first to officially pounce, ending the speculation over the future of

move to Derby County into a permanent

Brad Friedel by snapping up the 40-year-

one. Despite being courted by Rovers

old American on a free transfer ahead of rivals Liverpool. Friedel signed a 2-year

Jason Brown

throughout the summer, former Liverpool and Fulham ‘keeper Tony Warner packed

contract and is expected to compete with

Under 17 keeper Daniel Bachmann from

his bags and set out for a new challenge

Heurelho Gomes for the number 1 shirt

Austria Vienna.

‘Down Under’, joining New Zealand side

as Stipe Pletikosa returned to Spartak

After months of speculation and

Wellington Phoenix.

Moscow following his unsuccessful loan.

following the retirement of veteran stopper

Pletikosa also spent an unsuccessful

Edwin van der Sar, Manchester United

captured Ali Al-Habsi from neighbours

fortnight on trial at Celtic. Carlo Cudicini,

announced the signing of David De Gea

Bolton Wanderers for a fee in the region

meanwhile, signed a one-year extension to

from Atlético Madrid for a reported fee of

of £4million, and have also handed a new

his contract at White Hart Lane. Liverpool

€21million. The 20-year-old arrives at Old

contract to veteran Mike Pollitt. Bolton

are closely monitoring the situation at

Trafford with a big reputation from his first

Wanderers, on the other hand, have tied

Stoke City, where Dane Tomas Sørensen is

full season, having helped Spain Under 21s

Hungarian keeper Adam Bogdan (pictured)

unhappy at the option year that the Potters

win the European Championships in June.

to a new two-year contract to compete with

have taken tying him to the club for a

United’s Tomasz Kuszczak was expected

Jussi Jaaskelainen for the number 1 shirt.

further season. The Potters also planned for

to leave Old Trafford in search of regular

the future by recruiting 16-year-old Austria

first team football, in particular as the Old

22 AUTUMN 2011

Fellow Lancastrians Wigan Athletic

Irishman Trevor Carson, who spent the final months of the season at Brentford,

has returned to the Stadium of Light to be

released Adriano Basso, who had joined

joined by compatriot Keiren Westwood,

the club in January on a short term deal.

who has joined Sunderland as a free agent

The loss of De Vries left Swans manager

from Coventry City. Manager Steve Bruce

Brendan Rodgers on the lookout for 3

has cited first choice Craig Gordon’s injury

experienced keepers to help with their

at the back end of last season as the reason

first season in the Premier League. First to

behind the move for cover, with Gordon

arrive was legendary Benfica keeper, José

not expected to be back playing until

Moreira (pictured), who joined the Swans

September.

for an undisclosed fee after ten years with

Staying in the North East, Charlton

the Portuguese club. He was followed

Athletic stopper Rob Elliott eventually

by the £1.4 million purchase of Dutch

joined Newcastle United on deadline day

International Michel Worm, and of German

for an undisclosed fee, and will be vying for

keeper Gerhard Tremmel, who was a free

the first team spot with Steve Harper and

agent having left Red Bull Salzburg. Of the 2

Dutchman Tim Krul.

other newly promoted sides, QPR rewarded

Another Dutchman will feature among

Paddy Kenny and Radek Cerny with new

the ranks of Premier League stoppers next

contacts and snapped up Brian Murphy

season, as Dorus De Vries has opted to

following his departure from Ipswich.

join Wolverhampton Wanderers on a free

Norwich City offered a new contract to John

transfer rather than remain with newly

Ruddy, with Declan Rudd providing back-

promoted Swansea City. Wolves have

up and Jed Steer allowed to join Yeovil

finally agreed a new contract with the club

Town on loan.

after protracted negotiations.

Wolves’ Black country rivals West Brom

José Moreira (courtesy of Swansea City FC)

Having signed Frank Fielding and Adam

were firmly entrenched in the ‘keeper

Legzdins from Burton Albion, Derby County

merry-go-round, as Scott Carson has

look set to offload former ‘Hammer, Steven

been allowed to leave for

Bywater, who had ended the season on loan

Bursaspor, after fellow England

at Cardiff City. Derby’s twenty-one-year-old

international Robert Green

Ross Atkins (pictured) has linked up with

turned down the move to last season’s Champions League club. Carson’s departure reinforced the Baggies need for a first choice goalkeeper, and having also failed with a bid for Robert Green, they finally secured Ben Foster on a season’s loan from relegated Birmingham City, with former Hull City stopper Boaz Myhill heading in the opposite direction. In addition, Marton Fulop was signed from Ipswich to provide experienced cover for Foster.

The Championship Of the teams dropping out of the Premier League, Blackpool allowed Paul Rachubka to join Leeds United on a two-year deal, where he has been reunited with former manager Simon Grayson, whilst Matt Gilks Adam Bogdan (courtesy of Bolton Wanderers FC)

Ross Atkins (courtesy of Burton Albion FC) AUTUMN 2011 23

On the move keeper Jon Stewart was reunited with

Across the city, Nicky Weaver was rewarded

former boss Eddie Howe at Burnley, signing a

with a new two-year deal at Wednesday.

one-year contract after a trial period. Another

Chesterfield signed goalkeeper Greg

South Coast ‘Old Boy, Paul Smith, previously

Fleming on a 12-month deal after he was

with newly promoted Southampton, was

released by Oldham in January, paving the

allowed to join Middlesbrough on loan from

way for Mansfield Town to swoop for Shane

Nottingham Forest in mid-season, and has

Redmond after his release from the Spirites.

subsequently made the move permanent.

The Teesiders also offered a two-and-a-half-

goalkeeper David Grof on a one-year

year contract to 18-year-old Connor Ripley

contract after the Hungarian impressed

in January, who joined the club following his

during a trial spell, and also handed veteran

release from Blackburn Rovers.

goalkeeper and club stalwart Jimmy Walker

Of the other Championship newcomers,

Arran Lee-Barrett (courtesy of Action Images)

Walsall have signed Notts County

a new one-year deal. The 37-year-old

Peterborough United have made Paul

returned to the League One club in October,

Jones’ loan move from Exeter City

having spent 11 years with them earlier in

permanent.

his career.

League 1

signing of goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams

Amongst League 1 clubs, Charlton

on a two-year contract to replace Kiwi-

Athletic were particularly active in the

bound Tony Warner; whilst across Lancashire

goalkeeping department. In preparation

Oldham Athletic have signed former

for the departure of Rob Elliott, the Addicks

Accrington Stanley goalkeeper Alex Cisak

signed Ben Hamer from Reading and

on a two-year contract. Despite being out

Tranmere Rovers have completed the

goalkeeper John Sullivan on a free transfer

of contract the Latics have paid Stanley a

former Ram Paul Peschisolido, joining Burton

from Millwall. The latter has signed a two-

compensation fee for the 22-year-old as he

Albion on loan.

year deal at the Valley, having enjoyed a

is under 24 years of age.

Coventry City turned to Northampton Town’s Chris Dunn and Scunthorpe United’s

successful loan spell at the club last season.

Elsewhere, Hartlepool United’s Scott

Relegated Preston North End were

Flinders has signed a one-year extension to

Joe Murphy to fill the void left by Keiren

forced into the transfer market following

his current contract, despite serious interest

Westwood’s defection to Sunderland,

the departure of Andy

whilst elsewhere in the Midlands Sven

Lonergan, and opted to

Goran Eriksson was reunited with Kasper

sign former loanee Iain

Schmeichel in a £1.25 million swoop from

Turner on a one-year

Leeds United. Leeds fought off competition

contract after he rejected

from Everton to sign Preston keeper Andy

the offer of a new deal at

Lonergan, whilst across Yorkshire, Hull City

Everton.

released Matt Duke and signed Hungarian Peter Gulacsi on loan from Liverpool.

Coventry old boy Arran Lee-Barrett

In the Steel City, Sheffield United’s highly rated England Under 18

(pictured) was rewarded for his fine form at

‘keeper George Long was

the end of the season for Ipswich, by signing

rewarded with his first

an improved two-year contract extension at

professional contract and

Portman Road, whist the Tractor Boys lost

made his debut for the

Irishman Brian Murphy, who opted to leave

Blades on the last day of

the club despite the offer of a new contract.

the season against to-be

Portsmouth failed to offer new terms to

promoted Swansea City.

Darryl Flahavan (pictured) who made the

Long has since established

short hop down the south coast to join AFC

himself as 2nd choice

Bournemouth, whilst former Bournemouth

for the Blades this term.

24 AUTUMN 2011

Darryl Flahavan (courtesy of AFC Bournemouth)

from other clubs; Exeter signed goalkeeper

two-year deal, and also brought in Liverpool

Lenny Pidgeley following his departure

reserve keeper Martin Hansen on a one-

from Bradford City and promoted Stevenage

month loan. Rotherham United have also

signed Gillingham keeper Alan Julian on a

used the loan system, signing goalkeeper

free transfer.

Conrad Logan (pictured) on a six-month deal from Leicester City. Aldershot Town

League 2

have bagged goalkeeper Ross Worner

Following the disappointment of their

on a free transfer. Worner, 21, made 11

relegation, Bristol Rovers have signed

appearances for Charlton Athletic last

goalkeepers Scott Bevan and Lance

season and has agreed a two-year deal.

Cronin. Bevan, 31, has signed a two-year

Barnet offered terms to former Portsmouth

deal at the Memorial Stadium following his

goal keeper Liam O’Brien, whilst Rushden

departure from Torquay, whilst the Pirates

& Diamonds have signed goalkeeper Simon

snapped up Gillingham goalkeeper Lance

Evans on non-contract terms.

Cronin. Cronin, 25, was allowed to leave the Gills after making just seven appearances in his only season at Priestfield.

Gillingham in turn have made a double swoop, signing former Dover goalkeeper Ross Flitney, 27, who is reunited with

Conrad Logan

SPL In Scotland, St. Mirren moved to recruit

34-year-old spent last season with South

Graeme Smith on a free transfer from St.

African side SuperSport United.

Johnstone, where he will compete with

Plymouth Argyle have signed goalkeeper

former Shamrock Rovers stopper Alan

boss Andy Hessenthaler, and Argentine

Jake Cole after a successful trial at Home

Mannus for a first team spot. St Mirren were

goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga on a two-year

Park. Cole was released by Barnet boss

forced into the market in order to replace

deal. Gazzaniga, 19, was released by Spanish

Lawrie Sanchez in May after making 97

Paul Gallacher, who returned to former

La Liga outfit Valencia at the start of the

starts for the club since initially joining on

club Dunfermline. Aberdeen, who lost

summer having passed through their youth

loan in March 2009.

Stuart Nelson to Notts County and Jamie

system.

Crewe Alexandra have completed a

Langfield to a serious illness, drafted in

deal to bring former Leeds United keeper

David Gonzalez on loan from Manchester

signed Falkirk goalkeeper Robert Olejnik

goalkeeper Alan Martin to Gresty Road on

City with Jason Brown as cover. Celtic have

to replace Scott Bevan, and have moved to

a one-year deal, after a successful season

brought Newcastle United goalkeeper

re-sign their former goalkeeper Martin Rice

north of the Border at Ayr United.

Fraser Forster back to the club on a

Torquay United boss Martin Ling has

from Truro City. Former Austrian Under-21

Summarising the rest of the moves:

season’s loan, whilst Old Firm rivals Rangers

international Olejnik, 24, spent four years

Accrington signed former Hamilton

tied Allan McGregor down to a new six-

at Falkirk. Swindon Town also dealt in the

goalkeeper Sean Murdoch on a one-

year deal. Allan will do battle for the number

foreign market, completing the signing

year contract; Bradford City have signed

one jersey with Neil Alexander (pictured),

of Italian goalkeeper Mattia Lanzano.

unattached goalkeeper Matt Duke on a

who also signed a new contract last winter.

The 20-year-old, who was with Italian side US Gavorrana 1930 last season, joins the Robins on a two-year deal.

Northampton have completed the signing of goalkeeper Freddy Hall on a one-year contract. Former Bermuda international Hall was most recently with United States minor league side Bermuda Hogges. Additionally, the Cobblers brought in Chelsea goalkeeper Sam Walker in a season-long loan deal.

Oxford United have signed former Chester, Hereford and Bury goalkeeper Wayne Brown on a one-year deal. The

Neil Alexander saving a Frank Lampard penalty AUTUMN 2011 25

takes a look at the stars of the future George Long

first team – including a memorable debut

likes of Aston Villa on the way to the final

in May 2011 in the Blades’ Championship

against Man United so it was a great time to

There’s a long way to go to match the

defeat at promoted Swansea – and received

put in a Man of the Match performance.

talent factories at Manchester United

international recognition last April, playing

and Liverpool but Sheffield United’s

in England U18s 1-1 draw away to Italy.

impressive Academy system has fostered

More recently, the 6’ 4” stopper received

To be honest, it’s a night I’ll never forget.

Having been a kid watching in the stands, to be out there in front of 30,000 Blades will be

a burgeoning reputation to be reckoned

rave reviews as the Blades squeezed past

a memory I’ll cherish. And a full house at an

with…and another name to look out for.

a battling Burton Albion side, 2-1 in the

Under 18s game – you don’t get that too often.

The latest success

Johnstone’s Paint

story to follow in the footsteps

GEORGE LONG

An amazing twelve Courtesy of Sheffield Uni

of England’s Kyle

Trophy.

Walker and Phil Jagielka is 17-yearold ‘keeper George Long. The lifelong

ted FC

Blade has attracted the attentions of numerous Premier League clubs and now enjoys the title of the club’s youngest ever 1st team custodian!

It’s been ‘Roy of The Rovers’ stuff for the Sheffield-born

AGE: 17 HEIGHT: 193cm WEIGHT: 79kg e GLOVES: Sells Wrap Elit ends Leg o mp Tie e Nik S: BOOT : Joe Hart YER PLA AL ON INSPIRATI ld United ffie She : TED CLUB SUPPOR ents BIGGEST INFLUENCE: Par T: Chase & FAVOURITE BAND/ARTIS Status

I have always supported United so it’s great to finally get to play for them. Our family are Blades through and through.”

months was capped

GK1: When was it you realized you were a

with an appearance in

goalkeeper in the making?

the FA Youth Cup Final

GL: “To be honest, I didn’t start in net. I was

against Manchester

playing for a Sunday League team and at

United. A Man-of-the-

school and I was a centre-forward. I was

Match appearance

top scorer for a few years and I wasn’t bad.

in the first leg at

But one week, the Sunday team needed a

Bramall Lane kept

‘keeper. (GK1: Where have we heard this

the tie deadlocked at

before?!) Someone threw me the gloves and

2-2 before their cup

I played okay and that was that. I’ve been

run came to an end

there ever since! I was always a big lad and

with a 4-2 defeat at

my mum and dad encouraged me to stay in

Old Trafford.

net so that was it really. I never came out.”

This month, GK1

“Once I’d played in net for the academy,

goes One-on-One

then that’s when it starts getting serious.

youngster who started

with George Long.

It was nice having a bit of a breather and

going to watch his red

GK1: You were born on Bonfire Night so

playing out of net for my school. But I was

and white heroes with his uncle as a star-

you’ll be used to shocks and surprises!

training three times a week and a game on

struck 10-year-old. A few short years on and

Over the past 12 months, which one was

the Saturday so playing up front soon got

it’s George Long who is starting to forge the

your favourite?

knocked on the head! My mum and dad, in

headlines in the steel city.

GL: “The real highlight for me was the first

particular my dad, just encouraged me to

leg of the Youth Cup final. We’d beaten the

train as much as I could.

So far he’s played twice for United’s 26 AUTUMN 2011

GK1: When did you realize you may make

coming through. Harry McGuire and Jordan

GK1: Who have been the biggest

it as a professional player?

Slew have been regulars this season,

influences on your career at Bramall

GL: “During my under 15 season we had

although Jordan’s just gone to Blackburn

Lane?

one game against Nottingham Forest and

(for a reported £1m) so it’s a great incentive

GL:“I’ve had two goalkeeper coaches who

I remember doing really well in that and

for all of us to work hard.”

have really helped me. Lee Kendall was

thinking – ‘right, let’s kick on from here’.

GK1: Has there been any interest in you

a big part in my development and now

Then I had a really good season with the

from other clubs since the Youth Cup run?

Paul Crichton is our ‘keeper coach - both

Under 16s and it went from strength to

GL: “I’m told Fulham put a bid in for me,

of them have been really instrumental in

strength really. “

Harry and Jordan. But I think I may get more

helping me become a better keeper. I’m

GK1: Last season you made it to the

first team opportunities here at the Lane. If

now mentally fitter and stronger than I was.

bench on numerous occasions, then came

you move to a bigger club you just are way

Stepping up to the first team you’ve got to

the debut at Swansea.

down the pecking order and probably get

make a lot of mental improvements. I am

GL: “Yeah, 13 times on the bench in total

forgotten about. I definitely see my future

sharper.”

then I got my start at Swansea. I was kept

here. In the next few seasons my main aim

GK1: Do you have a favourite goalkeeper?

pretty busy and early on things went well.

is getting in our first team and staying there

GL: “I’ve always watched Paddy Kenny and

To be honest Swansea were in great form by

hopefully. As long as I keep training hard

he was great at Sheffield United. I always

then and we had quite a young side out so it

and impressing the gaffer there are going to

wanted to be like him. I still think he’s very

was hard. But I really enjoyed it and it was a

be opportunities. You know if Simmo (Steve

underrated. And of course, it’s difficult to

great time to make my debut.”

Simonsen) gets injured then the gaffer knows

look beyond Joe Hart. He’s at the top of his

GK1: Were you nervous at all?

I am in a position to jump straight in. “

game and a ‘keeper you’d want to be like.”

GL: “I wasn’t bad. It’s just another game and

GK1: The Blades are riding high in League

GK1: Will you stay with United long term?

you can’t allow yourself to get too intimidated.

One. Very different to the frustrations of

GL: “I just want to play at the highest level I

You’ve just got to concentrate and get your

last year and relegation?

can and I’d love that to be with United.”

mind on the game. And once you’ve made

GL: “The mood is so much more upbeat

GK1: As well as The Blades, you’ve worn

your first save you’re into it and that’s it.”

this year in the changing room and at

Three Lions on your shirt!

GK1: What do you consider to be your

training. Everyone is raring to go and get

GL: “Yes. I made my Under 18 debut against

strengths?

out there on a Saturday and play. Last year

Italy towards the end of last season and I

GL: “I’d say shot stopping and one-on-one

we had quite a lot of loan players, which

really enjoyed that. It was a great experience

situations. I quite enjoy them, coming out

didn’t help our cause too much. This season

traveling abroad to play for your country.

and making blocks. “

Danny Wilson has come in and made a big

I’ve been put on stand by for an Under 19’s

GK1: So United have produced some

difference. He’s a top manager. You can see

game against Holland so hopefully there

talented young players of late. But did

that in training and the practice games. He

are plenty more of those to come if I keep

you expect to do well in the youth Cup?

knows his stuff. He’s a breath of fresh air. He’s

playing well. It was really good playing

GL: “Not that well! We just played it game

motivated the players really well.”

under Noel Blake.”

by game starting at Cheltenham. Then once we had beaten Leicester I thought we could go on and really do something. In the final I think we all believed we could win it. After getting a two-all draw at home we thought we were in with a chance. But they were just too strong for us at Old Trafford.”

GK1: The Blades Academy has brought through some fine players of late. Is there another batch coming through which people should look out for?

GL: “Yes we’ve had the likes of Jagielka, Walker, Naughton and Quinny (Stephen Quinn) in recent years. The great thing is the club are willing to give you a chance in the first team.

“Now we’ve got some terrific players

Long saving from Manchester United’s Ravel Morrison in 2011 FA Youth Cup Final - Getty Images AUTUMN 2011 27

Alex McCarthy

good run in the cup and the way we played

with a knee injury. During that time they

gave everyone a boost – after that game we

brought in a goalkeeper from Arsenal that

2011 will be a year to remember for

went on to win our next six league games.”

was huge at the time and towered over me.

Reading’s Alex McCarthy. Having played

That run put Reading firmly in the play-

a significant part in the Royals’ push for

off picture but unfortunately for McCarthy it

He’s still the same size now and I’ve been lucky to grow a lot since.”

promotion, he has also found himself

also signalled the end

involved in the

of his run in the first

14 are forced to accept that a career in the

team. “I had always

professional game may not be for them,

had it in my mind

but despite being without a club for over a

a massive year

that as soon as Adam

year, Jordan was fortunate enough to earn

for me, I couldn’t

returned that he’d go

himself a trial at his local club: Tottenham.

have planned it

straight back into the

any better,” says

first team because

rejoined a local Sunday League side I’d been

McCarthy. “I went

he had done so well

at before Charlton, and ended up spending

out on loan last

before the injury,”

18 months there. Halfway through the U16s

season and played

admits McCarthy.

season he took me on trial at Spurs, and

45 games for Yeovil.

“But there was also

they signed me on a scholarship. It was a six-

part of me that

week trial, quite thorough. I was delighted

was disappointed

to be taken on.”

England U-21 set-up. “It’s been

This season just gone I’d spent a lot of time sitting on the bench but then an injury to Adam Federici gave

ALEX McCARTHY

AGE: 21 HEIGHT: 193cm WEIGHT: 80kg GLOVES: Puma BOOTS: Puma King : Petr Cech INSPIRATIONAL PLAYER ea els CLUB SUPPORTED: Ch m and Dad BIGGEST INFLUENCE: MuT: Nicki Minaj FAVOURITE BAND/ARTIS

playing for the first team we had lost just one league

run in the first team.’

game and we were

of February not only gave McCarthy his

“I linked up with my old coach and

because while I was

me a chance to have a The injury to Federici in the middle

Most young players let go by clubs at

JORDAN ARCHER

on a really good run.”

So far so good for McCarthy, whose

chance of regular first team football but also

season culminated with his inclusion

a chance to test himself against Premier

in the England Under-21 squad for the

League opposition. In the fifth round of

European Championships in Denmark. It

the FA Cup Reading were drawn away at

was a disappointing display from England,

Everton, a game they went on to win 1-0

who bowed out in the competition’s group

- thanks in no small part to an excellent

stages as McCarthy watched on from the

display from the 21-year-old. “It was

substitute’s bench. With Reading having

unbelievable, I’d never been to Goodison

narrowly missed out on promotion, 2011/12

Park before,” reveals McCarthy. “Playing

looks set to be a crunch year for McCarthy,

there in a full stadium was incredible, and

for both club and country.

to knock them out and go through was

AGE: 18 HEIGHT: 191cm WEIGHT: N/A GLOVES: Sells Wrap Elit e BOOTS: Adidas Predators INSPIRATIONAL PLAYER : CLUB SUPPORTED: Ars Joe Hart ena BIGGEST INFLUENCE: Aca l coach Perry Slater and my demy GK FAVOURITE ARTIST: Dra mother ke & Lil Wayne

more importantly, it proved that we could

Jordan Archer

compete with Premier League teams.”

Tottenham Under-18s goalkeeper Jordan

area, as a youngster Jordan took a liking to

Archer has had good time of it of late.

the Lily Whites’ North London arch rivals.

themselves again against Premier League

Facing the prospect of a career as a semi-

“I grew up as an Arsenal fan, but went to

opposition in the quarter-final. This time it

pro at 16, Jordan has since been taken

school in the Tottenham area.” He is now

was away at Manchester City and despite

on by Tottenham, where he’s established

very much a Tottenham man, emerging as a

losing 1-0, it was again another impressive

himself as the Academy side’s GK1.

key figure in the U18s set up.

even better. It was a great experience but

And they were given the chance to prove

performance from Reading and McCarthy.

“I started out at Charlton as a 10-year-

Despite growing up in the Walthamstow

“In my 1st season initially I was just

“I thought we played really well,” says

old, but got released at 14 for being too

training and not involved with the youth

McCarthy. “Man City had all their top players

small,” says Jordan, something that is hard

team, but in the second half of my first

playing so to do well and only lose 1-0 was

to imagine looking at him now. “I had a late

season I managed to establish myself as

a great achievement. We were obviously

growth spurt, and now I’m 6’3”. They let a

number one and make the GK1 jersey

disappointed to go out but we had had a

couple of us go. I had been out for a year

my own. I think I went onto play 9 league

28 AUTUMN 2011

games that season.”

was disappointing to go out so early. We had

having niggle after niggle, and I just found

Jordan’s continued good form was

a squad that could have gone far. But we’d lost

it hard to stay fit. A lot of players go through

rewarded with a call-up to the Scotland

a few of the second years to the development

this and it’s just one of those things, it’s

U19 side, despite being born and bred in

squad and I’m not sure the younger lads had

good to learn to deal with it, it’s good to

Walthamstow.

enough time to gel before we got underway.

learn how to be out of the team.”

“My grandparents are Scottish on my mum’s side. My goalkeeper coach asked

We didn’t really look like a team.”

Now fit and raring to go for the

A torn cartilage meant Smithies was going to understand all about sitting on

me what I thought about it and I felt it’d

2011/12 season, things looks rosy for the

the sidelines. The 21-year-old picked up

be good experience. I’ve played Scotland

Tottenham stopper, who cannot help but

the injury at the beginning of January and

U19. There was a friendly at the start of last

set himself goals and outline ambitions

following surgery missed two months of

season against Malta and we just recently

when pressed on his hopes for the future:

the season. “After a couple of days I just

played two games in Denmark at the end

“I want to continue to be involved with the

thought: get your head round it and work

of the 2010/11 season. It’s been great to get

international set-up, get as many games

hard,” reveals Smithies. “Obviously the

international experience.”

under my belt as possible, and possibly go

harder I worked in the rehab the quicker I

Jordan doesn’t rule out the prospect of

out on loan. Training with the first team and

was going to be back, it was up to me to get

representing England at some stage in his

getting regular football at a League 2 or

fit and up to me not to worry about the fact

career too, with both his English and Scottish

League 1 club would be ideal for me.”

that I was injured. No player goes through

heritage of importance to him. He counts England’s current GK1, Joe Hart, as one of the goalkeepers in the game he looks up to.

“I’m a big fan of Joe Hart, not just as a

their career without having an injury and I’m

Alex Smithies Unlike many young goalkeepers,

going to be no different so it was good for me to learn to deal with it.”

Huddersfield have endured back-to-back

goalkeeper but the way he carries himself.

Huddersfield’s Alex Smithies didn’t have

promotion heartbreak, falling at the Play-Off

He plays with a smile on his face, and that’s

to wait too long for his first-team chance.

semi-final stage against Millwall in 2010

the way I prefer to be. Some of the keepers

At just seventeen, due to injuries and a

and missing out in the final itself against

I’ve worked with are so tense and uptight

sending off, he found himself thrown in

Peterborough in 2011. Smithies, however,

before a game, and I can’t understand it. I

at the deep end. That

is convinced that Huddersfield have what it

prefer to be relaxed, have a few jokes with

was back in 2007 and

the goalkeeper coach and other keepers. As

since then he’s played

soon as the whistle goes, you’re focussed,

over 100 games for

season: “We will be

but before I prefer to unwind and loosen up.

his hometown club.

in the mix. We’ve

I don’t get nervous.”

“I’m fortunate that I

definitely got the

Jordan exudes confidence, but retains an

ALEX SMITHIES

takes to go all the way in the coming

was given the chance

players capable of

element of humility when asked to list his

so soon,” admits

getting out of this

strengths and weaknesses as a keeper, often

Smithies. “It’s not

league and we feel

keen to underline his need for more match

very often that

we can win it if we

practice. “My main strength, according to

goalkeepers get such

my coaches, is my ability to come and take

a chance so early in

crosses. But I do need more experience, I

their career because

suppose that is a weakness. I’ve trained with

it’s unlikely that a

the first team keepers five or six times, but

manager is going to

last season there were quite a few keepers

trust an unproven

on the books so my opportunities were

keeper. I’d barely

limited. Hopefully next season it will be a

played any youth

more regular occurrence.”

team games and

Jordan was a regular for the Tottenham U18s last season, but Spurs fell at the first

get a run together.”

AGE: 21 HEIGHT: 191cm WEIGHT: 84kg GLOVES: Nike BOOTS: Nike CTR360 Ma INSPIRATIONAL PLAYERestri : Peter Schmeichel/Joe Hart CLUB SUPPORTED: Hu ddersfield Town BIGGEST INFLUENCE: GK Huddersfield Town, Joh Coach at n Vaughan FAVOURITE BAND/ARTIS T: Jay-Z

And if they do manage to get promoted the success will be all the sweeter for Smithies. He’s a local lad and has only ever wanted to play for one club. “I live ten minutes

wasn’t ready for it but gave it my best.”

from the ground,” says Smithies. “I played for

Smithies is now firmly established as

the schoolboy team from eight and used to

hurdle of the youth game’s most prestigious

the regular first choice for Huddersfield

go to all the games. All I wanted to do as a kid

tournament, the FA Youth Cup. “We went out

but unfortunately his 2010/11 season was

was play for Huddersfield because it was the

in the 3rd Round to Barnsley, we lost 3-1. We

disrupted by injury. “The previous season I

team I was going to watch every week. I knew

went 1 down early on, they sat back and we

played every minute of every game, I played

all my friends and family loved the club - my

ended up conceding two from set-pieces. It

55 games,” he says. “Last year it felt like I was

first goal was to play for Huddersfield.”

AUTUMN 2011 29

Where are they now?

Ian Feuer

Ian Feuer’s football story reads something like a Hollywood film. Here’s the pitch.

In the late 1980s, Las Vegas-born Feuer travels alone to Alabama aged just 16 for a Harald Schumacher soccer school. There, the German great advises the impressive keeper, already well on the way to his full 6’7 height, to head across the pond.

F

euer leaves his family behind

my main target. And I would have played

work as hard as he does at his age is great.”

to follow his dream, playing a

anywhere but to play for a team like West

He still keeps tabs on England, even if

brand of ‘football’ alien to most

Ham was special.

of his peers. He goes on to beat

“I remember my debut against Derby.

the father-of-three’s commitment to his own Premier Goalkeeping Academy takes

the odds, and European scepticism, to

We won 2-1 and I had a decent game. It was

much of his time. He is a huge fan of Robert

be a pioneer for American soccer heroes,

special to play with guys like Rio Ferdinand,

Green, a keeper he knows personally and

meeting his future wife in Belgium and

Paolo Di Canio and Joe Cole. That was a great

someone for whom he has the “utmost

ultimately playing for West Ham United.

experience to say you have played and trained

respect. “I use Robert as an example of total

with those players. Harry was great for me.”

professionalism. He is a gentleman and is an

Even more fitting is that he is now California-based and operating daily in the

Feuer also played around 100 games

spotlight of the biggest club in the United

for Luton Town, having joined them when

Feuer is hoping for something special

States. Goalkeeper coach for LA Galaxy,

they were then a second-tier club. But the

this season. Why not an MLS Cup for the

Feuer is spreading the lessons learned to the

experience at West Ham left its mark. “I have

Galaxy and promotion for the Hammers? He

burgeoning Major League Soccer scene.

a real affection for the club. It is a blue-collar

would then love the two to meet for a game

club and the fans appreciate people who are

after that.

Born:20 May 1971, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Position: Goalkeeper Clubs played for:Club Brugge; Molenbeek; Los Angeles Salsa; West Ham United; Peterborough; Luton Town; New England Revolution; Rushden & Diamonds; Colorado Rapids; Wimbledon; Derby County; Tranmere Rovers; Wolverhampton Wanderers

hard-working and do their best.”

club to get back straight away,” he declared.

coincided with Ludek Miklosko’s long stay,

Sounds like the perfect Hollywood ending.

and he has only positive words for the man

With thanks to Rob Pritchard at West Ham

he would spend hours with on the practice

United FC.

pitches.

“What a good guy he was and a great role model, I learned so much from him and he inspired me.”

The roles have been reversed, with Galaxy. He has had a big hand in helping

headquarters, Feuer, now 40, looks back

former Bradford City stopper Donovan

on his time at the Hammers as one of the

Ricketts become Major League Soccer’s

happiest of his life. He had to have two takes,

leading No1 last season.

however, to realise his Upton Park ambitions.

After a spell in 1994/95 without a game,

At 6’6 Ricketts may be the main man in MLS keeping but he still has to give way to

he was to get a second chance six years

his coach, not least with Feuer standing an

later again under Harry Redknapp. After a

inch taller. “The first day we met, I was sitting

brief stay at Cardiff City, he finally made his

down. He came in and I stood up. He just

Boleyn bow.

gave me this look!”

“It was an amazing time,” he said. “For me

Height competitions aside, Feuer is

as a kid I always dreamt of just playing in

fulsome in praise. “He has been amazing for us.

the professional league in England. It was

He has come on leaps and bounds. For him to

30 AUTUMN 2011

“I will be watching and rooting for the

Feuer’s first spell at Chadwell Heath

Feuer turning from trainee to mentor at the Talking on the phone from the Galaxy’s

amazing keeper.”

BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS

The business pages

SPL clubs to vote on change

over four years. “One of the fundamental problems we have is to make sure when clubs get relegated they don’t face financial Armageddon,” insists Doncaster. “That’s the real challenge and that’s what the plan partly addresses. A key aspect of this is

P

it’s about making sure the second tier of

from twelve to ten. The proposals are just

restructuring appears to be aimed at the

part of a restructuring plan that has been

well being of relegated SPL teams would

put forward by SPL Chief Executive, Neil

be wrong. Doncaster firmly believes the

Doncaster. The SPL last had ten teams ten

proposals will benefit the whole of the

years ago, but the new format would add

Scottish Football League. “It’s not just about

a play-off for the team finishing second

protecting the relegated clubs. For example,

bottom as well as automatic relegation for

a really good club like Falkirk with a fantastic

whoever finishes bottom.

community operation and a great academy

roposed changes to the

Scottish football is properly funded so that

Scottish Premier League could

when clubs are relegated financially they

see the number of teams in

can still cope.”

Scotland’s top flight reduced

To suggest that the main focus of the

“It’s a plan for Scottish football, it’s not

having to face some serious questions

just concentrating on a handful of clubs

about whether they can afford to run that

or just the top division it’s ensuring all 42 clubs have a far better environment going

Neil Doncaster

academy going forward. So it’s far more fundamental than looking after members,

forward,” Doncaster explains. “The various

top half and 36 games in the bottom part.

it’s about looking after the fabric of Scottish

elements of the plan are to go to a ten team

The bigger problem you’ve got is for those

football.”

top division and twelve team championship.

teams in seventh and eighth after the split,

It’s about merging the two leagues into one

they’ve got fourteen fixtures - over half a

a winter break. The winter break was first

entity with an earlier season start date and

season - with nothing to play for.”

introduced in Scotland in 1998 to try to

a play-off competition between the Premier League and the Championship where you have two potential promotion and relegation slots.”

In order to implement the restructuring there will need to be a vote of the SPL clubs.

While most of the clubs are supportive, there are still some yet to be convinced, including those who would actually prefer the league expanded to fourteen teams.

One of the fundamental problems we have is to make sure when clubs get relegated they don’t face financial Armageddon

“There are various reasons why the clubs took the view that they preferred the

Also part of the proposals is a plan for

minimise the number of games lost to the weather. However, the SPL scrapped the winter break in 2003 but the severity of recent winters has put the idea back on the agenda. “The details of the winter break still need to be worked through,” explains Doncaster. “The ideal time is clearly after the new year fixtures. Whether you have some sort of flexible winter break to accommodate the sort of weather we’ve had in the last couple of years remains to

Without question the single biggest issue

be seen but further discussion on that will

ten team set-up,” says Doncaster. “If you

for teams relegated from the SPL is finance.

happen. An earlier start to the season is

go to fourteen teams that doesn’t create

Currently when they drop into the Scottish

something we need to look at both from

any money that you can push down to

Football League they receive around

the point of view of clubs in Europe and

the second tier. Secondly you still retain

£375,000 over two years, the new proposal

improving the coefficient but also making it

a split, you end up with 36 games in the

would see up to £2.8 million being paid

more enjoyable for the supporters.”

AUTUMN 2011 31

OUTSIDE THE BOX

In a league of his own!

Former England GK1 Gary Bailey explores the secrets of leadership which make Sir Alex the best manager in the world!

F

amed for his golden locks and

nicest, most caring guys you could ever

dashing good looks, Gary

meet. When I retired he looked after me and

Bailey has sailed seamlessly

was very concerned about my future.

from goalmouth to pundit’s

“A lot of managers don’t bother. He does

“When Peter came back he’d run through walls for Sir Alex. “

Keep it Positive

chair - becoming the voice of football on

it naturally. I think it has a lot to do with

“I’ve studied so many business models but

the African continent.

his own upbringing. Sam Allardyce, Harry

at the end of the day some of the basics are

Redknapp and all the these top managers

the most powerful. Then there’s something

South Africa, this former England GK1 and

have a rivalry with Sir Alex but also have

called Appreciative Inquiry - which is

self-confessed workaholic shares his time

huge respect.

a business school term really for being

Born in Suffolk but brought up in

between the Supersport TV studios, various

“Even Arsene Wenger has warmed to him

positive.

“You will always have problems. If you

business interests and a growing reputation

over the years. He is tough and will let you

as the most sought after motivational

battle against him but so many ex-players

as an individual focus on the problems,

speaker in Africa.

like Beckham will still talk well of him. So

your life will be full of problems. At work, if

that’s the first point about being tough but

you are always looking at the 1% that goes

humble.”

wrong and not the 99% that is good, then

Now the 52-year-old, who played just short of 400 times for Manchester United, is turning his hand to writing - with his second book due out at the end of the year.

In a rare break from the office, Gary speaks to GK1 (from the beach in Cape Town - and apparently it’s 35 degrees!) about the difference between good and great managers.

“I wanted to explore how the greats survive, thrive and provide exemplary leadership,” explains Gary, who studied a physics degree in his spare time during nine seasons at The Theatre of Dreams.

“I’ve seen first hand the leadership skills shown by great man managers.

If you are always looking at the 1% that goes wrong and not the 99% that is good, then you will create a negative mindset in the workforce.

Football management at the highest level

you will create a negative mindset in the workforce.

“Instead focus on the good and create a positive mindset as a leader. So be positive as opposed to running your players down. “

Plan Ahead “And finally there’s Destiny. It’s critical to plan effectively for a great destiny.

Your future will arrive sooner than you think and it’s important to make time to think ahead and prepare for your destiny.

“Sir Alex was brilliant at this. He knew he couldn’t afford to go out and

is probably the most stressful job in the

Schmeichel

buy the very best players in the world so

world today. One third of Premier League

“The second thing is emotional intelligence

he set up the academy. It was a practical,

managers get sacked every season. In what

- or in another word, empathy. You need to

positive solution to a problem he faced. And

other business would that happen?”

be able to observe, evaluate and respond.

he went and found Beckham and Giggs and

You shouldn’t just walk into an office and sit

Scholes and the rest is history.

Gary, who took a Business Masters after leaving Manchester, now feels the

down and work. When you walk into a room

time is right to combine his own personal

there may be people who are going through

him at United. I think what saved him, if

experiences with the business lessons he’s

a crisis in their lives and know what’s going

indeed he was under pressure, was that he

learnt from the likes of Richard Branson - put

on. And again Sir Alex is very good at

had a wonderful youth squad and plans in

together to help managers in all walks of life

observing the players.

place for his destiny - another clear sign of

do their jobs better.

So how would you explain the magic

“I remember when Peter Schmeichel was low on confidence and going through a

“For some time things didn’t go well for

great leadership.”

which a select band of managers seem to

tough time. Mid-season, Sir Alex told him to

Culture Club

possess?

take a few weeks off and go on holiday with

“I think a lot of managers have many of his

his wife. It was a big call at the time, but Sir

qualities but no one that I know of will have

Alex could see he wasn’t up to it.

every one of his qualities.

“For a start off it’s all to do with combining toughness and humility. You need two main abilities: ‘professional will’

“That’s great leadership, to look at the

“He made it his business to know

and ‘personal humility’. Sir Alex has both

people around you and know they are not

everyone at the club; made sure he went

these qualities in abundance. He comes

able to perform to the level you need - and

to see all the kids play at the levels; got to

across as tough but he is also one of the

then find a way to help!

understand each of them.

AUTUMN 2011 33

“I don’t think his genius lies in any one

Tough Love

out of the player.”

aspect but I think it comes from him being

Gary’s examples also call upon the teachings

good at all aspects that pertain to being a

of another footballing knight, the late Sir

caps would have been a far greater haul

football manager.

Bobby Robson.

had he not faced the stiffest competition

“The players he brings in always learn

“Had it not been for Maradona’s ‘Hand of

For many observers, Gary’s two England

from two greats in Peter Shilton and Ray

to fit in with the culture of the club and

God’, which was just plain cheating, England

so they follow the Giggs/Scholes mantra

could well have won the World Cup. Again

of hard work, 110% on the pitch, never let

in 1990 when England had such a good

Calling Time

you down. Not every manager is able to

qualifying run, he went close,” recalls the

Gary’s mental fortitude was tested when

create that culture within his club: his choice

keeper who wore the Three Lions between

serious injury meant an end to his club and

of people around him, his staff and how

1978 and 1986.

international dreams at just 28.

he gets such dedication from his staff. It’s

“All those players that worked with him

Clemence.

“The end wasn’t so bad really. Maybe I’d

will tell you all about what a really caring

got into the United team too early, but by

person he was. He had an amazing way

28 I’d clocked up nearly 400 league matches

few years ago. I hadn’t seen him in a long

of showing you where you could improve

in a team that was desperate for success.

while and he offered me a lift. I didn’t want

without belittling you in the process.

We were always so nearly there. Added to

because he is a caring person.

“For example I saw him at the airport a

to intrude but he insisted and said he’d got the driver outside.

“Now to be fair he didn’t need to do that.

He had his wife with him and he had things to do. But that’s a different side to him. He

“Some managers can make you feel

that pressure, the burden of not becoming

belittled and other managers can inspire

England’s regular keeper started to make life

you to get out there and show them just

very frustrating.

how good you are.

“Sir Bobby and Sir Alex are those men

took me into central London from Heathrow

and it matters whether you are a caring

and got his driver to drop me off.”

manager or just in it for what you can get

“In ‘85 we had a team that should have walked the league. We had a great side and we blew it somewhere along the line.

“If I had been at a smaller club and then moved to United at 28 I would have been

34 AUTUMN 2011

galvanised and excited. But I’d taken a

his time at United, he was involved in

structures from both family and friends only

battering for 8 years.

various social projects, benefiting the poorer

seem to inflame the situation. I felt there

parts of Manchester.

needed to be something easy to read and

“You base your game on confidence and when you are not thought of as the number

One of his proudest achievements

an accessible book that outlined a solution

1 keeper and you are not winning trophies

has been the key role he played as an

that would protect the children as much as

people start to question and you constantly

ambassador in South Africa’s successful bid

possible.

have to try and prove it’s not the goalkeeper

to host the 2010 World Cup.

that’s to blame - and it’s very tough.

“I spent a year or so on the bench after the injury,” recalls Gary who until then had missed just 7 games in 7 years.

“The knee got worse and it was obvious

And his first book saw Gary giving his

“It’s written from a dad’s perspective, but it isn’t just aimed at dads. If your brother

help and advice on a subject many miles

or son or colleague is going through a

from football.

divorce then the book will give you all the

Divorce

information and advice you need to help them to get it right for their kids. And, if

“I’d witnessed the terrible impact of divorce

you’re a mum, it’ll help you to understand

on kids first hand,” says Gary. “I’ve no doubt

what’s going on for your kids’ dad,” says

He was fantastic. There was a genuineness

that those parents didn’t intend to bring this

Gary.

about the man that surprised me. I had

pain on their children,” explains Gary, whose

always imagined managers to be quite

own 18-year marriage hit the rocks in 2006.

it was time to move on.

“Sir Alex couldn’t do enough for me.

heartless in those situations. I remember

“Equally, I have no doubt that the

Kids First “I have a social conscience and it makes me

thinking at that time what a special man he

damage is an inevitable consequence if

feel like I want to contribute to the world

was.

parents lose sight of what their kids need

and I just thought maybe I can help others

during the turmoil.”

through the process of divorce.

“There was no point wondering what I was losing out on. I am damn lucky to

Keen to make sure his three kids didn’t

“I have got a simple approach to life. It

have played for the best club in the world.

get caught in the middle, he worked hard

doesn’t bother me how big my house is or

I played at a hell of a young age and I had

to find amicable solutions to potentially

how big my car is. The divorce book was

experienced some amazing things and it

damaging conflict areas. Four years on, and

really a way for me to help others.

was time to move onto a new challenge,”

his book ‘Divorce for Dads’ continues to offer

“I believe it is a circle, the more I help

recalls Gary, who won FA Cup winners

the benefit of that experience and help dads

others, the more the universe gives back to

medals in 1983 and 1985.

make the right choices for their kids.

me so at the end of the day it does seem to

“Yes, I could have achieved more and maybe I could have gone on to get a

“I’d seen the damage inflicted on children during a divorce, and how the support

work that way.

“There are massive social needs here in

hundred caps for England but it didn’t

South Africa and I would like to think I can

happen so there’s absolutely no point in

help.”

worrying about it. It was time to move on.”

New Challenge In the two years that followed, Gary won five trophies back in South Africa with the famous Kaiser Chiefs of Johannesburg,

So as the sun dips down over the Atlantic Ocean, so far, so good. But looking back, would he have done anything different?

“Yeah, if I had my time again I would never have been a goalkeeper!” he grins.

Surprising then that his goalkeeping

before the knee ligaments finally called a

father Roy, who won a league title with Sir

premature end to his career.

Alf Ramsey at Ipswich, threw him the gloves.

“When they said I couldn’t play any more,

“He didn’t want me to be a keeper. He

I was determined not to think what I was

wanted me to be a cricketer - and I found

missing out on. I turned it all around and

out pretty quickly why! It’s the toughest

thought it is what it is and it’s time to move

position in the world of sport today. I don’t

onto a new challenge. There is just no point

think there is any other position that is as

worrying about it and thinking I could have

lonely and as pressurised. I mean how do

achieved more. “

you play in a position where everyday the

Giving Back

only upside of your job is that you don’t make a mistake? You walk out of there and

Throughout his career, Gary has had an

if you keep a clean sheet you go ‘thank

acute social conscience. Every week, during

heavens’ for that.”

AUTUMN 2011 35

KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT

Sells Goalkeeper Products Wrap Series As per the rumour in our last issue, Sells Goalkeeper Products will this month launch their new Wrap Series for 2011. The new series of roll finger gloves features seven models to suit all climates and conditions.

The Wrap Elite Aqua (pictured) is the flagship model of the Sells range and a huge favourite with professionals right across the globe.

The 2011 version features the waterproof Aquastem fabric together with the ever popular Adhesion Ultra latex which provides unrivalled grip in wet conditions. The glove has a bandage wrist and has gone back to a traditional side seam and Velcro closure.

Sells will launch three additional glove ranges in the next twelve months, Total Contact, Axis 360 and Silhouette. With a further 125 new products on their way, Sells, the brand for which Pro Direct Sport is the exclusive UK Distributor, looks set to remain at the leading edge in goalkeeping technology.

Sells Wrap Elite Exosphere out now.

For more information visit www.sellsgoalkeeperproducts.com

Selsport Extreme Purity The 2011/12 Selsport range sees the introduction of a new top end range of products, consisting of four fantastic deep embossed backhand gloves. The Extreme has been developed to combine the unrivalled comfort and grip which has become synonymous throughout the Selsport range with clean lines and advanced shaped backhand which aids the hands natural curvature. By including the top level ULTRA Supa Soft Adhesion latex and trusted trilock wrist strap the XTR provides top level pros a perfect balance with a new level of grip and flexibility with all round comfort.

Selsport Extreme White out now.

For more information visit www.selsport.com 36 AUTUMN 2011

KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT

Reusch Keon Deluxe G1 The Reusch Keon Deluxe G1 is a new addition to the 2011 range. The vibrant lime green colour option is this year’s

Uhlsport Cerberus Absolutgrip Fingerbett

promotional colour and has already been seen several times in this year’s Champions League as both Milan keepers wore the gloves in featured games against Spurs. Julio Cesar also wore the gloves when Inter Milan won the FIFA World Club Cup back in December. The Keon Deluxe G1 is Reusch’s top of the range glove without finger protection and has many outstanding features which offer superb grip, comfort and performance.

Keon Deluxe G1 out now.

For more information visit www.reusch.com

The new Uhlsport Cerberus Absolutgrip Fingerbett features a unique ergonomically shaped finger bed ensuring each finger remains stable and does not slip. Available from May 2011, Uhlsport endorsees such as Pepe Reina and Hugo Lloris are already taking advantage of the new patented Absolutgrip Plus grip foam which gives them advanced cushioning and outstanding grip in all weather conditions.

Cerberus Absolutgrip Fingerbett out now.

For more information visit www.uhlsport.com AUTUMN 2011 37

KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT

A new force in the market Precision Goalkeeping has launched itself into the goalkeeping market in recent months with a host of big name signings and gloves being sold in stores up and down the UK. GK1 caught up with David Sanderson to find out about the rapid rise of the forward thinking brand.

P

recision Goalkeeping National Sales manager, David

the Precision Goalkeeping ranges.”

Schmeichel, 24, said: “I am delighted to

Sanderson, who spent 15

have signed a partnership with Precision

years with Uhlsport before

Goalkeeping.

joining Precision Training said: “We

“As a goalkeeper it is vitally important that you trust the gloves you are wearing and I couldn’t be happier with them.”

Schmeichel will be wearing a negative

“I had a number of other options but

cut glove made from supersoft latex,

might be a relatively new brand but we

after testing the gloves I was overwhelmed

adorned with the Danish flag and coloured

have a long history and heritage in the

by the quality and performance of the

white, black and gold.

goalkeeping market.

gloves, particularly the grip.

“Our team spent a long period

Kasper Schmeichel

Recently, Sunderland AFC goalkeeper Keiren Westwood has joined the ever

testing the first range of gloves with

expanding stable, he said; “Despite

Burnley’s Brian Jensen and when

being a relatively new brand they

we launched them the “Beast” wore

already have a great reputation

them against Chelsea in the Premioer

amongst the goalkeepers.

League at Turf Moor in 2010.

“From that moment on the brand,

“As soon as I tried the new range I knew they were the right gloves for

that is part of Britain’s fastest growing

me – superb grip in all conditions and

sports brand Precision Training, has

a perfect fit.”

gone from strength to strength.

“In less than a year we have

Sanderson commented; “The aim of Precision Training was to be able

launched a second range of gloves

to provide grass roots players the

designed by brand ambassador

opportunities to train and play like the

Kasper Schmeichel and are now being

professionals and the Goalkeeping

worn up and down the UK by senior

range is no different.

professionals, academy keepers and at grass roots.

“We have worked very closely with

“We are certainly very excited about the future development of the brand with even more keepers expected to

all of the keepers to produce a glove

be wearing them throughout the UK.”

that can perform at the highest level

For further information on Precision

of the game and they will be heavily

Training please visit:

involved in the future development of

http://www.precisiontraining.uk.com

38 AUTUMN 2011

W

orld in Motion ltd is one of the UKs leading sports management companies offering a fully integrated management and marketing service to elite sports professionals. The company has developed a reputation for transparency and professional excellence since its inception in 1997, during which time its Licensed Agents have conducted close to 1,000 transfers or contract negotiations, and have been involved in some of the game’s most ground-breaking transfers. World in Motion

has established itself as the leading agency for goalkeepers, recognising the specialist nature of the position in a coaching, technical and also a contractual sense. Such is the dominance of the company in the market place that it has become the ‘go-to’ agency of a club seeking to recruit a goalkeeper. With a client list that includes a host of current Full and Under 21 internationals, and some of the bright stars of the future, the company has been encouraged to supply the market with a magazine, GK1, tailor-made for the goalkeeping profession.

With World in Motion by your side, your future is in safe hands.

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