SAVE OF THE SEASON?

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
[email protected]
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 corner10
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 found18
Matt Jones
Well done Bob
20
Bob Wilson’s charity bike ride
On the move
22
All the latest transfer news
Kid Gloves26
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
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
GK1 asks a select group of the
nation’s top goalkeeping coaches for
their Top 5 great saves of all time.
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!
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
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.
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
ore than forty years
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.
on, following GK1’s
we played superbly.”
level.
M
“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
congratulating Gordon, who took time
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
out to recall the memories of the day he
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
wrote his name into footballing folklore
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
in the sweltering heat of Guadalajara.
the game, the attack and its fabled outcome
‘Gol’!”
Brazil again in the final. That time, they’d be
had the pleasure of
‘Gol’
began with the Brazilian captain Carlos
Alberto.
“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
“It’s true,” recalls Gordon. “He shouted ‘Gol’
“He was such an amazing player. He
as he headed it!” It had taken the greatest
fizzed this beautiful pass with the outside
player of all time to bring out the very best
of his right foot, to Jairzinho. In a flash, he
from the finest ‘keeper these shores have
ghosted past Terry Cooper towards the
little justice to Banks’ efforts. Only in slow
ever produced.
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
Watching the save back in real time does
became a 3-2 defeat to West Germany.
“Of course I was disappointed. I think I
Not one to use a dozen words, when one
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
or two will do, Banks warms to the topic as the
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
memories of that roasting-hot day - and a very
so did I...and quickly wished I hadn’t!”
of an eye.
such good form; supremely confident in my
special pair of gloves - come flooding back.
“To be honest, I thought it had gone
AUTUMN 2011
that little fella Tostão was unmarked on the
started. It took the police a couple of hours
canvas of opinions, we
6
Banks with Brazil legend Pele
“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 CORNER COACHING CORNER COACHING CORNER COACHING CORNER
Science Fict ion
or Science
FACT
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
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
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.
World Cup back in 1966, it’s likely to be a
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 CORNER COACHING CORNER COACHING CORNER COACHING CORNER
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
get him to focus on you and not his spot
where a penalty taker will shoot.
to fake it), but not thinking about what the
then there is a greater chance he will take a
feet, legs and body will do to achieve it.”
penalty which can be saved.
He saw how more experienced
goalkeepers considered such elements as
one way? Can you distract him? If you can
likely they are to disguise where they’re
great deal from the advice given to penalty
opponent.
planning to aim?
takers by sports psychologists.
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
you are in a practice match, look at where
‘keeper can stop penalty saving from being
Peter.
you are going to hit the ball and aim it
“From the point of view of the player
taking the penalty the optimal position for
the standing foot is facing directly down the
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;
“I would tell penalty takers to pretend
“They become unconscious memories
of how to react. These memories take over
4
certainly think so. Surely, if a ‘keeper
only thing that threatens success is the
it must be impossible to score a penalty isn’t
goalkeeper, so we monitor his movements.”
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
eyes are drawn to the goalkeeper, he tends
to shoot in that direction and overcoming
the shoulders of the taker. For
this tendency was significantly harder when
“threat condition”.
Cup final victory against AS Roma are the
more penalties this season! The academics
he knows where the ball is going he is not
standing foot pointing in one direction then
stress and the strain are all on
his crazy antics in Liverpool’s 1984 European
there. Totally ignore the goalkeeper. Even if
going through a phase of just smashing
than gentlemanly time-wasting techniques.
“My approach to penalties was always
And as Grobbelaar appeared to know
Forget the rest...and ask
the best.
5
instinctively, goalkeepers can make
themselves more likely to attract the
kicker’s gaze by appearing larger than life or
clowning around.
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.
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
Premier League’s most successful penalty
it looks like I was wrong!’
you showing off!
routine and saved two penalties in the 2005
saver, Mark Crossley. Having faced 14
Champions League final against AC Milan to
penalties, he saved 8; a save percentage of
win the match.
57%. The average in the Premier League is
“Penalty takers mention not thinking too
things in the environment that we find
threatening,” said psychologist Greg Wood,
“During a highly stressful situation, we
One man who would, however, is the
who led the study at the University’s School
are more likely to be distracted by any
“I like to know who my opponents’
said.
of Sport and Health Sciences.
threatening stimuli and focus on them
penalty taker is before a match. I always
rather than the task in hand,” said Greg.
look at which side he put his last one and
vary it, in which case it becomes a guessing
goalkeeper rather than spaces all around
game,” reveals Mark.
the eyes’ so always just concentrate on the
hitting the shot towards the goalkeeper,
ball on the run-up.
This school of thought is echoed by
Petr Cech
12 AUTUMN 2011
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
a right-footed player I usually go to my left
and the opposite if it’s a left-footer. If I get
all say ‘pick a spot, stick to it and ignore
the instinct to go the other way, however,
the ‘keeper.’ So there is another piece of
then I’ll go with it.
up on, the attacker’s eyes, is he looking
HoZGM&feature=related
“Always trust your instincts. If I’m facing
football watchers and supporters. They
information a ‘keeper might be able to pick
“You have to remember that the pressure
Gi98iEziKQ&feature=player_embedded
l http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XuEGH
“I don’t think there’s a system of ‘reading
and increases the likelihood of subsequently
making it easier to save.’
minute if he needed to.
whether he favours that side or likes to
start his run up naturally he will focus on the
him. This disrupts the aiming of the shot
that he could change his mind at the last
28%.
deeply, yet trying to fool the goalkeeper,” he
“So, when a penalty taker is about to
statistics”, but as we all know, there’s only
it’s just trusting to luck. Eric Cantona was like
to someone with plenty on their plate
signs are there if you look closely enough.
success. There are “lies, damned lies and
“You have to face the fact that some
All fine in practice, you may
on the strike of the ball. I never thought I
“The research shows that we focus on
down the middle, it could still hit your legs.
one safe bet when it comes down to
perfect example of how to become ‘a threat’
The same tactic was used to good effect
We’d all love to be able to guarantee
players are virtually impossible to save, so
the same. Pick my favourite spot and focus
Psychologist Peter Naish agrees that the
research, we hope you’ll be saving even
once when Leicester City’s Matt Elliott was
the right hand side of the goal.”
staggering 49 of the 50 penalties he took.
penalty. And armed with GK1’s
waving your arms, knees, legs, frankly
the penalty, so why worry? The
Researchers at Exeter University believe
rarely produces the perfect
to keepers that distraction, showing off,
“In a penalty kicking competition the
penalty takers were under pressure, or in a
taker, Matt Le Tissier, who converted a
54%
thankfully, your opponent
arms, watches your eyes and notices your
The research proved that if a kicker’s
spaghetti legs himself, Bruce Grobelaar.
6
75%
The best news of all is that,
it gets blasted down the middle. I tried it
decades now, keepers have employed less
help of the nation’s most successful penalty
There’s only one safe bet!
advice - but perhaps the key indicator
No one’s expecting you to save
Few have done so more successfully than ol’
to have a bit of luck.
wears red, stands to one side, waves his
standing foot points right, penalty goes to
The research was backed up with the
how well it works because you do still need
tempted to stand up straight and hope
Ashley Barnes - Photo by Paul Hazlewood
Increase their Anxiety
Levels
69%
the penalty as long as possible. I’m not sure
going to get to it if it is well placed.” Sound
when thinking fails, such as in front of
80,000 fans.”
72%
More interestingly, keepers can learn a
So, the more the pressure, the more
his standing leg, kicking leg and hips for the
a lottery.
Colour of Goalkeeper’s Top
Goals Conceded
“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 NEWS IN BRIEF NEWS IN BRIEF NEWS IN BRIEF NEWS IN BRIEF NEWS IN
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
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
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
stories of 2010/11 took place in Brazil,
testing positive, was one of five Mexican
a common complaint from keepers -
biggest part of it. If they enjoy it they’ll
where São Paulo GK1 Rogério Ceni
players found guilty of taking the drug,
the younger the kids come to us, the
be more confident.”
became the first goalkeeper ever to
which is often used to boost muscle
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
better it is. Firstly they get an idea if
It’s not just about coaching
score 100 career goals after curling in
mass. Ochoa, who has since joined
they really want to be a goalkeeper
technique and fitness - Dave also
a sublime free kick against local rivals
French side AC Ajaccio, described the
and secondly they improve far quicker
believes it’s crucial to work on the
Corinthians. Ceni, a set-piece specialist,
situation as “bad luck”.
when they’re young.”
mental side of the game from an early
hailed his goal as “beautiful”. See the
age. “I always drum it into them, you’re
free kick any attacking player would
youngsters at league clubs is without
in a team but you’re on your own,” he
be proud of here: www.youtube.com/
question, Just4keepers is more
says. “You’ve got to be strong mentally
watch?v=6OjvQWRAOkc
than just a breeding ground for
and I do pride myself with working on
While their success rate of placing
l A top South Korean goalkeeper has
admitted being involved in a matchfixing scandal which has brought shame
on the country’s K-League. Yeom Donggyun, who has played for his country’s
l One of Europe’s top goalkeepers, Ajax
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
No1 Maarten Stekelenburg, damaged
U-23 side and been involved with the
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
his growing reputation by dropping his
full national squad, has admitted fixing
any child, regardless of ability. “The balance
who fourteen months ago could hardly
forward loses the ball, the midfield is behind
club’s league title trophy out of a bus
games last season while playing for the
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
window last month. Stekelenburg, who
Chunnam Dragons. The story broke after
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
stands at 6’6” and has 40 international
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
caps, claims he dropped the trophy
was forced to apologise for using
allegedly worked as a broker, was found
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
when trying to avoid a tram line just
foul language following the USA’s
dead in an apparent suicide in June. The
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
above the bus. The incident mirrored
4-2 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final
case continues.
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
l Everton FC goalkeeper Tim Howard
another former K-League player, who
AUTUMN 2011 15
Ruddy
brilliant
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.
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
e
v
i
s
u
l
Exc
w
e
i
v
r
Inte
with
y
d
d
u
John R
“We stayed down in Portsmouth.
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
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.
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
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
So what about the lifestyle in this
to work on.”
Have It!
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.
based player to succeed over here.”
League West Bromwich Albion. “That was
tranquil paradise? Presumably different to
“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.
talented gloveman who
to be forgiven since the days of Graeme
changed the team, and I found myself
I picked up a lot of awards and it made
swapped his native
Souness at Benfica. Similar spells in Portugal
on the bench for a spell which was
me fall back in love with football again,”
Potteries for a spell in New York before
did not work out so well for players such
obviously frustrating. As a goalkeeper
said Matt who graduated with a first-class
landing at the Portuguese First Division
as Michael Thomas, Scott Minto and Brian
you’re pretty much never going to
degree in business management, before
club CD Santa Clara.
Deane.
have the chance to come on for 10
embarking on his travels to the Azores.
trend is Matt Jones - a
“Portugal is one of the great footballing
Matt believes English players are yet
“As nice as it would be to have some
minutes and impress. You know, like any
nations, so for me to begin my professional
English company over here, on the flip side
professional, all I’ve ever wanted to always
Punched Out
Future’s Bright
career here is a great platform to begin
it is a great way for me to get noticed.
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
concentrates on doing his best in Portugal.
from. The standards are very high,” says the
“I’ve worked hard and played pretty well
most of the time, so it’s been very easy for
Je Ne Regret Rien?
much as a player. It’s tactical. Here they let
me to get noticed, which can only be good
So does he regret embarking on these
the ball do the work.”
trade in the footballing hotbeds of Lisbon
for my career,” says Matt, whose two-year
travels - and would he recommend others to
or Porto... but on the stunningly beautiful
contract at Santa Clara ended in May.
try their hand abroad?
trail-blazing 24-year-old.
Surprisingly, Matt has not been plying his
islands of the Azores, 930 miles west of
Lisbon, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean!
So how do the locals refer to our
“I wouldn’t have changed a thing to be
But tactics for a keeper are surely similar
“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
Englishman abroad? “On the day I signed,
honest. It’s been a good place for me to
“Ultimately yes, but their style of keeping
breaks at home, then be brave enough to
we did the customary photo shoot and my
come and play football. I’ve made some
is very different. When I first arrived they had
League Of His Own
shirt had ‘Matt Jones’ on the back rather
great friends; we have one or two nights out
no idea what I was doing. When I was a kid I
“As far as I know, I am the only English
than ‘Jones’! And no matter how hard I try to
or maybe head for the beach, but the pace
was taught by Frank Barber, the goalkeeper
down interest from clubs in the UK to
player in the whole of Portugal, which was
explain, everyone, the players, the fans and
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
shocking to me at first. Having said that,
the manager all call me Matt Jones!”
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
there is such a dramatic difference in both
18 AUTUMN 2011
obviously so much more chilled here than
“I’ve been out here for over 2 years now.
“I’m surprised there aren’t any other
look further a field.”
Since our interview, Matt has turned
the culture, language and playing styles.
It took me quite a long time to pick up the
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
I can see why it is difficult for an English-
Portuguese language. Culture-wise it’s
good players that just drop out of the game
it.”
to continue.
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
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
Summer 2011. Would this transfer window finally deliver the much anticipated flurry
joined Newcastle United on deadline day
International Michel Worm, and of German
of goalkeeper transfer activity that had been so missing in the previous 3 windows?
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
W
ith Manchester
Trafford club have been impressed with
Another Dutchman will feature among
United, City,
Danish goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard
the ranks of Premier League stoppers next
contacts and snapped up Brian Murphy
Liverpool and
who signed from Aalesund in January.
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
Spurs definitely in
Whilst publicly Arsene Wenger continues
Paddy Kenny and Radek Cerny with new
José Moreira (courtesy of Swansea City FC)
the hunt for either a number 1 or 2
to deny any intent to recruit a goalkeeper
transfer rather than remain with newly
Ruddy, with Declan Rudd providing back-
goalkeeper, and with well-documented
in this window, his young keepers remain in
promoted Swansea City. Wolves have
up and Jed Steer allowed to join Yeovil
finally agreed a new contract with the club
uncertainties at The Emirates, an
demand. Hull City failed in their pursuit of
Town on loan.
after protracted negotiations.
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,
were firmly entrenched in the ‘keeper
Legzdins from Burton Albion, Derby County
activity surrounding all of the midlands
whilst James Shea returned to The Emirates
merry-go-round, as Scott Carson has
look set to offload former ‘Hammer, Steven
Premier League clubs, it seemed that
following a loan spell at Southampton.
Summer 2011 would have many of the
Wolves’ Black country rivals West Brom
Blackburn Rovers have released Welsh
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
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
season’s Champions League club. Carson’s
allowed Frank Fielding to turn his loan
departure reinforced the Baggies need
ending the speculation over the future of
move to Derby County into a permanent
for a first choice goalkeeper, and having
Brad Friedel by snapping up the 40-year-
one. Despite being courted by Rovers
also failed with a bid for Robert
old American on a free transfer ahead of
throughout the summer, former Liverpool
Green, they finally secured
and Fulham ‘keeper Tony Warner packed
Ben Foster on a season’s
Tottenham were first to officially pounce,
rivals Liverpool. Friedel signed a 2-year
Jason Brown
international Robert Green
Under 17 keeper Daniel Bachmann from
his bags and set out for a new challenge
loan from relegated
Heurelho Gomes for the number 1 shirt
Austria Vienna.
‘Down Under’, joining New Zealand side
Birmingham City, with
Wellington Phoenix.
former Hull City stopper
After months of speculation and
Moscow following his unsuccessful loan.
following the retirement of veteran stopper
Pletikosa also spent an unsuccessful
fortnight on trial at Celtic. Carlo Cudicini,
Fellow Lancastrians Wigan Athletic
Boaz Myhill heading in the opposite
Edwin van der Sar, Manchester United
captured Ali Al-Habsi from neighbours
direction. In addition, Marton Fulop
announced the signing of David De Gea
Bolton Wanderers for a fee in the region
was signed from Ipswich to provide
meanwhile, signed a one-year extension to
from Atlético Madrid for a reported fee of
of £4million, and have also handed a new
experienced cover for Foster.
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
The Championship
Stoke City, where Dane Tomas Sørensen is
full season, having helped Spain Under 21s
Hungarian keeper Adam Bogdan (pictured)
Of the teams dropping out of the Premier
unhappy at the option year that the Potters
win the European Championships in June.
to a new two-year contract to compete with
League, Blackpool allowed Paul Rachubka
have taken tying him to the club for a
United’s Tomasz Kuszczak was expected
Jussi Jaaskelainen for the number 1 shirt.
to join Leeds United on a two-year deal,
further season. The Potters also planned for
to leave Old Trafford in search of regular
Irishman Trevor Carson, who spent the
where he has been reunited with former
the future by recruiting 16-year-old Austria
first team football, in particular as the Old
final months of the season at Brentford,
manager Simon Grayson, whilst Matt Gilks
Adam Bogdan (courtesy of Bolton Wanderers FC)
22 AUTUMN 2011
Ross Atkins (pictured) has linked up with
turned down the move to last
contract and is expected to compete with
as Stipe Pletikosa returned to Spartak
Having signed Frank Fielding and Adam
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
from other clubs; Exeter signed goalkeeper
two-year deal, and also brought in Liverpool
former boss Eddie Howe at Burnley, signing a
with a new two-year deal at Wednesday.
Lenny Pidgeley following his departure
reserve keeper Martin Hansen on a one-
one-year contract after a trial period. Another
Chesterfield signed goalkeeper Greg
from Bradford City and promoted Stevenage
month loan. Rotherham United have also
South Coast ‘Old Boy, Paul Smith, previously
Fleming on a 12-month deal after he was
signed Gillingham keeper Alan Julian on a
used the loan system, signing goalkeeper
with newly promoted Southampton, was
released by Oldham in January, paving the
free transfer.
Conrad Logan (pictured) on a six-month
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.
League 2
have bagged goalkeeper Ross Worner
Following the disappointment of their
on a free transfer. Worner, 21, made 11
appearances for Charlton Athletic last
The Teesiders also offered a two-and-a-half-
goalkeeper David Grof on a one-year
relegation, Bristol Rovers have signed
year contract to 18-year-old Connor Ripley
contract after the Hungarian impressed
goalkeepers Scott Bevan and Lance
season and has agreed a two-year deal.
in January, who joined the club following his
during a trial spell, and also handed veteran
Cronin. Bevan, 31, has signed a two-year
Barnet offered terms to former Portsmouth
release from Blackburn Rovers.
goalkeeper and club stalwart Jimmy Walker
deal at the Memorial Stadium following his
goal keeper Liam O’Brien, whilst Rushden
& Diamonds have signed goalkeeper Simon
Evans on non-contract terms.
a new one-year deal. The 37-year-old
departure from Torquay, whilst the Pirates
Peterborough United have made Paul
returned to the League One club in October,
snapped up Gillingham goalkeeper Lance
Jones’ loan move from Exeter City
having spent 11 years with them earlier in
Cronin. Cronin, 25, was allowed to leave the
permanent.
his career.
Gills after making just seven appearances in
Of the other Championship newcomers,
Arran Lee-Barrett (courtesy of Action Images)
Walsall have signed Notts County
deal from Leicester City. Aldershot Town
Tranmere Rovers have completed the
his only season at Priestfield.
League 1
signing of goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams
Amongst League 1 clubs, Charlton
on a two-year contract to replace Kiwi-
swoop, signing former Dover goalkeeper
Athletic were particularly active in the
Gillingham in turn have made a double
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
bound Tony Warner; whilst across Lancashire
Ross Flitney, 27, who is reunited with
goalkeeping department. In preparation
Oldham Athletic have signed former
boss Andy Hessenthaler, and Argentine
Jake Cole after a successful trial at Home
Mannus for a first team spot. St Mirren were
for the departure of Rob Elliott, the Addicks
Accrington Stanley goalkeeper Alex Cisak
goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga on a two-year
Park. Cole was released by Barnet boss
forced into the market in order to replace
signed Ben Hamer from Reading and
on a two-year contract. Despite being out
deal. Gazzaniga, 19, was released by Spanish
Lawrie Sanchez in May after making 97
Paul Gallacher, who returned to former
goalkeeper John Sullivan on a free transfer
of contract the Latics have paid Stanley a
La Liga outfit Valencia at the start of the
starts for the club since initially joining on
club Dunfermline. Aberdeen, who lost
former Ram Paul Peschisolido, joining Burton
from Millwall. The latter has signed a two-
compensation fee for the 22-year-old as he
summer having passed through their youth
loan in March 2009.
Stuart Nelson to Notts County and Jamie
Albion on loan.
year deal at the Valley, having enjoyed a
is under 24 years of age.
system.
Coventry City turned to Northampton
Town’s Chris Dunn and Scunthorpe United’s
successful loan spell at the club last season.
Relegated Preston North End were
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
north of the Border at Ayr United.
Fraser Forster back to the club on a
Elsewhere, Hartlepool United’s Scott
Torquay United boss Martin Ling has
Flinders has signed a one-year extension to
Joe Murphy to fill the void left by Keiren
forced into the transfer market following
Westwood’s defection to Sunderland,
the departure of Andy
re-sign their former goalkeeper Martin Rice
whilst elsewhere in the Midlands Sven
Lonergan, and opted to
from Truro City. Former Austrian Under-21
Goran Eriksson was reunited with Kasper
sign former loanee Iain
international Olejnik, 24, spent four years
Accrington signed former Hamilton
tied Allan McGregor down to a new six-
Schmeichel in a £1.25 million swoop from
Turner on a one-year
at Falkirk. Swindon Town also dealt in the
goalkeeper Sean Murdoch on a one-
year deal. Allan will do battle for the number
Leeds United. Leeds fought off competition
contract after he rejected
foreign market, completing the signing
year contract; Bradford City have signed
one jersey with Neil Alexander (pictured),
from Everton to sign Preston keeper Andy
the offer of a new deal at
of Italian goalkeeper Mattia Lanzano.
unattached goalkeeper Matt Duke on a
who also signed a new contract last winter.
Lonergan, whilst across Yorkshire, Hull City
Everton.
The 20-year-old, who was with Italian side
released Matt Duke and signed Hungarian
Peter Gulacsi on loan from Liverpool.
Coventry old boy Arran Lee-Barrett
his current contract, despite serious interest
In the Steel City,
Robins on a two-year deal.
rated England Under 18
Northampton have completed the
(pictured) was rewarded for his fine form at
‘keeper George Long was
signing of goalkeeper Freddy Hall on
the end of the season for Ipswich, by signing
rewarded with his first
a one-year contract. Former Bermuda
an improved two-year contract extension at
professional contract and
international Hall was most recently with
Portman Road, whist the Tractor Boys lost
made his debut for the
United States minor league side Bermuda
Irishman Brian Murphy, who opted to leave
Blades on the last day of
Hogges. Additionally, the Cobblers brought
the club despite the offer of a new contract.
the season against to-be
in Chelsea goalkeeper Sam Walker in a
Portsmouth failed to offer new terms to
promoted Swansea City.
season-long loan deal.
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
season’s loan, whilst Old Firm rivals Rangers
US Gavorrana 1930 last season, joins the
Sheffield United’s highly
Darryl Flahavan (pictured) who made the
Summarising the rest of the moves:
Oxford United have signed former
Chester, Hereford and Bury goalkeeper
Darryl Flahavan (courtesy of AFC Bournemouth)
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
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
George Long
first team – including a memorable debut
likes of Aston Villa on the way to the final
great time to make my debut.”
Simonsen) gets injured then the gaffer knows
look beyond Joe Hart. He’s at the top of his
in May 2011 in the Blades’ Championship
against Man United so it was a great time to
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.”
There’s a long way to go to match the
defeat at promoted Swansea – and received
put in a Man of the Match performance.
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?
talent factories at Manchester United
international recognition last April, playing
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
and Liverpool but Sheffield United’s
in England U18s 1-1 draw away to Italy.
Having been a kid watching in the stands, to
You’ve just got to concentrate and get your
last year and relegation?
can and I’d love that to be with United.”
GL: “The mood is so much more upbeat
GK1: As well as The Blades, you’ve worn
impressive Academy system has fostered
To be honest, it’s a night I’ll never forget.
be out there in front of 30,000 Blades will be
mind on the game. And once you’ve made
a burgeoning reputation to be reckoned
rave reviews as the Blades squeezed past
a memory I’ll cherish. And a full house at an
your first save you’re into it and that’s it.”
this year in the changing room and at
Three Lions on your shirt!
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.
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
great to finally get to play for them. Our
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
family are Blades through and through.”
situations. I quite enjoy them, coming out
didn’t help our cause too much. This season
traveling abroad to play for your country.
months was capped
GK1: When was it you realized you were a
and making blocks. “
Danny Wilson has come in and made a big
I’ve been put on stand by for an Under 19’s
with an appearance in
goalkeeper in the making?
GK1: So United have produced some
difference. He’s a top manager. You can see
game against Holland so hopefully there
the FA Youth Cup Final
GL: “To be honest, I didn’t start in net. I was
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
against Manchester
playing for a Sunday League team and at
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
United. A Man-of-the-
school and I was a centre-forward. I was
GL: “Not that well! We just played it game
motivated the players really well.”
under Noel Blake.”
Match appearance
top scorer for a few years and I wasn’t bad.
by game starting at Cheltenham. Then once
in the first leg at
But one week, the Sunday team needed a
we had beaten Leicester I thought we could
Bramall Lane kept
‘keeper. (GK1: Where have we heard this
go on and really do something. In the final
the tie deadlocked at
before?!) Someone threw me the gloves and
I think we all believed we could win it. After
2-2 before their cup
I played okay and that was that. I’ve been
getting a two-all draw at home we thought
run came to an end
there ever since! I was always a big lad and
we were in with a chance. But they were just
with a 4-2 defeat at
my mum and dad encouraged me to stay in
too strong for us at Old Trafford.”
Old Trafford.
net so that was it really. I never came out.”
GK1: The Blades Academy has brought
More recently, the 6’ 4” stopper received
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
This month, GK1
I have always supported United so it’s
“Once I’d played in net for the academy,
through some fine players of late. Is there
goes One-on-One
then that’s when it starts getting serious.
another batch coming through which
youngster who started
with George Long.
It was nice having a bit of a breather and
people should look out for?
going to watch his red
GK1: You were born on Bonfire Night so
playing out of net for my school. But I was
GL: “Yes we’ve had the likes of Jagielka,
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
Walker, Naughton and Quinny (Stephen
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
Quinn) in recent years. The great thing is the
it’s George Long who is starting to forge the
your favourite?
knocked on the head! My mum and dad, in
club are willing to give you a chance in the
headlines in the steel city.
GL: “The real highlight for me was the first
particular my dad, just encouraged me to
first team.
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
“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.”
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
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
was huge at the time and towered over me.
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
He’s still the same size now and I’ve been
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
lucky to grow a lot since.”
Walthamstow.
enough time to gel before we got underway.
learn how to be out of the team.”
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
mum’s side. My goalkeeper coach asked
team. “I had always
professional game may not be for them,
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
had it in my mind
but despite being without a club for over a
be good experience. I’ve played Scotland
Tottenham stopper, who cannot help but
the injury at the beginning of January and
a massive year
that as soon as Adam
year, Jordan was fortunate enough to earn
U19. There was a friendly at the start of last
set himself goals and outline ambitions
following surgery missed two months of
for me, I couldn’t
returned that he’d go
himself a trial at his local club: Tottenham.
season against Malta and we just recently
when pressed on his hopes for the future:
the season. “After a couple of days I just
have planned it
straight back into the
“I linked up with my old coach and
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
any better,” says
first team because
rejoined a local Sunday League side I’d been
of the 2010/11 season. It’s been great to get
international set-up, get as many games
hard,” reveals Smithies. “Obviously the
McCarthy. “I went
he had done so well
at before Charlton, and ended up spending
international experience.”
under my belt as possible, and possibly go
harder I worked in the rehab the quicker I
out on loan last
before the injury,”
18 months there. Halfway through the U16s
out on loan. Training with the first team and
was going to be back, it was up to me to get
season and played
admits McCarthy.
season he took me on trial at Spurs, and
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
45 games for Yeovil.
“But there was also
they signed me on a scholarship. It was a six-
career too, with both his English and Scottish
League 1 club would be ideal for me.”
that I was injured. No player goes through
part of me that
week trial, quite thorough. I was delighted
heritage of importance to him. He counts
was disappointed
to be taken on.”
England’s current GK1, Joe Hart, as one of the
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
Most young players let go by clubs at
because while I was
playing for the first
team we had lost
“My grandparents are Scottish on my
Jordan doesn’t rule out the prospect of
goalkeepers in the game he looks up to.
JORDAN ARCHER
“I’m a big fan of Joe Hart, not just as a
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
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
me a chance to have a
just one league
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
run in the first team.’
game and we were
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
The injury to Federici in the middle
of February not only gave McCarthy his
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
prefer to be relaxed, have a few jokes with
was back in 2007 and
a chance to test himself against Premier
in the England Under-21 squad for the
the goalkeeper coach and other keepers. As
since then he’s played
League opposition. In the fifth round of
European Championships in Denmark. It
soon as the whistle goes, you’re focussed,
over 100 games for
season: “We will be
the FA Cup Reading were drawn away at
was a disappointing display from England,
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
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
Jordan exudes confidence, but retains an
players capable of
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
compete with Premier League teams.”
Tottenham Under-18s goalkeeper Jordan
area, as a youngster Jordan took a liking to
the first team keepers five or six times, but
manager is going to
Archer has had good time of it of late.
the Lily Whites’ North London arch rivals.
last season there were quite a few keepers
trust an unproven
themselves again against Premier League
Facing the prospect of a career as a semi-
“I grew up as an Arsenal fan, but went to
on the books so my opportunities were
keeper. I’d barely
opposition in the quarter-final. This time it
pro at 16, Jordan has since been taken
school in the Tottenham area.” He is now
limited. Hopefully next season it will be a
played any youth
was away at Manchester City and despite
on by Tottenham, where he’s established
very much a Tottenham man, emerging as a
more regular occurrence.”
team games and
losing 1-0, it was again another impressive
himself as the Academy side’s GK1.
key figure in the U18s set up.
And they were given the chance to prove
performance from Reading and McCarthy.
“I started out at Charlton as a 10-year-
“In my 1st season initially I was just
way in the coming
was given the chance
more importantly, it proved that we could
Despite growing up in the Walthamstow
takes to go all the
element of humility when asked to list his
Jordan Archer
even better. It was a great experience but
ALEX SMITHIES
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
“I thought we played really well,” says
old, but got released at 14 for being too
training and not involved with the youth
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
McCarthy. “Man City had all their top players
small,” says Jordan, something that is hard
team, but in the second half of my first
tournament, the FA Youth Cup. “We went out
but unfortunately his 2010/11 season was
was play for Huddersfield because it was the
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
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
a great achievement. We were obviously
growth spurt, and now I’m 6’3”. They let a
number one and make the GK1 jersey
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
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
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.”
28 AUTUMN 2011
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
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
from twelve to ten. The proposals are just
restructuring appears to be aimed at the
well being of relegated SPL teams would
to follow his dream, playing a
anywhere but to play for a team like West
He still keeps tabs on England, even if
“I remember my debut against Derby.
problems we have is to make sure when
Green, a keeper he knows personally and
work as hard as he does at his age is great.”
Ham was special.
SPL clubs to
vote on change
over four years. “One of the fundamental
P
my main target. And I would have played
of his peers. He goes on to beat
The business pages
it’s about making sure the second tier of
euer leaves his family behind
brand of ‘football’ alien to most
BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS
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,
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
meeting his future wife in Belgium and
Paolo Di Canio and Joe Cole. That was a great
someone for whom he has the “utmost
part of a restructuring plan that has been
ultimately playing for West Ham United.
experience to say you have played and trained
respect. “I use Robert as an example of total
put forward by SPL Chief Executive, Neil
be wrong. Doncaster firmly believes the
with those players. Harry was great for me.”
professionalism. He is a gentleman and is an
Doncaster. The SPL last had ten teams ten
proposals will benefit the whole of the
amazing keeper.”
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,
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
bottom as well as automatic relegation for
a really good club like Falkirk with a fantastic
Feuer is spreading the lessons learned to the
experience at West Ham left its mark. “I have
Galaxy and promotion for the Hammers? He
whoever finishes bottom.
community operation and a great academy
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
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
club and the fans appreciate people who are
about whether they can afford to run that
or just the top division it’s ensuring all 42
Feuer’s first spell at Chadwell Heath
club to get back straight away,” he declared.
clubs have a far better environment going
coincided with Ludek Miklosko’s long stay,
Sounds like the perfect Hollywood ending.
forward,” Doncaster explains. “The various
top half and 36 games in the bottom part.
it’s about looking after the fabric of Scottish
and he has only positive words for the man
With thanks to Rob Pritchard at West Ham
elements of the plan are to go to a ten team
The bigger problem you’ve got is for those
football.”
he would spend hours with on the practice
United FC.
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
“What a good guy he was and a great
entity with an earlier season start date and
season - with nothing to play for.”
introduced in Scotland in 1998 to try to
role model, I learned so much from him and
a play-off competition between the Premier
he inspired me.”
League and the Championship where
pitches.
The roles have been reversed, with
Galaxy. He has had a big hand in helping
you have two potential promotion and
relegation slots.”
In order to implement the restructuring
headquarters, Feuer, now 40, looks back
former Bradford City stopper Donovan
there will need to be a vote of the SPL clubs.
on his time at the Hammers as one of the
Ricketts become Major League Soccer’s
While most of the clubs are supportive,
happiest of his life. He had to have two takes,
leading No1 last season.
there are still some yet to be convinced,
however, to realise his Upton Park ambitions.
having to face some serious questions
“I will be watching and rooting for the
hard-working and do their best.”
Feuer turning from trainee to mentor at the
Talking on the phone from the Galaxy’s
after that.
“It’s a plan for Scottish football, it’s not
just concentrating on a handful of clubs
At 6’6 Ricketts may be the main man in
including those who would actually prefer
Neil Doncaster
One of the
fundamental
problems we have is to
make sure when clubs
get relegated they don’t
face financial
Armageddon
academy going forward. So it’s far more
fundamental than looking after members,
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
MLS keeping but he still has to give way to
the league expanded to fourteen teams.
he was to get a second chance six years
his coach, not least with Feuer standing an
“There are various reasons why the clubs
later again under Harry Redknapp. After a
inch taller. “The first day we met, I was sitting
took the view that they preferred the
brief stay at Cardiff City, he finally made his
down. He came in and I stood up. He just
ten team set-up,” says Doncaster. “If you
for teams relegated from the SPL is finance.
happen. An earlier start to the season is
Boleyn bow.
gave me this look!”
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
fulsome in praise. “He has been amazing for us.
the second tier. Secondly you still retain
£375,000 over two years, the new proposal
improving the coefficient but also making it
He has come on leaps and bounds. For him to
a split, you end up with 36 games in the
would see up to £2.8 million being paid
more enjoyable for the supporters.”
After a spell in 1994/95 without a game,
“It was an amazing time,” he said. “For me
as a kid I always dreamt of just playing in
the professional league in England. It was
30 AUTUMN 2011
Height competitions aside, Feuer is
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
AUTUMN 2011 31
OUTSIDE THE BOX
In a league
of his own!
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
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
Former England
GK1 Gary
Bailey explores
the secrets of
leadership which
make Sir Alex the
best manager in
the world!
“When Peter came back he’d run through
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
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
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
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.
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
out of the player.”
help and advice on a subject many miles
you’re a mum, it’ll help you to understand
“Sir Alex couldn’t do enough for me.
Tough Love
“It’s written from a dad’s perspective, but
it isn’t just aimed at dads. If your brother
“I’d witnessed the terrible impact of divorce
it was time to move on.
“I don’t think his genius lies in any one
And his first book saw Gary giving his
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
“I’d seen the damage inflicted on children
work that way.
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
maybe I could have gone on to get a
football manager.
Bobby Robson.
had he not faced the stiffest competition
hundred caps for England but it didn’t
South Africa and I would like to think I can
from two greats in Peter Shilton and Ray
happen so there’s absolutely no point in
help.”
Clemence.
worrying about it. It was time to move on.”
“The players he brings in always learn
“Had it not been for Maradona’s ‘Hand of
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
For many observers, Gary’s two England
Calling Time
New Challenge
you down. Not every manager is able to
qualifying run, he went close,” recalls the
Gary’s mental fortitude was tested when
In the two years that followed, Gary won
create that culture within his club: his choice
keeper who wore the Three Lions between
serious injury meant an end to his club and
five trophies back in South Africa with the
of people around him, his staff and how
1978 and 1986.
international dreams at just 28.
famous Kaiser Chiefs of Johannesburg,
he gets such dedication from his staff. It’s
“All those players that worked with him
“The end wasn’t so bad really. Maybe I’d
during a divorce, and how the support
“There are massive social needs here in
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.
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.
I was determined not to think what I was
wanted me to be a cricketer - and I found
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
missing out on. I turned it all around and
out pretty quickly why! It’s the toughest
that pressure, the burden of not becoming
thought it is what it is and it’s time to move
position in the world of sport today. I don’t
belittled and other managers can inspire
England’s regular keeper started to make life
onto a new challenge. There is just no point
think there is any other position that is as
you to get out there and show them just
very frustrating.
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
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
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
“When they said I couldn’t play any more,
Giving Back
“He didn’t want me to be a keeper. He
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 KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT
Sells Goalkeeper
Products Wrap Series
Reusch
Keon Deluxe G1
As per the rumour in our last issue, Sells Goalkeeper Products will
The Reusch Keon Deluxe G1 is a new addition to the 2011
this month launch their new Wrap Series for 2011. The new series
range. The vibrant lime green colour option is this year’s
of roll finger gloves features seven models to suit all climates and
promotional colour and has already been seen several times in
conditions.
this year’s Champions League as both Milan keepers wore the
The Wrap Elite Aqua (pictured) is the flagship model of the Sells range
Uhlsport
Cerberus Absolutgrip
Fingerbett
gloves in featured games against Spurs. Julio Cesar also wore
the gloves when Inter Milan won the FIFA World Club Cup back
and a huge favourite with professionals right across the globe.
The 2011 version features the waterproof Aquastem fabric together with
in December. The Keon Deluxe G1 is Reusch’s top of the range
the ever popular Adhesion Ultra latex which provides unrivalled grip in wet
glove without finger protection and has many outstanding
conditions. The glove has a bandage wrist and has gone back to a traditional side
features which offer superb grip, comfort and performance.
seam and Velcro closure.
Keon Deluxe G1 out now.
Sells will launch three additional glove ranges in the next twelve months, Total
For more information visit www.reusch.com
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
36 AUTUMN 2011
to combine the unrivalled comfort and grip which has become
The new Uhlsport Cerberus Absolutgrip Fingerbett features
synonymous throughout the Selsport range with clean lines
a unique ergonomically shaped finger bed ensuring each
and advanced shaped backhand which aids the hands natural
finger remains stable and does not slip. Available from May
curvature. By including the top level ULTRA Supa Soft Adhesion
2011, Uhlsport endorsees such as Pepe Reina and Hugo
latex and trusted trilock wrist strap the XTR provides top level
Lloris are already taking advantage of the new patented
pros a perfect balance with a new level of grip and flexibility
Absolutgrip Plus grip foam which gives them advanced
with all round comfort.
cushioning and outstanding grip in all weather conditions.
Selsport Extreme White out now.
Cerberus Absolutgrip Fingerbett out now.
For more information visit www.selsport.com
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 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
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
“I had a number of other options but
cut glove made from supersoft latex,
adorned with the Danish flag and coloured
white, black and gold.
goalkeeping market.
gloves, particularly the grip.
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.
“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.”
“In less than a year we have
Sanderson commented: “The aim
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.
grass roots.
“We have worked very closely with
Name:
Address:
Email:
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Are there any features that would be of
particular interest?
Comments:
“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
To order your next issue of GK1 please complete this form and send to
, Chancery House, 1 Lochaline Street, London W6 9SJ or email [email protected]
of Precision Training was to be able
launched a second range of gloves
professionals, academy keepers and at
With World in Motion by your side, your future is in safe hands.
Schmeichel will be wearing a negative
by the quality and performance of the
gone from strength to strength.
the future, the company has been encouraged to supply the market with a magazine, GK1, tailor-made for the goalkeeping profession.
and I couldn’t be happier with them.”
after testing the gloves I was overwhelmed
“From that moment on the brand,
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
that you trust the gloves you are wearing
have a long history and heritage in the
League at Turf Moor in 2010.
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
“As a goalkeeper it is vitally important
might be a relatively new brand but we
“Our team spent a long period
has established itself as the leading agency for goalkeepers, recognising the specialist nature of the position in a coaching, technical and
Is there anything you would like to see in
the next issue?
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publication?
Thank
you for reading
AUTUMN
2011
Your future in safe hands
World In Motion
Chancery House
1 Lochaline Street
London W6 9SJ
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 8741 6060
Fax: + 44 (0) 20 8741 6062
E-mail: [email protected]
www.worldinmotion.com