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PENALTY KING
World Cup PreviewRobert Green, EnglandBrad Guzan, USAMark Paston, New Zealand
Kid GlovesThe stars of the future
On the MoveSummary of the latest GK transfers
Coaching CornerPlayer recruitment with David Coles
SPRING 2010THE MAGAZINE FOR THE GOALKEEPING PROFESSION
EquipmentAll the latest goalkeeping products
Also featuring:Craig Gordon
Mike PollittNeil AlexanderMatt Glennon
Fraser Digby
Business PagesKey developments affecting the professional ‘keeper
GK1 - FINAL (4).indd 1 22/04/2010 20:16:02
Welcome to
With the endorsement of the leading
players, key brands, glove and equipment
suppliers, coaches and managers alike
we are proud to deliver the first issue of
a magazine dedicated entirely to the art
of goalkeeping. covers the key
elements required of a professional
goalkeeper, with coaching features,
equipment updates, legal and financial
issues affecting the professional player, a
summary of the key transfers and features
covering the uniqueness of the goalkeeper
to a football team. We focus not only on the
stars of today such as Robert Green and
Craig Gordon, but look to the emerging
talent (see ‘kid gloves’), the lower leagues
and equally to life once the gloves are hung
up (featuring Fraser Digby).
In a position like no other on the pitch,
focuses on those characteristics
unique to a modern goalkeeper - Mike Pollitt
and Neil Alexander speak candidly about life
on the bench awaiting a chance to play, Matt
Glennon gives an insight into the hopes and
fears of a ‘keeper whose contract is running
out, whilst Portsmouth goalkeeper coach
David Coles provides a fascinating insight
into the art of recruiting goalkeepers.
With the greatest footballing show on
earth a matter of months away we speak
to Brad Guzan and Robert Green about the
potentially decisive art of saving penalties,
and hear the remarkable story of how one
penalty save, by former Bradford City stopper
Mark Paston, secured the All Whites of New
Zealand a historic place in South Africa.
is a magazine for the goalkeeping
profession. We actively encourage your
contribution - please feel free to contact
us with your suggestions as to how we can
improve our first issue.
is delighted to support and promote
the great work carried out by our chosen
charities: Sparks, Help for Heroes, CHILDREN
with LUEKAEMIA and Everyman.
Magazine is published by World in
Motion ltd, a leading global management
company and the UK’S foremost agency for
professional goalkeepers.
The magazine exclusively for the professional goalkeeping community.
Editor’s noteAndy Evans / Editor-in-Chief of GK1 and Director of World In Motion ltd
GK1, Chancery House, 1 Lochaline Street,
London, W6 9SJ
Tel: +(44) 208 741 6060
www.gk1.co.uk
Publisher: World In Motion ltd
Editor-in-Chief: Andy Evans
Deputy Editor: Jason Brightman
Commercial Editor: James Clayton
Features Editor: Rob Dakin
Design: Tim Alexander
England’s number one? 4Robert Green - penalty kingWorld Cup hopeful 6Mark Paston - Kiwi HeroAmerican dream 8Brad Guzan - Villa’s American starOn the move 12Transfer newsBusiness pages 14Key developments affecting the professional ‘keeper
Back with the first team 18Craig Gordon on injury rehabilitationEssential equipment 20The latest goalkeeping productskid gloves 22The stars of the futureScotland’s Euro dreams 24Featuring Neil Alexander
Coaching corner 26David Coles on recruitmentView from the bench 28Mike Pollitt gives his viewCharity news 31Sparks, Help for Heroes, CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA and EverymanOutside the box 32Post career with Fraser Digby
CONTENTS
“We at Uhlsport think the publication of GK1 is long overdue. Goalkeepers are a union amongst themselves and a publication catering for their needs and requirements will be a fresh addition to the team bus and the Chairmans desk. We look forward to being involved in the future.”
“The goalkeepers community is a tight nit one and those looking from the outside think we’re mad. To have a magazine which caters specifically for our needs, thoughts and experiences is brilliant and something which will become well read and received throughout football.” Richard Lee / Watford FC
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SPRING 2010 3
GK1 - FINAL (4).indd 2-3 22/04/2010 20:16:13
SPRING 2010 5
To date two World Cup finals
have been decided by
penalties; in 1994 (Brazil
v Italy) and 2006 (Italy v
France).The Republic of Ireland famously
beat Romania in the quarter finals on
penalties in 1990, the same year England
lost to Germany in that memorable semi-
final shootout that left Chris Waddle and
Stuart Pearce as the penalty fall-guys.
England fans will be hoping they do not
take any match to penalties in South
Africa as they have never won a World
Cup Finals penalty shoot out, having lost
all 3 they have been involved in and only
having won one in major competitions
(Euro 1996 v Spain at Wembley). With
focus on this facet of the game under
more scrutiny [than usual] in a World Cup
year GK1 speaks with Rob Green to get
his thoughts on the spot kick.
: How often do you practice penalties
in training?
RG: Some of the players like to practice
before training. It really depends on the
games we have coming up. I would say
we practice them weekly on the whole.
[Interestingly, Arsene Wenger stated on the
eve of Arsenal’s Champions League tie with
Porto in March that his players would NOT
practise penalties the day prior to a game in
case they missed, creating a negative vibe.]
: Do you take time to study different
strikers and their penalty taking habits?
RG: Yes, before every game. We study
their penalties from previous games, their
actions, where they start their run up from,
what they do in their run up, the differences
when they take penalties one way and the
other. We replay the same clips over and
over again trying to pick up any small detail
probably for 15 minutes before every game.
: Do you have any penalty saving
secrets?
RG: Yes but I don’t want to give them
away. Trying to dive the right way is clearly
number one! Not really other than to do
your homework. Some people like to try
to put the taker off, others stand still. If you
can get in the takers head beforehand you
might have a better chance.
: Do you watch the penalty takers eyes?
RG: No! Too late! If you do that they will be
off celebrating before they are close enough
to see!
: Why do you think you have the
best record for an English goalkeeper and
penalties?
RG: Because there aren’t that many English
goalkeepers! We also concede a lot of
penalties, so I have to save some of them!
In all seriousness, it is hard for me to say as I
don’t know what the other guys are doing in
terms of saving them to be honest. It is quite
a personal thing and some keepers may
have a theory on where a taker is going to
place the ball and others don’t.
: Who is the best goalkeeper in the
game at facing penalties?
RG: Pepe Reina has a good history from
what I can remember.
: Do you think penalty shoot outs will
play an important part of the World Cup?
RG: Yes. If you look at the major
tournaments and the number of semi’s and
finals that have been decided on penalties,
you would have to say yes.
: Do things that have happened in the
game affect your decision when facing a pen?
RG: Maybe. A great deal of it is
psychological. Players start to try more tricks
and get more confident when they are 4-0
up than 1-0 down, so this can affect how
they take their kick. Sometimes you can
think about it too much, however there are
a number of factors involved.
: Do you think goalkeepers have an
advantage in taking pens as they know
what the opposite number is looking for?
RG: Yeah, I don’t see why not. I have
obviously never taken one in a game,
however I would be confident enough if
asked. As a keeper you know where it is
difficult to save and you know if you hit it
hard enough it is difficult to stop. A high
penalty is hard to stop as a keeper doesn’t
dive up. Recently against Hull, even though
I went the right way for a Bullard penalty it
went in the roof of the net, I had no chance!
: Would you take a pen in the World
Cup final if required?
RG: Yes! I would happily take a pen whenever
I am called into action, for club or country.
Ed: Robert was selected by Fabio Capello to start for England against Egypt on 3rd March and in a poll conducted by the Sun newspaper thereafter received the public support to be number 1 at the World Cup Finals with 33% of the votes cast.
When it comes to the dreaded penalty shoot out, who would you want between the sticks? When reviewing the stats over the last five years GK1 discovers Rob Green has the best record of any English keeper with a save rate of over 30%. With the World Cup fast approaching penalties are in everyone’s minds as history states that some of the biggest games are decided by the cruel, yet entertaining, spot kick. Ben Foster
Faced 8 Saved 1 Percent 12.5%
Chris Kirkland Faced 13 Saved 2 Percent 15.4%
Robert Green Faced 22 Saved 7 Percent 31.8%
Paul Robinson Faced 16 Saved 1 Percent 6.25%
David James Faced 25 Saved 5 Percent 20%
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SPRING 20106
In briefthe right”.
Some 40 minutes later, cue
pandemonium and tears in equal measure.
The All Whites were destined for South
Africa and this typically modest Kiwi was
guaranteed a free Steinlager in every bar in
his home town of Napier.
Broken DreamBut no sooner had the cheers died down,
when a week later Mark was on crutches
- his dream of appearing in the greatest
football show on earth hanging on the word
of his surgeon.
“I came for a cross in training, collided
with one of our boys and landed awkwardly.
I fractured the top of my tibia. Once I found
out my reaction was ‘will I miss South Africa’?
“My recovery’s been good and I’m well
on the way to full fitness.”
“My football career has been very up and
down. I’m very aware of how important it is
to enjoy the highs, as the lows can be very
drawn out.”
“We’re going to the World Cup with
nothing to lose. If you knew the result before
the game, there’d be no reason to play.
“There’s going to be upsets at the World
Cup, no doubt. It’s just a matter of when.
We’ll be doing our very best to make sure
we’re involved in one or two.”
Packing UpHowever the 33-year old keeper remembers
how close he came to missing out on the
chance to perform on the world stage, when
just three years ago he considered hanging
up his gloves and finding a new career.
“I came over to the UK, played for
Bradford City, Walsall and St Johnstone.
I struggled with injuries and had three
operations in as many years and when no
one came in for me after I’d finished at St
Johnstone I thought that was it.
“In 2006, I was dusting off the CV and
thinking what I should do next when a call
came in from the now defunkt A-League
team back in Auckland.
“I headed home and things have gone
really well for me since then,” said Mark, who
now has 23 caps for his country to his name.
Whilst nothing is guaranteed, his penalty
heroics, along with the continuing ban for
Glen Moss, makes Mark favourite to remain
custodian when the All Whites take on
Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay when Group F
gets underway on June 15 in Rustenburg.
Few expect them to do better than their
countrymen did in ‘82 when they lost all
three matches against Brazil (4-0), USSR (3-0)
and Scotland (5-2).
With rehabilitation now in full swing,
Mark can once again dare to dream of South
Africa. His hands are full at home as well
following the arrival of son Jack, six months
ago. “My wife says she’s looking after two
babies at the moment,” he says.
He expects to be kept busy come June
too. But if he needs a break from the physio
this week, he can always sit back and watch
the playoff against Bahrain and the save
that’s rewritten the history books.
You can see Mark’s heroics for yourself.
Visit: http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=0MP-Ue_lNqM
l In the Internationals in early March, Joe Hart
was selected ahead of Ben Foster in the
England squad to face Egypt. Another keeper
with World Cup aspirations, Blackburn
Rovers’ Paul Robinson has suffered a setback
being ruled out for over a month with a calf
injury sustained against former club Spurs.
l North of the border, Rangers’ Allan
McGregor was omitted from Craig Levein’s
first squad as Scotland manager (due to eye
injuries sustained in an incident in Glasgow
city centre) - with Craig Gordon, David
Marshall and McGregor’s Rangers team-
mate Neil Alexander the chosen keepers.
Gordon made some important saves to
ensure a clean sheet and a 1-0 victory over
the Czech Republic.
l Darren Ward has left his post as
Peterborough United goalkeeper coach,
to take up a similar role under Darren
Ferguson at Preston North End. By way
of replacement the Posh signed former
Northampton and Lincoln City stopper
Barry Richardson to perform the coaching
duties at London Road.
l Similarly, Ludek Miklosko has been
relieved of his duties at West Ham and has
been replaced by Kevin Hitchcock.
l Motherwell goalkeeper John Ruddy (on
loan from Everton) and Swansea City’s
Dorus De Vries are both currently leading
the Soccer AM ‘Golden Glove’ competition.
l Flamboyant midfielder Robbie Savage
made a brief foray into the ‘goalkeeper’s
union’ with a cameo between the sticks for
Derby Cty at Reading. First-choice goalie
Stephen Bywater went off injured in the
13th minute, and his replacement Saul
Deeney was sent-off for a foul in the penalty
are in the 41st minute with Derby 2-1 down.
l Nottingham Forest’s Lee Camp was voted
the highest ranking ‘keeper in the Football
League’s Championship Player of the Year
award, announced Sunday 14th March.
l Juventus and Italy keeper Gianluigi Buffon
went to extraordinary lengths to distance
himself from a tabloid article in Torino
Cronaca alleging that his Brazilian team
mate Amauri was involved in a relationship
with his girlfriend, model Alena Seredova.
Buffon, his girlfriend and Amauri tracked
down the reporter to a restaurant where
they confronted him and forced him to issue
a stuttering apology for the falsehoods
written...! “I’ve been called gay, a fascist,
I’ve read how my relationship is in tatters,
I’ve been called a loser, I can deal with all
that,” Buffon said. “But mess with my family
and we’ve got a problem . . .”
Etched alongside the names of Dan Carter and Sir Richard Hadlee in New Zealand’s best-loved sporting heroes lies a new name: Mark Paston. For when it comes to career-defining moments, the Kiwi national keeper simply couldn’t have timed his better.
BBack in November, in front of a
record 35,000 fans packed into
Wellington’s Westpac stadium,
Paston provided a ‘Roy of the
Rovers’ performance, including a famous
save from the penalty spot, sending the
‘All Whites’ to the World Cup finals for the
first time in 28 years.
The circumstances leading to Mark’s
selection for his country makes this
boyhood dream all the more amazing.
Red card A red card for dissent for first choice
keeper Glen Moss, led to a 4-match ban
being imposed by FIFA. It was expected an
appeal would see that punishment halved.
However an administrative error followed
by the Christmas holidays meant NZF (New
Zealand Football) missed its chance to
appeal. Up steps Mark, from the bench, to
carry the hopes of the nation through two
World Cup play-offs, home and away to
Bahrain.
“People expected us to get a bit of a
thumping over there. But we drew nil-nil
where the boys in front of me were just
magnificent. After that, the media and
people on the streets went football crazy.
“Our training sessions were mobbed.
We used to have three blokes and a dog.
Suddenly there was media everywhere.
Interest in us has snowballed and even the
rugby players, the fans and commentators
were all wishing us ‘Good Luck’. “
Indeed in Wellington, crowds for the
A-League football side Phoenix now dwarf
the attendances of the city’s Super 14 Rugby
side The Hurricanes.
The Play Off second leg focused the
country’s attention on football like never
before.
Guessed RightLed by Blackburn Rovers skipper Ryan
Nelson, the ‘All Whites’ went one-nil up
before half time, care of a Rory Fallon
header. Then on 51 minutes Phoenix
teammate Tony Lochhead gave away the
penalty. The ref points to the spot and up
steps Sayed Mohamed Adnan.
“I was a bit annoyed about the Bahrain
players’ celebrating before the spot kick”
said Mark.
“The management had run through their
penalty takers and who shoots where, but
to be honest I didn’t pay much attention.
Pressure makes people do strange things.
Guys who would score 99 times out of 100
on the training pitch can easily buckle under
the pressure. So I’m a strong believer in
following my instincts.”
“The bench were trying to get a message
to me to dive to my right. Apparently our
striker Shane Smeltz was pointing to my
right, but I was unaware of all of it.”
“I was just focused on the ball. And
thankfully I guessed correctly and dived to
World Cup Hopeful
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SPRING 2010 7
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GK1 - FINAL (4).indd 6-7 22/04/2010 20:16:44
SPRING 2010 9
As a professional everyone
wants to play, you want
to help your team be
successful, that’s why
you play the game,” says Guzan. “But
it’s pointless getting frustrated about
not playing regularly, part of being a
goalkeeper is to make sure you’re ready
when the call comes.”
So the 25-year-old accepts he’ll have
to wait for his chance, but he also sees
this period as an important time in his
development.
“Being a relatively young goalkeeper it’s
important for me to use this time while not
playing week in week out to better myself,”
reveals Guzan. “As a goalkeeper you may
only have to make a few saves a game so
a big part of goalkeeping is your mental
toughness.”
It could be some time before Guzan gets
his chance on a regular basis. Despite being
39, Brad Friedel remains as consistent as
ever; he recently set the premiership record
for consecutive appearances.
“Working with Brad on a day-to-day
basis means we have developed a really
good relationship on and off the field. “It’s
a great relationship and I’m lucky to have
somebody to help me understand the
English game and what it takes to play year
after year at such a high level.”
The World Cup is now firmly on the
horizon for Guzan. After helping the US to
qualify for South Africa he’s certain to make
the squad, but once again he’ll be second
choice keeper, this time behind Everton’s
Tim Howard.
“As the back-up goalkeeper for the
national team obviously you’re not going to
be playing that much, so for me it’s about
being a good team-mate and being a guy
that is ready to be called upon.”
And if the call comes for their opening
group game – he’ll be up against England
and a few familiar faces.
“Any game you’re going to play at the
World Cup is going to be a difficult game,
so to be drawn against England in the first
game is going to be especially tricky, but
also very exciting. “When the draw was
made I was just arriving at Villa Park to get
on the team coach, the first person I saw
was Emile Heskey and straight away the
banter was flying.”
‘Brad Junior’, as some of the Villa fans
have dubbed him, is just the latest in
a long line of goalkeepers from the US
who have made it in England. Is this just
a coincidence, or is there a reason why so
many do well over here? Guzan believes he
has part of the answer:
“I think it starts with the sports that
kids grow up playing in America. “Baseball,
American Football, Basketball – they’re the
3 main sports; they all involve hand-eye
coordination which is something that’s
obviously important for any goalkeeper.”
Like so many goalkeepers before him, Aston Villa’s Brad Guzan is having to play a waiting game. Since arriving from the MLS side Chivas USA in July 2008, Guzan has found first team chances limited. While he’s played regularly in the cup competitions, fellow countryman Brad Friedel remains first choice for premiership games.
“
It’s about being a good team-mate
and being a guy that is ready to be called upon.
DREAMAmerican
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B r a d G u z a n
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GK1 - FINAL (4).indd 8-9 22/04/2010 20:16:55
SPRING 2010 SPRING 2010 1110
The January transfer window turned out to be nothing more than a damp squib with the expected late rush of transfers simply not materialising.
Overall spending was vastly
reduced, with Premiership
clubs spent a total of
£44.8 million during the
January period, less than 25% of the
£190.5 million spent in the previous
year’s winter transfer window. Over one
quarter of this amount is attributed
to the sum that Manchester United
have agreed to pay for Chris Smalling
of Fulham- a fee that could rise to £12
million. Factors including the global
recession, a weak pound against the
Euro and a lack of budget all contributed
to one of the quietest trading periods
for some time. Whilst in general the UK
slowly exits the recessionary period, the
fear that football may be entering into
such a phase was not allayed by the slide
into administration of Crystal Palace and
then Portsmouth FC.
Pompey peril Amongst the goalkeepers ‘on the
move’, the attention was primarily focused
upon beleaguered Premier League outfit
Portsmouth FC, who during the window
won a 7 day stay of execution from a
winding-up order at the High Court. In the
early days of the window it appeared likely
that David James would be leaving Fratton
Park in an attempt to secure his plane ticket
to South Africa for the World Cup, with
Stoke City appearing his likely destination.
Simultaneously, James’ Pompey team-
mate Asmir Begovic was the subject of an
approach from Spurs. In an amazing and
acrimonious twist, Stoke and Pompey failed
to agree the finer terms of the transaction
to take James to the Britannia Stadium, but
Tony Pulis was quick to find a replacement....
nipping in with a £3.25 million bid to hijack
Spurs move for Begovich whom had agreed
terms and undertaken a medical with the
North London club!
James’ eagerness to depart Fratton
Park was fuelled by a contractual provision
that entitled him to a contract extension
upon the completion of a certain number
of games, and which given Pompey’s well
documented financial problems, could
potentially have left him unable to play
the final games of the season. As for Spurs,
despite several late forays into the deadline
day market, bids for Watford’s Scott Loach
and an approach for
Glasgow Rangers’ Allan
McGregor failed to
materialise.
Elsewhere in the
Premier League, newly
appointed Burnley
manager, Brian Laws,
gave Nicky Weaver a
return to the top flight
following a successful
spell in the SPL with
Dundee United.
Another keeper with
SPL experience, Tony
Warner negotiated
an early release from
movehis contract with Hull City FC on transfer
deadline day and in time to secure his status
as a Free Agent.
Wigan Athletic strengthened their
goalkeeping department in the light of
Richard Kingson absence with Ghana at the
African Cup of Nations, by recruiting Serbian
goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovi from Sporting
Lisbon.
On loanDepartures on loan from Premiership clubs
included Fulham’s David Stockdale who
joined Championship strugglers Plymouth
Argyle and Karl Ikeme who extended his
loan from Wolves with Queens Park Rangers.
Similarly, Arsenal allowed Pole Wojciech
Szczesny to remain with Brentford until the
end of the season, Man Utd’s Tom Heaton will
hope to help struggling Wycombe Wanderers
avoid relegation from League 1, whilst Spurs
have aided Shrewsbury’s promotion push
from League 2 by offering the Shropshire
outfit the services of England under 20
keeper David Button.
In the Championship there was little
movement despite the media linking Lee
Grant with a reunion with former manager
Brian Laws at Burnley and Keiren Westwood
with a move to Sunderland. Swansea City
however rewarded promising Wales Under
21 keeper David Cornell with a new 3 year
contract, whilst across the Severn Bridge
the relationship between Bristol City and
Adriano Basso was less harmonious. The
Brazilian was placed on the transfer list by
manager Gary Johnson and having failed
to move looks set to see out the remainder
of his contract. This prompted the Robins
to bring in former Yeovil and Crewe stopper
Steve Collis on a short term contract until
the end of the season, and to allow former
Villa keeper Stephen Henderson to join
Aldershot on an initial month’s loan. With
Paddy Kenny still suspended following his
failed drugs test, Sheffield United looked
to strengthen by bringing in Mihkel Aksalu
from FC Talinn of Estonia, and were forced
back into the marketplace to sign Steve
Simonsen from Stoke, when Blackburn
recalled Mark Bunn following Paul
Robinson’s calf injury.
Having stumbled into administration
Crystal Palace also agreed to extend
the loan of Daryl Flahavan, to Oldham
Athletic, whilst another club familiar with
administration, Southampton FC, allowed
Michael Poke to remain at Torquay United.
In League 2, Frank Fielding is hoping he
can contribute to his Rochdale side making
history by winning promotion from the
basement division for the first time in 35
years (the longest unbroken stint in League
2 !)-before rejoining parent club Blackburn
Rovers. Fellow promotion chasers AFC
Bournemouth have rewarded keeper Shwan
Jalal with a 2 year contract extension. Paul
Peschisolido has returned to former club
Birmingham City to secure the services of
Artur Krysiak on loan for his Burton Albion
side, whilst fellow midlanders Northampton
Town attracted Jason Steele to the Sixfields
stadium in a similar short term capacity from
M’Boro. Passing in the opposite direction,
Notts Forest stopper Shane Redmond faced
the long and daunting trip to Darlington
where relegation from the Football League
seems inevitable.
ScotlandOnto the SPL, where in early march Celtic
confirmed that they were in talks with Polish
international Artur Boruc to extend his
contract at Parkhead.
Departing Parkhead, keeper Mark Brown
signed for Hibernian on a two and a half
year deal , which prompted the club to
place Yves Ma-Kalambay, whose contract
expires at the end of the season, on the
transfer list. Two departures on a short term
basis from Edinburgh saw Mark Ridgers join
East Fife on loan from Hearts and Thomas
Flynn make the same move to Alloa from
Hibernian.
Flying into the SPL from overseas,
Dusan Pernis joined Dundee United on a
free transfer from MSK Zilina. Also in the
SPL, Everton’s on loan goalkeeper, John
Ruddy, saw his fine form rewarded with an
extension to his loan deal with Motherwell
until the end of the season. Title chasing
Rangers allowed George Ingliss to sign for
Hamilton Accies, whom also snapped up
Brian Potter, whilst Jamie Barclay joined East
Stirling from SPL outfit Falkirk.
Asmir Begovic / Image courtesy of Stoke City FC
Daryl Flahavan / Image courtesy of Oldham Athletic FC
Shwan Jalal / Image courtesy of Mick Cunningham Photography
On the
John Ruddy / Image courtesy of EvertonFC.com
GK1 - FINAL (4).indd 10-11 22/04/2010 20:17:23
SPRING 201012
As the Premier League’s big hitters
steal the front and back page
headlines, it’s not all glitz and glamour,
WAGs and catwalks for the majority of
pro footballers.
After 16 years earning a living between
the sticks, Bradford City’s Matt Glennon faces
the most daunting time of his professional
career. With almost 400 games under his
belt, he’s played in front of 60,000 at Celtic
Park, saved three penalties in one game and
even scored with a volley from the edge of
the box. But come this July, like some 600
professional players across the UK, Matt will
be out of contract and looking for a new club.
Family Support“Of course it’s a worrying time. I’ve got a
family to look after. But you simply have to
knuckle down and back your own ability.
The last thing you can do is let it get to you.”
said the 31-year old GK who joined the
Bantams half way through this season.
“I’ve been in this situation once before
where I turned down a new contract at
Carlisle and ended up at Falkirk. Three
games later, we were away at Celtic
and I was playing in front of 60,000. The
atmosphere was incredible. So I’m aware
your fortunes can change very quickly.”
On The Bench“I’ve been in the game for a long time now
and managed to pick up lots of friends and
contacts along the way.
“I’m really keen to avoid sitting on the
bench. Others can do it, but I’m afraid I’m
no good at it. It’s absolutely something I just
can’t do. On a couple of occasions, I’ve moved
on from clubs because I’d rather be playing.
“I’m only 31 and I’m hopeful I’ve got my
best years infront of me. I look after myself,
most pros eat and train very differently to
when I first got into the game.”
Brothers In Arms“Keeper sessions used to be very long and
very physical. These days the emphasis is on
sharpness and agility and making sure you
recover quickly in time for the next game.
But then, as now, the keepers stick together
like a Band of Brothers.
“People say keepers are daft, but really,
when outfield players do all that running
around, who are the daft ones? A couple of
years ago, before I resigned form Huddersfield,
I was being linked with the likes of Coventry
and Birmingham City,” said Matt, whose
fondest memories are saved for the dedicated
band of followers at Brunton Park.
“I’ve enjoyed a good rapport with fans
wherever I’ve been but the fans at Carlisle
were terrific with me,” said Carlisle’s former
Supporters’ Player of the Year.
“I had three enjoyable seasons there,
and while there were lows, there were
some great highs,” adds the Stockport-
born stopper, who was part of the side
who were relegated from the league in
2004 but bounced straight back up via the
Conference play-offs.
“It was fantastic to get straight back up
and reward the supporters, who remained
very loyal,” he said. “Cumbria is a real outpost
- I laugh when some players complain about
a three-hour coach journey to an away game.
For Carlisle, that’s a local derby! - but they still
took loads of fans away. I remember going
to Leigh RMI, whose average attendance was
around 600, and there were more than 2,000
Carlisle supporters there.”
Matt’s confidence in his own ability
means he’s convinced the days playing in
front of packed houses in major stadia are
not behind him.
“People know what I can do for them. I’m
fitter, stronger and more agile than at any
time and I’m hopeful I’ll find another club
before pre-season starts.“
To see Matt’s goal for St Johnstone vrs
Ross County, go to: http://www.youtube.
com/watch?v=GhApt-ZMPOM
Matt Glennon / backpage images
Keeper seeks club for long-term love affair...
Matt GlennonPosition: GoalkeeperDate of birth: 08/10/78 (31)Height: 1.87mNationality: English
Personal profile:Drives: 3 Series BMWIn CD Player: James BluntFave Holiday: CyprusMust remember to pack: Wife and kidsLoves: ShoesStar Sign: LibraFavourite present player: Wayne RooneyFavourite former keeper: Peter SchmeichelFan as a schoolboy: Stockport County (ballboy)
1997-2001 Bolton Wanderers
0 appearances
2000 Bristol Rovers (loan)
1 appearance
2000-2001 Carlisle United (loan)
29 appearances
2001-2002 Hull City
35 appearances
2002-2005 Carlisle United
114 appearances
2005 Falkirk
21 appearances
2005-2006 St. Johnstone
12 appearances
2006-2010 Huddersfield Town
109 appearances
2010 Bradford City
10 appearances
DAVID ELLISBespoke Jewellery
Hatton Garden DirectTel: 07932 796446
Email: [email protected]
As a jeweller based in Hatton Garden for over 30 years, I offer a service where my clients can enjoy my passion for fine jewellery and watches.
With my considerable buying and supplying experience, trade connections and reduced overheads, I am able to supply bespoke, top quality jewellery and watches at prices up to 50% lower than on the high street.
As part of my very personal service I can supply your jewellery and watches and deliver them to suit your time scale whether urgent or a surprise that needs more planning time.
Confidentiality, discretion and quality assured.
GK1 - FINAL (4).indd 12-13 22/04/2010 20:17:31
BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS
With Premier League spending
in January’s transfer market
down significantly from
£190.5 million in January 2009 to £44.8
million in January 2010, and little major
activity elsewhere in the Football League,
does this beg the question that football is
entering recessionary times?
Financial uncertainty exists for a
number of UK football clubs and the plight
of Premier League Portsmouth FC and
Championship Crystal Palace FC may well
be resulting in a new period of financial
prudence amongst clubs. The lack of
spending in general in the January transfer
window would certainly seem to back this
up, as nearly ¼ of the total amount spent
was attributable to the transfer of Chris
Smalling from Fulham FC to Manchester
United FC.
Salary capsThe financial plight of clubs has been a
hot topic at governing body level, and
in January 2010 UEFA continued to raise
concerns about excessive spending pointing
out that nearly half of all European clubs are
running at a loss every year and as many
as 20% of clubs spending as much as 120%
of their revenue per season. Of particular
concern was the fact that as many as 1/3
of clubs are spending 70% or more of their
revenues on player salaries. With salaries at
such a high level it is perhaps no surprise
that the January window did not deliver the
usual level of transfer activity.
Moreover, concern at the proportion
of club revenue being swallowed up by
player’s wages has led to increasing calls for
the introduction of salary caps into all levels
of professional football. Currently clubs in
League 2 can only spend a maximum of 60%
of their turnover on player’s salaries and this
system is still in place in the MLS in America,
in professional rugby in the UK and in many
other sports. The introduction of a salary cap
along these lines has received widespread
support in recent
months, with the
likes of Wigan
Chairman Dave
Whelan, Michel
Platini and Football
League Chairman
Lord Mawhinney
all speaking out in
favour.
Lord
Mawhinney, the
outgoing chairman of the Football League,
believes a salary cap is inevitable among the
league’s member clubs.
He told the BBC’s Late Kick Off
programme: “The business model of
professional football in this country doesn’t
work, it’s broke and you see that reflected in
the administrations and
all the rest of it.
“I have some clubs
in the Football League
who are paying up to
85% of their income in
wages.
“I don’t care how
great you are, you
may be the best
business entrepreneur
the country has ever
come up with, but
you cannot run a
sustainable business
with that sort of
model.
“I think I have given
the issues a reasonable profile and I think
even those who don’t approve of me would
probably concede that. Our Championship
clubs in particular are not yet ready to
commit but it’ll happen because what is
going on presently
is not sustainable in
the medium term.”
Out of controlPerhaps more
significantly,
and even more
surprisingly, the
Chairman of
mega-spending
Manchester City is also an advocate:
With a wage payout in excess of
£100million a year, Khaldoon Al Mubarak
says finance in football has spiralled out of
control.
Reflecting on a more controlled outlook in
America, where teams have a limit as to the
Transfer market in meltdown?
BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS
amount of money they can spend on players,
the City chairman says such control in
Europe would make football throughout the
continent a much more level playing field.
“I am a fan of the American model,” he
told the News of the World.
“The European model cannot be
sustained without new parameters,
commercial parameters that allow
competition, that allow revenue
distribution, and that will allow talent to
continue to prosper.”
Equally supportive of such a salary cap,
Sunderland Chairman Niall Quinn calls for a
radical shake-up with hard-hitting penalties
for clubs that don’t play ball:
“I think it is time for the Premier League
– perhaps the chairman Sir Dave Richards
– to think about how the clubs stop firing
the money out to the players and the
agents as fast as the chief executive Richard
Scudamore can bring it in.
“The 20 clubs in the Premier League
should make sure what has happened to
Portsmouth can never happen again.
“What we should do is agree on a salary
cap – wages should not exceed a certain
percentage of our turnover.
“Anyone who breaks that should be
docked points.
NB Editor’s Note: I would be very surprised if
the leading clubs voted in favour of this as
a collective- having established the Premier
League as the most successful and financially
rewarding in the world, I suspect clubs will not
wish to surrender competitive advantage when it
comes to luring the best players to sign for them.
Adopting a salary cap based on club revenue
will also clearly favour the established clubs
with huge stadia and flourishing commercial
operations, to the detriment of smaller clubs that
have the ambition to challenge, and therefore to
promoting competition.
Watch this space…
The business pages
Sunderland Chairman Niall Quinn
Wages should not exceed a certain
percentage of our turnover. Anyone who breaks that should be docked points.
One structure certainly under
attack by the Inland Revenue
at present is the acquisition by
clubs of image rights of their players. This
has been common practice by elite clubs,
particularly in the last decade to ensure
that they can exploit the image of the
players they employ to the maximum and to
ensure that those players do not enter into
commercial agreements that conflict with
those that the clubs already have in place.
These image rights payments are typically
paid into a separate company set up for
the player, which can also be incorporated
outside of the UK, and which are therefore
subject to Corporation tax at a much lower
rate than the Income Tax and National
Insurance which are paid on Players wages.
Why do HMRC have an issue with this arrangement?
Inspectors from HMRC have launched the
investigation as they believe that payments
made to Players for their Image Rights are
actually a form of disguised remuneration and
have allowed Players to escape paying over
£100 million in tax. HMRC are arguing that
these payments are in reality for the players
on field activities and not off field activities as
they are purporting to be. HMRC are believed
to be actively investigating image rights
deals of over 100 Premier League players.
By way of example, a recent prospectus into
Manchester United’s financial and commercial
arrangements has reported that HMRC are
investigating the club in relation to image
rights payments to several leading players
and that HMRC are seeking repayment of
approximately £5.3 million for the period
2001 to 2009, which they say relates to unpaid
National Insurance contributions.
What can players do?Sports Lawyer Tina Hardwick of solicitors
Pitmans SK says: ‘’Due to the wide powers of
HMRC, which can stretch back as far as 6 years,
the consequences of these investigations can
have a serious financial impact on both Clubs
and Players. This includes the liability to pay
tax and national insurance plus interest as
well as penalties. Players should seek advice
from specialist lawyers dealing with both
the Tax and Sports Law issues. Any advice
received from lawyers is legally privileged, it
is protected and cannot be accessed by the
HMRC Investigators, unlike the advice received
by accountants and tax experts which does
not have the same protection.’’
NB In a case highlighted by the fall into
administration of Portsmouth FC, it is worth
pointing out that these image rights structures
set out above do not have the same protected
status as players salaries should a club fall
into administration. Sol Campbell for example
issued a writ against Portsmouth FC for unpaid
image rights monies and bonuses to the tune of
£1.7 million- a sum which is now under serious
threat given the clubs fall into administration.
Tina Hardwick
Solicitor
Email: [email protected]
DD: + 44 (0) 20 7634 4626
Taxman investigates image rights payments
SPRING 201014 SPRING 2010 15
GK1 - FINAL (4).indd 14-15 22/04/2010 20:17:33
This April 2010 sees the
introduction by the Government
of a new higher rate tax band of
50%, applicable to individuals earning a
salary in excess of £150,000 per annum- a
figure which is significantly below the
average salary level in the Championship,
let alone the Premier League.
RiskHowever, the tax profession have been
careful to warn players of the risks should
their advisers assist them with ways to avoid
the new 50% tax band. There are several
ways in which wealthy individuals have
historically mitigated high rates of income
tax, such as sheltering pay from income tax
through property and other investments,
and commonly through investment into film
partnerships and other venture capital type
investment schemes which allow investors
to defer income tax and capital gains tax.
In the immediate aftermath of the
announcement of the tax hike, another
more controversial scheme which was
under discussion concerns the potential
use by players and clubs of interest-free
loans as part payment of wages- The benefit
being that such loans are treated as a
benefit-in-kind by HMRC and are taxed at
2.5%, thus resulting in a total tax liability of
42.5% as opposed to 50%.
This scheme could however
dramatically backfire as
HMRC could potentially
introduce retrospective
legislation to block it and
recoup the unpaid tax.
Minimize the impactAndrew Davis of London-
based Accountancy firm
Davis Bonler summarises the key strategies
available to players:
are essentially four different strategies to
minimize the impact of the new 50% tax
band, as follows:
1) accelerating income so that it is received
before 06/04/10 - for example any
bonuses due could be paid be paid before
06/04/10 and if cash flow is an issue the
net bonus could be lent back and ‘repaid’
in accordance with the clubs ‘normal’
payment date for bonuses
2) deferring income so that it is received in a
later year when tax rates will hopefully be
lower – this has particular opportunities
for those players who remain non
domiciled in the UK and have substantial
offshore income or investments could
be structured so that tax deferral is
possible such as Investment Bonds with
drawdown facility.
3) reducing taxable income such as
salary sacrifice schemes or structuring
investments with a capital return such as
zero rated preference shares
4) paying in such a way that remuneration
is subject to lower capital gains tax rates
or corporate tax rates such as use of share
option schemes such as those involving
the use of split interest or freezer shares –
This might even encourage a return to the
old days of player loyalty.
Foreign transfer?Aside waiting and hoping that the
Conservative Party will be elected into
Government this summer and will return
to a higher rate of tax of 40%, one final
solution to be considered
is a transfer to a foreign
club in a jurisdiction
with a more favourable
tax system. For example,
foreign players competing
in Spain’s top division for
up to 6 years are liable for
a higher rate income tax
of 25 %, whilst in France it
is 40%, in Italy 43% and in
Germany 45%. Combined
with a favourable sterling/Euro exchange
rate an exodus to foreign climates may be
an increasingly attractive proposition for
British players.
Editor: There are many ways with careful
planning to mitigate the rise in tax rates but of
course at all times players and clubs should be
aware of HM Revenue & Customs crackdowns
on such schemes and future changes that may
reduce the effectiveness of such plans.
BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS
50%tax rate?How players can seek to minimise the impact of the new higher rate tax bracket coming into force in April 2010
Former Luton Town goalkeeper
Scott Ward explains how he
emerged from a football career
into the world of tax planning:
‘’I come from a footballing family starting
with my Dad who spent time as a youngster
with QPR to my elder brother Lee being
a trainee with Watford. Brother Darren
currently plays for Millwall FC and younger
brother Elliott is currently with Coventry
City FC.
CareerMy Luton Town career was launched by
making a perfect debut Vs Brentford FC.
After one minute our goalkeeper was sent
off and in the process gave away a penalty.
I came on and saved the resulting Lloyd
Owusu penalty. The game ended
1 - 1. I then spent a total of over
eight years with several clubs. After
spending pre-season with Coventry
City and not receiving the contract I
felt was deserved and with my body
telling me to call it a day I decided
to cut my career short and ventured
into the arena that had always
interested me: finances and tax.
InvestmentsI have always been interested in
investments and creating solutions for
financial planning and tax solutions. I spent
two years in London helping players with
their Tax planning during which time I
learnt an awful lot and gained some great
experience. I then helped my brother Darren
start up his financial company called New
Incentive. They look after players from the
beginning of their career to planning for
when they retire.
Subsequently, I was approached by
Montpelier Tax consultants. They are one
of the biggest companies in their field
with over 52 offices in over 20 countries. I
knew with tax rising to 50% from April 2010
players, football clubs and professionals
alike would be in drastic need of some type
of planning to help prevent an exodus of
players and to prevent clubs from having to
find even more capital to keep their current
crop of players. Therefore we have created
a concept to help individuals and clubs
save on the huge outlay they currently
face. This is a non aggressive futuristic type
of planning that will change the face of
football enabling players and football clubs
to have a bright future.
Planning for the futureWith National Insurance rising alongside
the Tax rate it makes perfect sense to lessen
the burden faced by everyone on both
fields via our unique structure. This enables
football clubs to pay less out while enabling
the individual whether they are a member
of the playing or non playing staff
to receive more. It could potentially
lessen the football clubs outlay by
30% per annum depending on their
structure.
It will also enable the individuals
to plan for the future via investing
with money that would not have
usually been accessible. With
Montpelier’s vast experience and
my understanding of football as a
whole there is always a solution. This
is encapsulated in the Montpelier
vision of “ think smart-act smart “
Scott Ward
Consultant for Montpelier Tax Consultants
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)1327 842 780
£££
Former Luton Town goalkeeper preaches a different type of saving
SPRING 201016 SPRING 2010 17
This enables football clubs
to pay less out while enabling the individual to receive more.
Scott Ward
GK1 - FINAL (4).indd 16-17 22/04/2010 20:17:34
SPRING 2010 19
It was a fracture to the ulna bone
which is the outside of the two that
form your forearm,” says Gordon. “It
was slightly displaced and they had
to operate to put the bone back together.
At the moment there’s a titanium plate on
the outside of the bone with 6 screws in
it, this will be taken out in the summer.”
For Gordon a spell on the sidelines is
nothing new, he spent three months out
with a knee injury last season. While he
could be forgiven for bemoaning his bad
luck, it isn’t something he dwells on. He said:
“I don’t really think about it, you just
get on with the rehab and try to come
back as quickly as possible. To start with
there wasn’t a great deal I could do, I was
swimming and playing a bit of table tennis,
just things I could do to keep my fitness up.”
Road to recoveryThe recovery went well and he was ready
to return ahead of schedule, but playing
competitive football again meant having to
protect the injured arm. “The surgeon wants
me to wear something to protect it for at
least for the first year,” he says. “There was
nothing out there so my kit manufacturer,
Sells Goalkeeper Products, worked on a
couple of designs and eventually came
up with something that offered enough
protection but wasn’t too big. It doesn’t
restrict the movement and is quite
comfortable.”
The injury came at a particularly bad time
for Gordon and the club. He was playing some
of his best football and Sunderland looked like
outside contenders for Europe. However, the
ensuing months saw Steve Bruce’s side pay a
heavy price for injuries, not just to their keeper,
but a number of other first team regulars, with
the defence particularly hard hit.
Steve Bruce was on record saying “I was
absolutely delighted with his form, he was
starting to look like the goalkeeper we paid all
that money for,” Bruce said, as quoted by Press
Association Sport. “To have him out for three
months is a blow, for sure. He is devastated
with what happened but he will get over it.”
Gordon adds “We’ve played 14 different
back fours in the premier league this season
which is an incredible stat, that many
combinations would cause problems for any
team,” he says. “To get all the players back we’ll
have a better and stronger squad and hopefully
we can have a much better end to the season.”
Without question the low point of
the run was the 7-2 defeat by Chelsea at
Stamford Bridge. “The training ground was
a very quiet place for a few days after that,
everybody was hurting, but then you start
to get on with it and realise you’re not as
bad a team as the score suggests - it was
just one of those games.”
Martin Fulop was in goal that day and
unfortunately for him the heavy defeat
coincided with Gordon’s availability. For the
next match, the FA Cup fourth round tie
against Portsmouth, Fulop was dropped. “I
have had that happen to me before and it’s
not nice but there wasn’t a great deal Martin
could do,” says Gordon. “We spoke about it
afterwards and overall he didn’t have that
bad a game. “It was one of those games
where the goalkeeper is totally exposed.”
The old wayThings have now started to improve for the
Black Cats, players have returned from injury
and the recent transfer window has seen
a couple of new faces arrive. The January
window is always a hectic period for clubs
and roundly disliked by the managers. Steve
Bruce is one who has been particularly
critical, and Gordon agrees. “Personally I
preferred it the old way,” he reveals. “You can
end up not playing for 6 months because at
the last minute somebody is brought in who
is going to play in front of you - you didn’t
realise it was going to happen - the window
shuts and you can’t move for 6 months.
“Decisions can get made too hastily and
both clubs and players can end up making
the wrong choice. “Under the old system
you could spend time thinking things
through, looking at your options, it’s not
just the football side of things you’ve got to
consider, there’s your family too.”
Unfortunately for Gordon, Scotland
has failed to qualify for another major
Championship, he’ll be a spectator again
at this summer’s World Cup. However, he
believes Scotland have a brighter future
under new manager Craig Levein. Gordon
knows all about Levein, he was his manager
at Hearts before his transfer to Sunderland.
“I think we’ll be organised, he’s always had
very disciplined teams and I think he’ll
do the same with Scotland, try and give
us a good base to win games from,” says
Gordon. “We know that if we can’t go out
and dominate teams then we need to be
hard to beat, it’ll be back to basics and
hopefully with everybody fit we can go and
win matches and qualify for the European
Championships.”
Editors note: Craig’s fine form since returning
to the side has seen him win consecutive Man
of the Match awards and the team pull clear of
the relegation zone.
CRAIG GORDON “backpage im
ages
BACK WITH THE FIRST TEAM
Decisions can get made too hastily and both
clubs and players can end up making the wrong choice.Craig Gordon is desperate to make up
for lost time after being plunged back
into Sunderland’s fight for Premiership
survival. The 27-year-old spent 11
frustrating weeks on the sidelines after
breaking his arm in a collision with
Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe.
back
page
imag
es
GK1 - FINAL (4).indd 18-19 22/04/2010 20:17:47
SPRING 2010 SPRING 2010 2120
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 KIT KI
PUMA POWERCAT 1.10Inspired by the Italian national team, Gil
Azzurri, the PowerCat 1.10 reflects the
power, courage and the passion of the
reigning world champions.
The PowerCat 1.10 is the perfect
combination of engineering and comfort.
Made from super soft Kangaroo leather
these boots provide ultimate comfort for
the athlete. The PowerCat 1.10 not only
provides great protection, power and comfort
- through the blade stud configuration the player
will also experience smooth ground penetration and pressure
distribution whilst still being able to move around quickly.
Worn by PUMA players including Michael Carrick, Nemanja
Vidic and Wayne Hennessey.
www.puma.com
UHLSPORT Fangmaschine Supersoft SudafrikaWith 16 keepers in the World Cup,
Uhlsport are using the opportunity
to launch their “We Take
Action” programme to
support Aids orphans in
South Africa.
All Uhlsport keepers will
wear the Fangmaschine Supersoft
Sudafrika glove with a distinctive
yellow palm with proceeds from the
sale of these products going directly to
Project SOS. For more information visit
www.uhlsport.com
Sells Goalkeeper ProductsThe 09/10 season has seen the latest glove technology
used across the Sells range with Adhesion Ultra
Advanced and Adhesion Maxima latex setting
new standards in
glove performance.
This season
Sells has
introduced a
new Wrap
Glove –
the Axis
360 – with
improved
fit and a
contemporary
design. A new
range, the Convex, for
a different closer fit replacing the
popular Contour range, plus the continued
development of the very popular Total Contact
range.
With Outlast technology providing temperature
control, guard technology for protection, Aquastem
technology for wet conditions and combined with a
selection of glove cuts, the range has a glove to suit all
keepers in all conditions.
www.sellsgoalkeeperproducts.com
ADIDAS Fingersave AllroundThe new adidas Fingersave Allround features the popular
brand’s trademark Fingersave Spines, redesigned for this
year; different stiffness degrees, but with the same wear
comfort. Designed to perform excellently in a wide variety
of conditions, and to keep
performing even under
duress, the Allround
is exactly what
it sounds like; a
jack-of-all-trades
GK glove that excels
across the board.
The glove features a
Punching Control area
across the knuckles and
backhand allows for
maximum impact transfer
to the ball while protecting
the hand of the keeper
with layered memory and EVA foam. The glove is secured with
an incredibly reliable bandage wrist closure and full wrist strap.
www.adidas.com
Selsport Wrappa XTRThe Wrappa XTR is a new top end glove by Selsport
Goalkeeping Products for the 2010/11 season.
The Wrappa XTR takes some original features of the famous
Wrappa Classic, but introduces a new slim fit anatomical
fit which offers greater conform and performance. The
palm consists of a new 4mm Wet / Dry Ultra
Adhesion latex along with a 4mm
soft foam to increase the comfort
Backhand is 4mm latex. Selsport
Tri Lock strap system in place.
The glove will be available
from May 2010.
www.selsport.com
Precision GoalkeepingPrecision
Goalkeeping has
already made
its debut in the
Premier League
despite its gloves
not being on the
market until later
in 2010.
Part of Britain’s
fastest growing
sports brand -
Precision Training
- the Precision Goalkeeping range will be releasing products to
market in May this year.
Burnley’s, Brian “the Beast” Jensen (pictured), is already
wearing the gloves in the Premier League and more keepers are
expected to follow suit. www.precisiontraining.uk.com
Recent signingsPlayers that have recently signed a new contract or extended their agreement with an equipment manufacturer are:Adidas: Scott Carson, WBA; Edwin van der Sar, Man U; Petr Čech, Chelsea.Sells Goalkeeper Products: Allan McGregor, Rangers; Andrew Lonergan, Preston; Heurelho Gomes, Spurs; Wayne Hennessey, Wolves.Uhlsport: Pepe Reina, Liverpool.Precision Goalkeeping: Brian Jensen, Burnley.
Reusch Xosa Pro G1The Reusch Xosa Pro G1 will be
the most visible glove at the
forthcoming World Cup.
All Reusch sponsored
goalkeepers will be
wearing the colourful
and vibrant gloves at
the tournament,
including those
from pre-
tournament
favourites Brazil
and Argentina.
www.reuschuk.com
GK1 - FINAL (4).indd 20-21 22/04/2010 20:17:57
SPRING 201022 SPRING 2010 23
takes a look at the stars of the future
While Elliot Parish is still waiting in the
wings at Aston Villa, he’s already had
plenty of international
experience. England’s
Under-20 World Cup
campaign in Egypt
last summer may not
have gone according
to plan, but Parish
was hailed as one
of the stars of the
tournament.
He was first choice in
all of their group games,
and although the side
only managed 1 draw and
2 defeats, the 19-year-old
earned plenty of praise.
“I played for England
Under-16s, and then there was a big gap
before getting a call-up to the Under-20
squad completely out of the blue,” he says. “I
traveled away with the squad as third choice
but ended up playing every game. “It was
a great experience and despite not making
it to the knockout stages, I really enjoyed it.
“Obviously you want to win every game, but
I was happy with my performance”
Parish has now been with Villa for over 11
years. He joined the club at 8 and has risen
through the academy ranks. This season he’s
become a regular for the reserve team, but
he’s realistic about the next step. “A few of
the lads I’ve grown up with and played with
have already had first team experience,” he
says. ”But for me being a
goalkeeper it’s different,
I’d imagine it’ll be quite
a few years down the
line before I get the
chance, you just need
to be patient and keep
working hard”
And for Parish that
could mean working hard
for a number of years to
come. First choice Brad
Friedel may be 39, but
shows no
signs of
retiring
just yet, and behind him is
a solid second choice with
25-year-old Brad Guzan.
While most players would
feel frustrated by the quality
ahead of them, Parish sees
it as an advantage. “In terms
of 2 keepers above me, you
couldn’t have anybody better,”
says Parish “As a young keeper
working with Brad Friedel
there’s nobody better in my
opinion, he’s been there, done
it and is very willing to help out. He’s a really
nice guy, he’s as good as you can get. “Brad
Guzan is another really top bloke, he’s really
bubbly. “If you arrive in the morning and feel
a bit down you only have to talk to him for 5
minutes and you feel much better.”
Scotland Under-21 keeper, Alan Martin,
began his career coming through the
ranks at Motherwell. In June 2007 he
left Fir Park before making his first team
debut. There had been interest from
Rangers, but when the call came from
Dennis Wise, the then Leeds manager;
there was only one direction he wanted
to go.
So a dream
move - but not
exactly a great time
to be arriving at
Elland Road. “When
I signed they had
just come out of
administration and
there was the points
deduction,” says the
20-year-old. “But
even with all that
going on there was a
brilliant atmosphere
at the club and I
Elliot Parish
Alan Martin
knew it was the right move.”
At the start of last season with limited
opportunities in the first team, it was
decided he would go out on loan to Barrow
in the Blue Square Conference. “I absolutely
loved my time at Barrow, I still talk to the
manager and have stayed in touch with
some of the players.”
And his time at Barrow will certainly
be remembered by
the fans following
a man of the match
performance against
Middlesbrough in
the third round of
last year’s FA Cup. It
ended in a creditable
2-1 defeat for the non-
leaguers.
“It was unbelievable;
going out to play in
front of 26,000 gave me
a taste of what it would
be like to play at the
highest level.”
After a successful season with Barrow,
Martin returned to Leeds and despite going
on pre-season tour with the first team was
loaned out again – this time to League Two
and Accrington Stanley. “For me it’s much
better than playing reserve-team football,
it’s nice to be going out onto the pitch
knowing every game counts.”
He was recalled in October and despite
being selected in the first team squad for a
number of games this season, he admits his
debut could still be some time off, he said:
“I don’t think it’ll come this season, if we get
promoted early maybe the gaffer will give
me a chance.”
Not many Fulham fans have seen Wes
Foderingham play, but those who have
believe they’ve seen a star in the making.
The 19-year-old has been at Craven
Cottage since the age of 9 and has risen
through the ranks.
He’s keen to continue his progress and
that would appear to be away from Fulham
temporarily. “I’m looking to go out on loan
now,” he says. “Training is all well and good
but you need to play competitive games to
develop - that’s ultimately what’s going to
make you a better keeper. “I just want to get
out and play games -I need to try and make
that transition from youth football to first
team football.”
Foderingham has continued to impress
throughout his time at
Fulham. He trains regularly
with the first team and that
means working alongside
Mark Schwarzer, a player
he obviously admires and
respects. “For me he’s one
of the best in the premier
league, week in week out
he’s been exceptional for
Fulham,” Foderingham
says. “Around the training
ground he’s fantastic,
he gives you plenty of
advice on how to adjust
your game. “He also
gives you confidence when you’re training
with him as he’s good at giving out praise.
“He’s a big friendly giant!”
It’s not just at Craven
Cottage where Foderigham
has caught the eye; he
was part of the England
Under-17 squad that
played at the World Cup
in South Korea and at the
European Championships
in Israel. Despite his
obvious potential he has
a very realistic outlook
and is fully aware of the
need to be patient. “As
a goalkeeper you peak
later than other players,
usually your best years
are after the age of 30 as you break into
the side a lot later” he says. “You get the
odd exception like Joe Hart, which is great
to see, but usually you have to graft away
in the lower leagues and work your way
up. “It’s later in your career before you
make it in the premier league.”
He may only be 16, but Swindon’s Jamie
Stephens has already caught the eye
of one top premiership side. Stephens
recently spent 5 days training with the
academy at Liverpool and will continue
to be monitored by the Merseyside club.
“It was an amazing experience,” says
Stephens. “The Academy has fantastic
facilities and they have so many staff,
everyone is so polite and it’s a really
friendly place.”
After being watched by Liverpool
scouts, the opportunity came about due
to Swindon manager Danny Wilson’s
friendship with Liverpool legend Kenny
Dalglish, who is now their Academy
Ambassador. It was a great opportunity for
Stephens and he certainly feels he didn’t
let himself down. “I think I did quite well.
The other keepers of my age group are
technically very good, but I was pleased
with how I coped.”
After training with the academy, on
the final day he went to the first team’s
Melwood training ground. There he got the
chance to train with first-team goalkeeper
coach Xavi Valero
and Diego Calvalieri,
Pepe Reina’s deputy. “I
found that very hard,
high intensity and very
technical but I really
enjoyed it.“
With a club like
Liverpool showing
interest, it would be easy
for a young player to get
carried away; however
Stephens is taking
nothing for granted and
remains realistic about the
future.
“I’m going to complete my ‘A’ levels and
if I don’t make it as a footballer id like to
be a lecturer like my mum. She lectures
geography.”
Editors note: This highly regarded keeper may
have to put his teaching career on ice!!
AGE: 19HEIGHT: 185cm
WEIGHT: 75kg
GLOVES: Umbro Hension Pro DPS
BOOTS: Umbro SX Valor
INSPIRATIONAL PLAYER: David James
CLUB SUPPORTED: Newcastle United
BIGGEST INFLUENCE: My Dad
FAVOURITE BAND/ARTIST: Drake
WES FODERINGHAM
AGE: 21HEIGHT: 183cmWEIGHT: 76kgGLOVES: Sells WrapBOOTS: Nike LegendsINSPIRATIONAL PLAYER: Peter SchmeichelCLUB SUPPORTED: CelticBIGGEST INFLUENCE: My familyFAVOURITE BAND/ARTIST: Oasis
ALAN MARTIN
AGE: 19HEIGHT: 189cmWEIGHT: 83kgGLOVES: Sells Wrap Axis Subzero
BOOTS: Umbro SX Valor
INSPIRATIONAL PLAYER: Peter Schmeichel
CLUB SUPPORTED: Chelsea
BIGGEST INFLUENCE: 3 coaches - Seamus
McDonagh, Eric Steele and Andy Quy
FAVOURITE BAND/ARTIST: Kings of Leon
ELLIOT PARISH
AGE: 16HEIGHT: 190cmWEIGHT: 82kgGLOVES: Sells Wrap Axis AquaBOOTS: Nike CTRINSPIRATIONAL PLAYER: Gianluigi BuffonCLUB SUPPORTED: Forest GreenBIGGEST INFLUENCE: My parentsFAVOURITE BAND/ARTIST: Bloc Party
JAMIE STEPHENS
Jamie Stephens
back
page
imag
es
Ast
on V
illa
FC /
Nev
ille
Will
iam
s
back
page
imag
es
Wes Foderingham
GK1 - FINAL (4).indd 22-23 22/04/2010 20:18:15
Scotland’s Euro Dreams in Safe Hands
Neil Alexander
Rangers’ highly-rated keeper, Neil Alexander says the country’s goalkeeping talent could be the key to restoring Scottish international pride.
“I think he’s had a difficult start at
Sunderland. He was transferred for a huge
sum of money and has been unlucky with
injuries. Added to that, he’s playing against
many of the best players in the world. But
there’s no questioning his quality and we’re
lucky to have him,” said the fiercely proud Scot.
Ready ReplacementAnd in Allan McGregor, Neil believes
Scotland have a world class ready
replacement.
“I’d heard how good Allan was before
I arrived at Rangers. But you’ve no idea
just how good he is until you see him up
close.
“He works hard
each and every
day on the training
pitch to improve his
technique” said Neil,
who represented
his country at
Under 18, 19, 20
and 21s - and has
3 full caps for his
country - a source
of great pride.
Repeated
speculation linking
Neil with a move
away from Ibrox
was an unwelcome
distraction during the latest transfer
window.
“Sometimes it’s difficult being a
number two and only playing every so
often. But I came to Rangers knowing
Allan was number one and whilst I’m
improving and learning as a keeper, I’m
happy,” said Neil who joined the club in
2008 after seven seasons with Cardiff City
and Ipswich Town.
Walter’s tributeManager Walter Smith was delighted Neil
chose to stay with the ‘Gers. And earlier in
the season admitted it has been awkward
repeatedly leaving out his No2, despite the
keeper not having put a foot wrong.
“As a manager, you stand or fall by
those decisions,” he said. “But it is awkward,
considering that he’s a terrific professional,”
said Smith.
“He’s not let the disappointment prevent
him applying himself to the game. He’s been
excellent for us when he’s come in and played.”
A solid performance as a second half
substitute against Switzerland in 2006
guaranteed his place in the Scottish team
which won the Kirin Cup later that year -
playing both matches
against Bulgaria and
Japan.
So far this season,
Neil’s made five
appearances (Ed:
Neil made his 6th
appearance in the
CSI Cup Final victory
over St Mirren helping
Rangers to a clean
sheet in a 1-0 win with
only 9 men!)
for the ‘Gers in the
League Cup and SPL
and boasts five wins,
with only two goals
conceded.
“It looks like the club will offer me a new
deal in the summer. It’s a magnificent club
and I get on great with Allan. Hopefully
I provide some competition to help him
become a better player.”
Although born and bred in Edinburgh,
the lad who used to watch Hearts as a kid
says he has no burning ambition to return to
Tynecastle as a player... at least not yet!
“As a family we’re all very settled in
Glasgow. I spent a long time getting the
chance to come to a club like Rangers, so I’m
not in a rush to get away.”
For the Tartan Army faithful,
the disappointment was all
too clear. Their worst fears
confirmed as Scotland joined
Spain and the Czech Republic in Group I -
the ‘Group of Death’ at the Euro 2012 draw.
Craig Levein’s arrival has brought with
it renewed optimism North of the border.
But his brave new world will begin with a
baptism of fire against two of the giants of
European football.
However Glasgow Rangers’ Neil
Alexander believes his countrymen stand a
genuine chance of success - especially with
Craig Gordon and Allan McGregor in the
squad.
“There’s no doubting we face an uphill
task in qualifying for Poland and Ukraine.
But in Gordon and McGregor, we’ve got
two goalies who are amongst the finest in
Europe, says the 31-year old keeper.
“Craig has everything, the physique, the
presense and the technique. He produced
some terrific performances for Scotland in
the last campaign and he’s getting more
experienced all the time.
“There’s some good young keepers in the
SPL, but if he stays fit, I can see Craig being
Scotland’s number one for the next 10 or 12
years.
INTERVIEW
Euro 2012 qualifying groups:
Group A:
Germany, Turkey, Austria,
Belgium, Kazakhstan,
Azerbaijan
Group B:
Russia, Slovakia, Republic
of Ireland, FYR Macedonia,
Armenia, Andorra
Group C:
Italy, Serbia, Northern
Ireland, Slovenia, Estonia,
Faroe Islands
Group D:
France, Romania, Bosnia-
Herzegovina, Belarus,
Albania, Luxembourg
Group E:
Holland, Sweden,
Finland, Hungary,
Moldova, San Marino
Group F:
Croatia, Greece,
Israel, Latvia, Georgia,
Malta
Group G:
England, Switzerland,
Bulgaria, Wales,
Montenegro
Group H:
Portugal, Denmark,
Norway, Cyprus,
Iceland
Group I:
Spain, Czech Republic,
Scotland, Lithuania,
Liechtenstein
Scotland’s World Cup Record1930: Did not enter1934: Did not enter1938: Did not enter1950: Withdrew1954: Round one1958: Round one1962: Did not qualify1966: Did not qualify1970: Did not qualify1974: Round one1978: Round one1982: Round one1986: Round one1990: Round one1994: Did not qualify1998: Round one2002: Did not qualify2006: Did not qualify
European Championships1960-64: Did not enter1968-88: Did not qualify1992: Round one1996: Round one2000: Did not qualify2004: Did not qualify2008: Did not qualify
Scotland squad vs Czech Republic (3 March):Neil Alexander – RangersCraig Gordon – SunderlandDavid Marshall – Cardiff City
Personal Detailsl DOB: 10/03/1978 l Age: 31 l POB: Edinburghl Height: 6’1l Weight: 11st 7lbs l Team: Rangersl Married: Yes, to Joannel Kids: Holly 6 Olivia 2l Drives: Range Rover Sportl Holiday: Florida and Dubail Must have on holiday: mobilel Golf handicap: 12l Reads: mainly sports
autobiographiesl What’s on the CD: Eminem,
50 cent
Image courtesy of Rangers FC
Imag
e co
urte
sy o
f Ran
gers
FC
GK1 - FINAL (4).indd 24-25 22/04/2010 20:18:27
SPRING 2010 SPRING 2010 2726
Portsmouth goalkeeper coach David Coles on recruitment, young talent and how match preparation for the senior keepers has changed.
David Coles has had the
pleasure of working with
players such as David
James, Antti Niemi and
Jamie Ashdown on a daily basis but still
gets excited about watching academy
matches and coaching young players that
show great promise.
As the head goalkeeper coach of Premier
League club Portsmouth life is not just
about keeping his top four keepers match
fit, ‘Colesy’ is very hands on when it comes
to the recruitment of players and searching
for the up and coming stars.
“Depending on when the first team play,
I like to attended at least 2 matches a week
sometimes three if it’s possible. I went to
Winchester on my way home from training
on Sunday to observe our Academy game.
I like to watch as many goalkeepers as
possible you never know when a star can be
on your door step.”
Coles relies on his worldwide scouts to
search the professional leagues and advise
him of certain players form but viewing the
local talent is more about numbers.
“The policy I adopted at Southampton
has been developed here at Portsmouth.
We have set up a development centre and
ask local clubs to send us there best two
goalkeepers. We offer them a period of free
coaching to check on the talent identification
in our area, the goalkeepers are divided up
into age related groups and worked with
on basics to see where their skills are at
in relation to our Academy keepers at the
club. If we find a youngster that shows real
potential then we monitor his progress over a
period of four weeks, before integrating him
with our Academy structure
“Between 7-12
years old I am looking
for a player with very
raw materials but also
someone that enjoys
playing in goal. As they
move into their teens
I like to assess players using the 4 different
corners:
(1) Psychological
(2) Physical
(3) Social
(4) Technical / Tactical.
“Being strong in all these areas is a key to
being a successful keeper but Coles believes
one of these is becoming more important.
“The personality and social side of a
player is key to succeeding in the game.
You have to have the right personality and
attitude in order to progress. The days of just
being technically sound are long gone.”
An example of this is Asmir Begovic who
was developed by Coles over four and a half
years at the club, coming through the Academy
system to being sold on deadline this year for
£3.25 million to Stoke City and Coles thinks they
have an absolute steal for the future.
“I have never come across a goalkeeper as
dedicated to goalkeeping as Asmir. We would
travel to games with him wanting to talk and
observe goalkeeping all the way to games
with the reserves and do exactly the same on
the way home. He was very knowledgeable
on the art and has real desire and passion
for his craft.” Coles goes
on “Asmir is as close
as I have ever seen to
having all of the four
corners. He is one of the
examples I will now use
to show all our young
goalkeepers what they need to possess to
succeed in today’s ever changing game.”
Coles also admits that regardless of the
individual his work is never finished
“I have learnt you never get the finished
article, but you will get close to perfection as
Recruitment,young talent
match preparation&
I have always said if you are good
enough you are old enough
this is what you and the goalkeeper strives
for. You as a coach always look to develop
and improve the goalkeepers’ skills by
enhancing both strengths and weaknesses
on a daily and weekly basis in training. Having
specific individual tailored programmes for
goalkeepers is something I will think about
and examine in relation to my keepers every
time we work together, I then try and spend
time on that skill which I feel can be expanded
further for his education.”
Recruiting players in the Premier League
is a tough market especially for one of
the smaller less affluent clubs such as
Portsmouth. The academy is a huge focus for
Coles and he prides himself on being able to
bring players through this process whether
it be for Pompey themselves or for lower
league clubs. With a player roster including
James and Niemi and with Coles able to
offer his expert tuition, Portsmouth offers a
young goalkeeper the opportunity to learn
from some of the best in the business and
also break into the side if they show the right
desire and personality towards the profession.
Coles has a very good relationship with
David James and likes to use him as an
example to his academy players in both talent
and application. He often brings the academy
along to watch the 1st team train and James
has been able to spend time with them and
offer up some unique first hand advice. James
understands the importance of the academy
and shocked Coles on the victory bus after
their popular FA Cup final victory in 2008:
“We were on the parade bus when David
shouted over too me “Colesy” have a look
over there, is that Tom Fry our under-14
academy keeper in the celebrations.”
Imagine how that young man felt knowing
David James was calling to him and waving.
Working with David is a pleasure really; he has
certainly improved my own personal skills as
a coach and opened my eyes into the many
attributes that he acquired over his many
years as a top goalkeeper. This for me can only
go on to benefit the many Academy keepers
that I work with.”
Coles has seen a change in his weekly
pre-match training preparation with more
focus on the movements and characteristics
of the oppositions forwards and attacking
play that the goalkeeper is likely to face. He
uses tailored DVD footage so that practices
can be designed on the opposition in
preparation for the game ahead.
“The last two days in the build up to the
game are focussed on re-creating what the
attackers do, how they shoot, where crosses
come from and this goes down to the finer
detail of the penalty taker and what side
he favours.” Coles adds, “David is a very big
statistics man and likes to analyse both the
opposition as well as his own game right
down to the last detail. If there is something
that he notices as weaknesses in the
opposition and he can exploit that area, he
will practice to do so for both his and the
teams advantage. This may be something
simple as distributing into certain areas of
the field on to a weaker full back to keeping
his own back four higher if crosses are put
in from all angles giving him room to come
and deal more often. Attention to detail is so
important as we are always walking a tight
rope between success and failure.”
YOU ARE THE REF by Keith Hackett and Paul Trevillion
YOU ARE THE REF appears every Sunday in The Observer See page 29 for answers
During the warm-up, opponents come to you and complain about
the home goalkeeper’s bizarrely over-sized gloves - claiming it gives him an unfair advantage. What do you do?
1 You’ve given an indirect free-kick just outside the area. The ball flies across and a striker leaps at it,
appearing to flick it into the net. You give the goal. But as both sides line up for the restart, you overhear the striker laughing and confessing to a team-mate that he didn’t touch the ball. What do you do?
2 It’s a televised FA Cup fourth-round tie: a top-four club playing away at a non-league minnow. Before
kick-off the away side’s captain comes to you and says his team are refusing to play because they’ve seen dog muck on the pitch. They say it’s unhygienic, even if the bulk of it is cleared. He wants the game called off. What do you do?
3
David Coles / Image courtesy of Joe Pepler/Portsmouth FC
COACHING CORNER COACHING CORNER COACHING CORNER COACHING
COACHIN
G
COR
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CORNER COACHING CORNER COACHING CORNER COACHING CORNER
GK1 - FINAL (4).indd 26-27 22/04/2010 20:19:42
SPRING 201028
Moments before kick off
and the toss of a coin
leads to a change of
ends. The next time
your heroes cross the halfway line to
prepare for 90 minutes of combat, watch
carefully.
Do opposing strikers shake hands? Do
full backs make a beeline for each other to
wish ‘Good Luck’? If not, then take note and
witness a brief insight into the alliance that
exists between the blokes with the Number
‘1’ on their backs.
Mike Pollitt is a fully paid up member of
the Goalkeepers’ Union. After 22 years as a
pro, he understands why respect for your
opposite number shines brightest amongst
the ‘keeping fraternity.
“ We’re part of our own Crazy Gang, I
suppose. We’re like drummers in a band,
people think we’re different; that we’re daft
in some way,” said the keeper who at 38,
knows a thing or two about what makes
‘keepers tick.
“And on the whole, they’re right. We’re
a vital cog in the machine at a club, but
everything we do is different. So the
position attracts a different type of person.”
Mike knows that the vast majority of goals
scored by his team have nothing to do with
him. But like most keepers, conceding a goal
leads to inevitable thoughts about whether
he could or should have done better.
“You get to learn a lot about yourself
and your teammates when you’re in goal.
And sometimes, you’ll have plenty of time
to think about it”, said Mike as he ploughs
through revision notes ahead of his latest
exams for coaching qualifications.
So, are goalkeepers wired up differently?Philosopher and professional goalkeeper,
Albert Camus - one of the most celebrated
thinkers of the 20th Century - solved some
of life’s greatest questions whilst keeping
net, prompting his famous quote:”All that
I know most surely about morality and
obligations I owe to football.”
Camus’ words are perhaps more celebrated
than the doctrines of other goalkeeping
philosophers - “If you stand still there is only
one way to go, and that’s backwards.” (Peter
Shilton) or “If you don’t believe you can win,
there is no point in getting out of bed at the
end of the day.” (Neville Southall).
It’s All In The HeadBut Mike - who carries the not-so-
imaginative nickname of ‘Polly’ - admits
that it’s not only the fans who struggle to
understand the dark art of goalkeeping.
In ’s ‘View from the Bench’ series, Wigan Athletic’s Mike Pollitt suggests every team has “a Special One” - and it’s nothing to do with Jose Mourinho!
BenchView from the From time to time, his teammates are
equally guilty.
“At training, you’re the first out and the
last in. You’re forever putting your head
in where it hurts. That’s why you’ll spare
a moment for your opposing keeper.
He’s the only one on the pitch who really
understands what you do and what you go
through each week. You both know that
one minute you can be on top of the world
and the next you’re the loneliest man on the
field when you’ve let a soft goal in.
“Other
goalkeepers
at any level,
will know
what I mean.
In the same
breath, those
that don’t put
the gloves on, haven’t got a clue!”, said Mike,
now in his 5th season at the DW stadium.
Speed of ThoughtIt’s the pace of the game - and more
importantly, the speed of decision-making
which has changed most since Mike made
his league debut in front of a few hundred
fans at Lincoln City’s Sincil Bank on 26
September 1992.
“It’s hard to explain what it’s like when
you’ve got the likes of Rooney, Drogba or
Anelka bearing down on you. These guys
are the best in the world; hitting balls that
are like balloons at you at over 100 mph. It’s
definitely not getting any easier, that’s for
sure.
“It’s the most crucial aspect of a keeper’s
game these days. The ability to make the right
decisions quickly that sorts good keepers from
great ones. You’ve got a split second to decide
to come, to stay, to punch or parry.
“You can have the best hands in the
world but if you’re making rash decisions,
you’ll pay the price. At the same time, a
moment’s hesitation and you’re dead. These
days you get it wrong in a one-on-one and
it’s a penalty and you’re red carded. “
BackpassFor more than two decades between the
sticks, Mike has seen significant changes in
every aspect of the game.
“When I started, you could pick up a
backpass and
walk four
steps with it!
In the last ten
years most
rule changes
to our game
have been to
do with goalkeeping.”
Few things have changed more than the
quality of the opposition. Having started
his career at Manchester United, he tried his
lucky at nearby Oldham then Bury before
establishing himself at Lincoln City four
divisions below.
And he didn’t take the easy root back
to the top, clawing his way up, through
the likes of Rotherham, Darlington and
Chesterfield before becoming Wigan’s
first signing as they arrived in the Premier
League in 2005.
“It’s not always easy warming the bench
but me and Chris (Kirkland) get on great.
I know him inside out and sometimes he
gives off an impression of being quite
sensible, but deep down I know he’s just as
daft as me.”
“ You never know when you’re going
to be needed so you keep yourself in top
shape.”
Father Figure“I’m the PFA rep and the younger lads know
I’m always around to give advice or sort out
any problems.”
As for his own ambitions, whilst playing
behind an England international keeper can be
frustrating, Mike is keen to play as many games
as he can in the best league in the world.
“I spent years trying to get to the
Premier League and you just don’t walk
away from that. I played against Man
United at Old Trafford this season and
although we lost, that occasion was
worth 20 or 30 games to me in the
Championship.
“All footballers strive to get to the highest
level and once you’re there it’s difficult
to walk away. I’ve played in every league
and I know what it’s like at the bottom. I
appreciate everything I get now.”
One minute you can be on top of the
world and the next you’re the loneliest man on the field...
Image by Bernard Platt / courtesy of W
igan Athletic FC
Image by Bernard Platt / courtesy of W
igan Athletic FC
SPRING 2010 29
Keith Hackett’s official answers to “YOU ARE THE REF” questions on page 27:1) Dismiss the complaints. As odd as it may seem, there’s nothing in the laws to regulate the size of gloves: they simply need to be safe – so you’d base your decision on that. There
are various rules about gloves – including the condition in some competitions that they can only carry one logo – but nothing to do with size.
2) Ignore what you’ve overheard. You’re within your rights to change your decision before the restart, but can you really trust the player’s comment – particularly when you don’t
have any corroborative evidence from your assistants? You need to be absolutely certain to overrule such a crucial decision, and hearsay doesn’t add up to much – so stand by
your original call.
3) Make a representative from the home club remove the muck, and make the pitch, in your opinion, fit for play. You do have to consider any danger or risk to players, which
includes issues around hygiene, but really, this is an over-reaction from the top-flight players. In my career I’ve had to have all sorts removed from pitches before games: and I
remember vividly having to get a shovel out myself to move cow pats before one Sunday match.
GK1 - FINAL (4).indd 28-29 22/04/2010 20:20:47
W O R N B Y E N G L A N D ’ S B E S T
BEN FOSTER AND ROB GREEN
FOR THE LATEST GOALKEEPER NEWS, GLOVE TECHNOLOGY, TRAINING TIPS AND LOADS MORE GO TO
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Sells - Shoot_FP_Ad_GK1:Sells - Shoot_FP_Online Ad 25/02/2010 16:29 Page 1
Goalkeepers ‘r’ Us. Well, not just
goalkeepers, but some of the
greatest exponents of the art
are among the famous Ambassadors of
Sparks, the children’s medical research charity, founded and
supported by many of Britain’s leading sportsmen and women.
With Ray Clemence as a dedicated vice-president and Peter Shilton,
Gordon Banks, Pat Jennings, Bruce Grobbelaar, Neville Southall, Dave
Beasant and Tony Parkes hands-on champions, Sparks’s links with the
goalkeeping brotherhood are particularly strong.
While among great footballing names more associated with the art
of putting the ball past the keeper, Sir Geoff Hurst is Sparks’s president
2010, and Sir Trevor Brooking a trustee and vice-president and the
legendary Jimmy Hill, one of the charity’s original founders, remains
Honorary Life President. Matt Le Tissier, Mark Bright, Ossie Ardiles, Ricky
Villa, Glenn Hoddle, Alan Kennedy, Alan Hansen, Alan McInally and Alan
Brazil are just some of the great football names who support Sparks.
CHARITIES CHARITIES CHARITIES CHARITIES CHARITIES CHARITIES
is very proud to support the efforts of charity organisations Sparks, Help for
Heroes, CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA and Everyman. We encourage our readers
to support them too and wish them continued success with their inspirational work.
One of the greatest medical success stories of the last
century is the amazing increase in the survival rate
from childhood leukaemia - but leukaemia still claims
the lives of one in five children diagnosed in the UK.
CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA is Britain’s leading charity dedicated
to the conquest of this devastating disease. Not only do we fund
ground-breaking research into the development of more effective, yet
kinder, treatments, but we have a worldwide programme of research
investigating the underlying causes of the disease.
While research is the key to
protecting future generations, the
charity also remembers that there are
children suffering today by supporting
a number of community based initiatives, including children’s hospices
and other organisations that support families outside the hospital setting.
For more information, please visit www.leukaemia.org or
telephone: 020 7404 0808.
GK1 - FINAL (4).indd 30-31 22/04/2010 20:22:31
SPRING 2010 SPRING 2010 3332
Fraser hung up his gloves... and his washbag!
OUTSIDE THE BOX
In our series of features with retired keepers, talks to Fraser Digby - a former Manchester United apprentice who fulfilled his dream of playing in the Premier League the hard way.
Ok mate, see you in the
bar.” As Marc Bircham,
Paul Furlong and the rest
of his teammates left the
Loftus Road dressing room, Fraser Digby
stared straight through the steam into an
uncertain future. Rangers’ embarrassing
defeat at the hands of Vauxhall Motors
from the Unibond League not only
signalled the end of their FA Cup exploits
for another year, but for their 36-year old
keeper, it meant the end of the road as a
professional footballer.
“I had that feeling in the pit of my
stomach. I just knew that was it.” said Fraser
“ It went to penalties and I had the chance to
be the hero. But they beat us and that was
that. The club was skint, my contract was up
and I knew I didnt want to drop down the
leagues. So it was pretty obvious, it was over.“
Today, 7 years on, the memories of more
than 500 league appearances remain clear.
That final match comes to all pros one day.
But that inevitable day did little to quell the
panic he was feeling.
Red DevilFraser had come a long way since his days
as a ballboy at Bramall Lane. “I used to play
centre half for my school and went in net for
my cub scout team. I had a trial for Sheffield
Boys as a defender and did ok, but one
of the coaches there had seen me play in
goal so threw me the gloves and in I went.”
Four years later, Fraser was shot-stopping
at Manchester United’s training ground,
one-on-one with the likes of Mark Hughes,
Gordon Strachan and Jesper Olsen.
It was here under the wing of United’s
goalkeeping coach Eric Harrison that Fraser
adopted a philosophy which, he says, has
served him proud - and would be the best
advice he would give to a young keeper
starting out in the game.
“ Eric told me to shut up and listen. He
said pick up anything I could from those
who had been there and done it. Because I
was keen to learn, the likes of Chris Turner
and Gary Bailey were very helpful to me.
Later on I returned to Man Utd on loan for a
couple of months and faced Bryan Robson,
Ryan Giggs, Paul Ince and of course, Eric
Cantona. I remember my first day back with
them. The quality there was phenomenal
and that’s why they are so good. You had to
be on tip top form to survive.”
For 18 years, Fraser went on to
benefit from the mantras of some of the
biggest names in the game; Atkinson,
Ardiles, Hoddle, Venables and Coppell all
contributed to help Fraser perform to the
best of his abilities.
He played regularly for England Schools,
England Youth and later England U21s. So a
life between the sticks was presumably top
of his careers form?
“No, not really. The problem was I went
straight to Man Utd from school. Luckily I’d
got 9 o’levels under my belt but I had no
idea what I wanted to be. I did day release
doing electrical engineering, following in
my Dad’s footsteps. I just hated it. In the nick
of time, Swindon came in for me and the
football really took off.”
Robin ReliantFraser’s arrival at The County Ground in
1986 coincided with the start of the most
successful period in Swindon’s 130-year
history. In front of a meagre 3,000 fans,
The Robins began the ascent from League
Division 4
to the dizzy
heights of the
Premier League
in seven action-
packed years.
“ The fans
had never
seen anything like it. After the play-off win
against Leicester, we paraded round the
town on an open-top bus. We were like
Swindon royalty,” he recalls.
And it was that connection with the local
community which was to serve him well
once he’d hung up his gloves.
“Since retirement I’ve managed to keep
in touch with a lot of the contacts I made
during my playing years. That’s been really
important to me,” said Fraser who still lives
in Wiltshire along with his wife and three
sons. “I worked for the club, becoming their
commercial manager and more recently I’ve
been involved in several projects all relating
to sport and the local community. The
goodwill from the people around Swindon
has been a huge help.”
He went on to become a consultant for
Sports Solutions GB, helping clubs develop
new ways of making money and improving
links with their local communities.
“ Cirencester Town is a good example of
the work we do. We helped them move from
a cramped town centre location to a 17-acre
site out of town. Now they’re going from
strength to strength.” (www.cirentownfc.com)
The club now has
a thriving 1st team,
junior, academy and
ladies section, whilst
their ground also
brings in income from
hosting seminars,
corporate training
days and the occasional wedding.
“We’ve helped them become a key part
of the town. All the kids come and train
in one place, whilst the parents watch in
the clubhouse, over a pint and a packet of
crisps. It’s been a great success story.”
More recently, Fraser has also joined
forces with the property corporation IP
Global, providing opportunities for those
“
We were like Swindon
royaltyIm
age courtesy of Dave Evans/Sw
indon Advertiser
Image courtesy of D
ave Evans/Swindon A
dvertiser
a regular feature on life post retirement
GK1 - FINAL (4).indd 32-33 22/04/2010 20:22:53
SPRING 201034
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Is there anything you would like to see in the next issue?
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How often would you like to receive this publication?
To guarantee your free receipt of the next issue please complete this form and send to , Chancery House, 1 Lochaline Street, London W6 9SJ or email [email protected]
interested in building a property portfolio
both in the UK and further afield.
“My role has been to introduce potential
new investors to the company. So far, we’ve
invested £350million in property in Europe
alone. We research and analyse global
property markets, select the ones with the
best potential and if needs be, we will also
manage and service the property for the
client, if they choose to rent it out.”
Learning from the BestIn just short of 20 years, Fraser benefitted
from the experiences of some of the finest
managers around including Glenn Hoddle,
Ozzie Ardiles, Terry Venables and Steve
Coppell.
Fraser believes Venables was the most
talented coach he worked with, while the
best manager was his first boss at Swindon,
Lou Macari, who paid £32,000 for him.
“Lou brought me from Man Utd to
Swindon on loan. Ron Atkinson got the sack,
and Alex Ferguson came in. We had a chat,
I told him that I didnt think I was close to
breaking into the first team so off I went.
“Lou had us unbelievably fit. He’d
have us all doing five-mile runs through
the streets of the town.You try to get a
player these days to do a five-mile run
and he’d tell you where to get off!
“ As far as keeping was concerned,
he was a stickler for fitness. He didnt
bother too much with specific keeper
training. He just said so long as I was fit,
I’d be ok”
Inspirational LeaderHowever, when it came to the man who
inspired Fraser the most through his
leadership - his choice is not the most
obvious. “Oli ( Ian Holloway) was always
brilliant with me. “He didnt renew my
contract, but the club was skint and
he couldnt keep me.” remembers Fraser. “
He always gets the very best out of people
because he is so effervescent, such a larger
than life character.
“He would never ask anyone to do
anything he wasn prepared to do himself.
You could walk into training and maybe
you’d be down in the dumps. Then you’d see
him run out for training with a smile on his
face and you couldnt help but be inspired.
“Life’s dealt him some major problems
over the years, especially regarding his
loved ones, but nothing ever got him down.
“I’d have a bet with anyone. You spend
time with him, and you cant help but be
impressed by him.”
BanterUnlike most retired pros, Fraser has been
lucky enough to carry on enjoying the
buzz of a dressing room.
“Ive been lucky enough to play for the
Manchester United Masters. We’ve just
come back from a tour of Malaysia and
Vietnam. Before that, we were in Ireland.
We play a bit of football and in between we
have a real craic.
“Viv Anderson’s our captain and we still
get the likes of Ronny Johnsen, David May,
Andy Cole and Jesper Blomqvist to turn out.
On our day, we’re half decent.”
“The camaraderie’s priceless. I think when
a player retires, he can miss the dressing
room banter most of all. Turning out for the
Masters has been brilliant for me.”
WashbagFraser’s fame has more recently spread to
a brand new audience, care of an unlikely
source. A listener to Danny Baker’s 606 show
emailed in a confession. It emerged that
during a tour of Swindon Town’s football
ground, he had come across Fraser’s
washbag in the changing room and taken
a tortoiseshell comb as a memento, thus
coining the phrase ‘Fraser Digby’s Washbag’.
Danny Baker felt there was ‘music’ in these
words and latched onto it. The piece,
entitled “Fraser Digby’s Washbag” became a
regular feature of his Tuesday night slot.
“You dont need me to tell you that the
whole thing is very very wierd,” said Fraser.
“It ran and ran and one day I got the
call to be a surprise guest in the studio.
Danny Baker was brilliant, but he absolutely
murdered me in there. I ended up singing
Fraser Digby’s Washbag to the tune of Chitty
Chitty Bang Bang”.
“He ran a version of the song every show
for 34 weeks. At one stage they were getting
4 new songs a day and at the end of the
year, ran a top ten!”
If you get 3 minutes and 51 seconds,
check out: http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=LcDSiLB_cg0&feature=related
Fraser Digby Factfile:l Division 3 Play-Off Final Winner 1987
l Division 2 Play-off Final Winner 1990
l Division 1 Play-off Final Winner 1993
l Division 2 Champions 1995/6
l Debut: (On loan) at Oldham Athletic
1985
l Joins Swindon Town on a free transfer
in December 1986 after two loan spells
l Drives: (His wife’s Golf TDI while she
drives his Range Rover?)
l Favourite artist: Luther Vandross
l Last CD bought: Brian McKnight
l Favourite holiday destination:
Barbados
l Favourite supporters: Has to be
Swindon Town.
l Superstitions (Left boot on first -
kicking foot!)
l Claim to Fame: Swindon Town Player
of the Year three times
l Claim to Fame (2): Never lost at
Wembley in three visits
Image courtesy of D
ave Evans/Swindon A
dvertiser
Thank you for reading
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GK1 - FINAL (4).indd 36 22/04/2010 20:23:31
