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THE MAGAZINE FOR THE GOALKEEPING PROFESSION £4.50

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AUTUMN 2011

Craig GORDON SAVE OF THE SEASON?

The greatest saves of all time GK1 looks at the top 5 saves in the history of the game Coaching Corner The art of saving penalties Equipment Exclusive interviews with: Precision, Uhlsport & Sells Goalkeeper Products OBE Kid Gloves The stars of the future

On the Move Also featuring: Summary of the latest GK transfers Alex McCarthy, Reading FC , Norwich City Business Pages , Town Key developments affecting the professional ‘keeper Bob Wilson OBE Welcome to The magazine exclusively for the professional goalkeeping community.

Welcome to the Autumn edition of suppliers, coaches and managers alike we are Editor’s note GK1 – the magazine exclusively for the proud to deliver the third issue of a magazine professional goalkeeping community. dedicated entirely to the art of goalkeeping. Andy Evans / Editor-in-Chief of GK1 and Chairman of World In Motion ltd After a frenetic summer of goalkeeper GK1 covers the key elements required of transfer activity – with a professional goalkeeper, with coaching United, , Chelsea and features, equipment updates, a summary Tottenham amongst those bolstering of key transfers and features covering the their goalkeeping ranks – our latest uniqueness of the goalkeeper to a football edition of GK1 brings you a full and team. The magazine also includes regular comprehensive round-up of all the features ‘On-the-Move’, summarising all the ‘keepers who made moves in the Summer latest transfers involving the UK’s professional 2011 . We also catch goalkeepers; ‘Kid Gloves’, promoting the up with legendary goalkeepers Gordon country’s up-and-coming goalkeeping Banks OBE and Bob Wilson OBE, and give starlets; ‘Outside the box’, focusing on life after our verdict on the five greatest saves football, and many other goalkeeper specific of all time. We bring you an exclusive topics. In ‘The Business Pages’, GK1 offers a interview with John Ruddy - one of summary of the key developments – legal, just 4 English goalkeepers to start for contractual and administrative - to affect the a club on the season’s professional goalkeeper. GK1 is a magazine opening weekend – and sit down with for the goalkeeping profession. We actively four of England’s brightest goalkeeping encourage your contribution, so please feel prospects, underlining that despite a free to contact us with your suggestions as to current shortage of home-grown Premier how we can improve YOUR magazine. League GK talent, the future of England GK1 Magazine is published by World in goalkeeping is in safe hands. Motion ltd, a leading global management With the endorsement of the leading company and the UK’s foremost agency for players, key brands, glove and equipment professional goalkeepers.

CONTENTS

How did he do that? 4 Well done Bob 20 GK1 Management, Chancery House, The greatest saves of all time Bob Wilson’s charity bike ride 1 Lochaline Street, , W6 9SJ Exclusive Interview: 6 On the move 22 Safe as the Banks of England All the latest transfer news [email protected] Gordon Banks Kid Gloves 26 Tel: +(44) 208 741 6060 Coaching corner 10 The stars of the future www.gk1.co.uk Featuring: Where are they now? 30 Science fiction or science fact - Ian Feuer Publisher: World In Motion ltd an indispensible guide to saving The Business Pages 31 Editor-in-Chief: Andy Evans a spot kick Featuring: Deputy Editor: Charlie McNicholas Learning the trade - just4keepers Neil Doncaster - crucial SPL vote News in brief 15 Outside the box 32 Commercial Editor: William Exclusive Interview: 16 Ex-England stopper Gary Bailey Pethybridge Ruddy brilliant Essential Equipment 36 Features Editor: Rob Dakin John Ruddy The latest goalkeeping products Design: Tim Alexander Paradise found 18 Precision Goalkeeping 38 Matt Jones with Kasper Schmeichel

AUTUMN 2011 3 headquarters striker . Ridiculous really. www. more than three yards out. Goal? With the and as per youtube.com/watch?v=iieYg7Sm8FM Scottish keeper stranded following the GK1usual, opinions penalty box pinball you’d have thought were flying back and forth across the : Rapid so. Yet with the Bolton fans starting to office as to the greatest save of all time. Vienna v Manchester United, celebrate, the mighty Scot managed to Prompted by ’s miraculous 4 Champions League, 1996 incredibly stretch a giant arm backwards, save for Sunderland against Bolton, we were Similar in several ways to our put it under the ball, and scoop the ball extolling the virtues of a host of famous winner. Schmeichel pulled off a save to out from under the bar. www.youtube. saves, some old, some new. rank alongside Banks’ legendary stop com/watch?v=PqAmG3xK9_Y Enter, GK1 editor Andy Evans to restore from Pele in the World Cup in 1970 as order before concluding there’s only one United beat Rapid Vienna 2-0 to go into Jim Montgomery: Sunderland v solution! the quarter finals of the European Cup. He Leeds United, FA Cup Final 1973 And so to kick off your latest edition, GK1 went down to his right and defied logic 2 Jim’s effort would have to come has surveyed a group of top goalkeeping by scooping the ball up and somehow close to winning, were this a coaches to bring you the Top Five jaw- over the bar from Rapid’s Rene Wagner. ‘double-save’ competition. The first save is How dropping, eye-bulging, gravity-defying Banks once said: “It was as good as mine good, but the second has near paranormal saves of all time. against Pele.’’ Sorry Gordon, but our qualities. Commentator Brian Moore takes judges beg to differ! www.youtube.com/ a while to realise it’s not a goal. Monty’s (In reverse order:) watch?v=UZvJ8GT73rM efforts coupled with ’s goal Gregory Coupet: Barcelona v combined to cause one of the great FA Cup Lyon, Champions League, 1999 Craig Gordon: Sunderland upsets of all time. www.youtube.com/ 5 After just two minutes at the Nou v Bolton, Premier League watch?v=PZmFoo4payA Camp the Lyon keeper pulled 3 December 2010 out one of the all-time great stops as he With just a few seconds left Gordon Banks. England v Brazil first acrobatically headed an unintended at the end of the first half Bolton won World Cup 1970 did he lobbed backpass by a defender onto his a corner. headed into the 1 Turn the page for more… own crossbar, and then immediately parried danger area before Zat Knight smacked www.youtube.com/ do that? a close header by the arriving Barcelona a shot towards a gaping goal from little watch?v=ngE9RCAdWaE

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

Craig Gordon’s wonder save against Bolton, December 2010 AUTUMN 2011 5 in! But as soon as I realised I’d kept it out, EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Gordon Banks I knew I’d done something a bit different,” says the typically modest Yorkshireman.

Hot and Bothered “Everything that day was in Brazil’s favour. It was a midday kick off. The only shadows were around your feet and it was 102 degrees Safe as the out on a rock-hard pitch. In the team-talk, Alf (Ramsey) told us to keep possession and hold off from sprinting until the final third otherwise we’d be dead by half time.” From the start, Banks watched on as the World Cup holders struggled to cope Banks of with the flair and pace of the tournament favourites, Brazil. Yet even prior to that great day, the Brazilians had the upper-hand, thanks to some under-hand tactics from the locals. Banks with Brazil legend Pele “Brazil had been in town for a couple of that little fella Tostão was unmarked on the 73-year-old, who now travels to Liverpool to England weeks, handing out little flags, meeting and near post!” sit on the weekend Pools Panel. greeting the locals,” recalls Banks, who kept Like so many great keepers, Banks relied on “Because I was diving backwards, the During England’s glory years, the No1 jersey belonged to Gordon for his country on 73 occasions. his positional instincts, making his way across bottom half of my body swung around Banks OBE. For some, possibly the game’s finest exponent of the art of “And the night before the game, local the goalmouth in the blink of an eye as Pele and I ended up facing almost backwards... fans stopped the traffic outside our hotel at rose to send a bullet header goalwards. and that’s when I saw the ball bouncing goalkeeping. Banks has received endless accolades - not to mention about 2am and of course all the car horns The reason why this awe-inspiring effort away. a World Cup winners’ medal - but he knows he’ll always be best started. It took the police a couple of hours seemingly never grows old has much to do “Moore-o () came and remembered not for one season, one tournament or even one game - but to restore peace and quiet by which time we with the need for anticipation. It wasn’t a clipped me on the top of the head. Tostão were all wide awake! Then they came back knee-jerk instinctive save from a point-blank had his hands in the air then started for one save...that just happened to be the greatest save of all time! again and did the same thing.” shot. Everything Banks did that day came clapping. Pele had his hand in the air, almost “A bit naughty but to be honest, it didn’t from a split-second conscious ability to judge asking how that had happened,”... a question ore than forty years make any difference in the end. On the day exactly what he needed to do to keep his team no one has ever really answered. on, following GK1’s we played superbly.” level. canvas of opinions, we “I never used to stand on my line, always Best Laid Plans had the pleasure of Don’t Look Up two or three yards off it. Thank goodness. I “We created more chances and should have congratulatingM Gordon, who took time Banks was to make save after save to keep looked at his take-off point and his balance won. In fact, that was the first time I started out to recall the memories of the day he England level - a consummate athlete at the to help work out which way the header was to believe that we could go on and win the wrote his name into footballing folklore peak of his powers. Just ten minutes into going. That’s when I also heard him shout World Cup again...and I thought we’d see in the sweltering heat of . the game, the attack and its fabled outcome ‘Gol’!” Brazil again in the final. That time, they’d be began with the Brazilian captain Carlos “I knew straight away I’d have to guess the ones who were nervous.” ‘Gol’ Alberto. how high the ball would bounce off the Sadly, Banks’ plans were to be foiled days “It’s true,” recalls Gordon. “He shouted ‘Gol’ “He was such an amazing player. He rock-hard surface whilst at the same time later by a severe stomach upset, confining as he headed it!” It had taken the greatest fizzed this beautiful pass with the outside reaching behind me.” him to hotel quarters while a two-nil lead player of all time to bring out the very best of his right foot, to . In a flash, he Watching the save back in real time does became a 3-2 defeat to . from the finest ‘keeper these shores have ghosted past Terry Cooper towards the little justice to Banks’ efforts. Only in slow “Of course I was disappointed. I think I ever produced. by-line. For a moment it looked like he’d motion can you consider the acrobatic ability, was a better keeper in ‘70 than in ‘66. I was Not one to use a dozen words, when one over-run it. If he managed to get the cross in the calculations necessary, the instincts and in my thirties, all the experience I’d gained or two will do, Banks warms to the topic as the I knew we were in trouble. He looked up and the amazing distance covered...all in the blink for England and at club level and I was in memories of that roasting-hot day - and a very so did I...and quickly wished I hadn’t!” of an eye. such good form; supremely confident in my special pair of gloves - come flooding back. “Rivelino was charging in from the left, “I just thought it was a goal. I’d managed abilities. It felt like it was my time and I know “To be honest, I thought it had gone Pele was sprinting through the middle and to get the top of my thumb to it,” recalls the that spread to the players around me.”

6 AUTUMN 2011 AUTUMN 2011 7 as it was nil-nil at the time. Like they say, sometimes saving a goal’s as important as scoring one.” So often these days polls are dominated by recent players, recent goals, recent teams...yet in some ways it’s the legacy of Banks’ moment which is the most significant. “I suppose it’s the internet which keeps the interest these days. Kids can listen to their dads, well their grand-dads, then log on and read about it and play it over again and make their own judgements. “I’m sure it helps that the header was from Pele. He was the very best I ever saw, built to play football with such a great brain. “We didn’t talk about it at the time, just shook hands as we left the field. It never really cropped up again until we got home.” Years later, the Brazilian legend came over to the UK to collect yet another award - and not for the first time explained why his memories of the day are so clear. “I’ve played all over the globe, won World Cups, scoring more than 1000 goals. went and found some at a local sports shop. But every time I come here to England, the Wonder Gloves The palms and the backs of the fingers were only thing people ask me about is Gordon As the Pele save had proven, if it was save- covered in those pimples you find on a table Banks!” able, Banks was your man. tennis bat! I popped them on at training the More than four decades later, the next day and they were terrific. Banks on memories are undiminished, the pride still “Because we were at altitude, the ball there and the recollections saved for a lucky was moving about a bit and so my handling Today’s Keepers few. wasn’t what it needed to be. But our chat reveals a chapter of the “Five minutes with these gloves on and GK1: So who does Gordon Banks story lost in the midst of time regarding the I couldn’t drop a thing. They were brilliant enjoying watching these days? gloves he wore that day. and sent my confidence through the roof GB: “I get down to the Britannia Stadium “In the heat of the Mexican sun, the and they’re the ones you see me wearing in when I can to see Stoke (He’s the Hon. Club players wore as little as possible. The Guadalajara. President ) and sometimes to . Joe keeper’s attire couldn’t have been more “To be honest I couldn’t wait to get home Hart is a terrific talent. He’s had a tough simple - cotton shirt, ordinary shorts and a to see if I could flog a few pairs,” he joked. time of late, but he’s young and he’ll be if the sun shone,” remembers Gordon. great for England in years to come. In England, keepers only wore gloves if Legacy “I’m not surprised to see Craig Gordon’s it was wet! Little woollen ones at that! That It wasn’t really until England’s GK1 returned save in the Top 5. He’s a special talent was until a week or so before the Brazil home that the fascination with THAT save and that was a real reflex save from very match. became apparent. close range and he had to fetch the “I was lying in bed watching a football “Every time I was interviewed on TV or ball almost from behind him. He’s of match in my hotel room and saw this by the newspapers, the question about the an age where he’ll keep on improving Mexican keeper had these big gloves on,” save came up over and over again.” and Scotland have got themselves an remembers Banks. So does he tire of discussing it? excellent talent there. Reina’s another “I went straight to Alf (Ramsey) and asked “I can’t afford to! No, seriously, I’m very terrific keeper I’d pay to go and see.” if I could go into town to find some. Off I proud to have made the save especially

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he casino barons of Las Vegas wearing red and then had the same ‘keeper couldn’t get away with loading change his shirt to a coloured one. After the dice against you as much all the penalties had been taken he saw as this! For heaven’s sake, that only 54% of penalties were scored The’s only 12 yards away! No defenders against the keeper in red as opposed to to worry about, time on his side and 69%, 72% and 75% against ‘keepers wearing just you, with a hope and the occasional yellow, blue and green shirts respectively. Science Fict ion prayer to stop what four times out of five, Considering only 20% of all penalties are is the inevitable...a goal. saved in professional football this increase in The boffins working on behalf of the save percentage by wearing red is certainly penalty takers reckon they’ve devised the not to be sniffed at. But, red is not a colour perfect penalty: one which no keeper, commonly worn by goalkeepers in England. however agile, however focused, however In the 2010/11 Premier League season no lucky, has the proverbial ‘cat in hell’s chance’ goalkeeper wore red. or Science of saving! Sadly, having worn red winning the All it takes is a run up of 5 or 6 paces, World Cup back in 1966, it’s likely to be a approaching the ball at an angle of 20 to 30 long time before England’s GK1 wears red! degrees, kicking it at 65 mph, crossing the line 50 cms below crossbar and inside the Stand Off-Centre post, unstoppable! In theory it makes no sense... Well, with all due respect, GK1 scoffs at 2 but every keeper’s tried a the theory of a perfect penalty! Our research version of this at one time has gathered together the thoughts of some or another. Researchers in of the finest scientific, psychological and Hong Kong learnt that if a ‘keeper stands a good old fashioned footballing brains to small distance closer to one post than the FACT give you the optimum chance to become other it may not be obvious to the kicker this weekend’s penalty hero! but subconsciously the penalty taker knows which side has a larger target area and will Seeing Red tend to shoot that way. Armed with this Since the late 1890’s, when information the ‘keeper is in a stronger 1 keepers first wore a different position to dive to the larger area and can coloured-jersey, green has increase his chance of saving the kick. been the predominant colour Researchers found that by moving just of choice. But latest research from the 10cm towards one side of the goal and University of Chichester confirms green making one side of the goal 3% bigger, is the least successful colour to wear and the goalkeeper can increase his chance of actually red should be the ‘must have’ colour saving the penalty by as much as 15% even in every goalkeepers’ wardrobe this Autumn. before the kicker begins his run up. Award-winning psychologist, Dr Iain Greenlees found that ‘keepers in green What to Watch For saved one in four spot kicks compared to Away from Far Eastern the ones in red who saved almost half! 3 philosophies into the football- His studies noted that red is seen as mad city of Liverpool - and no a signal of danger in the natural world surprise their boffins have had and therefore penalty takers notice the little better to do than spend valuable hours goalkeeper more easily. It encourages a researching football! But Mark Williams, from Some say it’s an art, others insist it’s a precise discipline. natural fear of failure and makes the ‘keeper the John Moores University, believes he’s look bigger in the goal than he would stumbled upon a treasure trove for keepers in Either way, this month, GK1 looks at the evidence to see if wearing a different colour. need of all the help they can get. there really is an indispensible guide to saving a spot kick. He used 40 football players and asked He reckons in the time between them to take 10 penalties against a ‘keeper the award of the penalty to the spot

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kick taking place, there’s a gold mine of “We do many things on two levels, such one way? Can you distract him? If you can the penalty as long as possible. I’m not sure information to be gleaned to help predict as thinking where to put the ball (or where get him to focus on you and not his spot Colour of Goalkeeper’s Top how well it works because you do still need where a penalty taker will shoot. to fake it), but not thinking about what the then there is a greater chance he will take a Goals Conceded to have a bit of luck. He saw how more experienced feet, legs and body will do to achieve it.” penalty which can be saved. goalkeepers considered such elements as So, the more the pressure, the more More interestingly, keepers can learn a 72% There’s only one safe bet! his standing leg, kicking leg and hips for the likely they are to disguise where they’re great deal from the advice given to penalty 69% The best news of all is that, opponent. planning to aim? takers by sports psychologists. 75% thankfully, your opponent He believes by looking at the ‘shape’ a “The more we practise, the more our “I would tell penalty takers to pretend 6 rarely produces the perfect player adopts before taking the penalty the actions become automatic skills,” explains you are in a practice match, look at where penalty. And armed with GK1’s ‘keeper can stop penalty saving from being Peter. you are going to hit the ball and aim it 54% research, we hope you’ll be saving even a lottery. “They become unconscious memories there. Totally ignore the goalkeeper. Even if more penalties this season! The academics “From the point of view of the player of how to react. These memories take over he knows where the ball is going he is not certainly think so. Surely, if a ‘keeper taking the penalty the optimal position for when thinking fails, such as in front of going to get to it if it is well placed.” Sound tempted to stand up straight and hope wears red, stands to one side, waves his Ashley Barnes - Photo by Paul Hazlewood the standing foot is facing directly down the 80,000 fans.” advice - but perhaps the key indicator it gets blasted down the middle. I tried it arms, watches your eyes and notices your middle of the goal,” said Professor Williams. “In a penalty kicking competition the to keepers that distraction, showing off, once when Leicester City’s Matt Elliott was standing foot pointing in one direction then “When the goalkeeper saw the penalty Increase their Anxiety only thing that threatens success is the waving your arms, knees, legs, frankly going through a phase of just smashing it must be impossible to score a penalty isn’t taker’s foot face towards the left or right Levels goalkeeper, so we monitor his movements.” anything you can get your hands on, will them. When he placed it past me, I wished it? hand side of the goal it allowed the ‘keeper No one’s expecting you to save The research proved that if a kicker’s increase your chances of success. I’d at least dived. That way, even if it does go We’d all love to be able to guarantee the necessary information to predict where 4 the penalty, so why worry? The eyes are drawn to the goalkeeper, he tends down the middle, it could still hit your legs. success. There are “lies, damned lies and the penalty would be taken. Standing stress and the strain are all on to shoot in that direction and overcoming Forget the rest...and ask “You have to face the fact that some statistics”, but as we all know, there’s only foot points left, penalty going to the left; the shoulders of the taker. For this tendency was significantly harder when the best. players are virtually impossible to save, so one safe bet when it comes down to standing foot points right, penalty goes to decades now, keepers have employed less penalty takers were under pressure, or in a All fine in practice, you may it’s just trusting to luck. was like penalties and that’s when the Germans are the right hand side of the goal.” than gentlemanly time-wasting techniques. “threat condition”. 5 say. But these academics that. He used to wait for you to dive before playing: they’re 100 per cent likely to win. The research was backed up with the Few have done so more successfully than ol’ And as Grobbelaar appeared to know would have you believe he took it. I’ve been told he used to practise help of the nation’s most successful penalty spaghetti legs himself, Bruce Grobelaar. instinctively, goalkeepers can make that penalty saving is not a it in training. He would wait until the last One or two penalties worth another look: taker, , who converted a Researchers at University believe themselves more likely to attract the complex art, merely a simple science? second before he struck it and was so good l http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ staggering 49 of the 50 penalties he took. his crazy antics in Liverpool’s 1984 European kicker’s gaze by appearing larger than life or But a PhD can’t give you any idea of that he could change his mind at the last Gi98iEziKQ&feature=player_embedded “My approach to penalties was always Cup final victory against AS Roma are the clowning around. what it’s like for keepers at the highest level minute if he needed to. l http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XuEGH the same. Pick my favourite spot and focus perfect example of how to become ‘a threat’ The same tactic was used to good effect waiting for the ref’s whistle to blow. “You have to remember that the pressure HoZGM&feature=related on the strike of the ball. I never thought I to someone with plenty on their plate by a later Liverpool goalkeeper, One man who would, however, is the is on the penalty taker, rather than you. You l http://www.youtube.com/ was giving away any clues to the ‘keeper but already. Frankly, the last thing they need, is who copied Grobbelaar’s spaghetti legs Premier League’s most successful penalty can try and add to that pressure by delaying watch?v=xMjBPwUzcvg it looks like I was wrong!’ you showing off! routine and saved two penalties in the 2005 saver, Mark Crossley. Having faced 14 Psychologist Peter Naish agrees that the “The research shows that we focus on Champions League final against AC to penalties, he saved 8; a save percentage of signs are there if you look closely enough. things in the environment that we find win the match. 57%. The average in the Premier League is “Penalty takers mention not thinking too threatening,” said psychologist Greg Wood, “During a highly stressful situation, we 28%. deeply, yet trying to fool the goalkeeper,” he who led the study at the University’s School are more likely to be distracted by any “I like to know who my opponents’ said. of Sport and Health Sciences. threatening stimuli and focus on them penalty taker is before a match. I always rather than the task in hand,” said Greg. look at which side he put his last one and “So, when a penalty taker is about to whether he favours that side or likes to start his run up naturally he will focus on the vary it, in which case it becomes a guessing goalkeeper rather than spaces all around game,” reveals Mark. him. This disrupts the aiming of the shot “I don’t think there’s a system of ‘reading and increases the likelihood of subsequently the eyes’ so always just concentrate on the hitting the shot towards the goalkeeper, ball on the run-up. making it easier to save.’ “Always trust your instincts. If I’m facing This school of thought is echoed by a right-footed player I usually go to my left football watchers and supporters. They and the opposite if it’s a left-footer. If I get all say ‘pick a spot, stick to it and ignore the instinct to go the other way, however, the ‘keeper.’ So there is another piece of then I’ll go with it. information a ‘keeper might be able to pick “I know it sounds obvious, but always up on, the attacker’s eyes, is he looking make sure you dive. In the past I’ve been Petr Cech Darryl Flahavan

12 AUTUMN 2011 AUTUMN 2011 13 COACHING CORNER COACHING CORNER COACHING CORNER COACHING NEWS IN BRIEF NEWS IN BRIEF NEWS IN BRIEF NEWS IN BRIEF NEWS IN Learning the trade News in brief

Founded in 1999 by former Everton goalkeeper, Ray l ADO Den Haag goalkeeper Gino Sergio Ramos’ calamitous dropping defeat against Mexico in June. When Coutinho faces up to a year in jail having of the Copa del Rey from an open- interviewed post-match, Howard Newland, Just4keepers is now established as one of been found guilty in a Dutch court of top bus back in April. See footage of labelled the decision to hold the post- the country’s leading coaching courses for young owning a cannabis farm containing Stekelenburg’s gaffe here: match conference in Spanish “a f****** 4,200 marijuana plants. Coutinho, once www.youtube.com/ disgrace”, adding that “you can bet your goalkeepers. And it’s not just based in the UK: they have a Holland U-21 international, has also watch?v=sqrrzWN8WKQ a** if we were in Mexico City, it wouldn’t over fifty dedicated coaches working in seven countries. been accused of forgery and money all be in English.” Howard has since laundering and has been sentenced to apologised for his language, admitting 12 months behind bars. he was “caught up in the heat of the ne of those coaches is Dave have gone on to bigger and better things, later they say if he continues the way he moment.” l Hanover 96’s second choice goalkeeper Bennett who runs courses however, just as important for me are the has he’ll be going to Wrexham’s centre of Markus Miller has recently sought l Tim Howard has remained the subject in the area. “I ones who are never going to achieve that, excellence for trials. That gives me more hospital treatment for what he of press coverage in recent weeks with started in July 2009 with who come every week with a smile on their pleasure than seeing the better kids getting describes as “mental exhaustion”. the launch of Everton FC’s bizarre new theO first class in , now I’ve got face because they love every minute of it.” taken on by league clubs.” Miller, 29, plays for the same club as 2011/12 goalkeeper shirt (pictured left). four in Shrewsbury, one in Welshpool and This grassroots approach of making The coaching philosophy is central to the Germany goalkeeper Robert Enke, who Howard’s green camouflage number has one in Wrexham,” explains Dave. “The goalkeeping as accessible as possible is success of Just4keepers. Their view is that committed suicide in November 2009 divided fans, with some labelling it the courses run for an hour per week in each obviously something Dave feels passionate kids will only learn and improve if they are by throwing himself in front of a train worst kit of all time, whilst others expect location teaching kids between the ages about. Ask him about his greatest enjoying themselves and so every session after battling depression for years. Miller the shirt to sell well. The shirt is available of seven and sixteen.” with every child, whatever their age has been praised for speaking publicly now from www.kitbag.com. It’s obviously a format that’s and ability, is designed to be that and openly about his condition, with working. Since they started, way. “Our whole ethos is based on the l Mexico goalkeeper club president Martin Kind praising his Just4keepers has had over 200 young kids having a good time but being has blamed a failed drugs test on goalkeeper’s “great demonstration of goalkeepers picked up by professional disciplined when they need to be so unknowingly consumed beef containing courage”. GK1 wishes Markus Miller a clubs. “If the parents and managers of they can learn,” insists Dave. “I’ve had banned substance clenbuterol. Ochoa, speedy recovery. the clubs are wise enough it’s an ideal some great achievements but most who was removed from his country’s grounding,” he says. “Lack of proper importantly the kids always say how l One of the fairytale goalkeeping CONCACAF Gold Cup squad as a result of specific coaching from an early age is much they enjoy it and that’s the stories of 2010/11 took place in Brazil, testing positive, was one of five Mexican a common complaint from keepers - biggest part of it. If they enjoy it they’ll where São Paulo GK1 Rogério Ceni players found guilty of taking the drug, the younger the kids come to us, the be more confident.” became the first goalkeeper ever to which is often used to boost muscle better it is. Firstly they get an idea if It’s not just about coaching score 100 career goals after curling in mass. Ochoa, who has since joined they really want to be a goalkeeper technique and fitness - Dave also a sublime free kick against local rivals French side AC Ajaccio, described the and secondly they improve far quicker believes it’s crucial to work on the Corinthians. Ceni, a set-piece specialist, situation as “bad luck”. hailed his goal as “beautiful”. See the when they’re young.” mental side of the game from an early l A top South Korean goalkeeper has free kick any attacking player would While their success rate of placing age. “I always drum it into them, you’re admitted being involved in a match- be proud of here: www.youtube.com/ youngsters at league clubs is without in a team but you’re on your own,” he fixing scandal which has brought shame watch?v=6OjvQWRAOkc question, Just4keepers is more says. “You’ve got to be strong mentally on the country’s K-League. Yeom Dong- than just a breeding ground for and I do pride myself with working on l One of Europe’s top goalkeepers, Ajax gyun, who has played for his country’s professionals. Dave is keen to point out that achievement and it isn’t the latest recruit that side of the game. I always equate it to No1 , damaged U-23 side and been involved with the the courses are there to provide coaching to to a league club. “I’ve got a lad in Wrexham being a golfer or a tennis player. If a centre his growing reputation by dropping his full national squad, has admitted fixing any child, regardless of ability. “The balance who fourteen months ago could hardly forward loses the ball, the midfield is behind club’s league title trophy out of a bus games last season while playing for the is that we’re always going to have kids catch a ball,” he says. “His mum came up you, if a misses a tackle, they window last month. Stekelenburg, who Chunnam Dragons. The story broke after coming to us that aren’t going to make it,” to me and said she didn’t know what to do have the defence to rely on. If a defender stands at 6’6” and has 40 international l Everton FC goalkeeper Tim Howard another former K-League player, who Dave reveals. “Ray’s ethos from day one was with him, they’d asked him to play in goal makes a mistake they have the goalkeeper caps, claims he dropped the trophy was forced to apologise for using allegedly worked as a broker, was found if they want to come and learn, you’re there because he’s a big lad, huge for his age. They but if you make the mistake there’s nobody when trying to avoid a tram line just foul language following the USA’s dead in an apparent suicide in June. The to teach them. Yes it’s great that there’s thought great he can go in goal but he had behind you - you look round but there’s above the bus. The incident mirrored 4-2 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final case continues. the list on the website with the lads that absolutely no ability – now fourteen months nobody there, you’re on your own.”

14 AUTUMN 2011 AUTUMN 2011 15 orwich’s promotion is hearts and minds of the Norwich City going down bravely to 2 late goals at all the more remarkable faithful. John was more than happy to lift Stamford Bridge, but John modestly given that they began the the lid on the team’s celebrations that day, downplays his own recent form when 2009/10 season in League shedding some light on the team spirit at pressed on the Canaries’ clamour for One,N suffering a 7-1 hammering on the the club. potential international honours: “No, I’m season’s opening day at the hands of “We stayed down in Portsmouth. not thinking about that at all. My main Ruddy Colchester at . We were due to fly back but the Gaffer aim is to stay as number one at Norwich Since took the helm – the decided to stay down. We went out, had – it’s as simple as that.” John may not be same manager that orchestrated the 7-1 a few drinks and - as there has been all expecting a call from , but thrashing that day – the Canaries’ rise has season –there was a great camaraderie with joining Paul Robinson in been meteoric: they now become the between all players and staff. It was nice taking an indefinite England sabbatical, first club since Manchester City in 2000 to be able to enjoy the moment, although a first full call-up for the St Ives-born brilliant to secure back-to-back stopper may be around promotions into the I’m not thinking the corner. Premier League. Despite producing After promotion an impressive 11 clean was finally clinched about an England sheets in 2010/11, Ruddy after a 1-0 victory at remains determined Portsmouth, GK1 reader to improve: “I want to John Ruddy put the call-up. My main aim is perform better than I Exclusive club’s achievement into did last season. I said to perspective: “Promotion to stay as number one other people recently is massive. The whole city that I didn’t feel I had Interview had been buzzing going a game where I played with into the season’s run-in at Norwich – it’s really well last year. That’s and now that it’s finally disappointing for me happened, it’s a dream. from a personal point of John Ruddy Certainly from a player’s as simple as that. view, and yet we still got point of view it’s a dream promoted so there are a to be competing in the Premier League for most of us it hadn’t really sunk in lot of positives to take out of that season. this year, and obviously the management properly. It was quite a surreal feeling.” I’ll take those positives into this year and and coaching staff feel the same.” Norwich have made a strong start to hopefully I’ll help us stay in the Premier John is no stranger to the big stage their 2011/12 campaign, drawing in their League which is primarily the main aim.” having spent five years at Everton. consecutive opening 2 games before Norwich fans, however, have been made to endure a six-year absence from the Premier League, and John is quick to point out the importance of promotion to those related to the club off the pitch. “The fans will be delighted to have teams like Man United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal come to our stadium. And financially it’s massively rewarding for the club. The people in the boardroom When John Ruddy joined Norwich City from Everton in the summer of deserve a lot of credit. They have pumped 2010, few would have envisaged the role he was about to play in the a lot of their own money into the club and Canaries’ bid for promotion to the Premier League. John has emerged are now getting reward for it. It’s brilliant for the whole area, not just the city of as one of England’s brightest goalkeeping talents, producing countless Norwich but the region as a whole.” displays that have helped propel his club to English football’s Holy Grail. Simeon Jackson’s goal at on May 2nd 2011 will live long in the

AUTUMN 2011 17 obviously so much more chilled here than at home. Why not try your luck here? You Bound for America my time over in the States. It’s very relaxed can come over here and get another chance At 14, Matt left his boyhood heroes at Port Matt ‘Indiana’ Jones and calm but the language was what I had to play.” Vale and headed for four years at Premier to work on.” So what about the lifestyle in this League West Bromwich Albion. “That was tranquil paradise? Presumably different to great experience for me. Sadly, they said Have It! the hustle-and-bustle of NYC? they didn’t think I was going to be good So what does a goalkeeper, who’s keen to “It’s couldn’t be more different! The diet is enough to play in the Premier League so communicate with his defence, learn to very healthy: lots of fish and rice. Everything they let me go.” shout first? Perhaps “Keepers!” or maybe is very fresh - no hot dogs, no fries and the Like so many youngsters released by a “Get out!” ? portions are a lot smaller! club, his future as a professional hung in the “Tira” which roughly translated balance. Paradise means “Clear it..Get Rid..Have it!” However this dark cloud was to come Thankfully, after over 2 years here, I can with a silver lining. pretty much say what I want to on and “I had a couple of trials at other clubs off the field.” but nothing really came of it. I was just Sadly CD Santa Clara’s progress starting to think about playing semi- has been less successful. Always the pro and maybe going to university in nearly-men, the proud club has made England. an annual habit of missing out on “Then, out of the blue I got a call Found promotion to the ...much from Sacred Heart University which is in This nation’s goalkeeping balance of payments in recent years to the amusement of their closest Connecticut. They told me they could rivals Maritimo, based on the island of offer me a four-year scholarship. I’d get my has been in severe deficit - all about imports with very few Madeira. education at an American university and “We missed out on promotion two get to play. It couldn’t have been better. I GK1 talents being exported to the continent and beyond. years running and finished 2010/11 in had nothing else on offer so I just went. mid-table,” reflects Matt. “I got bigger and physically stronger ne keeper bucking that based player to succeed over here.” “A new coach came in and he and that really helped. But it was really trend is Matt Jones - a Matt believes English players are yet brought in 18 new players, chopped and my confidence that improved so much. talented gloveman who to be forgiven since the days of Graeme changed the team, and I found myself I picked up a lot of awards and it made swapped his native Souness at Benfica. Similar spells in Portugal on the bench for a spell which was me fall back in love with football again,” OPotteries for a spell in New York before did not work out so well for players such obviously frustrating. As a goalkeeper said Matt who graduated with a first-class landing at the Portuguese First Division as Michael Thomas, Scott Minto and Brian you’re pretty much never going to degree in business management, before club CD Santa Clara. Deane. have the chance to come on for 10 embarking on his travels to the Azores. “Portugal is one of the great footballing “As nice as it would be to have some minutes and impress. You know, like any nations, so for me to begin my professional English company over here, on the flip side professional, all I’ve ever wanted to always Punched Out Future’s Bright career here is a great platform to begin it is a great way for me to get noticed. do is play.” “The football is pretty different too. It’s very Those entrepreneurial skills have been from. The standards are very high,” says the “I’ve worked hard and played pretty well technical. You’ve got to be an athlete as put on hold for the time being whilst he trail-blazing 24-year-old. most of the time, so it’s been very easy for Je Ne Regret Rien? much as a player. It’s tactical. Here they let concentrates on doing his best in Portugal. Surprisingly, Matt has not been plying his me to get noticed, which can only be good So does he regret embarking on these the ball do the work.” “Every kid out there, including me, trade in the footballing hotbeds of for my career,” says Matt, whose two-year travels - and would he recommend others to But tactics for a keeper are surely similar dreams of playing football for a living and or Porto... but on the stunningly beautiful contract at Santa Clara ended in May. try their hand abroad? the world over? Isn’t it just about stopping for me to be given a chance to do this is islands of the Azores, 930 miles west of So how do the locals refer to our “I wouldn’t have changed a thing to be goals? a great honour. And if you can’t get lucky Lisbon, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean! Englishman abroad? “On the day I signed, honest. It’s been a good place for me to “Ultimately yes, but their style of keeping breaks at home, then be brave enough to we did the customary photo shoot and my come and play football. I’ve made some is very different. When I first arrived they had look further a field.” League Of His Own shirt had ‘Matt Jones’ on the back rather great friends; we have one or two nights out no idea what I was doing. When I was a kid I Since our interview, Matt has turned “As far as I know, I am the only English than ‘Jones’! And no matter how hard I try to or maybe head for the beach, but the pace was taught by Frank Barber, the goalkeeper down interest from clubs in the UK to player in the whole of Portugal, which was explain, everyone, the players, the fans and of life here means it’s really easy just to focus coach at Wigan, and he had a unique way prolong his career in the Portuguese shocking to me at first. Having said that, the manager all call me Matt Jones!” on the football. of teaching. They punch it a lot more here. I League, signing for União da Madeira. there is such a dramatic difference in both “I’ve been out here for over 2 years now. “I’m surprised there aren’t any other was always taught - if you can catch it, catch From one sun-swept Portuguese island to the culture, language and playing styles. It took me quite a long time to pick up the English players over here. You get a lot of it. Over here they punch it to just get rid of another, Matt’s adventure overseas looks set I can see why it is difficult for an English- Portuguese language. Culture-wise it’s good players that just drop out of the game it.” to continue.

18 AUTUMN 2011 AUTUMN 2011 19 Well done Bob n our last issue of GK1, Bob Wilson talked to us about The Willow Foundation and his plans to raise money for the charity by paying Iall 20 Premier League clubs a visit on a marathon bike ride. GK1 is delighted to report that Arsenal legend Bob completed the 500 mile, 11 day cycle, raising more than £300,000 for The Willow Foundation along the way. Bob, who incredibly turns 70 this year, hopes his cycle experience will inspire others to get involved. His personal diary and photo diary of the 11 day cycle challenge, which set off from Fulham’s ,

Above: Arriving at St James’ Park, Newcastle visited all London clubs on day one, before Below: Leaving Craven Cottage, Fulham heading north and finishing at Newcastle’s St James’ Park, plus an extra visit to Scotland’s , can also be viewed on the website listed below. His challenge was both empowering and rewarding and Bob hopes it will act as a catalyst for further cycle challenges up and down the country. “Every pound raised for Willow is making a positive difference to the lives of young people living with life threatening conditions such as cancer, motor neurone disease, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy and organ failure. Willow’s special days help them Above: Arriving at Hampden Park, Below: At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea and their families rebuild lost confidence

and restore some normality to their lives away from the pressures of hospital visits and treatment. With your support we can help create many more precious, positive memories of family life even in the most difficult of circumstances“. Bob Wilson OBE, Life President, Willow Foundation. Congratulations, Bob, on your fantastic achievement from everyone at GK1!

For details on the Charity Cycle Challenge visit www.bobwilsonsoccercycle.com or for more information about the Willow Foundation visit www.willowfoundation. org.uk or telephone 01707 259777. All photos by Tom Bunning AUTUMN 2011 21 has returned to the to be released Adriano Basso, who had joined joined by compatriot , the club in January on a short term deal. who has joined Sunderland as a free agent The loss of De Vries left Swans manager from Coventry City. Manager on the lookout for 3 On the has cited first choice Craig Gordon’s injury experienced keepers to help with their at the back end of last season as the reason first season in the Premier League. First to behind the move for cover, with Gordon arrive was legendary Benfica keeper, José not expected to be back playing until Moreira (pictured), who joined the Swans September. for an undisclosed fee after ten years with Staying in the North East, Charlton the Portuguese club. He was followed Athletic stopper Rob Elliott eventually by the £1.4 million purchase of Dutch Summer 2011. Would this transfer window finally deliver the much anticipated flurry joined Newcastle United on deadline day International Michel Worm, and of German move for an undisclosed fee, and will be vying for keeper Gerhard Tremmel, who was a free of goalkeeper transfer activity that had been so missing in the previous 3 windows? the first team spot with and agent having left Red Bull Salzburg. Of the 2 Dutchman . other newly promoted sides, QPR rewarded ith Manchester Trafford club have been impressed with Another Dutchman will feature among and Radek Cerny with new United, City, Danish goalkeeper the ranks of Premier League stoppers next contacts and snapped up Brian Murphy Liverpool and who signed from Aalesund in January. season, as has opted to following his departure from . Spurs definitely in Whilst publicly Arsene Wenger continues join Wolverhampton Wanderers on a free Norwich City offered a new contract to John José Moreira (courtesy of Swansea City FC) theW hunt for either a number 1 or 2 to deny any intent to recruit a goalkeeper transfer rather than remain with newly Ruddy, with providing back- goalkeeper, and with well-documented in this window, his young keepers remain in promoted Swansea City. Wolves have up and allowed to join Yeovil finally agreed a new contract with the club uncertainties at The Emirates, an demand. Hull City failed in their pursuit of Town on . after protracted negotiations. astonishing 46 goalkeepers available as a permanent move for , who Wolves’ Black country rivals West Brom Having signed and Adam free transfers on the ‘PFA List’, plus the had joined the Tigers in January on loan, were firmly entrenched in the ‘keeper Legzdins from Burton Albion, County activity surrounding all of the midlands whilst returned to The Emirates merry-go-round, as has look set to offload former ‘Hammer, Steven Premier League clubs, it seemed that following a loan spell at Southampton. been allowed to leave for Bywater, who had ended the season on loan Summer 2011 would have many of the Rovers have released Welsh , after fellow England at Cardiff City. Derby’s twenty-one-year-old country’s goalkeepers packing their international (pictured), international Ross Atkins (pictured) has linked up with glove bags and heading for pastures who spent time on loan at Leyton Orient turned down the move to last new.. and Cardiff City last season, and have season’s Champions League club. Carson’s Tottenham were first to officially pounce, allowed Frank Fielding to turn his loan departure reinforced the Baggies need ending the speculation over the future of move to Derby County into a permanent for a first choice goalkeeper, and having by snapping up the 40-year- one. Despite being courted by Rovers also failed with a bid for Robert old American on a free transfer ahead of throughout the summer, former Liverpool Green, they finally secured Jason Brown rivals Liverpool. Friedel signed a 2-year and Fulham ‘keeper packed Ben Foster on a season’s contract and is expected to compete with Under 17 keeper from his bags and set out for a new challenge loan from relegated for the number 1 shirt Austria Vienna. ‘Down Under’, joining New Zealand side Birmingham City, with as Stipe Pletikosa returned to Spartak After months of speculation and Wellington Phoenix. former Hull City stopper Moscow following his unsuccessful loan. following the retirement of veteran stopper Fellow Lancastrians Wigan Athletic heading in the opposite Pletikosa also spent an unsuccessful , Manchester United captured Ali Al-Habsi from neighbours direction. In addition, Marton Fulop fortnight on trial at Celtic. Carlo Cudicini, announced the signing of Bolton Wanderers for a fee in the region was signed from Ipswich to provide meanwhile, signed a one-year extension to from Atlético Madrid for a reported fee of of £4million, and have also handed a new experienced cover for Foster. his contract at . Liverpool €21million. The 20-year-old arrives at Old contract to veteran Mike Pollitt. Bolton are closely monitoring the situation at Trafford with a big reputation from his first Wanderers, on the other hand, have tied The Championship Stoke City, where Dane Tomas Sørensen is full season, having helped Spain Under 21s Hungarian keeper Adam Bogdan (pictured) Of the teams dropping out of the Premier unhappy at the option year that the Potters win the European Championships in June. to a new two-year contract to compete with League, Blackpool allowed Paul Rachubka have taken tying him to the club for a United’s was expected Jussi Jaaskelainen for the number 1 shirt. to join Leeds United on a two-year deal, further season. The Potters also planned for to leave in search of regular Irishman , who spent the where he has been reunited with former the future by recruiting 16-year-old Austria first team football, in particular as the Old final months of the season at Brentford, manager , whilst Adam Bogdan (courtesy of Bolton Wanderers FC) Ross Atkins (courtesy of Burton Albion FC)

22 AUTUMN 2011 AUTUMN 2011 23 On the move

keeper was reunited with Across the city, was rewarded from other clubs; Exeter signed goalkeeper two-year deal, and also brought in Liverpool former boss Eddie Howe at Burnley, signing a with a new two-year deal at Wednesday. Lenny Pidgeley following his departure reserve keeper Martin Hansen on a one- one-year contract after a trial period. Another Chesterfield signed goalkeeper Greg from Bradford City and promoted Stevenage month loan. Rotherham United have also South Coast ‘Old Boy, Paul Smith, previously Fleming on a 12-month deal after he was signed Gillingham keeper Alan Julian on a used the loan system, signing goalkeeper with newly promoted Southampton, was released by Oldham in January, paving the free transfer. Conrad Logan (pictured) on a six-month allowed to join Middlesbrough on loan from way for Mansfield Town to swoop for Shane deal from Leicester City. Aldershot Town Nottingham Forest in mid-season, and has Redmond after his release from the Spirites. League 2 have bagged goalkeeper subsequently made the move permanent. Walsall have signed Notts County Following the disappointment of their on a free transfer. Worner, 21, made 11 The Teesiders also offered a two-and-a-half- goalkeeper David Grof on a one-year relegation, Bristol Rovers have signed appearances for Charlton Athletic last year contract to 18-year-old Connor Ripley contract after the Hungarian impressed goalkeepers Scott Bevan and Lance season and has agreed a two-year deal. in January, who joined the club following his during a trial spell, and also handed veteran Cronin. Bevan, 31, has signed a two-year Barnet offered terms to former Portsmouth release from Blackburn Rovers. goalkeeper and club stalwart Jimmy Walker deal at the Memorial Stadium following his goal keeper Liam O’Brien, whilst Rushden Of the other Championship newcomers, a new one-year deal. The 37-year-old departure from Torquay, whilst the Pirates & Diamonds have signed goalkeeper Simon Peterborough United have made Paul returned to the League One club in October, snapped up Gillingham goalkeeper Lance Evans on non-contract terms. Jones’ loan move from Exeter City having spent 11 years with them earlier in Cronin. Cronin, 25, was allowed to leave the permanent. his career. Gills after making just seven appearances in SPL Conrad Logan Tranmere Rovers have completed the his only season at Priestfield. In Scotland, St. Mirren moved to recruit League 1 signing of goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams Gillingham in turn have made a double 34-year-old spent last season with South Graeme Smith on a free transfer from St. Amongst League 1 clubs, Charlton on a two-year contract to replace Kiwi- swoop, signing former Dover goalkeeper African side SuperSport United. Johnstone, where he will compete with Athletic were particularly active in the bound Tony Warner; whilst across Ross Flitney, 27, who is reunited with Plymouth Argyle have signed goalkeeper former Shamrock Rovers stopper Alan goalkeeping department. In preparation Oldham Athletic have signed former boss Andy Hessenthaler, and Argentine after a successful trial at Home Mannus for a first team spot. St Mirren were for the departure of Rob Elliott, the Addicks Accrington Stanley goalkeeper Alex Cisak goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga on a two-year Park. Cole was released by Barnet boss forced into the market in order to replace signed from Reading and on a two-year contract. Despite being out deal. Gazzaniga, 19, was released by Spanish in May after making 97 Paul Gallacher, who returned to former Arran Lee-Barrett (courtesy of Action Images) goalkeeper John Sullivan on a free transfer of contract the Latics have paid Stanley a outfit Valencia at the start of the starts for the club since initially joining on club Dunfermline. Aberdeen, who lost former Ram Paul Peschisolido, joining Burton from Millwall. The latter has signed a two- compensation fee for the 22-year-old as he summer having passed through their youth loan in March 2009. Stuart Nelson to Notts County and Jamie Albion on loan. year deal at , having enjoyed a is under 24 years of age. system. Crewe Alexandra have completed a Langfield to a serious illness, drafted in Coventry City turned to Northampton successful loan spell at the club last season. Elsewhere, Hartlepool United’s Scott Torquay United boss has deal to bring former Leeds United keeper David Gonzalez on loan from Manchester Town’s and Scunthorpe United’s Relegated Preston North End were Flinders has signed a one-year extension to signed Falkirk goalkeeper Robert Olejnik goalkeeper Alan Martin to Gresty Road on City with Jason Brown as cover. Celtic have Joe Murphy to fill the void left by Keiren forced into the transfer market following his current contract, despite serious interest to replace Scott Bevan, and have moved to a one-year deal, after a successful season brought Newcastle United goalkeeper Westwood’s defection to Sunderland, the departure of Andy re-sign their former goalkeeper north of the Border at Ayr United. back to the club on a whilst elsewhere in the Midlands Sven Lonergan, and opted to from Truro City. Former Austrian Under-21 Summarising the rest of the moves: season’s loan, whilst rivals Rangers Goran Eriksson was reunited with Kasper sign former loanee Iain international Olejnik, 24, spent four years Accrington signed former Hamilton tied Allan McGregor down to a new six- Schmeichel in a £1.25 million swoop from Turner on a one-year at Falkirk. Town also dealt in the goalkeeper Sean Murdoch on a one- year deal. Allan will do battle for the number Leeds United. Leeds fought off competition contract after he rejected foreign market, completing the signing year contract; Bradford City have signed one jersey with (pictured), from Everton to sign Preston keeper Andy the offer of a new deal at of Italian goalkeeper Mattia Lanzano. unattached goalkeeper Matt Duke on a who also signed a new contract last winter. Lonergan, whilst across , Hull City Everton. The 20-year-old, who was with Italian side released Matt Duke and signed Hungarian In the Steel City, US Gavorrana 1930 last season, joins the Peter Gulacsi on loan from Liverpool. United’s highly Robins on a two-year deal. Coventry old boy Arran Lee-Barrett rated England Under 18 Northampton have completed the (pictured) was rewarded for his fine form at ‘keeper George Long was signing of goalkeeper Freddy Hall on the end of the season for Ipswich, by signing rewarded with his first a one-year contract. Former Bermuda an improved two-year contract extension at professional contract and international Hall was most recently with , whist the Tractor Boys lost made his debut for the United States minor league side Bermuda Irishman Brian Murphy, who opted to leave Blades on the last day of Hogges. Additionally, the Cobblers brought the club despite the offer of a new contract. the season against to-be in Chelsea goalkeeper Sam Walker in a Portsmouth failed to offer new terms to promoted Swansea City. season-long loan deal. Darryl Flahavan (pictured) who made the Long has since established Oxford United have signed former short hop down the south coast to join AFC himself as 2nd choice Chester, Hereford and Bury goalkeeper , whilst former Bournemouth for the Blades this term. Wayne Brown on a one-year deal. The Darryl Flahavan (courtesy of AFC Bournemouth) Neil Alexander saving a penalty

24 AUTUMN 2011 AUTUMN 2011 25 GK1: When did you realize you may make coming through. Harry McGuire and Jordan GK1: Who have been the biggest it as a professional player? Slew have been regulars this season, influences on your career at Bramall GL: “During my under 15 season we had although Jordan’s just gone to Blackburn Lane? one game against Nottingham Forest and (for a reported £1m) so it’s a great incentive GL:“I’ve had two goalkeeper coaches who I remember doing really well in that and for all of us to work hard.” have really helped me. Lee Kendall was thinking – ‘right, let’s kick on from here’. GK1: Has there been any interest in you a big part in my development and now Then I had a really good season with the from other clubs since the Youth Cup run? Paul Crichton is our ‘keeper coach - both Under 16s and it went from strength to GL: “I’m told Fulham put a bid in for me, of them have been really instrumental in strength really. “ Harry and Jordan. But I think I may get more helping me become a better keeper. I’m GK1: Last season you made it to the first team opportunities here at the Lane. If now mentally fitter and stronger than I was. bench on numerous occasions, then came you move to a bigger club you just are way Stepping up to the first team you’ve got to the debut at Swansea. down the pecking order and probably get make a lot of mental improvements. I am GL: “Yeah, 13 times on the bench in total forgotten about. I definitely see my future sharper.” then I got my start at Swansea. I was kept here. In the next few seasons my main aim GK1: Do you have a favourite goalkeeper? takes a look at the stars of the future pretty busy and early on things went well. is getting in our first team and staying there GL: “I’ve always watched Paddy Kenny and To be honest Swansea were in great form by hopefully. As long as I keep training hard he was great at Sheffield United. I always then and we had quite a young side out so it and impressing the gaffer there are going to wanted to be like him. I still think he’s very was hard. But I really enjoyed it and it was a be opportunities. You know if Simmo (Steve underrated. And of course, it’s difficult to first team – including a memorable debut likes of Aston Villa on the way to the final great time to make my debut.” Simonsen) gets injured then the gaffer knows look beyond . He’s at the top of his George Long in May 2011 in the Blades’ Championship against Man United so it was a great time to GK1: Were you nervous at all? I am in a position to jump straight in. “ game and a ‘keeper you’d want to be like.” There’s a long way to go to match the defeat at promoted Swansea – and received put in a Man of the Match performance. GL: “I wasn’t bad. It’s just another game and GK1: The Blades are riding high in League GK1: Will you stay with United long term? talent factories at Manchester United international recognition last April, playing To be honest, it’s a night I’ll never forget. you can’t allow yourself to get too intimidated. One. Very different to the frustrations of GL: “I just want to play at the highest level I and Liverpool but Sheffield United’s in England U18s 1-1 draw away to Italy. Having been a kid watching in the stands, to You’ve just got to concentrate and get your last year and relegation? can and I’d love that to be with United.” impressive Academy system has fostered More recently, the 6’ 4” stopper received be out there in front of 30,000 Blades will be mind on the game. And once you’ve made GL: “The mood is so much more upbeat GK1: As well as The Blades, you’ve worn a burgeoning reputation to be reckoned rave reviews as the Blades squeezed past a memory I’ll cherish. And a full house at an your first save you’re into it and that’s it.” this year in the changing room and at on your shirt! with…and another name to look out for. a battling Burton Albion side, 2-1 in the Under 18s game – you don’t get that too often. GK1: What do you consider to be your training. Everyone is raring to go and get GL: “Yes. I made my Under 18 debut against The latest success Johnstone’s Paint I have always supported United so it’s strengths? out there on a Saturday and play. Last year Italy towards the end of last season and I story to follow Trophy. great to finally get to play for them. Our GL: “I’d say shot stopping and one-on-one we had quite a lot of loan players, which really enjoyed that. It was a great experience in the footsteps GEORGE LONG An amazing twelve family are Blades through and through.” situations. I quite enjoy them, coming out didn’t help our cause too much. This season traveling abroad to play for your country. of England’s Kyle Courtesy of Sheffield United FC months was capped GK1: When was it you realized you were a and making blocks. “ Danny Wilson has come in and made a big I’ve been put on stand by for an Under 19’s Walker and Phil with an appearance in goalkeeper in the making? GK1: So United have produced some difference. He’s a top manager. You can see game against Holland so hopefully there Jagielka is 17-year- the FA Youth Cup Final GL: “To be honest, I didn’t start in net. I was talented young players of late. But did that in training and the practice games. He are plenty more of those to come if I keep old ‘keeper George against Manchester playing for a Sunday League team and at you expect to do well in the youth Cup? knows his stuff. He’s a breath of fresh air. He’s playing well. It was really good playing Long. The lifelong United. A Man-of-the- school and I was a centre-forward. I was GL: “Not that well! We just played it game motivated the players really well.” under Noel Blake.” Blade has attracted Match appearance top scorer for a few years and I wasn’t bad. by game starting at Cheltenham. Then once the attentions of in the first leg at But one week, the Sunday team needed a we had beaten Leicester I thought we could numerous Premier kept ‘keeper. (GK1: Where have we heard this go on and really do something. In the final League clubs and now the tie deadlocked at before?!) Someone threw me the gloves and I think we all believed we could win it. After AGE: 17 enjoys the title of the HEIGHT: 193cm 2-2 before their cup I played okay and that was that. I’ve been getting a two-all draw at home we thought WEIGHT: 79kg club’s youngest ever GLOVES: Sells Wrap Elite run came to an end there ever since! I was always a big lad and we were in with a chance. But they were just 1st team custodian! BOOTS: Nike Tiempo Legends with a 4-2 defeat at my mum and dad encouraged me to stay in too strong for us at Old Trafford.” INSPIRATIONAL PLAYER: Joe Hart It’s been ‘Roy of CLUB SUPPORTED: Sheffield United Old Trafford. net so that was it really. I never came out.” GK1: The Blades Academy has brought BIGGEST INFLUENCE: Parents The Rovers’ stuff for FAVOURITE BAND/ARTIST: Chase & This month, GK1 “Once I’d played in net for the academy, through some fine players of late. Is there the Sheffield-born Status goes One-on-One then that’s when it starts getting serious. another batch coming through which youngster who started with George Long. It was nice having a bit of a breather and people should look out for? going to watch his red GK1: You were born on Bonfire Night so playing out of net for my school. But I was GL: “Yes we’ve had the likes of Jagielka, and white heroes with his uncle as a star- you’ll be used to shocks and surprises! training three times a week and a game on Walker, Naughton and Quinny (Stephen struck 10-year-old. A few short years on and Over the past 12 months, which one was the Saturday so playing up front soon got Quinn) in recent years. The great thing is the it’s George Long who is starting to forge the your favourite? knocked on the head! My mum and dad, in club are willing to give you a chance in the headlines in the steel city. GL: “The real highlight for me was the first particular my dad, just encouraged me to first team. So far he’s played twice for United’s leg of the Youth Cup final. We’d beaten the train as much as I could. “Now we’ve got some terrific players Long saving from Manchester United’s in 2011 FA Youth Cup Final - Getty Images

26 AUTUMN 2011 AUTUMN 2011 27 good run in the cup and the way we played with a knee injury. During that time they games that season.” was disappointing to go out so early. We had having niggle after niggle, and I just found Alex McCarthy gave everyone a boost – after that game we brought in a goalkeeper from Arsenal that Jordan’s continued good form was a squad that could have gone far. But we’d lost it hard to stay fit. A lot of players go through 2011 will be a year to remember for went on to win our next six league games.” was huge at the time and towered over me. rewarded with a call-up to the Scotland a few of the second years to the development this and it’s just one of those things, it’s Reading’s Alex McCarthy. Having played That run put Reading firmly in the play- He’s still the same size now and I’ve been U19 side, despite being born and bred in squad and I’m not sure the younger lads had good to learn to deal with it, it’s good to a significant part in the Royals’ push for off picture but unfortunately for McCarthy it lucky to grow a lot since.” Walthamstow. enough time to gel before we got underway. learn how to be out of the team.” promotion, he has also found himself also signalled the end Most young players let go by clubs at “My grandparents are Scottish on my We didn’t really look like a team.” A torn cartilage meant Smithies was involved in the of his run in the first 14 are forced to accept that a career in the mum’s side. My goalkeeper coach asked Now fit and raring to go for the going to understand all about sitting on England U-21 ALEX McCARTHY team. “I had always professional game may not be for them, me what I thought about it and I felt it’d 2011/12 season, things looks rosy for the the sidelines. The 21-year-old picked up set-up. “It’s been had it in my mind but despite being without a club for over a be good experience. I’ve played Scotland Tottenham stopper, who cannot help but the injury at the beginning of January and a massive year that as soon as Adam year, Jordan was fortunate enough to earn U19. There was a friendly at the start of last set himself goals and outline ambitions following surgery missed two months of for me, I couldn’t returned that he’d go himself a trial at his local club: Tottenham. season against Malta and we just recently when pressed on his hopes for the future: the season. “After a couple of days I just have planned it straight back into the “I linked up with my old coach and played two games in Denmark at the end “I want to continue to be involved with the thought: get your head round it and work any better,” says first team because rejoined a local Sunday League side I’d been of the 2010/11 season. It’s been great to get international set-up, get as many games hard,” reveals Smithies. “Obviously the McCarthy. “I went he had done so well at before Charlton, and ended up spending international experience.” under my belt as possible, and possibly go harder I worked in the rehab the quicker I out on loan last before the injury,” 18 months there. Halfway through the U16s Jordan doesn’t rule out the prospect of out on loan. Training with the first team and was going to be back, it was up to me to get season and played admits McCarthy. season he took me on trial at Spurs, and representing England at some stage in his getting regular football at a League 2 or fit and up to me not to worry about the fact 45 games for Yeovil. “But there was also they signed me on a scholarship. It was a six- career too, with both his English and Scottish League 1 club would be ideal for me.” that I was injured. No player goes through AGE: 21 This season just gone HEIGHT: 193cm part of me that week trial, quite thorough. I was delighted heritage of importance to him. He counts their career without having an injury and I’m WEIGHT: 80kg I’d spent a lot of time GLOVES: Puma was disappointed to be taken on.” England’s current GK1, Joe Hart, as one of the going to be no different so it was good for sitting on the bench BOOTS: Puma King because while I was goalkeepers in the game he looks up to. Alex Smithies me to learn to deal with it.” INSPIRATIONAL PLAYER: Petr Cech but then an injury to CLUB SUPPORTED: Chelsea playing for the first “I’m a big fan of Joe Hart, not just as a Unlike many young goalkeepers, Huddersfield have endured back-to-back BIGGEST INFLUENCE: Mum and Dad gave FAVOURITE BAND/ARTIST: Nicki Minaj team we had lost goalkeeper but the way he carries himself. Huddersfield’s Alex Smithies didn’t have promotion heartbreak, falling at the Play-Off me a chance to have a just one league He plays with a smile on his face, and that’s to wait too long for his first-team chance. semi-final stage against Millwall in 2010 run in the first team.’ game and we were the way I prefer to be. Some of the keepers At just seventeen, due to injuries and a and missing out in the final itself against The injury to Federici in the middle on a really good run.” I’ve worked with are so tense and uptight sending off, he found himself thrown in Peterborough in 2011. Smithies, however, of February not only gave McCarthy his So far so good for McCarthy, whose before a game, and I can’t understand it. I at the deep end. That is convinced that Huddersfield have what it chance of regular first team football but also season culminated with his inclusion prefer to be relaxed, have a few jokes with was back in 2007 and takes to go all the a chance to test himself against Premier in the England Under-21 squad for the the goalkeeper coach and other keepers. As since then he’s played ALEX SMITHIES way in the coming League opposition. In the fifth round of European Championships in Denmark. It soon as the whistle goes, you’re focussed, over 100 games for season: “We will be the FA Cup Reading were drawn away at was a disappointing display from England, but before I prefer to unwind and loosen up. his hometown club. in the mix. We’ve AGE: 18 Everton, a game they went on to win 1-0 who bowed out in the competition’s group HEIGHT: 191cm I don’t get nervous.” “I’m fortunate that I definitely got the - thanks in no small part to an excellent stages as McCarthy watched on from the WEIGHT: N/A Jordan exudes confidence, but retains an was given the chance players capable of GLOVES: Sells Wrap Elite display from the 21-year-old. “It was substitute’s bench. With Reading having BOOTS: Adidas Predators element of humility when asked to list his so soon,” admits getting out of this INSPIRATIONAL PLAYER: Joe Hart unbelievable, I’d never been to Goodison narrowly missed out on promotion, 2011/12 CLUB SUPPORTED: Arsenal strengths and weaknesses as a keeper, often Smithies. “It’s not league and we feel Park before,” reveals McCarthy. “Playing looks set to be a crunch year for McCarthy, BIGGEST INFLUENCE: Academy GK keen to underline his need for more match very often that we can win it if we coach Perry Slater and my mother there in a full stadium was incredible, and for both club and country. FAVOURITE ARTIST: Drake & Lil Wayne practice. “My main strength, according to goalkeepers get such get a run together.” to knock them out and go through was my coaches, is my ability to come and take a chance so early in AGE: 21 And if they do HEIGHT: 191cm even better. It was a great experience but crosses. But I do need more experience, I their career because WEIGHT: 84kg manage to get Jordan Archer GLOVES: Nike more importantly, it proved that we could Despite growing up in the Walthamstow suppose that is a weakness. I’ve trained with it’s unlikely that a BOOTS: Nike CTR360 Maestri promoted the success compete with Premier League teams.” Tottenham Under-18s goalkeeper Jordan area, as a youngster Jordan took a liking to the first team keepers five or six times, but manager is going to INSPIRATIONAL PLAYER: Peter will be all the sweeter Schmeichel/Joe Hart And they were given the chance to prove Archer has had good time of it of late. the Lily Whites’ North London arch rivals. last season there were quite a few keepers trust an unproven CLUB SUPPORTED: Huddersfield Town for Smithies. He’s a local BIGGEST INFLUENCE: GK Coach at themselves again against Premier League Facing the prospect of a career as a semi- “I grew up as an Arsenal fan, but went to on the books so my opportunities were keeper. I’d barely Huddersfield Town, John Vaughan lad and has only ever FAVOURITE BAND/ARTIST: Jay-Z opposition in the quarter-final. This time it pro at 16, Jordan has since been taken school in the Tottenham area.” He is now limited. Hopefully next season it will be a played any youth wanted to play for one was away at Manchester City and despite on by Tottenham, where he’s established very much a Tottenham man, emerging as a more regular occurrence.” team games and club. “I live ten minutes losing 1-0, it was again another impressive himself as the Academy side’s GK1. key figure in the U18s set up. Jordan was a regular for the Tottenham wasn’t ready for it but gave it my best.” from the ground,” says Smithies. “I played for performance from Reading and McCarthy. “I started out at Charlton as a 10-year- “In my 1st season initially I was just U18s last season, but Spurs fell at the first Smithies is now firmly established as the schoolboy team from eight and used to “I thought we played really well,” says old, but got released at 14 for being too training and not involved with the youth hurdle of the youth game’s most prestigious the regular first choice for Huddersfield go to all the games. All I wanted to do as a kid McCarthy. “Man City had all their top players small,” says Jordan, something that is hard team, but in the second half of my first tournament, the FA Youth Cup. “We went out but unfortunately his 2010/11 season was was play for Huddersfield because it was the playing so to do well and only lose 1-0 was to imagine looking at him now. “I had a late season I managed to establish myself as in the 3rd Round to Barnsley, we lost 3-1. We disrupted by injury. “The previous season I team I was going to watch every week. I knew a great achievement. We were obviously growth spurt, and now I’m 6’3”. They let a number one and make the GK1 jersey went 1 down early on, they sat back and we played every minute of every game, I played all my friends and family loved the club - my disappointed to go out but we had had a couple of us go. I had been out for a year my own. I think I went onto play 9 league ended up conceding two from set-pieces. It 55 games,” he says. “Last year it felt like I was first goal was to play for Huddersfield.”

28 AUTUMN 2011 AUTUMN 2011 29 Where are they now? BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS The business pages

Ian Feuer over four years. “One of the fundamental Ian Feuer’s football story reads something like a Hollywood film. Here’s the pitch. problems we have is to make sure when In the late 1980s, Las Vegas-born Feuer travels alone to Alabama aged just 16 for a SPL clubs to clubs get relegated they don’t face financial Harald Schumacher soccer school. There, the German great advises the impressive Armageddon,” insists Doncaster. “That’s keeper, already well on the way to his full 6’7 height, to head across the pond. the real challenge and that’s what the plan partly addresses. A key aspect of this is euer leaves his family behind my main target. And I would have played work as hard as he does at his age is great.” vote on change it’s about making sure the second tier of to follow his dream, playing a anywhere but to play for a team like West He still keeps tabs on England, even if roposed changes to the Scottish football is properly funded so that brand of ‘football’ alien to most Ham was special. the father-of-three’s commitment to his could when clubs are relegated financially they of his peers. He goes on to beat “I remember my debut against Derby. own Premier Goalkeeping Academy takes see the number of teams in can still cope.” Fthe odds, and European scepticism, to We won 2-1 and I had a decent game. It was much of his time. He is a huge fan of Robert Scotland’s top flight reduced To suggest that the main focus of the be a pioneer for American soccer heroes, special to play with guys like , Green, a keeper he knows personally and fromP twelve to ten. The proposals are just restructuring appears to be aimed at the meeting his future wife in Belgium and and . That was a great someone for whom he has the “utmost part of a restructuring plan that has been well being of relegated SPL teams would ultimately playing for West Ham United. experience to say you have played and trained respect. “I use Robert as an example of total put forward by SPL Chief Executive, Neil be wrong. Doncaster firmly believes the Even more fitting is that he is now with those players. Harry was great for me.” professionalism. He is a gentleman and is an Doncaster. The SPL last had ten teams ten proposals will benefit the whole of the California-based and operating daily in the Feuer also played around 100 games amazing keeper.” years ago, but the new format would add . “It’s not just about spotlight of the biggest club in the United for Luton Town, having joined them when Feuer is hoping for something special a play-off for the team finishing second protecting the relegated clubs. For example, States. Goalkeeper coach for LA Galaxy, they were then a second-tier club. But the this season. Why not an MLS Cup for the bottom as well as automatic relegation for a really good club like Falkirk with a fantastic Feuer is spreading the lessons learned to the experience at West Ham left its mark. “I have Galaxy and promotion for the Hammers? He whoever finishes bottom. community operation and a great academy burgeoning scene. a real affection for the club. It is a blue-collar would then love the two to meet for a game “It’s a plan for Scottish football, it’s not having to face some serious questions club and the fans appreciate people who are after that. just concentrating on a handful of clubs about whether they can afford to run that Born:20 May 1971, Las Vegas, hard-working and do their best.” “I will be watching and rooting for the or just the top division it’s ensuring all 42 academy going forward. So it’s far more Nevada, United States Neil Doncaster Feuer’s first spell at Chadwell Heath club to get back straight away,” he declared. clubs have a far better environment going fundamental than looking after members, Position: Goalkeeper coincided with Ludek Miklosko’s long stay, Sounds like the perfect Hollywood ending. forward,” Doncaster explains. “The various top half and 36 games in the bottom part. it’s about looking after the fabric of Scottish Clubs played for:Club Brugge; and he has only positive words for the man With thanks to Rob Pritchard at West Ham elements of the plan are to go to a ten team The bigger problem you’ve got is for those football.” Molenbeek; Los Angeles Salsa; he would spend hours with on the practice United FC. top division and twelve team championship. teams in seventh and eighth after the split, Also part of the proposals is a plan for West Ham United; Peterborough; pitches. It’s about merging the two leagues into one Luton Town; New England they’ve got fourteen fixtures - over half a a winter break. The winter break was first entity with an earlier season start date and Revolution; Rushden & Diamonds; “What a good guy he was and a great season - with nothing to play for.” introduced in Scotland in 1998 to try to Colorado Rapids; Wimbledon; role model, I learned so much from him and a play-off competition between the Premier minimise the number of games lost to Derby County; Tranmere Rovers; he inspired me.” League and the Championship where One of the the weather. However, the SPL scrapped Wolverhampton Wanderers The roles have been reversed, with you have two potential promotion and fundamental the winter break in 2003 but the severity Feuer turning from trainee to mentor at the relegation slots.” problems we have is to of recent winters has put the idea back Talking on the phone from the Galaxy’s Galaxy. He has had a big hand in helping In order to implement the restructuring on the agenda. “The details of the winter headquarters, Feuer, now 40, looks back former Bradford City stopper Donovan there will need to be a vote of the SPL clubs. make sure when clubs break still need to be worked through,” on his time at the Hammers as one of the Ricketts become Major League Soccer’s While most of the clubs are supportive, get relegated they don’t explains Doncaster. “The ideal time is clearly happiest of his life. He had to have two takes, leading No1 last season. there are still some yet to be convinced, face financial after the new year fixtures. Whether you however, to realise his Upton Park ambitions. At 6’6 Ricketts may be the main man in including those who would actually prefer have some sort of flexible winter break to After a spell in 1994/95 without a game, MLS keeping but he still has to give way to the league expanded to fourteen teams. Armageddon accommodate the sort of weather we’ve he was to get a second chance six years his coach, not least with Feuer standing an “There are various reasons why the clubs had in the last couple of years remains to later again under . After a inch taller. “The first day we met, I was sitting took the view that they preferred the Without question the single biggest issue be seen but further discussion on that will brief stay at Cardiff City, he finally made his down. He came in and I stood up. He just ten team set-up,” says Doncaster. “If you for teams relegated from the SPL is finance. happen. An earlier start to the season is Boleyn bow. gave me this look!” go to fourteen teams that doesn’t create Currently when they drop into the Scottish something we need to look at both from “It was an amazing time,” he said. “For me Height competitions aside, Feuer is any money that you can push down to Football League they receive around the point of view of clubs in Europe and as a kid I always dreamt of just playing in fulsome in praise. “He has been amazing for us. the second tier. Secondly you still retain £375,000 over two years, the new proposal improving the coefficient but also making it the professional league in England. It was He has come on leaps and bounds. For him to a split, you end up with 36 games in the would see up to £2.8 million being paid more enjoyable for the supporters.”

30 AUTUMN 2011 AUTUMN 2011 31 OUTSIDE THE BOX amed for his golden locks and nicest, most caring guys you could ever “When Peter came back he’d run through dashing good looks, Gary meet. When I retired he looked after me and walls for Sir Alex. “ Bailey has sailed seamlessly was very concerned about my future. from goalmouth to pundit’s “A lot of managers don’t bother. He does Keep it Positive Fchair - becoming the voice of football on it naturally. I think it has a lot to do with “I’ve studied so many business models but the African continent. his own upbringing. , Harry at the end of the day some of the basics are Born in but brought up in Redknapp and all the these top managers the most powerful. Then there’s something In a league South Africa, this former England GK1 and have a rivalry with Sir Alex but also have called Appreciative Inquiry - which is self-confessed workaholic shares his time huge respect. a business school term really for being between the Supersport TV studios, various “Even Arsene Wenger has warmed to him positive. business interests and a growing reputation over the years. He is tough and will let you “You will always have problems. If you as the most sought after motivational battle against him but so many ex-players as an individual focus on the problems, speaker in Africa. like Beckham will still talk well of him. So your life will be full of problems. At work, if of his own! Now the 52-year-old, who played just that’s the first point about being tough but you are always looking at the 1% that goes short of 400 times for Manchester United, humble.” wrong and not the 99% that is good, then is turning his hand to writing - with his you will create a negative mindset in second book due out at the end of the If you are always the workforce. year. “Instead focus on the good and In a rare break from the office, Gary looking at the create a positive mindset as a leader. So speaks to GK1 (from the beach in Cape be positive as opposed to running your Town - and apparently it’s 35 degrees!) 1% that goes wrong players down. “ about the difference between good and and not the 99% that great managers. Plan Ahead “I wanted to explore how the greats is good, then you will “And finally there’s Destiny. It’s critical survive, thrive and provide exemplary to plan effectively for a great destiny. leadership,” explains Gary, who studied a create a negative Your future will arrive sooner than you physics degree in his spare time during think and it’s important to make time nine seasons at The Theatre of Dreams. mindset in the to think ahead and prepare for your “I’ve seen first hand the leadership workforce. destiny. skills shown by great man managers. “Sir Alex was brilliant at this. He Football management at the highest level knew he couldn’t afford to go out and is probably the most stressful job in the Schmeichel buy the very best players in the world so world today. One third of Premier League “The second thing is emotional intelligence he set up the academy. It was a practical, managers get sacked every season. In what - or in another word, empathy. You need to positive solution to a problem he faced. And other business would that happen?” be able to observe, evaluate and respond. he went and found Beckham and Giggs and Gary, who took a Business Masters You shouldn’t just walk into an office and sit Scholes and the rest is history. after leaving Manchester, now feels the down and work. When you walk into a room “For some time things didn’t go well for time is right to combine his own personal there may be people who are going through him at United. I think what saved him, if experiences with the business lessons he’s a crisis in their lives and know what’s going indeed he was under pressure, was that he Former England learnt from the likes of Richard Branson - put on. And again Sir Alex is very good at had a wonderful youth squad and plans in GK1 Gary together to help managers in all walks of life observing the players. place for his destiny - another clear sign of do their jobs better. “I remember when Peter Schmeichel was great leadership.” Bailey explores So how would you explain the magic low on confidence and going through a the secrets of which a select band of managers seem to tough time. Mid-season, Sir Alex told him to Culture Club possess? take a few weeks off and go on holiday with “I think a lot of managers have many of his leadership which “For a start off it’s all to do with his wife. It was a big call at the time, but Sir qualities but no one that I know of will have combining toughness and humility. You Alex could see he wasn’t up to it. every one of his qualities. make Sir Alex the need two main abilities: ‘professional will’ “That’s great leadership, to look at the “He made it his business to know best manager in and ‘personal humility’. Sir Alex has both people around you and know they are not everyone at the club; made sure he went these qualities in abundance. He comes able to perform to the level you need - and to see all the kids play at the levels; got to the world! across as tough but he is also one of the then find a way to help! understand each of them.

AUTUMN 2011 33 galvanised and excited. But I’d taken a his time at United, he was involved in structures from both family and friends only battering for 8 years. various social projects, benefiting the poorer seem to inflame the situation. I felt there “You base your game on confidence and parts of Manchester. needed to be something easy to read and when you are not thought of as the number One of his proudest achievements an accessible book that outlined a solution 1 keeper and you are not winning trophies has been the key role he played as an that would protect the children as much as people start to question and you constantly ambassador in South Africa’s successful bid possible. have to try and prove it’s not the goalkeeper to host the 2010 World Cup. “It’s written from a dad’s perspective, but that’s to blame - and it’s very tough. And his first book saw Gary giving his it isn’t just aimed at dads. If your brother “I spent a year or so on the bench after help and advice on a subject many miles or son or colleague is going through a the injury,” recalls Gary, who until then had from football. divorce then the book will give you all the missed just 7 games in 7 years. information and advice you need to help “The knee got worse and it was obvious Divorce them to get it right for their kids. And, if it was time to move on. “I’d witnessed the terrible impact of divorce you’re a mum, it’ll help you to understand “Sir Alex couldn’t do enough for me. on kids first hand,” says Gary. “I’ve no doubt what’s going on for your kids’ dad,” says He was fantastic. There was a genuineness that those parents didn’t intend to bring this Gary. about the man that surprised me. I had pain on their children,” explains Gary, whose always imagined managers to be quite own 18-year marriage hit the rocks in 2006. Kids First heartless in those situations. I remember “Equally, I have no doubt that the “I have a social conscience and it makes me thinking at that time what a special man he damage is an inevitable consequence if feel like I want to contribute to the world was. parents lose sight of what their kids need and I just thought maybe I can help others “There was no point wondering what during the turmoil.” through the process of divorce. I was losing out on. I am damn lucky to Keen to make sure his three kids didn’t “I have got a simple approach to life. It have played for the best club in the world. get caught in the middle, he worked hard doesn’t bother me how big my house is or I played at a hell of a young age and I had to find amicable solutions to potentially how big my car is. The divorce book was experienced some amazing things and it damaging conflict areas. Four years on, and really a way for me to help others. was time to move onto a new challenge,” his book ‘Divorce for Dads’ continues to offer “I believe it is a circle, the more I help recalls Gary, who won FA Cup winners the benefit of that experience and help dads others, the more the universe gives back to “I don’t think his genius lies in any one Tough Love out of the player.” medals in 1983 and 1985. make the right choices for their kids. me so at the end of the day it does seem to aspect but I think it comes from him being Gary’s examples also call upon the teachings For many observers, Gary’s two England “Yes, I could have achieved more and “I’d seen the damage inflicted on children work that way. good at all aspects that pertain to being a of another footballing knight, the late Sir caps would have been a far greater haul maybe I could have gone on to get a during a divorce, and how the support “There are massive social needs here in football manager. . had he not faced the stiffest competition hundred caps for England but it didn’t South Africa and I would like to think I can “The players he brings in always learn “Had it not been for Maradona’s ‘Hand of from two greats in and Ray happen so there’s absolutely no point in help.” to fit in with the culture of the club and God’, which was just plain cheating, England Clemence. worrying about it. It was time to move on.” So as the sun dips down over the Atlantic so they follow the Giggs/Scholes mantra could well have won the World Cup. Again Ocean, so far, so good. But looking back, of hard work, 110% on the pitch, never let in 1990 when England had such a good Calling Time New Challenge would he have done anything different? you down. Not every manager is able to qualifying run, he went close,” recalls the Gary’s mental fortitude was tested when In the two years that followed, Gary won “Yeah, if I had my time again I would create that culture within his club: his choice keeper who wore the Three Lions between serious injury meant an end to his club and five trophies back in South Africa with the never have been a goalkeeper!” he grins. of people around him, his staff and how 1978 and 1986. international dreams at just 28. famous Kaiser Chiefs of Johannesburg, Surprising then that his goalkeeping he gets such dedication from his staff. It’s “All those players that worked with him “The end wasn’t so bad really. Maybe I’d before the knee ligaments finally called a father Roy, who won a league title with Sir because he is a caring person. will tell you all about what a really caring got into the United team too early, but by premature end to his career. at Ipswich, threw him the gloves. “For example I saw him at the airport a person he was. He had an amazing way 28 I’d clocked up nearly 400 league matches “When they said I couldn’t play any more, “He didn’t want me to be a keeper. He few years ago. I hadn’t seen him in a long of showing you where you could improve in a team that was desperate for success. I was determined not to think what I was wanted me to be a cricketer - and I found while and he offered me a lift. I didn’t want without belittling you in the process. We were always so nearly there. Added to missing out on. I turned it all around and out pretty quickly why! It’s the toughest to intrude but he insisted and said he’d got “Some managers can make you feel that pressure, the burden of not becoming thought it is what it is and it’s time to move position in the world of sport today. I don’t the driver outside. belittled and other managers can inspire England’s regular keeper started to make life onto a new challenge. There is just no point think there is any other position that is as “Now to be fair he didn’t need to do that. you to get out there and show them just very frustrating. worrying about it and thinking I could have lonely and as pressurised. I mean how do He had his wife with him and he had things how good you are. “In ‘85 we had a team that should have achieved more. “ you play in a position where everyday the to do. But that’s a different side to him. He “Sir Bobby and Sir Alex are those men walked the league. We had a great side and only upside of your job is that you don’t took me into central London from Heathrow and it matters whether you are a caring we blew it somewhere along the line. Giving Back make a mistake? You walk out of there and and got his driver to drop me off.” manager or just in it for what you can get “If I had been at a smaller club and then Throughout his career, Gary has had an if you keep a clean sheet you go ‘thank moved to United at 28 I would have been acute social conscience. Every week, during heavens’ for that.”

34 AUTUMN 2011 AUTUMN 2011 35 KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KITKIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT

Sells Goalkeeper Reusch Uhlsport Products Wrap Series Keon Deluxe G1 Cerberus Absolutgrip As per the rumour in our last issue, Sells Goalkeeper Products will The Reusch Keon Deluxe G1 is a new addition to the 2011 Fingerbett this month launch their new Wrap Series for 2011. The new series range. The vibrant lime green colour option is this year’s of roll finger gloves features seven models to suit all climates and promotional colour and has already been seen several times in conditions. this year’s Champions League as both Milan keepers wore the The Wrap Elite Aqua (pictured) is the flagship model of the Sells range gloves in featured games against Spurs. Julio Cesar also wore and a huge favourite with professionals right across the globe. the gloves when won the FIFA World Club Cup back The 2011 version features the waterproof Aquastem fabric together with in December. The Keon Deluxe G1 is Reusch’s top of the range the ever popular Adhesion Ultra latex which provides unrivalled grip in wet glove without finger protection and has many outstanding conditions. The glove has a bandage wrist and has gone back to a traditional side features which offer superb grip, comfort and performance. seam and Velcro closure. Keon Deluxe G1 out now. Sells will launch three additional glove ranges in the next twelve months, Total For more information visit www.reusch.com Contact, Axis 360 and Silhouette. With a further 125 new products on their way, Sells, the brand for which Pro Direct Sport is the exclusive UK Distributor, looks set to remain at the leading edge in goalkeeping technology. Sells Wrap Elite Exosphere out now. For more information visit www.sellsgoalkeeperproducts.com

Selsport Extreme Purity

The 2011/12 Selsport range sees the introduction of a new top end range of products, consisting of four fantastic deep embossed backhand gloves. The Extreme has been developed to combine the unrivalled comfort and grip which has become The new Uhlsport Cerberus Absolutgrip Fingerbett features synonymous throughout the Selsport range with clean lines a unique ergonomically shaped finger bed ensuring each and advanced shaped backhand which aids the hands natural finger remains stable and does not slip. Available from May curvature. By including the top level ULTRA Supa Soft Adhesion 2011, Uhlsport endorsees such as and Hugo latex and trusted trilock wrist strap the XTR provides top level Lloris are already taking advantage of the new patented pros a perfect balance with a new level of grip and flexibility Absolutgrip Plus grip foam which gives them advanced with all round comfort. cushioning and outstanding grip in all weather conditions. Selsport Extreme White out now. Cerberus Absolutgrip Fingerbett out now. For more information visit www.selsport.com For more information visit www.uhlsport.com

36 AUTUMN 2011 AUTUMN 2011 37 KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT KIT A new force

orld in Motion ltd is one of the UKs leading sports management companies offering a fully integrated management and marketing service to elite sports professionals. The company has developed a reputation for transparency and professional in the market excellence since its inception in 1997, during which time its Licensed Agents have conducted close to 1,000 transfers or contract negotiations, and have been involved in some of the game’s most ground-breaking transfers. World in Motion Whas established itself as the leading agency for goalkeepers, recognising the specialist nature of the position in a coaching, technical and Precision Goalkeeping has launched itself into the goalkeeping also a contractual sense. Such is the dominance of the company in the market place that it has become the ‘go-to’ agency of a club seeking market in recent months with a host of big name signings and to recruit a goalkeeper. With a client list that includes a host of current Full and Under 21 internationals, and some of the bright stars of the future, the company has been encouraged to supply the market with a magazine, GK1, tailor-made for the goalkeeping profession. gloves being sold in stores up and down the UK. GK1 caught up with David Sanderson to find out about the rapid rise of the With World in Motion by your side, your future is in safe hands. forward thinking brand.

recision Goalkeeping National the Precision Goalkeeping ranges.” “As a goalkeeper it is vitally important Sales manager, David Schmeichel, 24, said: “I am delighted to that you trust the gloves you are wearing Sanderson, who spent 15 have signed a partnership with Precision and I couldn’t be happier with them.” years with Uhlsport before Goalkeeping. Schmeichel will be wearing a negative Pjoining Precision Training said: “We “I had a number of other options but cut glove made from supersoft latex, might be a relatively new brand but we after testing the gloves I was overwhelmed adorned with the Danish flag and coloured have a long history and heritage in the by the quality and performance of the white, black and gold. goalkeeping market. gloves, particularly the grip. Recently, Sunderland AFC goalkeeper To order your next issue of GK1 please complete this form and send to “Our team spent a long period Keiren Westwood has joined the ever Kasper Schmeichel , Chancery House, 1 Lochaline Street, London W6 9SJ or email [email protected] testing the first range of gloves with expanding stable, he said: “Despite Burnley’s Brian Jensen and when being a relatively new brand they Name: Are there any features that would be of we launched them the “Beast” wore already have a great reputation them against Chelsea in the Premioer amongst the goalkeepers. Address: particular interest? League at Turf Moor in 2010. “As soon as I tried the new range Email: “From that moment on the brand, I knew they were the right gloves for Phone: that is part of Britain’s fastest growing me – superb grip in all conditions and sports brand Precision Training, has a perfect fit.” gone from strength to strength. Sanderson commented: “The aim Comments: “In less than a year we have of Precision Training was to be able launched a second range of gloves to provide grass roots players the designed by brand ambassador opportunities to train and play like the Kasper Schmeichel and are now being professionals and the Goalkeeping worn up and down the UK by senior range is no different. professionals, academy keepers and at “We are certainly very excited about grass roots. the future development of the brand “We have worked very closely with with even more keepers expected to Is there anything you would like to see in How often would you like to receive this all of the keepers to produce a glove be wearing them throughout the UK.” the next issue? publication? that can perform at the highest level For further information on Precision of the game and they will be heavily Training please visit: involved in the future development of http://www.precisiontraining.uk.com

38 AUTUMN 2011 ThankAUTUMN you for reading 2011 Your future in safe hands

World In Motion Chancery House 1 Lochaline Street London W6 9SJ

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