Featuring: Petr Cech Asmir Begovic Ben & Jak Alnwick Andrew Sparkes

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THE MAGAZINE FOR THE GOALKEEPING PROFESSION

SUMMER 2019

Featuring: Petr Cech Asmir Begovic Ben & Jak Alnwick Andrew Sparkes Xavi Valero Tony Roberts GK1 Statistics Kid Gloves Equipment CRAIG GORDON - client #CreatingChampions Welcome to The magazine exclusively for the professional goalkeeping community. Andy Evans editorial

Welcome to the Summer Each office launch has been accompanied by an expanding client 2019 edition of GK1 - list of top-class goalkeepers delighted to join our goalkeeper the magazine for the specialist agency. professional goalkeeping market. Since our last edition, we have also cemented our position as the pre-eminent agency for goalkeeper statistics and analytics. Our GK1 Magazine is published expanding team, led by Sam Jackson, has provided high level by GK1 Management, the work for clubs looking to recruit goalkeepers and players alike, to

Andy Evans - Chairman of World in Motion / GK1 goalkeeper specific and which Petr Cech is included (seeking to review his own personal specialist agency, which statistical output). Indeed, this edition of GK1 is the first to contain is part of the World in Motion Group, a leading global agency a detailed statistics section. specialising in representing football players. Additionally, our tailor-made internal ‘App’ which brings all of In the past few years the agency has extended its already far our global agents, players and clubs together on one platform reaching network by opening offices in exciting new territories facilitating the transfer and recruitment of goalkeepers and such as the USA, Colombia, Czech Republic, Scandinavia, coaches, is the envy of clubs and rival agencies alike. Slovenia, Serbia, Greece and Italy. We have also opened a second UK office in Cardiff, as a satellite office to our Head Office in Here’s to a prosperous and successful end to 2019! With GK1 London. Management on your side, your future is in safe hands.

C O N T E N T S

Welcome to GK1 3

GK1 Management Petr Cech 4 Chancery House 1 Lochaline Street Ben & Jak Alnwick 8 London, W6 9SJ Kid Gloves 12 +44 (0) 20 8741 6060 www.gk1.co.uk Statistics 14

Publisher Coaching – Andrew Sparkes 22 World in Motion Ltd Coaching – Tony Roberts 26 Editor-in-Chief Andy Evans Coaching – Xavi Valero 28

Deputy Editor Essential Equipment 32 Ben Read Outside the Box – Danny Naisbitt 40 Graphic Design Tim Alexander Meet the Team 42

SUMMER 2019 3 P E T R The Premier League changed forever with CECHthe blockbuster arrivals of Roman Abramovich and Jose Mourinho at Chelsea. Free-spending Blues owner Abramovich and charismatic Portuguese manager Mourinho began plotting the Stamford Bridge outfit’s ascent to the summit of English and European football when they joined forces in 2004 and to many, it was immediately obvious they would have success.

Yet few would have predicted a quiet Chelsea newcomer called Petr Cech would not only play a huge part in that success, but also spearhead a new era for goalkeepers and become one of the greatest players to stand between the posts in modern times.

The deal for the Czech Republic international was completed in February 2004, when he was aged just 21, and the fresh-faced Cech arrived at Chelsea in the following summer, just after his twenty-second birthday. The transfer sum was a modest £12 million and the new arrival was ready to battle it out with then established Blues No.1 Carlo Cudicini. The rest, as they say, is history.

“My first memory of arriving at Chelsea was realising the fact I managed to get to a club like this,” said GK1 cover star Cech. “I’d realised a dream to play in the top league in the world and for one of the best teams as well so when I walked through the doors I had a special feeling.

4 SUMMER 2019 “I was proud but nervous at the same For the first time in many years, Cech’s titles, one Champions League, and five FA CECHtime because I knew now was the time instantly recognisable head guard will be Cups which adorn his trophy cabinet. to do something, to take the opportunity, nowhere to be seen when the 2019-20 and make the most of it. You can see how Premier League season begins in August. Chelsea’s 2006 Premier League clash at much things have changed. I was a young Reading was barely underway when the promising goalkeeper and I was only 21 But if it was not for his iron will and Madejski Stadium fell silent. Cech’s life when Chelsea bought me. If the same determination to overcome the injury that and career hung in the balance after his thing happened exactly the same way forced him to don the protective gear, Cech head collided with Stephen Hunt, but he nowadays, the price would be completely would have retired sooner and would not was back just three months after the life- different.” have collected the four Premier League changing event which fractured his skull.

SUMMER 2019 5 “The aim as soon as I set out on my road Then came the crowning jewel in Cech’s “Everyone gives feedback in a different to recovery was to get back playing as immaculate career. Abramovich had way which makes for a complete picture quickly as possible,” Cech said, recalling dreamed of a Champions League triumph of performance. the horror Reading clash. “The doctors since the day he came through the door at told me I shouldn’t play football for an the Bridge. “I always want things to be perfect. This entire year, but step by step I started is sometimes impossible, but it’s best to getting back into training and doing things That dream became reality when have the approach to try and be perfect. on the training pitch that were giving me Chelsea defeated Bayern Munich Mentality sets the top goalkeepers in the confidence. in the final of Europe’s biggest club world apart from the others. The best stay competition in 2012. “Didier Drogba’s concentrated and make the big saves in “I just wanted to prove to the coaches and winning penalty in that Champions the key moments of game no matter how doctors I was making progress and in the League final is probably the best difficult the game is.” end I came back after three months. It was moment of my career,” Cech said. completely unexpected and against all “Everyone knew that Chelsea had been “There are different pressures whether advice, but it was the right thing to do for waiting to win the Champions League you are playing for a team that dominates myself. for eight years. We kept trying but had possession or not, but it is those moments disappointments time after time. when you realise whether a goalkeeper is “I knew there were risks someone who can make the and there could have been team win or lose points.” health and mental issues, but I was really happy to Cech left Chelsea to get back on the pitch. That join Arsenal in 2015 and moment actually showed It was the transferred his winning me how much I love the habit to the Gunners with game.” whom he won one FA Cup. ultimate “ He hung up his gloves at Upon his much-anticipated the end of last season, but return, only Cech knew if his his story in football is far trademark bravery would from over. A new chapter is be unaffected by the life- moment when just beginning. changing clash. He quickly put aside any doubts he “ “I have taken my time to was ready and picked up we won it... think about the future,” he where he left off, playing a added. “One thing I would starring role in a stunning like to do is continue in run of 1,025 minutes football because it’s the without conceding a goal. game I know best.”

Cech believes Chelsea’s impenetrable “It was the ultimate moment when we “I could probably have played for the next defence at the time represented their won it. Having that trophy in our hands two seasons, but there was a limit on how mentality under Mourinho. “The more you was a true reflection of how far we had far I could push my body. I have gained so don’t concede, the more it becomes normal come and what we had achieved as a much experience from playing under so to you. We went into every game thinking team.” many fantastic managers, I know so many we were not going to concede,” he said. different ways of working, and I would like Cech’s quest for perfection led him to to use that. “We weren’t thinking about the record or enlist the help of GK1’s world class analysis specifically about keeping a clean sheet, it service (see page 14 for more details). He “I like coaching and I would definitely like was just about going out there and doing would urge any goalkeeper aiming for to stay in football somehow and continue it again. It just kept going until we were the top to get a helping hand with their my journey in football.” over eleven games without conceding detailed performance feedback. “It’s so a goal. It’s not easy to do and it was useful when you use it in the right way Petr Cech commenced his new role as definitely a combination of a number of and the immediate feedback is so helpful Technical and Performance Advisor at things; the defence, the goalkeeper, and a because there are so many games within Chelsea FC on 1st July. bit of luck as well.” the season,” he said. By James Candy

6 SUMMER 2019 SUMMER 2019 7 BEN AND JAK ALNWICK Two brothers – Ben and Jak Alnwick, both goalkeepers: the fiercest of sibling rivals; a childhood, perhaps a lifetime, trying to better the other.

Ben Alnwick - Gloves: Precision. Boots: Adidas. Car: Mercedes Jeep Jak Alnwick - Gloves: One Glove. Boots: Nike. Car: Audi S5

8 SUMMER 2019 An interview with GK1 clients Ben and The union between these former England Ben meanwhile, hopes the boardroom Jak Alnwick, has the potential to be a youth team ‘keepers does not mean they troubles at Bolton are a thing of the past, tense affair. However, before we are out are not competitive, as a debate breaks allowing the club to fully focus on the job of the blocks, our first question allays any out about who is the better snooker in hand – on the field of play. fears that our chat might be a feisty half player. hour. “So, do you get on?” we queried, “We were back in training on June 17th,” lighting the touch-paper before retiring “You’re only as good as your last game, eh explains Alnwick Junior. “European to a safe distance! “Once we’ve chatted Ben,” taunts Jak, who had the upper hand matches start just a few weeks after that. to you, we’re off down the snooker club” last time they crossed cues. says Ben, six years older than Jak at 32. “I’ve got a year left on my contract “We’ll meet up and spend time together Keen to get a clearer perspective on two and have my work cut out as Wes a couple of nights a week if we’re both in high-achieving siblings, we delved further. (Foderingham) and Allan (McGregor) are town.” both fine keepers.

A clear family bond suggests “But things can change a mutual support, which quickly in football and I’ll might raise an eyebrow when be fit and ready if my time considering their notable comes. achievements in the same It’s my “ business. “Rangers is an amazing club. We beat Celtic twice “Having a goalkeeping last season. The manager brother has always been and the staff are first class brilliant for me,” says Jak. life and I and it would be amazing to play a role in our “I learnt so much from him return to the top in the when I was a kid, but it’s more Premiership.” important today; to be able to “ ring someone after a game to live for it... A wholly different ask their advice is priceless. challenge awaits Ben as he prepares to return to “Everybody thinks they know Bolton, who dropped back about football, but only a very select few into League One last term. know anything about ‘keeping. Even your team-mates know next to nothing about “So who is the best dressed?” “We’re desperate to just start talking what we do and what it’s like in net.” football again. “We both give it a go,” replies Jak, who “Goalkeepers are usually quite honest was 40 minutes late for the interview “The club is full of great people, with each other,” agrees Ben. having been at the barbers!” inspirational people - and no one was getting paid week after week while the “If I want another opinion, I can call Jak “Though I should point out that Ben sale of the club was going through. or Trevor (Carson, Motherwell and NI has nicked most of my clothes over the goalkeeper) and we can look at the video years so I kind of think that answers your “People will say ‘you’re a footballer, just footage and say that maybe I was slightly question!” go out and play’ but how can you talk out of position or should have made about football when you have staff in tears another decision. Their support for one another will be because they can’t pay bills, or people more important than ever in the coming needing food banks to get by? “That honestly is worth its weight in gold. months as they wrestle with contrasting But frankly there’s not much point asking aspirations for the coming campaign. “Football is all I have had since I was someone who isn’t a keeper. seven years old. It’s my life and I live for Jak returns from a loan period at it. “The goalkeepers union is a cliché, but Scunthorpe, fully focussed on convincing they really do help each other out because Steven Gerrard he is the number one “Everyone’s happiness, their mental state, they know how hard a job it is.” keeper at Rangers. has been affected.

SUMMER 2019 9 “People have been helping others pay “I was at Tottenham and there was talk of their mortgages; players were paying the me going on loan and I thought I’m better expenses of the academy lads so they than that. could just get to the training ground. “But the best advice is - just go and play “But we’re hoping that a new season games. The more you play the better it is. brings an end to the troubles and we can At the end of the day whether it’s League start talking about football again.” One, League Two, Championship - if you’re playing, it’s going to lead to better Like most professionals, both GK1s have things. travelled away from home to make a living. “You can go to a top team as a lad and you sit there and at the end of a five or seven Ben, from Leyton Orient to Carlisle while year deal you just have 50 games under Jak has plied his trade from Port Vale and your belt. Bradford, back to his native North-East. “As a young player if you can get out So, what’s the best advice they’ve picked on loan and play even half a season - 25 up on their travels? games or so. Like my brother when he was up in the air at Rangers - just get some “I had a lot of people when I was younger games in. You can learn a lot in training, telling me it’s so important just to get but nothing is going to prepare you for playing time under your belt,” remembers match situations. The highs and lows and Ben who counts Tottenham, Leicester, even making a mistake in a game can Norwich and Leeds on his CV. make you a better keeper.“

10 SUMMER 2019 Attentions turn to England’s recent defeat in the Nations League against the Netherlands, a performance blighted by mistakes made while playing out from the back. So has the advent of keeper- sweepers had a dramatic effect on their requirements to be a top keeper.

“When I was a kid at Sunderland we had a Dutch coach called Kees Zwamborn who couldn’t believe how poor we were on the ball,” remembers Ben.

“He had us outfield training and put a lot of pressure on us to pass out from the back so when I ended up at Peterborough who loved to pass the ball out from the back, I was comfortable.

“It is a shock for some goalkeepers now because a lot of it is based on distribution and passing it out. I’d go so far as to say now that’s more important than actual goalkeeping ability.

“I’ve had different coaches demanding very different skills from me,” says Jak.

“Coming through at Newcastle, Willie Donachie (reserve team manager) wanted us to play route one. Every time I got the ball he wanted me to just boom it as quick as I could into a counter attack.

“At Port Vale, Rob Page was similar. Then when Bruno Ribiero took over, he was quite the opposite and my skills improved significantly. And now, at Rangers, it’s hugely important in the team’s philosophy.

“In the Premier League, you’ve got Burnley, Man City and everything in between. It’s good to adapt and it’s good that me and Ben have been at teams that have done both. “

Who is the better GK? Well that question will have to be answered by a braver soul than this one! To date their Saturday afternoons have been shared just once on the same pitch. Jak’s Port Vale taking on Ben’s Peterborough back in October 2015. Perhaps thankfully the honours were even in a 1-1 draw.

SUMMER 2019 11 takes a look at the stars of the future

WILL DENNIS GK1: Who has been the biggest TS: After the first training session, I knew I influence on your career and why? would be a ‘keeper. I always liked to be the GK1: Why/how did you become a WD: Mum and Dad because they used one who prevented goals! When I watched goalkeeper? to take me to training most nights of the football on TV, the goalkeepers made the WD: Played in goal in a school tournament week and games at the weekend and biggest impression on me when I was seven for one game to fill in for I wouldn’t be where I am without their the goalkeeper and Luton scouted me support TOMAZ STOPAJNIK NK Rudar Velenje GK1: Favourite band/artist? WILL DENNIS WD: Ed Sheeran and Khalid AFC Bournemouth GK1: Who is your footballing idol? WD: Van der Sar or Petr Cech as they were incredible GKs in their prime

GK1: Biggest moment in football to date? WD: Either getting my first pro contract AGE: 18 HEIGHT: 191cm or winning the league trophy and the cup GLOVES: Adidas Predator Pro in U18s BOOTS: Adidas Predator AGE: 19 INSPIRATIONAL PLAYER: Neuer HEIGHT: 188cm CLUB SUPPORTED: Manchester Utd GLOVES: HO Soccer GK1: GKs you would like most to BIGGEST INFLUENCE: Coaches BOOTS: Puma Futures FAVOURITE BAND/ARTIST INSPIRATIONAL PLAYER: Van der Sar emulate? Eminem and Beogradski Sindikat: CLUB SUPPORTED: Arsenal WD: I would love to match Allison or De BIGGEST INFLUENCE: Mum and Dad FAVOURITE BAND/ARTIST: Gea as they’re both massive names and Ed Sheeran and Khalid great GKs GK1: What gloves do you wear? TS: I wear Adidas Predator Pro or Hybrid GK1: What gloves do you wear? GK1: What do you most like to do in your WD: I currently wear HO Soccer spare time? GK1: What boots do you wear? WD: Spending time with the family, golf, a TS: Adidas Predator GK1: What boots do you wear? bit of Xbox WD: Anything! At the moment it’s GK1: What club do you support? Puma Futures TOMAZ STOPAJNIK TS: Manchester United

GK1: What club do you support? GK1: Why/how did you become a GK1: Favourite band/artist? WD: Arsenal goalkeeper? TS: Eminem and Beogradski Sindikat

12 SUMMER 2019 GK1: Who is your footballing idol? GK1: What gloves do you wear? TS: Manuel Neuer, David de Gea and Iker RL: Uhlsport. CHRISTOS TALICHMANIDIS Casillas PAOK GK1: What boots do you wear? GK1: Who has been the biggest RL: Adidas, I’ve been wearing them since I influence on your career and why? was seven. TS: I think the goalkeeper coaches that I have had. A big influence is also my GK1: What club do you support? parents because they have supported me, RL: Crystal Palace and Leeds. Palace as it’s no matter what my local team and Leeds because of my Dad GK1: Biggest moment in football to date? GK1: Who has been the biggest AGE: 18 HEIGHT: 185cm TS: There have been a few big moments influence on your career and why? GLOVES: Adidas BOOTS: Adidas although I think the highlights are when I RL: Colin Barnes has helped me as a coach INSPIRATIONAL PLAYER: Ederson played in the UEFA Youth League against and as a mentor since I was eight. CLUB SUPPORTED: Barcelona BIGGEST INFLUENCE: Dad Sevilla and my first team debut FAVOURITE BAND/ARTIST: GK1: Favourite band/artist? No preference GK1: GKs you would like most to RL: NBA YoungBoy. emulate? TS: Ederson, Ter Stegen and Manuel Neuer GK1: Who is your footballing idol? because they are amazing with their feet RL: Jermaine Beckford. GK1: What club do you support? CT: I like Barcelona. GK1: What do you most like to do in your GK1: Biggest moment in football to spare time? date? GK1: Favourite band/artist? TS: I like to spend time with friends and RL: Being able to sign for Crystal Palace at CT: I don’t have any special preference. family the age of eight. GK1: Who is your footballing idol? ROHAN LUTHRA GK1: GKs you would like most to CT: Manuel Neuer and Iker Casillas. emulate? GK1: Why/how did you become a RL: Gianluigi Donarumma. GK1: Biggest moment in football to goalkeeper? date? RL: I was at a tournament when I was GK1: What do you most like to do in your CT: Playing against Atletico Madrid in the around six and they wanted someone to spare time? Renato Dall’ara stadium when I was 15 put a shift in, in-goal. I volunteered and it RL: Relax and see my friends. years old. turns out I was alright! CHRISTOS TALICHMANIDIS GK1: GKs you would like most to emulate? GK1: Why/how did you become a CT: Ederson, Casillas and Neuer. ROHAN LUTHRA Crystal Palace goalkeeper? CT: I became a goalkeeper when I was 10 GK1: What do you most like to do in your years old. I loved football and thought the spare time? position was special. CT: I usually go to the gym or spend some time with my friends. GK1: Who has been the biggest influence on your career and why? CT: My Dad as he was a goalkeeper too.

GK1: What gloves do you wear? : 17 AGE CT: I prefer Adidas gloves. HEIGHT: 183cm GLOVES: Uhlsport BOOTS: Adidas INSPIRATIONAL PLAYER: Donarumma GK1: What boots do you wear? CLUB SUPPORTED: Palace and Leeds CT: I wear Adidas boots. BIGGEST INFLUENCE: Colin Barnes FAVOURITE BAND/ARTIST: NBA Young Boy

SUMMER 2019 13 GOALKEEPING STATISTICS

Introduction

It is impossible to ignore the rising This is particularly relevant when it comes The general point is that statistics importance of data in football. From to goalkeeping. Counting saves is a media are simply a means of recording sifting through player outputs in the favourite, yet it correlates almost perfectly information. In an ideal world they enable scouting process to ‘wearable’ trackers with the number of shots a goalkeeper instantaneous analysis of hundreds of used to monitor player GPS, heart rate, faces. Rating a goalkeeper by their thousands of players, saving hours and and training load information, never number of saves, then, is to effectively just hours of time spent watching players before have numbers been so prevalent reward busy goalkeepers. and counteract the biases of human in the beautiful game. judgement to which our eyes and minds Clean sheets do the opposite – with are all too susceptible. And it is only set to increase, with Sevilla goalkeepers protected by elite defensive Sporting Director ‘Monchi’ having structures simply having less to do, and at Problems come, however, when described ‘big data’ as “the future of a lower risk of conceding goals. the information recorded is a football” and Champions League winners misrepresentation of what actually Liverpool’s research department including When it comes to distribution and dealing matters. For goalkeepers, the data that is two PhDs in physics – one acquired at with crosses, the problems of ‘basic data’ generally available from a wide range of Cambridge, the other at Harvard – in mount up. Pass accuracy percentage for companies is badly flawed – and missing addition to an astrophysicist and a example, whilst prevalent, is a near useless significant chunks of context – leading to mathematician. measure of a player’s passing ability. As a real danger of misevaluation disguised Jack Butland lamented in a 2017 Soccer as sophisticated insight on an industrial With these and many other examples, it AM interview relating to his relatively low scale. is hard to disagree that data is becoming ‘kicking’ rating in the FIFA 18 video game: increasingly significant. “They’ll do it based on pass success rate. At GK1, we have watched 100,000+ With us not playing short as much and a goalkeeping actions across the past two Numbers are everywhere, from lot of the distribution I do being longer seasons (including every shot on target, possession percentages to increasingly balls, I expect, not a lot of it gets retained.” distribution and cross faced against computationally advanced algorithms Premier League goalkeepers across all that aim to predict the likelihood of It certainly doesn’t take a doctorate from competitions in 2018/19) and recorded each possession resulting in a goal. The Harvard to see that long and forward numerous variables on each occasion difficulty is, not all statistical information passes are more difficult to complete than in an attempt to develop accurate and carries valid insight. short ones played sideways. contextually valid goalkeeping insight.

14 SUMMER 2019 Shotstopping

As counting saves and clean sheets the top corner, with the goalkeeper’s optimal outcome, with the opposition’s is clearly not the way to go, it seems view obscured by a teammate is a very attack thwarted. initially tempting to look at ‘save different proposition to a weakly hit long percentage’ stats in an effort to iron out range effort trickling towards the centre of Our system takes into account both of the effect of how busy a goalkeeper the goal. On the other hand, save qualities these perspectives. We consider the is. What percentage of shots on target also vary considerably. difficulty of every shot based on its a goalkeeper faces do they save? location (how far out, how central), its Unfortunately, this is not a satisfactory Whilst double and triple saves can destination (where the shot is going in the solution, for the primary reason that so be spectacular, they are generally goal), if the goalkeeper’s line of sight is much context is missed. contingent on the initial save being obscured (e.g. if they see it late as it comes pushed into a dangerous area. From through a defender’s legs) and the power The first factor is that, clearly, the difficulty difficult shots, sometimes that may be all of the shot. of shots faced can vary substantially. A that is possible, but if the goalkeeper can rocket from close range going towards securely hold a shot, then that is the Continued over

SUMMER 2019 15 We are additionally recording shots that Additionally we consider situations which are a good response, sometimes bad – occur in a 1v1 situation, or penalties, as the other data providers would rate as a depending on the difficulty of the shot goalkeeper’s actions differ from being ‘set’ ‘goal’ against, when it was not realistically faced. Whether the ball falls in a crowd of for an open-play shot. possible for a save to be made. For example, players to an opponent for a tap-in, or a if a goalkeeper comes for a cross, does not clearing teammate who may keep a clean Against this shot difficulty, we balance the get there, and the cross is headed in to an sheet intact, is mostly a matter of luck. outcome – with a clean hold being better open goal, then it is unfair to downrate the than a ‘2nd hold’ (when the ball is cleanly goalkeeper for shotstopping. If low credit Our method allows us to rate any gathered at the second attempt, but is to be assigned to the goalkeeper, then goalkeeper against ‘elite’ standard – given remains under the goalkeeper’s control), it should be considered as a poor effort at that our system works around a trade-off which, in turn, is better than pushing the dealing with a cross – a very separate area between difficulty and quality of outcome. ball hard and wide, or behind (to safety), of the game (which we will come on to). In the Czech First League, for example, which, in turn, is preferable to a save the average shot difficulty is lower than pushing the ball into the danger zone. Likewise, if a ‘dangerous’ save is made, in the Premier League, so, in order for a and the rebound tapped in with the goalkeeper at that level to be considered These outcomes are all clearly better than goalkeeper lying on the floor and unable ready for a step up to the Premier League conceding a goal (though some additional to react, then ‘negative’ credit will only be (for example Martin Dubravka before credit is assigned if the goalkeeper gets a assigned, if at all, to the ‘dangerous’ save. signing for Newcastle Untied) we would touch on the ball – given they were ‘nearly’ expect their save qualities to be very able to make a save). As noted, sometimes ‘dangerous’ saves strong relative to the shots they faced.

16 SUMMER 2019 SUMMER 2019 17 Distribution As noted in the Butland FIFA 18 scenario, contest from a long ball, but not retaining In addition to this, we also evaluate the level readily available pass accuracy possession. To underline the inefficacy of of pressure goalkeepers find themselves percentage statistics are a poor way of pass accuracy statistics – ranking all top under when playing the ball. Combining evaluating a goalkeeper’s distribution five league goalkeepers with 3,000+ league these factors means our system rates quality (or any outfield player, for that minutes in 2018/19 by their ‘long pass highly, distributions played under pressure matter). Passing is clearly about a lot more accuracy’ would leave the world’s best long- that accurately bypass multiple opponents. than being accurate. A short goal kick, for passing goalkeeper, Ederson, in last place, example, played to a teammate on the with other distribution specialists Bernd The data available from other data edge of the box whilst under no pressure, Leno and Alisson joining him in the bottom providers may identify such distributions is clearly very easy to complete. Yet, in five. Clearly such data is unfit for purpose. as ‘above average,’ but as they are theory, a goalkeeper could play only generally blind to some or all of accuracy easy passes like this, in exchange for an The system we have developed rates quality, opponent locations and pressure, outstanding accuracy percentage. the accuracy of every distribution on precision is limited. For example, the throw a scale of 1-5, differentiating between (below) from Petr Cech against Cardiff City Whilst a number of data providers have those played “towards a teammate in is one of the most effective distributions developed methods that go considerably space” and “towards a 50/50 situation”. we have evaluated from last season. beyond pass accuracy, such as taking Meanwhile, to get around the ‘easiness’ into account the start and end location issue of short goal kicks (which generally We break distributions down into various of passes, these are still limited by the score ‘5’ for accuracy), we also count the types, allowing us to evaluate the quality definition of ‘accuracy’ used by most number of opponents each distribution of goalkeepers at specific parts of the data suppliers. For example, playing in bypasses. In essence, then, we strongly game – e.g. the consistency and quality to the path of a teammate running into rate passes which are disproportionately of their thrown distribution, compared to space is deemed equally as ‘accurate’ as a accurate, given the number of opponents their quality and ability to accurately play teammate getting the first touch in an aerial eliminated from the game. out/through when under pressure.

18 SUMMER 2019 SUMMER 2019 19 Crossing Ranges of ‘counting’ stats are widely occasions when a goalkeeper omitted to realistically be affected), the type of the available such as numbers of punches deal with a cross – for example, if initially cross (open-play/corner/free kick), the and aerial duel win rate, often in addition moving for a cross and then retreating to angle, speed and height, in addition to to the start and end locations of various their line, or simply getting caught in ‘no information on the number of players crosses. The issue with these, however, is man’s land’ and taking themselves out of the goalkeeper would be required to ‘go again, the lack of game-relevant context. the game. through’ (whether or not they do ‘come’), and the pressure they would be under For example, if counting punches – is a Our system aims to take into account as (ranging from a benign teammate through punch ‘good’ or ‘bad’? Of course, it can many of these nuances as possible, with a to an ‘aggressive’ opponent leading with be either, depending on the possibility system designed to assess the difficulty of their shoulder and elbows flailing). of being able to catch the ball or not, the cross and the quality of the outcome. and on the distance and trajectory of The hypothetical gold standard being Against this, we balance the outcome the punch itself. Aerial duel win rate has a goalkeeper who attempts to deal attained, assessing claim quality, punch similar issues to distribution – if the duel with everything and, does so extremely quality (based on trajectory and distance), is considered ‘won’ depending on first cleanly, and in doing so prevents multiple if the goalkeeper made a ‘u-turn’, was contact, then pushing the ball straight goalscoring opportunities and dangerous beaten to the ball by a teammate, got down into the danger zone is assigned just situations for the opposition, whilst themselves trapped between the goal as much credit as a clean claim. creating counterattacking opportunities and the ball in ‘no man’s land,’ spilled or for his teammates. missed the cross, or, worst case scenario, Meanwhile, there is generally no way conceded an own goal. of working out how many opponents By cross difficulty, we mean what is the a goalkeeper would have had to ‘go probability that a goalkeeper will attempt The premise of a ‘good’ response to through’ to attempt to affect a cross, no to affect the cross. To come up with an a cross, then, is when a goalkeeper differentiation between ‘duel’ difficulties answer, we take into account the cross consistently attempts to affect crosses, and no indication of cross pace. Perhaps start and end locations (or where the and maintains clean outcomes when most noticeably, there is no indication of cross would ‘end’ at the point it could doing so.

20 SUMMER 2019 Overall The data we are creating, and the analysis and weakness in performance, and Our services are available throughout that follows, enables a new level of scouting goalkeepers across a range of 2019/20, with data and consulting options accuracy and detail to be reached when markets. available to help clubs evaluate various evaluating goalkeepers from an ‘objective’ goalkeepers, with applications across perspective. The key strength of our methods is that performance analysis, opposition analysis, we watch every clip – by doing so, the and recruitment. We have completed projects with charts we create are not just based on a Champions League clubs and elite sheet of numbers, but by watching every For more detail, please contact Sam goalkeepers to identify areas of strength action and evaluating the relevant context. Jackson at: [email protected] 22 SUMMER 2019 ANDREW SPARKES

Andrew Sparkes is a rare commodity in the world of goalkeeper coaching; at only 34 he has youth on his side however is already vastly experienced.

After starting a coaching career at his “Just like with a young player, as a coach The personal side of the move? beloved boyhood team, Swansea City, as you need opportunities and at the time, I a youth coach in 2003, Sparkes has since didn’t have that opportunity at Swansea to “In my coaching career I’d moved to New gone on to coach in Austria, America (two move up. York when I was 20, spent five years separate stints with NY Red Bulls Academy) there, and then went to Red Bull Salzburg and at international level in Austria, so another with Sierra Leone before complete change and then returning to Swansea City back to New York for a year. in 2013. “From Swansea, to New

Sparkes then grasped the You never York to Austria and back opportunity to take on a to New York were all big whole new challenge as changes. And then going first team goalkeeper coach know what “ back to Swansea for six at South African giants years… I understand it’s very Orlando Pirates, where he difficult to stay in one place has spent a very successful in football.” year – helping the club the future finish second in the South “If you want to meet your African Premier Division and “ objectives as a coach securing a CAF Champions holds... you need to be prepared League spot. However now, to move and challenge Sparkes is looking to relish in yourself to experience a new challenge after parting different things. with the club in June 2019. “Football is football around the world. But We spoke to Andrew on the dynamic of his “And then it was in the off-season when the environment obviously changes with move to Orlando Pirates last summer and I was in America, I got an email asking if the country. how the challenge in making the switch I was interested in joining the Orlando from Wales to South Africa was for him. Pirates. “I was lucky enough to go to Cape Town with Swansea Under-19s three years ago How did move to Orlando Pirates “It was an email out of the blue, but I said for a tournament. come about? ‘send me more details’ and within a week I was speaking to the coaches, talking We went two consecutive years actually “I was with Swansea for six years and built about philosophies and how they wanted and I spent three weeks in Cape Town over up the academy programme as head of to implement a possession-based model that time, so I got to know a little about the academy goalkeeping and the Under-23s at the club. country, the people and the football. goalkeeping coach. “After speaking to the coach and finding Who’d had thought three years later, I’d “I was quite content with my position out what they wanted to achieve, for me be offered a job there?! But that made me there, to be fair, but I always had one eye it sounded like a great opportunity and understand the culture, rather than going on moving into a first team role – and I it was that move to a first team that I’d in there blind.” guess in the UK it’s difficult trying to move wanted.” into a first-team environment. Continued over

SUMMER 2019 23 Change in football culture?

“When you say South Africa and football, people say Orlando Pirates. It’s one of those clubs’ people have heard of, so when I first got the contract I thought ‘wow, it’s a massive club’.

“And I probably didn’t realise the magnitude of the club until I actually went there. It literally is Africa’s biggest team, a massive tradition and following.

“So for me, moving into a first-team environment was what I wanted. Working in pressure situations. Throw in the fact it’s a massive club and everything is under scrutiny - and that took a bit of getting used to - but it’s something I relished.

“Fans want results, there’s lots of home fans, lots of media. They pack out the grounds home and away, because everyone wants to see Orlando Pirates. It’s like the top teams in the Premier League draw big crowds even when they’re away, because everyone wants to see the top teams.

“I was given a three-year contract and the club had not won any trophies for the last four seasons, which for a big club is criminal really. They assembled a really good technical staff, we signed a lot of players last summer, so the short-term for me was to look at Orlando Pirates and make the team as successful as possible.

We were playing in the African Champions League and that was one of the reasons why I went there: to be exposed to different types of football on the continent.

You never know what the future holds.”

Somewhere different in life?

“Born and bred in Swansea. So that was another reason for me to come and grow as a person, as well as a coach. It’s great to be exposed to cultures within cultures, personally and professionally.

24 SUMMER 2019 “I’ve already grown as a person, developing they have everything prepared for them. in Africa, America or somewhere else, my people skills and man management But in reality, how many of those players I had to go out and get that first team skills. Just being out and about in or coaches will survive in a first-team opportunity. It has just added another Johannesburg has helped me adapt to environment in the future? That was string to my bow, and now I’m not just something different in life in general. In another thing for me. pigeon-holed as just an Under-23 coach.” football, with the precarious position you’re often in as a player or coach, you could “I was comfortable in Swansea and, On July 1st 2019 Andrew Sparkes have a season out of contract. although I loved every minute of it, I was announced as the new first team wanted to push myself. Even if it was goalkeeper coach of Southampton FC. “So, if you’re not prepared to move, it becomes difficult.”

Summary of the move?

“Not that it was a loan move for me, but it’s almost like what many Under-23 players are doing now: to go out and experience another league, another country for a first- team opportunity.

“Players and coaches at big Premier League clubs can get content with being in the environment, but not really preparing themselves for the future.

“They go into these nice training grounds;

SUMMER 2019 25 TONY ROBERTS Sitting in his car outside The Wellington Hospital in Swiss Cottage, London, the tears began to flow. The last fifteen minutes of Tony Roberts’ life had passed in a trance, numbed by the news from his surgeon that at the age of 28, his career as a professional goalkeeper was at an end.

For the rest of the afternoon, he drove said if I were to damage my finger again, what the hell am I going to do. As far as I through North West London more afraid I could lose my knuckle, and maybe was concerned my career was done.” than at any other time in his life…he was the whole finger.” In the blink of an eye, no longer a professional goalkeeper. Roberts had said goodbye to the hopes Refusing to wallow in self-pity, Roberts of returning to Premier League football, spent the next few months coming to “I thought I’d play forever,” recalls Roberts to international honours – and a secure terms with the confusion dealt by the – now goalkeeping coach for Wales, in future for himself and his family. trauma, but soon envisaged another Budapest, preparing for their latest Euro avenue back to the game he had played 2020 qualifier in three days’ time. “As a keeper you think you are going to as a boy in the back streets of Holyhead, play until you’re 40. We live in a bubble North Wales. “I’d injured my finger playing for QPR and and you never think it’s going to end. then did it again playing for Millwall, away Being told it was over, was devastating. Eight months on, a chance meeting with to Walsall as I remember.” an old pal was about to give a new lease “It was 2 o’clock in the afternoon and I’m of life, afforded only to the luckiest of “We talked and talked, but the surgeon sat there, crying my eyes out, thinking footballers.

26 SUMMER 2019 “He asked if I’d come along to St Albans treat. A couple of years earlier, I was on “I want my goalkeepers to understand and meet the lads. He said don’t worry the scrapheap. Now I was back, thanks every situation they might face when about training, just turn up on matchdays to a lump of plastic which cost about ten they walk out onto the pitch. They must and see how it goes,” recalls Tony. dollars.” have the tools and the tactical knowledge on board for every eventuality; set It was a risk – but one which Tony was Roberts soon returned home – to play pieces, their patterns of play, whether willing to take. “It was amazing to be more than 550 games for Dagenham they will be pressed by one, two or three back playing. The lack of any day-to-day and Redbridge, playing a fundamental forwards. training meant the injured finger could role as the club rose from the National just about cope.” Conference to League One via a Wembley “When the SAS go to war, they do win in 2010. their homework. So do we! We look at Tony played the rest of the season with St the enemy, how many of them are in Albans. Confidence restored, he wondered “I was definitely a better keeper second each area, where their strengths and if he could play at a higher level. Another time around,” admits Roberts. “The weaknesses lie, what we can expect from chance conversation with an old contact coaching I’d done meant I was so much individuals and groups of players, where’s from across the pond, was to provide a better at reading the game. I‘d learnt to the sun, how’s the wind... I’m giving twist in Roberts’ tale – and another critical deal with every situation that I might find Wayne (Hennessey) everything he needs meeting with a surgeon. myself in during a match – and was so mentally to face Hungary.” much the better keeper for it. In simple “I’m sat there while he’s telling me that terms, I just understood the game better.” When Wales take to the pitch at the he might be able to give me a new lease Groupama Stadium in Budapest, no of life! I went back a week later and he’d In the days before GK1 caught up with Welshman will sing “Hen Wlad Fy designed a plastic splint which I could Tony, he had enjoyed a priceless week of Nhadau”, the Welsh national anthem, wear in my glove, protecting my finger. warm-weather training in Portugal with louder than their goalkeeping coach – a the Wales squad ahead of the double cat with two lives – giving thanks to ‘The “To be honest, it changed everything. headers against Croatia and Hungary. In Land of My Fathers’ and a ten dollar For the first time in years, I could throw all of those sessions, Tony tried to weave plastic splint which rebuilt his confidence myself completely into any situation in this priceless understanding of the and helped shape a career as one of the knowing I’d be okay. I started training with game learnt when doing his coaching most respected goalkeeping coaches in it; I tried every scenario and it worked a badges. football today.

SUMMER 2019 27 XAVI VALERO Stay in goal; Save the ball; Kick it as far as you can!

It sounds primitive in today’s brave new goalkeeping world. But anyone questioning this mantra at the start of the 2010s would have been dismissed as a malcontent, temporarily ‘out to lunch’! Today’s keeper must be the most complete player with hands… and feet.

But as the dust settles on the Sweeper- Keeper innovation, the identity of goalkeeping’s next revolution remains a mystery to all but the most intuitive of GK1 academics.

Like stock market speculation, the secret is to recognise trends before they happen – and before the competition finds out. Part coach, part philosopher, Xavi Valero has the resume of a coaching galactico – and the credentials to predict future trends.

After retiring from a steady if unspectacular career as a player, Valero completed his coaching badges, gained a Masters in Goalkeeper Coaching from the Spanish FA before adding a Master of Sports Psychology from a university in Madrid.

In the past decade, Xavi had coached the very best at Liverpool, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Real Madrid and now alongside Manuel Pellegrini at West Ham working every day with Lukasz Fabianski.

For this latest edition, GK1 has removed the gloves to catch up with one of world football’s most renowned coaches, to lay bare the identity of goalkeeping’s next reformation.

“We have made huge strides in a very short space of time. More so than at any other time,” admits Valero.

28 SUMMER 2019 ‘’Nowadays there is so much information, so many statistics. We’ve developed the physical side of our game; our strength, our nutrition but for me, the most important development in the years ahead is in positioning.

“The mental side of the game has been neglected. It’s vital that keepers remove all the noise in their heads. The game around them game is more intense. The only way to regain control is to be in a strong position all the times. This will drastically improve the chances of making the right decision and cut down the likelihood of making a mistake.

How do you go about making sure you’re in the right position?

“To be in a good position you need to consider a lot of analysis. Some keepers are born with a better sense of positioning than others. I truly believe that, with coaching and self-development, goalkeepers can dramatically improve their positioning.

“Analysis allows a keeper to anticipate what will happen next. This is so difficult because today’s football is so dynamic. If it were a static game like say, chess, it would be simple. But when you’re in goal, it’s so easy to end up in the wrong position. There can be very little space between being in the right place and the wrong place.”

The secret to good positioning is to think less, rather than more about what’s happening in front of you?

“Anyone who loves football can be amazed by the best players and how simple they make the game look. As coaches we are often guilty of making coaching sessions too complicated. For a goalkeeper, we need to simplify the game.

“This aspect is vitally important. By keeping things simple and the mind clear, keepers are more able, in real time, to get themselves in the right position.

SUMMER 2019 29 “At elite level, keepers already have the is far more likely if the goalkeeper’s your thoughts and emotions and to be physical and technical ability to be doing positioning is strong. focussed to allow your mind to concentrate. well. “It sounds simple, but it can be very “You can develop techniques to help you “However, most of the mistakes you and complicated. On and off the pitch there decide what is important to focus on – and I see come from positional mistake. If we can be many things going on in a ‘keeper’s what to ignore. Those that identify what’s can help develop their thinking, to simplify head; so many things going on in front of relevant the quickest, will prosper. the game in front of them, then this can them during a game. become a huge help to them.” “To analyse at speed and have the mental “I don’t think professional players really ability to control the game by being in a Most goalkeepers are over- notice if they play in front of 20,000 or strong position is so important. thinking what’s going on in front 80,000. The inner noise comes when you of them? are trying to think quickly or maybe the “There’s no doubt that the years ahead game hasn’t gone well for you, you have will see coaches spending more and more “Exactly. It’s important not to worry too mental noise that you must control. Because time developing a ‘keeper’s thinking, much about making saves. The most a keeper has lots of time to think, sometimes rather than their handling, their diving and important thing is consistency and that during the game, it’s important to control their technical skills.”

30 SUMMER 2019 You’ve worked with some of Better positioning is not an “My time with Manuel, that’s been another the finest exponents of the art instinct – or can it be learnt? huge step forward. He understands how of goalkeeping over the past the keeper is involved with the team, how decade. Who was in the right “It’s a difficult question to answer what a he must work with the defensive line and place at the right time more than youngster has from birth and what they the importance of the keeper in relation to any other GK1? can be taught. The keepers that I’ve had in how the team defends. Napoli, Madrid, Liverpool or in Milan - all ‘’I’d have to say Pepe Reina was the kind had the ability to focus on the important “Having said that I think I have learned of keeper who could do anything on the things; to see what really matters during to love the English weather a little better pitch. the game. Sometimes you find a young than Manuel.” keeper who is able to see things early and “He could control the aerial play, he you don’t know or why, but they just have could play with a high defensive line this talent. as a sweeper, he was excellent with his distribution, and one-v-ones. “Equally, I think a young keeper can be taught these things. It goes beyond the “He was the kind of keeper who had the physical and technical ability to do anything you could ask of him aspect of the game. It’s as a coach.’’ the challenge, but it can be done.” And it’s not just keepers who you have helped? At Liverpool, How important have Rafa Fernando Torres said you were and Manuel been in your crucial to his development as a development as a coach? striker, in anticipating a keeper’s next move. ‘’I’ve been so lucky to work with two top managers and I have learnt a lot from ‘’I always like to give this extra information both. Rafa was excellent at helping me to outfield players, wherever I coach. In understand how to manage situations particular, one-v-ones are important. I still in a game and a training situation that is talk to our strikers today. If I think there challenging to you as a coach. “He gave is something relevant that I can give a me the personal tools to cope with the striker, that will help them make a better pressure and the demands of the players. decision, I will.”

So how is the next campaign looking at West Ham?

“We are very optimistic. Lukasz is one of the highest rated keepers in the country and we have some fine young keepers coming through. When I arrived at West Ham, it was not just to develop our first team keepers but also to develop our young keepers, so we are putting together a goalkeeping department. In the last few weeks we’re very excited to have signed 16-year old Krisztian Hegyi, who for his age, is definitely one of the best in Europe.“

SUMMER 2019 31 3D SHOCKZONE Optimized punching effect with integrated high rebound foam. Control the game REFLEX CUT

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uhlsport.com uhlsport.com New: the oﬃ cial New: the oﬃ cial uhlsport blog uhlsport blog AB1 - ASMIR BEGOVIC

Few keepers understand the requirements of a glove better than Bournemouth and Bosnia -Herzegovina keeper, Asmir Begovic.

The team talk is done; the last-minute preparations complete and GK1s all over the world – whether professional or grassroots – turn to their gloves to help make sure the ‘goals against’ column remains undisturbed.

After more than 240 appearances over a decade in the Premier League, the 31-year old has used his knowledge and experience to create AB1 – a range of goalkeeping equipment with a burgeoning reputation.

“I’d started an academy back in Bosnia and it became clear pretty quickly that the kids were struggling to find good quality, affordable gloves,” says Begovic as he enjoys his summer ahead of his third pre- season with Bournemouth.”

“The concept was born there and then. I felt I had so much to offer in creating a range of gloves for those kids back in Bosnia through to colleagues at an elite level.”

AB1 now boasts a range of gloves offering a host of different models to suit even the most discerning of shot-stoppers.

“For me personally, I like the negative cut. It gives me the best overall feel of the ball; the most comfort and the best fit.

“I want to be able to trust my glove in all weather conditions, whether in sunshine or rain, it’s important I can concentrate on being the best keeper I can be without worrying about my gloves.

“Now, after a few years of hard work, sales to those kids in Bosnia are thriving and our reputation in the UK is something to

34 SUMMER 2019 be proud of. “The whole project has been hugely rewarding – and it’s particularly cool now to see pros wearing AB1s However, Asmir continues to work closely with glove guru, Adam Sells, to improve their equipment further still. “Adam has developed some of the best gloves that money can buy over the years and his contribution has been key to our success.

“Between us, we’re working hard to keep abreast of the developments in technology along with the needs and aspirations of ‘keepers, to carry on developing the best glove we possibly can,” explains the former Chelsea GK1, who has 61 caps for his country, playing a crucial role in them reaching the World Cup finals for the first time in 2015.

So, what were the key requirements – the USP if you will – which AB1 focused on to create its version of the most complex piece of equipment on a football pitch? “The neoprene materials used in the wrist “Jordan’s an amazing young man who has are of the highest quality and provide terrific the brightest of futures. We’re delighted “A keeper has to love his or her gloves,” strength and protection. I can’t wait to wear to have him endorsing our gloves and it’s explains Asmir. “The last thing a keeper them in the Premier League this season.” been so much fun watching him grow into wants to be is uncomfortable. You must such a formidable player.” trust the materials and the grip. The The latest pro to join the ranks of AB1 fans testing process has been fundamental to is GK1 client Jordan Holmes, a rising star our success so far. between the posts – and Australia U23s number one. When we’re happy, I get to try the prototype and make any final adjustments. You can experience a host of different weather conditions in 90 minutes, so they have to provide peak performance in all conditions. And they have to be durable.

“Unlike a lot of keepers, I like gloves straight out of the packet. I don’t machine wash them; just a quick rinse in the showers.

“I can get through 25 pairs of gloves per season, but I know that’s not the case for lots of our customers, so AB1s have to be durable. We insist on using great latex.

“These days balls are travelling faster all the time and we need to work in tandem with the latest technologies to be able to keep us ahead of the curve.

SUMMER 2019 35 BALL LAUNCHER After spending a long time behind some other sports regarding introducing new technology, football is now catching up fast.

With the recent introduction of VAR, goal line and wearable technology to name a few, it is an incredibly exciting time to be in the game. In this fast- changing environment, it is perhaps fair to say some technologies are better than others, and we have come across one that is really making a positive mark in football from grass roots up to professional level, the Ball Launcher.

What is the Ball Launcher?

The Ball Launcher is an innovative training tool that can provide every ball delivery possible from grass roots up to professional level. You name it, this impressive machine can reliably serve up anything from inswingers and outswingers to lofted slow chips, fast dips, bouncers and even knuckleballs with speeds ranging from 5mph up to 80mph.

Why do we need this?

The Ball Launcher removes ball delivery wastage and takes consistency into its A key requirement of training in the “It always creates a form of excitement, own hands; it can deliver well over 200 modern game is also player engagement a lift and seems to elevate the players’ good balls an hour to work with. This and providing an interactive and focus in the sessions. Players look forward brings immense benefits in terms of enjoyable session alongside the important to the sessions where the machine is training output and the speed in which technical learning. It is widely recognised involved and love the sense of competing players of all ages and abilities can that concentration levels and the ability with it. This is true of our premier league develop. to learn quickly is optimised in this kind of customers right down to our customers at training environment. Having put this to grass roots level. Coaches and their goalkeepers can the company Managing Director, Daniel concentrate on coaching and learning Judge, his response on the Ball Launcher’s “Many of our customers who run rather than ball delivery. With the machine ability to provide this supports it. academies, camps or private sessions set up, coaches are free to observe the also report it has attracted new customers players and focus on getting the best “100% we built the Ball Launcher with this and raised their profile by using the latest out of them. Let us be clear, there are in mind. We have witnessed it many times technology.” deliveries like serving quality crosses that ourselves through the sessions we have are difficult to replicate time and time conducted, and importantly it’s one of the The staff at Ball Launcher, a UK based again without frustration or very tired main types of positive feedback we get company, have tried to think of everything legs! from our customers. in the creation of this machine. It is not

36 SUMMER 2019 only able to repeatedly replicate any A look at the company’s website www.ball- in action through a number of videos delivery you could imagine, but it is launcher.com shows that there are a broad showing training sessions of it in use. lightweight, easily portable in a small range of benefits that come from using family car, affordable, nice to look at this machine with numerous testimonials If you’d like to ask the staff at Ball and uses the finest grade of materials to support. Furthermore, navigating on Launcher any more questions or make throughout. to the companies YouTube channel from an enquiry, please contact them at: the website helps to show these benefits [email protected] For a young company, they have been able to attract some high-profile customers with their product so far. However, MD Daniel is keen to point out that the company welcomes customers from all levels of the game from grass roots to professional.

“We have designed this machine to be able to help all ages and abilities train and improve. It is extremely versatile and can be adapted easily to suit the level of the users. For example, it could be used for a fun and engaging shot stopping session with seven year olds at 15mph in one session, quickly followed by an intense 80mph whipped high speed cross and claim session with Premier League players in the next.”

SUMMER 2019 37

OUTSIDE THE BOX Danny Naisbitt

As is common knowledge in football, many players find coming towards the end of their career difficult. A career in football can pass in the blink of an eye, and those who were used to training every day and pulling on a club shirt every Saturday, suddenly don’t.

At GK1, our ‘Outside the Box’ feature playing professional football, as well as options of what I might like to go into. I did attempts to explore the avenues that what it is like finishing a career in the sport. set a business up with my partner at the players can go down when the time time in relocating footballers so that was finally arrives to hang up the boots or We sat down with Danny to ask how that one option. take off the gloves for the last time. experience was for him and find out about life ‘outside the box’ as a football agent. “However, at that time the recession hit As an agent at World in Motion / GK1, hard and I was doing a lot of work with Danny Naisbitt is an experienced ex-pro Did you always plan to become agents and their players through my day- we know very well. Having had a long- an agent after your playing to-day business. Through this I knew the playing career which included spells career? agency industry well and it was something at the likes of Brighton, Brentford, AFC that I was always interested in – I then Wimbledon and Cambridge United, the “Later on in my playing career when I got decided to explore that further and I’ve ex-goalkeeper knows a thing or two about to around 30/31 I started to look at other been involved ever since.”

40 SUMMER 2019 buy you, being out of teams and being dropped by the manager, moving to different parts of the country.

“I moved from the North East down to Birmingham, and then on to London so I have had to relocate a few times. So, I have had experiences in the scenarios that can throw themselves up in a season and I can naturally help the players with when to knock on the managers door and when not to, and potentially which moves are best for them.”

What has been the highlight of your career as an agent so far? Many players find life after a good at providing courses so get involved playing career difficult. How did early, meaning you can finish your career “I’ve looked after Ryan Bennett for quite you find the transition prior to and get started straight away. Obviously a number of years now, so seeing him hanging up the gloves? as agents we advise players on how to play 34 Premier League games and more manage their money, whether it’s property in the cup last year for Wolves was great “I played for 18 years after leaving school, or something like that, we always try to and he also signed his new contract last so it was a big change from going into give little bits of advice the best we can to December. training every day and being around a make the transition as easy as possible.” group of twenty plus lads with all the “Ryan has become a great friend over the banter and that side of it. I am very How have you found your work years I have represented him, so it makes it fortunate to have stayed in the industry; as an agent, and have your extra special for me. That’s probably been I get speak to players day-to-day and get experiences as a player helped my highlight but every deal I do is really to watch three or four football matches you in any way? enjoyable as I know I’m helping the lads a week - mixing with managers, coaches out. Sometimes when a deal is ongoing, and scouts at those games. “I love what I do now. It definitely helps I don’t really sleep at night as I know we that I have been a player, I have sat where need to get it sorted, whether it’s finding “So it was relatively easy for me really, the players are sitting now, and I have the player a new club or transferring from although I can understand that it’s difficult been through a majority of the scenarios one to another – it’s a big part of their life for some players who finish their careers that they are facing. Being in the team so I don’t take that lightly. So saying that, and go into other industries as there’s no and playing well, having clubs trying to every deal is a highlight really.” industry quite like football.”

What advice would you give to players/goalkeepers who are close to finishing their careers?

“Depending on which avenue they want to go down, they need to get qualified. If they want to go down the coaching route, I’d advise them to do their badges early. It’s important they’re not finishing their career and then doing the badges, get them whilst you’re still playing.

“Likewise, if they want to go down the route of another industry, such as an electrician or a plumber - the PFA is really

SUMMER 2019 41 Meet the team The World in Motion Group and GK1 Management, is one of the UK’s foremost sports management companies, with a reputation for both professional excellence and integrity. The company offers a comprehensive and exclusive management service to footballers, and each aspect of a player’s career is dealt with by a qualified expert. Andy Evans - Chairman and Registered Intermediary Chairman and founder of World in Motion (in 1997), Andy’s experience in the fields of commercial and sports law is one of the foundation stones of our success. Having established a reputation as a formidable lawyer with international law firm, Freshfields, Andy became a licensed FA players’ agent in 1997 and has negotiated over 500 transfers. He is fluent in French and Spanish and represents clubs home and abroad, helping them find the finest talents around the globe. Andy is also editor-in-chief of GK1 magazine. Email: [email protected]

Charles Mountifield - Chief Executive Officer As Chief Executive Officer at World in Motion, Charles works closely with Chairman Andy Evans on company operations in general and business development in Australia in particular. Charles is a former Director of World in Motion and after twenty years working in professional sport in the UK and France, Charles returned to Australia in 2011 with Essentially Group and was the company’s CEO until 2014. Charles read law and sports management at university and holds an LLM in Sports Law and an MSc in Sports Management. He speaks French and combines his role at World in Motion with consultancy work and university lecturing. Email: [email protected] Bill Pethybridge - Licensed Players Agent Bill joined World in Motion in 2000 from a leading multi discipline marketing agency, Exposure, where he was heavily involved in the planning and implementation of nationwide promotional and marketing campaigns. Prior to Exposure, Bill spent six years working as an Event co-ordinator and travelled Europe working at high profile sporting events. After gaining his FIFA licence in 2001 Bill has built up his own portfolio of clients, and now represents a number of Premier League and Football League players. As World in Motion has grown, Bill has taken on more responsibility in terms of recruiting and managing young players and developing our links with foreign players and their representatives. Email: [email protected]

James Lippett - Licensed Players Agent James joined World in Motion from New Era Global Sports in October 2010, having obtained his Agent’s License in 2008. Based in London, James has a domestic client list comprising Premier League, Championship, League 1 and 2. He also represents a number of international players that are currently playing overseas and a select group of Managers/Head Coaches. James has also become an influential agent in the German market having negotiated transfers to take players to Bundesliga/Bundesliga 2 and also has also moved players from Germany to England. Email: [email protected]

Charlie McNicholas - Licensed Players Agent Charlie joined the World in Motion team in 2010. He is responsible for the identification and recruitment of UK talent and for our Spanish and Portuguese office. A graduate of Oxford University, Charlie is also fluent in three foreign languages, enabling him to play an integral role in the rapidly expanding overseas division of World in Motion. Email: [email protected]

Mark Bennett - Licensed Players Agent Mark has had a fifteen-year career in the football industry and has built a notable reputation as an international intermediary. He has successfully negotiated numerous contracts for players and clubs in both the UK and throughout Europe. Mark brings a host of skills to World in Motion including professionalism, integrity and a focus on building long term associations with clients. Email: [email protected]

Danny Naisbitt - FA Licensed Intermediary Danny Naisbitt joined the World in Motion team in February 2016. Ex-professional goalkeeper Danny had a playing career which lasted over twenty years and he played for a host of clubs including; Middlesbrough, Walsall, Barnet, Brentford, AFC Wimbledon, Histon, Brighton (loan) and Cambridge United. Danny’s clients include Premier League players/goalkeepers. Email: [email protected]

Ian Bird - Sports Agent Ian joined World in Motion after several years in the industry spent establishing Evolution Sports Management, specialising in Cricket, Rugby and Boxing. Based in Cardiff, the business has established a strong market presence and Ian has developed a reputation for honest, ethical management. Ian brings with him a stable of talented clients and will look to develop new areas of business at World in Motion along with promoting the overall brand. Email: [email protected]

42 SUMMER 2019 Michael Gorman - Attorney & Licensed Player Agent Michael manages the American MLS and South American markets for World in Motion, dividing his time between Los Angeles and Medellin, Colombia. His strong relationships in South America and understanding of the complex MLS rules have helped him to negotiate over €25 million in total transactions since 2012. Michael speaks Spanish fluently and previously worked as a finance attorney for investment funds and the United States federal government. Email: [email protected]

Jonne Lindblom - Licensed Players Agent Jonne joined World in Motion full time in early 2016. After gaining his FIFA license in 2010, Jonne started his own agency, Golden Star Management. Headquartered in Helsinki, Golden Star has offices in Tallinn, Stockholm, New York and Brussels. Jonne has established an excellent contact network in Scandinavia, Central Europe, United States, Colombia and other global markets. He has completed over 60 deals for international players, including Uruguay legend Diego Lugano and 100 transfers overall globally. Jonne runs the Scandinavian office for World in Motion and divides his time between Scandinavia and London. Jonne is fluent in Finnish, Swedish and English. Email: [email protected] David Balda - Football Consultant David joins World in Motion with a background as a former football player and an education in management and marketing. He has experience as a football scout and sports director at football clubs. He is fluent in English, Czech, Slovak and Polish and will assist World in Motion principally in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland. Email: [email protected]

Gabor Lucza - Football Consultant Gabor runs the Central European office for World in Motion and divides his time between Hungary and England. Gabor is a former Hungarian U19 player, whose career was cut short by injury at the age of 21. Before joining World in Motion, Gabor was with Nike Hungary for a number of years, forming relationships with clubs, players and corporates. Gabor has excellent relationships with a number of clubs in Central and Eastern Europe and has been integral in developing a successful Central European branch of the company. Email: [email protected]

Dejan Smuk - Football Consultant Dejan Smuk joined World in Motion in 2015. He was CEO at a leading outdoor advertising provider in Slovenia, also worked in Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Macedonia. The company has been owned by two private equity funds from the UK and Poland and having been sold to one of the major global outdoor advertising groups, he was involved in implementation of regionwide promotional and marketing campaigns which brought him a wealth of contacts in a Balkan region. The former football player has a background in coaching and scouting and has previously worked with a lot of football clubs in the region, where he was responsible for marketing and development strategy. This brought him an in-depth knowledge of the former Yugoslavian football market. Dejan speaks English and all languages of former Yugoslavian countries. Email: [email protected]

Theo Karasavvidis - Football Consultant A former professional football player who played for the Greek National Team, made over 300 appearances in the Greek Super league and spent seven years playing in Italy, Theo has been a football agent for over ten years. He has been involved in many major transfers and he is considered to be an expert in finding young, talented athletes. He has an excellent knowledge of the Italian and Greek football market and is fluent in Italian, Greek and English. Email: [email protected]

Sam Jackson - Head of Research & Analytics Sam joined World in Motion in the summer of 2016 having caught the company’s attention with a blog devoted to the statistical analysis of goalkeepers. Holding first-class BA and MA degrees, Sam works closely with World in Motion’s goalkeeping-focused subsidiary, GK1 Management, to develop new methods of analysing goalkeepers in order to uniquely assist clubs with their goalkeeping recruitment. He is also responsible for identifying talent across all positions with a range of statistical methods. Email: [email protected]

Alex Wylie - Data Scientist As the Data Scientist at World in Motion, Alex works in the Research & Analytics department on identifying talent and providing support to football clubs with their recruitment processes. In addition to holding BSc and MRes degrees, he is an accomplished programmer who brings experience of implementing data science techniques within a myriad of industries – including professional football at Leicester City. Email: [email protected]

Ben Read - Social Media and Database Manager Ben joined World in Motion in 2019 to take responsibility of the company’s online presence through social media, as well as working closely with agents to manage the in-house database / app. Ben holds a BSc in Psychology and during his time at University published a dissertation on the ‘Impact of Colour on Sports Performance’ focussing specifically on a large sample of English Premier League games. Ben was also deputy editor of this magazine. Email: [email protected]

SUMMER 2019 43 Your future in safe hands

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

Tel: + 44 (0) 20 8741 6060 Fax: + 44 (0) 20 8741 6062 Email: [email protected] www.worldinmotion.com Email: [email protected] www.gk1.co.uk

@GK1info @worldinmotion_