Redhill vs Guernsey FC (15/04/14)

So yesterday I went along to another game at the home of football (Redhill, not Brazil, can't see this attempt at humour going anywhere though...!). The game itself was a pretty interesting spectacle with the away fans bringing a bit of fanfare and ardent enthusiasm with them as they crossed the seas to see their beloved team in action! The away team also got into a

Goalie thoughts/playing style
Guernsey's goalkeeper Chris Tardif is a former pro with experience with Oxford United and Basingstoke amongst others. And... it showed! Even at this level, the amount of difference in thought of technical approach to set plays and technique with the little things adding up to show a total of a more rounded and complete goalkeeper.

His height was obvious, being around the six foot mark; one of the key scouting areas for agents of pro 'keepers now (showing the difference in expectations of pro goalies and goalies at this level to be fair) as well as his stature and physique being pretty muscular and capable of longer drives at goal kicks.

Setting up for free kicks, he seemed to prefer to stay nearer his line in case of a redirection and last second change on the flight of the ball. And set up his defence accordingly, with a line of defenders holding a higher line against the opposition hoping to break out on the release of the spot kick.

His shot stopping qualities were most obvious, but he was very vocal and in tune with the players set up in front of him. One save that stood out was where he dove to his left, committing against a shot that went to his right, only to claw out his right hand to keep the ball from heading into the mesh of the net. This in turn showed great reaction speeds to make a movement changing reflex based save, even at the age of 33.

The save in question.

He was also very vocal. A reflection of the need to be like the leader of an orchestra barking out orders to his squad, he gave commands and talked with his team rather than at them! Like Milan from the Chips game and the Hythe goalkeeper, he liked to roam around his area and set up behind his back four on the angle of the last defender in case he was needed as a passing option. Unlike a lot of the other goalkeepers, he actively played as a 'sweeper', rushing out at the right time to kick clear. A lot like you'll see Vorm doing. That level of extra skill on show being a sign of better things?!

He seemed to get away with a sneaky catch at the edge of the area (a fairly guilty like like that of Roy Carrol suggesting so anyway...), which actually looked to be outside the area. Redhill have gotten lucky against a few times with decisions going against opposition goalkeepers, like Crawley Down's goalkeeper handling outside the area and getting sent off to turn the game around. This was essentially at the death, and had Redhill been awarded the penalty things could have been totally different than the 1-0 loss for the 'Lobsters' based on a ground out win for the away side who scored against the run of play.

Kit
I *think* Tardif was wearing Selsport gloves (think he was spotted in Wrappa classics last season), but wasn't really paying enough attention (oops!). Sponsorship might play into that, otherwise no idea!

Hammers phasing out Jussi

Going into this season, there were going to be question marks surrounding Jussi Jaaskelainen and his ability to "come up with the goods" each game having reached the ripe age of 38. And playing a more reactive goalkeeping style that sees him sit deeper in his area, closer to the line, and use his reaction speeds and athleticism to deal with shots, a sure sign of beginning to lose his capabilities. And without developing or adapting his approach to make up for these difference makers, such as attacking shots through an active depth stepping out to compensate etc. things were going to come to a head in terms of goalkeeper selection. And with Adrian now taking over, it looks like Jussi's days in the limelight will soon be over, relegated to cup games, although he could still play on somewhere, just potentially not in the Premier League, especially with so many teams locked up in their goalkeeping departments.

Adrian signed in the summer window from La Liga side Real Betis, on a free, saving the East LANDAN side a bit of goalkeeping depth and cover, with more upside if things didn't work out, unlike United's failed deals which cost them financially and in game points (early on after Schmeichel's retirement as well as recent ones). The deal itself was a bit of a surprise, so he must have done something to catch the scouts' attention, with Adrian only making his debut with the Andalusians last season at the age of 25, having only truly represented the B team before then. With Big Sam's wheeler dealing win the vein of Harry Redknapp (though he's not normally as good at it as Arry, although it looks like he hasn't signed a Gomes, although the Brazilian's problems were more down to psychology than talent, with the ability to be truly world class at times, but alas!), West Ham may have actually done themselves a big favour signing a future starter on such a small fee.

Jussi is a curious case in terms of playing career, a lot like Shay Given, a goalkeeper who in his prime was one of the best goalkeepers in the EPL with his play in possibly the top three goalies at the time, a real elite goalkeeper, but was let down by club loyalty and not moving at the right time in his career, which would otherwise have seen him potentially earn silverware and more credibility. As you can see here:

And both played internationally and stole points for their teams in their eras of ability. Jussi has said he wants to carry on playing into his 40's but in what capacity this will be, is a bit of guesswork.

But he has bucket loads of experience whereas Adrian just plain and simple doesn't: a huge indicator in goalkeeping often: in relation to confidence, dealing with losses and pressure, and being consistent for every game in a season. And this showed tremendously just weeks ago. The more aware a goalkeeper is of expected shots thanks to learning from previous mistakes and years playing in a league with pace and ability, Jussi was able to keep the score line down more so than his competitor Adrian against Chelsea in the cup. Halving the deficit allowed in the first game from six to three in his own game is a reflection of this. And you could argue that Big Sam is better sticking with this level of ability for now.

But his new choice is starting to get comfortable with being the "go to guy" for his new team. And Adrian has been sharp off his line, confidently coming out to intercept and collect on through balls at the top of the box, which is needed to shut down scoring chances and attributed to his clean sheet today. His shot stopping is also getting properly worked, making some key stops of late, and for now is proving himself to a be a steal.