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!

Redhill vs Hythe Town (12/04/14)

This weekend gone I went down to Redhill again to see them play visiting side Hythe Town. Hythe's goalkeeper was the busiest of the two goalkeepers and put on a great display to keep the score down.

Thoughts/analysis
Hythe's goalkeeper was solid for them and a real difference maker. Without him and his play on the day the scoreline would have been a lot different had he not performed so well. His team pretty much fell apart around him, making things more difficult as they argued amongst themselves and struggled to play a system, so was called upon to make more saves! It seemed to be a case of him almost having a 'blinder', and could have won man of the match for the away side.

• Managed to spill one low ball but otherwise had great and 'soft' hands; gobbled up rebounds, although was unlucky with a low ball that he spilled, rebounding straight off the body
• Great long balls thrown over arm to start attacks (rather than kicking) just like Schmiechel would; good eyes and reads to spot free players
• Low ready stance but not overly crouched like the Chips' goalie etc.
• Very high line up the pitch out of the box during the game
• Unlucky with the first goal from the penalty - almost went the right way to cover
• Great jump; great height and reach for high balls and crosses versus the current idea of scouts for a tall goalkeeper (urban myth of long arms = good goalkeeper!!)

A long throw (one of many) by the Hythe goalkeeper to start an attack.

Hythe's goalkeeper standing way up the pitch on a high press.

The only ball spilt by Hythe's goalkeeper.

Hythe's goalie with great ability to catch a high ball. Old school technique for the win!

Although it was more of a case of a defensive breakdown, it is important for the goalkeeper to be responsible and not drift off to sleep or lose concentration in an easier game. Greaves got caught out leaving his area to go for a high ball, only to end up making a hash of it. Just as a problem for pro's too, with Casillas experiencing a similar goal against Dortmund in UEFA semi-finals last week.

Here he would have been better being more decisive and gone for a clear than stop and second guess himself, causing further problems...

Greaves caught out in 'no man's land' on Hythe's only goal.

Kit
Hythe's goalkeeper's kit:

• Uhlsport goalkeeping gloves - not sure which model though! Looked like rollfinger gloves...
• Tape round socks, above and below shin pad!

Rimando impressing

Nick Rimando of Real Salt Lake has been more than impressing enough for national scouts and coaching staff to give him recent call-ups to the international side. Given the chance to start rather than bench as he has been, he is repaying the faith of his coaches. Competing in a friendly against Mexico most recently and having the opportunity to further prove himself and his ability.

And as the World Cup squads reach their final stages of selection across the globe, let's not forget the need for a strong third choice. Anything could happen and it's best not to take things for granted when it comes to relying on a standout first choice. Just like Marchetti having to step in for Italy in 2010 after Buffon's injury. Or Marcus Hahnemann stepping in for Howard. A regular choice as third choice for America, he also knows his role, but more than that, as a team player and leader off the pitch, gives America qualities other teams won't have; making sure there is friendly competition between goalkeepers and they are in a good state mentally (as required for the pressure position of goalie) to play their best in games when selected.

Proving scouts and agents wrong about size
Another noteworthy part of Nick's rise to elite status, is his size. Legendary goalkeepers from previous generations (Banks, Clemence, Shilton etc.) have said time and time again how size isn't everything, and it is more important to have a strong technical game and abilities that can't be taught; such as reading the game and saving intuition and natural reaction speeds. And yet this goes totally ignored by scouts in the pro leagues more interested in visual stature than ability, especially in England right now.

And Nick is dismantling this pointless myth. If a goalkeeper with better technique and ability is overlooked through size, even if his ability to jump and launch off the ground is more than enough, we may as well all put our head in the sand and give up coaching goalies! And Nick is a great inspiration for those of us who don't top 6'6 or more. Determined to prove doubters wrong, take heart and be prepared to go the distance just as he has!


At 5'10, Rimando is not the tallest but this doesn't stop him being one of the MLS's best goalies. Michel Vorm is another goalkeeper disproving the myth about height. Able to reach shots that Tremmel cannot with his technique, even if he is a lot taller, Vorm steals Swansea wins and gets them points, as well as having great distribution (ranked highest in stats atm) and acting like a solid sweeper at times. And the same is true with Rimando as Vorm; like Manny Legace in ice hockey, don't let comments grind you down, keep fighting and the opportunities will come as people notice your true ability!

This gives hope to those who are a little challenged vertically (not sure if that sounds humorous enough, oh well, just trying to make light of the sizesists!), like myself, who aren't six foot and never will be, of the chances of playing to a high level with the use of a natural abilities and athleticism. In America, there is definitely no 'glass ceiling' for goalkeepers and height. For now it is so, but hopefully it will stay the same and stand out from the crowd across the world. Let talent reign and not height be an automatic qualifier!!

With English scouts preferring size and visual presence over true talent and athleticism and agility, it's a struggle to prove coaches at lower levels they are wrong. The system of scouting for money and ignorance  fails to support domestic talent. But this can be countered with learning a higher jump and learning to communicate with defenders when it comes to dealing with crosses.

For a great physical reflection of the size differential, you can see the difference in the following link!

Jimmy and Nick

Considered a little unorthodox in his approach, he is a true competitor and fights for his team mates (without a left hook obviously!). You can see some of his best highlight reel stops below, a great motivational for any goalie, no matter how tall (or small!)!

Hamer takes over from Thuram

With Charlton, managing to climb off the bottom of the Championship league table, a lot can be said of the change 'between the sticks'. Ben Hamer has been given his chance, playing with a lot more desire, energy and urgency in his play than the Frenchman who came in to replace him at the January transfer window.

After Hamer impressed in Charlton's cup run and forcing his way back into league play, the question still remains why Thuram was brought over in the first place. Obviously Charlton's new owners had a vested interest in getting him game time as they hoped to see him takeover as first choice for his main side across the sea, in Belgium in the next new season in September, allowing Thuram to get more games under his belt and develop. But he has really struggled with the rigors of British football.

Noted for being a lot more physical in corners and on attacks, Thuram struggled with crosses and the language barrier could also have been an issue (maybe?!! Especially with communicating what he wanted from his defence anyway). This, and his constant approach to palming away the ball than catching, not so skilfully as Cesar (in his time at QPR last season) is capable of.

And he has also struggled with the back-pass ruling and the involvement of the goalkeeper in passing play and as a passing option, scuffing up a back pass from a defender, allowing a scoring chance that nearly had coaching staff and fans diving to cover their embarrassed faces in their hands. These things combined meant that Thuram was costing his team rather than offering them a chance to fight back in games and up the table, again leaving critics scratching their heads over why he was given playing time when it was actually more of a disadvantage than an advantage for his team mates and his new club.

So with Hamer reasserting himself, will Charlton fans actually miss Thuram (in the expected return abroad over the summer), especially considering Hamer is doing a better job as their first choice goalkeeper right now?

Speroni still Pulis' first choice

Even with the signing of Hennessey and the talk over a goalkeeper change-up at Palace, Pulis seems to be sticking with veteran Speroni for now, with the decision paying dividends as Palace move up the table with a win against West Brom this weekend. Pulis will be concentrating on a defence heavy, defence-first approach, as seems to be his 'style', with this disciplined focus central to his successes at Stoke. This can often favour a goalkeeper as they are less exposed, in constant communication with their defensive line (helping with staying alert themselves), and know what is expected of their role in this system. Making the most of Speroni's experience and wise head on strong shoulders, Palace should be able to continue onwards and upwards and maintain their Premiership place as other teams slide down back to the league from whence they came! 

Pulis sticking with Speroni for now

So as it turns out, making assumptions makes an ... out of me, especially when it comes to sports writing. Going by the info for projected starters available, Hennessey was supposed to be going straight into action for Palace. But for now Speroni is still top dog between the sticks at Selhurst Park. Palace managed to hold Arsenal for the first half, keeping things scoreless until the second half, showing strong discipline in maintaining defense. Proving that Palace need more scoring opportunities created rather than worrying over their defense, given Arsenal's tallies against teams so far this season. Over the longer short term it will be interesting to see if Hennessey gets the chance to fight for playing opportunities, is simply given them, or if Pulis continues with Speroni.