Steve's Blog

I was asked recently by two different outfield coaches in first team football what my philosophy was in terms of style of play. Both I think wanted to know if my preference was possession based, building from the back or a more direct style of play.

Over the years I have often received “Clips Packages” from goalkeepers, when I have been working either in Academy football or First Team football.

This year is my first Christmas Break in the professional game since 2013. 

With the Manchester United defeat on penalties to Villarreal in the Europa League Final its certainly sparked a fair bit of debate on the intricacies of penalties.

Do I think goalkeepers should never face criticism?……NO……..but do it in a constructive not destructive way

Do I think goals should be analysed?……..YES…….but in a balanced way looking at the start point of the attack to the finish, not just the final action where the goalkeeper is beaten.

I hear the phrase “The Modern-Day Goalkeeper” a lot and how these days goalkeepers have to be good with their feet with a big focus being on playing out from the back.

"The Goalkeepers Union" is a term that is often used in the game, but what does it mean?

As coaches we need to work out what is required of the goalkeepers for our club/team/academy when looking at our programme of work

Do we have a positive or negative culture in England?

Spare a thought for your goalkeeper..........