Posted by Andrew Ediker - 07/10/2008

Q. Howdy I came over from the US a year ago and I saw my first high octane soccer match on the weekend and now I am a converted Watford fan! I really would like to start playing football as it looks really fun! Do you need any qualifications to become a professional footballer as I have just got a US PE qualification which is equivilant to a B in your GCSEs? I was thinking of becoming a goalkeeper as you do not seem to move very much which is great for me because I am not that energetic but I do take up allot of room. PS Up the Hornets and congratulations on your century of games!!!

A. Thanks, Well I'm pleased you enjoyed the game so much!!  and as for GCSE's, most of the lads have less than you already have so that won't be an issue!!  I wish you all the luck in the world in your pursuit of a professional contract.... 

Posted by Dave Gregory - 06/10/2008

Q. Hello Richard, I am being coached at Crystal Palace Academy by your old coach Colin Barnes, I realise he is one of the best in the country, but what was the most important thing you learnt from him and why? Also, What Do you think is the most important aspect of goalkeeping? I believe that is to have great presence in the goal and for players around you, what do you think?? Thanks. Gregaz U14.

A.

Hi,  Yeah Colin is excellent, very wide knowledge of the game but most importantly with me he thought outside the box, he put on many drills for me that have helped me with my spring and agility and being smaller than most keepers that was vital for my development.  He realised what I would need to make it, every keeper is different and by recognising your strengths and weaknesses early on will give you a chance to maximise your good points and work on the not so good.

  I agree in that presence is vitally important, I believe this can be achieved in many ways.  It is a massive misconception that presence is based purely on height and how a keeper 'fills' the goal.  My definition is slightly different, I believe it is how a keeper conducts himself around his goal.  presence ranges from taking pressure off defence by being brave and coming for crosses, it also means being a loud voice behind your defence so they know you are the boss and have faith in what you say.  Presence is also being big enough to make a mistake yet bounce back instantly and perform your next task well. 

  All of these come under presence in my opinion, you are fortunate in that with Colin he knows what's needed for a keeper to become technically sound so providing you work hard and keep your motivation/enjoyment for the game then you have a great chance of fulfilling your potential.  Good luck!!  Thanks for the question.

Posted by Dr Watford - 05/10/2008

Q. Hi Richard (or should I say Mr 100 games for Watford!) - Congrats on reaching that golden career milestone in the 2-1 win against PNE. It was a shame that Tommy Smith's 50th goal got all theheadlines mind you. So what 3 games have most stuck out in the 100 and if pushed what would you put down on record as 'the save of your career' so far? Dr Watford

A.

Thanks!  Is a tough one to call, there have been some big games due to the various occassions, FA Cup semi final for instance, playing in the play offs, playing at Old Trafford in front of 70,000+ people and making my debut were all massive occassions.

  I think my best three games were against Portsmouth in the 04/05 season when we ran out 3-0 winners and made the semi final (Only for me to break cheek bone a week prior!)  Another favourite was against Stoke last year, 0-0 draw in which I was fighting for my place and managed to put in an important performance when it mattered.  Another favourite was when we defeated Sheffield United on penalties also in the 04/05 season.  The number one for me though would have to be the draw we gained away at Man City, I had plenty to do and I think that was the performance that gave me another lease of life under Aidy.  Plus it was live on sky which was nice!

  Regarding best save I'd have to say one that I didnt actually get all that much credit for, it was home to Man Utd and was a flick at the near post from Saha I think and I went low to my left and caught the ball at the right angle for it to go for a corner.  It was my favourite for a few reasons, I'd read what might happen and it took a certain amount of sharpness to get down and scoop it away.  Other saves that stick out were away to Man City, a low free kick from Joey Barton and in that Portsmouth game a few years back and save high to my left from Patrick Berger.

Thanks for that question, I enjoyed reliving those moments!! ;-)

Posted by Clare Walker - 04/10/2008

Q. Hi Richard, you're my favourite player at watford, not that i want you to go but haven't you ever thought about leaving and going to another team. you've been at watford for ages haven't you got bored!!??

A.

Thanks claire,  I have to be honest in that haven't ever been bored.  Football can be funny, if you are somewhere where you feel appreciated then boredom is never a factor.  I've always lived near watford (Except year at Blackburn) I love the area and have lots of family and friends close so am very happy to stay.

  I'll be honest in that I've had times when I've thought this could be it for me at Watford but thankfully I've always been able to fight my way back into the team.  If I could look into the future and still be with Watford in 10 years time then I'd be a happy man but unfortunately with football it's not that simple, the way the game has changed it's very unusual for someone to remain with a club as long as I have, all it normally takes is someone to dislike you then you will be making way for someone else.

  As things stand though I am happy, I hope to perform well over the coming months and gain a new contract but am open minded that nothing is written in stone.

Posted by Russ - 02/10/2008

Q. Hi Rich, I know you have your Dr Cap business, but do you have plans for when you decide to retire from football (if you decide to retire that is!) ? I guess your options are to either get into football management, get into "sports media" or try something completely different. Having heard you talk on the TV and radio and from reading this excellent site, I think you'd be good in media. There's a good new web-blog on the BBC by Gavin Strachan (Gordon's son, self-proclaimed" journeyman" and Notts County player) where he talks about his media training - have you seen/read it? Cheers, Russ

A.

Hi Russ, thanks for your question and is interesting that you ask this as it's something that's been on my mind more in recent months.  I've been struggling a bit with my knee and it makes you realise football won't be there forever.  I haven't actually seen the blog you speak about but i'll be sure to check it out.

  Personally I'm aiming to get my coaching badges at the earliest opportunity and I have some great ideas when it comes to setting up a goalkeeping academy.  It's something I have a passion for and I truly believe I know what ingredients it takes to produce a top goalkeeper.  I'm actually planning on starting a course within the next few months when I have obtained the neccessary coaching badges and first aid certificates etc.

  Away from that I have had the opportunity tio develop a couple of properties with the help of friends which I thoroughly enjoyed and can also be a good source of income if done well and would look to do more of in time (Once the credit crunch passes!!)

  Something else that interests me is the idea of being a personal trainer, again seeing the improvement in someone could be a good buzz and seems like a fun way to make a living.  I have enquired about courses and plan to take some home learning in order to have something behind me if I were to ever need it.

  The media side of things would be great to do and in time I'd love to have the chance to be involved in that side of things.  In theory it does sound like a dream job, sit in a studio and tell everyone else what they should be doing, can't be bad eh?!!

  I do still have dr cap too (which will very soon have it's website completed www.drcap.co.uk !!)  This is still going well and is fun to have.

  As you can probably gather I have a lot of dreams away from playing the game but I do realise that I'm in a very privileged position at the moment so fully intend to maximise my career but keeping in mind that I have other options there once I'm done.

Thanks for your question.

Posted by Matt Rowson - 30/09/2008

Q. Hi Richard interested to read that you stayed up north between Sheffield and Burnley. Question: do you get any jabs when having to play in Burnley? I would have thought that all precautions should be taken when visiting a place where mobile phones are regarded as witchcraft? All the best....

A.

Ha, I couldn't possibly comment ;-) . . Thanks

 

Posted by scott - 24/09/2008

Q. Hi Richard Great website. A whlie ago i was lucky enough to meet watford legend Luther Blissett at a charity event and i was just wondering who your favourite footballer was growing up?

A.

  I had a few idols but being a Man Utd fan as a youngster meant that Peter Schmeichel was an idol of mine.  I've never had the pleasure of meeting him unfortunately.

  I do know Luther quite well though as he was reserve manager for a time at Watford so played quite a few games under him and still see him on random golf days from time to time!  He's a really nice guy and a true Watford legend.

Posted by Sakinah - 04/09/2008

Q. Hi Richard i need to ask u a quetion. I have my GCSEs coming up in a year but i still want to continue playing for Q.P.R but i have so much coursework to do and stuff. Although i still have Aidy on Saturdays which is a postive note. I still want to do training on Fridays but my work is in the way,and my coach is wondering if i should still play for the club because I have missed so many training sessions. What shall I do. I don't wanna stop playin footie i love it to much!

A. Sounds like a tough situation. I remember my time at school and it was tough and time management was essential.

In fact for the past 10 years I've kept a time diary, so at the beginning of a week I'll work out exactly what I will be doing in the week ahead.

It sounds like something like this could be of use to you? Plan when you have time to put in extra training and what nights you can dedicate to homework? And importantly, what time you need to relax and unwind.

I'm sure it is possible to do all you want to do if you plan your time well. Hope that's of help.

Posted by Sakinah - 31/08/2008

Q. Hi Richard i like the website. It's very nice! Do you remember me, i came with Aidy once to yor training ground about a couple of months ago, and you signed my magazine. It was an honour meeting you. You are someone that i look up to very much, since I am a goalkeeper as well. Hopefully we can meet again! P.S i also support Manchester United. How did it feel to play agianst the team that you support?

A. Yeh I remember, good to hear from you.  Was an incredible experience playing against Man Utd and although we lost the games I learnt a lot of valuable lessons from them.  They currently set the bench mark in england and can't wait to play against them again.

Posted by daniele - 30/08/2008

Q. hi richard howd u enjoy mick paynes wine? lol thanks for turning up it felt quite inspiring to ask the pros some questions thanks

A. My pleasure and the wine was lovely thanks!  Do enjoy a glass of red wine from time to time!!  Glad you enjoyed the day, I'm a big fan of what Mick does and is something I'd see myself doing one day as I think it's a great benefit to keepers of all ages.