Posted by Joe w - 13/05/2008
Q. Hi Richard. I was wondering who is the best player you've ever played against / with? Also how did you feel about jordan getting released a couple of days ago? Many thanks!
A. I'd have to say best player I've played against is Cristiano Ronaldo, I think he's been incredible for the past couple of seasons and is the best player in the world right now for me.
Best player I've played with is a tough one but on current form you'd have to say Ashley Young. He's gone off to Villa and really made a name for himself. He's a really nice lad too, so we're all really pleased for him.
Regarding Jordan, as far as I know it was a mutual decision, his contract was up in the summer so it was agreed by both parties that he could leave. Jordan certainly made an impression around the training ground; a great person to be around, always smiling and joking around and I'm sure he'll find himself a good club.
Posted by Em Hebbs - 13/05/2008
Q. Hi Richard, this is the first time i have seen your website and must say it looks really good and is a great idea. I saw on one of your pages that you say the higher you aim the more the achieve. I just wanted to know what it is you do to keep motivated when things don't seem to be moving and how you handle the pressure. Thank you and good luck.
A. Thanks. We all have our own different motivations I believe.
For me it's always a case of keeping that higher vision in sight, I know what my ultimate goals are so I try to make sure that all my actions are in line with those goals. It's these goals that give me the energy required to put in my all everyday knowing that these goals will give me rewards, both externally and internally.
It's quite timely you ask this as I'm writing this the day after our defeat to Hull and sometimes it can be tough when you feel like you've given everything yet haven't got the outcome you feel you deserved. For me, giving your all doesn't guarantee you will suceed but giving up guarantees you'll fail.
Regarding handling pressure, I put a lot of effort prior to a game into controlling my emotions, only allowing positives thoughts to enter the mind. This works for me but can be quite a personal thing. I believe it's a case of doing whatever it takes to get you in the best state mentally to face your challenge.
Posted by Scott Putman - 12/05/2008
Q. Hi Richard, I've been a goalkeeper for over 10 years now and being 6ft 6in in height, I really thought I might make it as a footballer (not being big-headed!) I also play as a target man up front for obvious reasons. Do you think that I should give up hope as I am 18 now, nearly 19, or carry on playing for my Saturday team and hope for a trial one day? Couldn't put in a word to Aidy for me could you?!
A. It's never too late; there have been many examples over the years of players joining the game at a late age and achieving great results.
Being the height you are it would definately be an advantage as a keeper providing you are mobile etc. If you really believe you are good enough then don't let anyone stand in your way, call or write to clubs and tell them what you have to offer - if you can get a trial then you never know what might happen. I wish you luck!
Posted by Rob Jones - 10/05/2008
Q. Hi Richard
Recently Boothroyd's 'hoofball' tactic has been criticised. People didn't moan when it got us promoted, but it isn't working recently this time around. What's your view on this?
A. It's a good point. I personally believe we've received some harsh critiscm regarding this subject. I did a piece this week regarding 'labels' we give to people and I believe this is a label we've acquired as a team.
I don't deny that we play some very direct football and there have been some games this season when we have lived up to the 'hoofball' tag that you mention but, once we're in the final third of the pitch, we've played some really good football.
We have a lot of quality players and create a lot of chances. I'm writing this after the game against Hull and I think those who were there would back me up when I say that we kept the ball well today and passed it about it bit.
I do believe that if we go up then we'll have learnt from our last experience in the Premiership and our style of play will alter slightly but I do believe there is plenty of very positive stuff in how we play, it just often gets forgotten.
Posted by Michael Froom - 10/05/2008
Q. First of all i think your website is a great idea and gives a real insight into the footballing world. I remember when I was younger and playing there were always a few teams we used to hate playing for various reasons. Are there any particlular teams that you or any of the lads dread playing? (for whatever reason). Following on from that, which grounds do you least like visiting? Many Thanks.
A. I guess with different teams you know you'll have a different challenge.
For instance with Stoke you know that they'll get the ball in the box and as a keeper you'll get battered about a bit! Whereas West Brom will look to thread a lot of balls through and keep the ball for longer periods so will require a different performance most of the time.
I wouldn't say there were any I particularly preferred but when it comes to grounds that I dislike I'd have to say Burnley and Plymouth this season...just because the dressing rooms are so small!
Posted by David Mellis - 10/05/2008
Q. Would you relish the prospect of being in a penalty shootout in the playoffs? I was also wondering who would be higher in the pecking order in a penalty shootout out of you and Lloyd Doyley.
A. Ha, Lloyd would kill me for saying this but I gotta say I'd take one ahead of him!
As it goes we have been practising penalties in recent weeks just in case that situation arises. I think as a keeper you are in a no-lose situation when it comes to a shootout; very little is expected so if you can save a couple you are the hero.
I do believe there is a technique to saving them though, without knowing it a lot of penalty takers give away where they are putting the ball before they've even run up - subtle signals like looking at the corner they want to put the ball, or lining up the Mitre sign in line with the corner and many many more. I've always had a pretty good record in shootouts so am hoping that if given the opportunity I can continue that in these play-offs.
Posted by Mark - 10/05/2008
Q. Who were your football idols when growing up and did you always want to be a goakeeper?
A. As a kid, like most keepers I liked Peter Schmeichel but once i realised I wasn't going to be 6ft 5in I decided I needed a different idol!
There are many keepers I admire, current day ones would include Brad Friedel, Ben Foster but top of the list would probably be Iker Casillas.
As a kid I played left-wing but always enjoyed being in goal and I always knew it was just a matter of time before that was the postion I'd dedicate my attention to. I made the switch when I was eight years old and haven't looked back since.
Posted by Brian Mays - 10/05/2008
Q. Hi Richard, What do you think of the current loan system? I'm not a big fan of it myself but I do understand the benefits to a player of being able to go on loan to a lower league club(typically) and getting some first team action/experience. I think it can be damaging to the team receiving the loan player sometimes as it is denying another player already at the club of a chance to develop. Just as an example, as much as I liked Ben Foster when he was at Watford and think he is a hugely talented keeper, I would rather have seen you in goal for all of the recent Premiership campaign and not just against Man Utd, when you and the rest of the guys were up against it to say the least! Loan signings can also affect the outcome of key matches too and I think the system should be changed so that if a player has already played against a team for one club then he can't play against them again for his loan club. Rant over, my apologies!
Best of luck in the play-offs mate.
A. Rather than answer this here it's the kind of subject I'll use for one of my discussion points in coming weeks.
Thanks for the question, is an interesting subject you bring up.
Posted by Chelsea Martin - 10/05/2008
Q. Hiya Richard, i'm just wondering. What other sports or hobbies do you have that you do in your spare time?
A. As a kid I used to play all sports! Cricket, basketball, tennis, golf, snooker and even chess! (that's if that can be classed as a sport?!). But with football taking up so much of my life and with rest being an important part of a footballer's life I don't get much chance to partake in much else. I do play the occassional round of golf but I haven't even played that for a year or so now!
I do watch a lot of sport on TV though. I just love competition, there's nothing quite like an event that's unscripted with two competitors or teams battling against each other in any sport.
Posted by Dan Lewis - 09/05/2008
Q. Hi Rich, im really looking forward to the play-offs and cant wait, how are you preparing yourself and do you ever feel nervous? Good luck!
A. The play-offs are a very exciting time and yes I do get a bit nervous. We all want to give our best and with that often comes nerves. I think it's a case of using the nerves in the right way and not allowing them to get the better of you.
Unfortunately the first game hasn't gone exactly as we would have hoped but we still have another game so keep the faith!