Posted by Justin - 22/11/2008
Q. Hi Richard, this is a great web site. Just wondering if you ever worked with or were coached by Alex Welsh, who worked with me way back in 1991, when I trained with him, Tony Parks, and Paul Heald? 3 great people right there. If not Alex, who was your first real goalkeeper coach?
A. I have only ever been coached by Alec Chamberlain, Colin Barnes and Kevin Hitchcock, I have however heard of Alex Welsh and even read a book of his, I can't remember what it was called but I remember it being very good, you might know what I'm talking about?? I also know of both Tony Parks and Paul Heald, both very highly thought of.
I believe the way the game is now it's essential to have a good coach at a young age otherwise the basic techniques which are vital will be missed and could prove costly as you move up the levels. I was fortunate to work with Colin Barnes at a young age and is something I plan to do once I hang my gloves up, I'd love the opportunity to develop the talents of a young keeper.
Posted by Sean Jenner - 21/11/2008
Q. When lets say you save the ball and the ball goes off for a corner, i see you sometimes shouting something. What do you normally shout to people?
A. I'll normally shout to them to make sure they are where they should be! We all have a certain job to do when we have a set piece against, so it'll usually mean a player to mark, if someone is daydreaming then it could cost us a goal so I just try to make sure that everybody is switched on and ready for the corner! You'll see a lot of players shouting at each other during a game and sometimes even arguing but it's never personal, it's purely because we all want to win.
Posted by Sean Jenner - 21/11/2008
Q. I am a Season ticket holder at Watford and i have been to a few away matches. The most recent one was the Barnsley V Watford game and i thought you did superb. But i feel that at the moment our defence is letting us down. What do you think are biggest let down is? and will watford be buying any players when the transfer market is open?
also At half-time and the end of matches when you got back through the tunnel what do you do in the changing rooms and so on?
A. Thanks, I think it's quite a fine line between success and failure sometimes and I feel we've been on the verge of something special for some time, thankfully we've managed to pick up some encouraging results again Swansea in the cup, QPR and Bristol City recently, so I don't think there's too much to worry about. Also I think the style of football we'll be playing under Brendan will please the fans greatly so look forward to that!
Not too sure what the plans are for january regarding transfers, like most clubs I'm sure we'll be looking to strengthen but sometimes it isn't quite as easy as that due to finances.
When we get into changing rooms it generally depends on how the performance has gone, if we've won a game then the mood is obviously very good and the music will be blaring! It's normally the opposite of that if we've been defeated. Footballer's on the whole don't take losing all that well as you could imagine!!
Posted by Robert Hewitt - 20/11/2008
Q. Hi Its me again with the broken wrist. Having had the injury for between 6-7 weeks now it still hasn't healed. Psychology is a subject that I have been studying recently and I believe it plays a massive part in sport. What I want to know is how you got over your broken arm psychologically and how you felt before you made you first save on it.
A. Hi Robert, sorry to hear that it hasn't healed yet but give it time, your body can only heal at a certain rate and you need to allow it as long as it needs before putting too much stress through it.
For me the broken arm was a tough one psychologically as it takes a while to trust that it's healed, what I found was that a gradual build up into training helped me a lot and also it's important not to rush into games. I've found that when i've rushed an anjury I often come back not quite match fit and therefore don't do mysle justice, which affects self confidence. Make sure your wrist is strong and you are feeling as sharp as when you got injured before you play another game, that'd be my advice. And don't worry about your wrist, I am informed that bones heal stronger than before due to the extra callous created during the healing process.
Keep me informed and good luck.
Posted by Steve - 17/11/2008
Q. Hi Richard, like you Ive been using the Sells Wrap Aquas for quite a while now. I was just wondering if you have tried out any of the new exosphere range and if so what you make of them in comparrison with the Aquas. Thanks
A. Funny you should mention the exosphere range as it was only very recently that I was made aware of them so I do fully intend to give them a go. I see they are quite an expensive glove so I'm intrigued as to how they perform. In truth though I've always been very happy with the performance of the aqua wraps and haven't worn anything else for a good few years now.
Posted by Gaz - 16/11/2008
Q. Hi Richard, what a great site - nice to see you value keeping in touch with fans and other keepers - especially the youngsters!
As a Blackburn fan, I was hoping we would sign you as from the few times I saw you warming up before games when you were on the bench you looked pretty sharp.
As a keeper myself who is very interested in gloves, I wanted to know how often you change match/training gloves? Also, some of the websites that offer personalisation on gloves claim to persoanlise gloves for the pro's - is that the case for you or do your gloves come direct from the supplier?
Thanks for your time and I hope all goes well with Watford.
A. Thanks!
I'm quite fortunate in that I'm sponsored by Sells and they've been great with me. I love their gloves and not only that, they've stuck by me through injuries etc so I'd never leave them. They do actually personalise my gloves which I believe they do for quite a few keepers now and I probably get through between 25-35 pairs a season. Which Is ridiculous when I think about it because I remember being a kid and making one pair last a season!
I've always been very careful when it comes to gloves though, I find there's always a period of 3-4 games when they feel great, so sticky and as a result my confidence in them is high and it plays a part in my game, on the other hand when you warm up and you can feel the ball slipping a bit it can have an adverse affect on my game so I always make sure my gloves are in mint condition and thoroughly cleaned the night before a game!
Posted by harry - 12/11/2008
Q. hi richard, i am also at crystal palace and being coached by colin barnes. when he was your coach what was the most important thing that he told you about dealing with crossess shot stopping,pass backs and communication?
A. ok in order...
Crosses - positive in decision making, punch or catch? deal with it at the highest possible point, good spring
Shot stopping - On your toes, always expect a shot, eyes firmly on the ball, ready to explode, always look to catch and if not possible then parry into a good area.
Pass backs - one touch or two touch? early decision, if one touch then a solid strike, weight through the ball. if two touch then good touch and pick out your striker.
Communication - Clear and consise, don't commentate, just the important information that the defender needs (Away, man on, push up etc)
I would also add a few things to that list, I believe your body language is important, look dominant and if you do make a mistake (Which we all do) Then react well, make sure your next involvement is a good one. I actually have a list similar to this which I refer to before games to make sure I'm switched on to my individual tasks. Hope this helps. Say hi to Colin for me!
Posted by Charlie Bull - 10/11/2008
Q. Richard,
I am 16 years old and am also a goalkeeper,
what is the best way of getting myself noticed as the team i play for never have any scouts come to watch,
Thanks a lot
A. I understand your frustration. My advice would be to somewhat force the issue yourself, if you believe you have a talent then create openings for yourself.
I know this maybe sounds easier than it really is but maybe do some research as to who is head of youth development at clubs you are interested in and write them a letter. Explain who you are and what you believe your strengths are and include a picture etc and ask for a trial. The worst they can say is no and I'll bet that if you ask 10 clubs you'll at least get one trial.
Plus the last thing a club want to do is allow talent to slip through their fingers. Look at Alan Shearer, turned down by Newcastle as a kid and they had to pay £15 million for him a few years later!
In essence it would be like sending out a CV for a job, I hope this is of help, let me know how you get on.
Posted by Kate Wilkins - 09/11/2008
Q. Dear Richard,
We are worried watford fans - do you think we are going to be ok this season?
On a different note you have some real highs and lows recently - are you able to concentrate on the highs and keep the lows out of your mind during the game?
Good luck
Kate and Adam Wilkins
A. I'm sure we'll be fine, I understand those who are worried but I'm confident that we are really close to being a top team in this division, some of the football we've played recently is the best I've seen for a good number of years to be honest. It is such a thin line between success and failure though and I think it's important that we don't lose focus on the good things we are doing, if we do continue to play good football then results will come and we mustn't lose faith in that.
On a personal note it has been a really odd season to date, I've had a few man of the match performances coupled with some games where I've felt nothing has gone my way, I've never really experienced anything like it in my years at the club but thankfully my past couple of games have been pleasing so I'm just focusing on the good that I'm doing and trying to build on it.
When I'm playing I try to focus my mind on the present and will evaluate my performance after, which can be quite difficult if I were to have made a great save or a bad error as it's natural to keep thinking about that moment, but it's something I'm working on and getting better all the time.
Keep the faith, we'll be fine!
Posted by Clare - 09/11/2008
Q. I was really shocked when Aidy got sacked! Do you think Malky Mackay will do the club good? Also I just want to say I met you on thursday at the Harlequin christmas lights switch on thanks for the autograph and picture. x
A. That's ok! :)
I really like Malky so would be delighted if he got it and I'm sure if he deos that he'll give his all into making his time a success. He's an incredibly driven person so I'm sure if he does get it he'll do watford proud.