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!
Posted by Joe Kon - 08/05/2008
Q. Hey richard...whats your normal warm up routine? what do you do to get ready? any advice for warmups when you dont have much time?
Thanks, from a yank fan of yours.
A. My normal routine would be a good jog with plenty of different movement: side steps, high knees, heels to bum etc., a good stretch followed by passing and clipping the ball 30-40yrds.
Then I run through a few drills I may have to use in a game. So volleys to chest x 8, half-volleys to chest x 8, drilled half-volley to feet for pick-up x 4, dipping volley boucing just in front of me x 4, strikes off the floor from edge of box x 12.
I may also throw in a set of low dives each side and mid dives each side depending on how energetic I felt! I'd then go into crossing from either side and some longer kicking including half-volleys and side-volleys (which i still haven't quite mastered but i will soon!)
My biggest advice when it comes to warming up though is that it really is an individual thing, you need to do whatever you need to do to make you feel confident to play a game.
The example i'd often use is Ben Foster. He could quite happily just strike balls for 30mins in a warm up, step into a game and play the game of his life. So it really is an individual thing. If you don't have much time then choose the drills you think you need to do - you don't have to do many but enough to feel confident.
By the way am impressed to get an e-mail from the States! Great stuff!
Posted by Dan Kitchen - 07/05/2008
Q. Hey rich i was watching the keeper dvd and i noticed you were in it that must have been fun being in that dvd what was it like?
A. Yeah it was a lot of fun. I thought it was a great idea to put some of the drills we do onto DVD as I know as a kid i'd have loved that and been able to learn a lot.
It was also nice to meet a few other keepers that I wouldn't normally train with. Hope the DVD has been of help to you.
Posted by Grant - 06/05/2008
Q. How long have you been playing football and what is the best part of playing?
A. I've been playing since I was about three years old, joined a team when i was six (as a left-winger!) then joined Watford at the age of 10.
I get great enjoyment out of putting into games what i do in practice, so making a great save gives me a big buzz. But i'd have to say the best part is of course winning...we all love to win!