Posted by nick - 25/05/2008

Q. Hi. I was just wondering what you will be getting up to in your summer break and will you be hoping to be wearing the no.1 jersey next season? Also, check out mine and my mate's myspace site and let me know what you think.

A. I have a holiday booked next Saturday. I'm going to Florida for a couple of weeks with my girlfriend.

Then after I get back I'm going to Spain with Alec Chamberlain and Ben Foster the day after for a bit of golf! So that should be a fun break.

Yeah I am hopeful of being number one. But whether i'm number one or not won't change much in how I approach next season.

Also I had chance to look through your page - very impressed!

Posted by kirsty p - 23/05/2008

Q. Hi Richard. Just wondering if you have thought about going on that tv show "Beat the Star" on ITV?

A. I have to be honest I don't know what the show's about! What's the idea of it? Let me know and who knows!

Posted by Andrew Flynn - 15/05/2008

Q. I am a big fan of yours and would have had you second to Tommy for player of the season. i have to ask about Hull's first goal in the second leg, what happened? Does it annoy you that if a defender is at fault for a goal it's quickly forgotten as where for a goalkeeper to make a mistake its much more highlighted?

A. Thanks, as I mentioned in another one of my answers, the ball looped up and my initial thought was that the ball was there to be caught. Unfortunately I made a misjudgement and couldn't get to the ball in time and then couldn't recover.

I'll always take responsibility when I believe I could've done better and I hold my hands up on that one.

You are right in that, unfortunately, being a keeper mistakes are often remembered longer. I haven't made many this season but people still seem to ask me about the Charlton one I made a few months ago before mentioning the games I played at West Brom and Stoke for instance,

But that's football and I'm big enough and ugly enough to deal with that!

Posted by Marc Brigginshaw - 15/05/2008

Q. Rich, great site. We were at the game last night and really felt we were in with a shout after the early goal. Having read your comments in another question about keepers' starting positions and being positive around the box it's my opinion that in trying to do so last night you got caught out a bit. Do you think as I do that the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to taking chances coming off your line and that 9 times out of 10 you'll snuff out the risk before it becomes a goal scoring opportunity as you have done many times of late with your trademark star jump in the face of strikers that aren't expecting you to be so advanced? Seems to me that the role of a keeper has changed over the years, Alec was never one for racing off his line but was a great keeper in his day. Things have changed and I think that a keeper has to do a lot more work around the box nowadays and as such is a lot more vulnerable to so called gaffs. Last night was a night for taking risks, you took one and it didn’t come off. At least you gave it your best.

A. Thanks, I fully agree with what you say.

I have always tried to be positive in my decision-making as it has worked well for me over the years.

I admire keepers that play that way and yes, it did catch me out on wednesday. When the ball looped up my first though was can I get this before the striker. Unfortunately after taking three steps I realised I wasn't going to get there and had no chance of recovering. The harsh reality of being a keeper is that despite whatever else I did in that game, that will be the moment that is remembered.

It's not nice but I can live with that and it won't change how I play as a keeper.

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.