Posted by Jodie - 30/01/2009

Q. What do you think of Tamas Priskin? I know quite a few of our fans don't rate him, and he always seems to leave the pitch quite quickly during games. I think he's brilliant (I think you are too ;)), and I wondered what your take on him is as a fellow team-mate Thanks xxx

A. Thanks.. I like Tamas, I think he's found it tough adapting to the english game but this season he's showed what he's capable of.  Technically he's very good and probably the best finisher we have at the club.  He's still very young so am sure he'll continue to improve.

Posted by steven - 27/01/2009

Q. Naturally it must be frustrating being in and out of the side, but on a personal note, do you think you can still play at a higher level or do you believe the Championship is where you belong?

A.

My aim always has been to be a top premiership keeper ever since I was 10 years old.  It's got me this far so I think it's important I don't lose focus.  Whether I become that or not as yet obviously I don't know but I've always felt that the higher you aim the more chance you give yourself of fulfilling your potential.

  In saying all that I have a lot of resect for the Championship, I know it's a very high level of football so my immediate aim is to be a regular keeper in this division and then from there who knows.  It goes without saying that I'd love to become all this with Watford and it'll take a lot of hard work personally and collectively to become what I've dreamt of becoming but it's something I enjoy so should be an exciting journey and hopefully a happy ending!

Good question.....

Posted by Dave - 26/01/2009

Q. Hi Richard Great site thanks! Ben Foster is a good example of a keeper using physical attributes of size and strength to 'command' his area. Other keepers of a similar stature seem almost glued to the goal line. I assume this is a confidence issue. How do clubs instill this confidence if not naturally there?

A.

I think confidence has a lot to do with the individual, many have confidence naturally and have very little fear, I'd put Ben in this catagory.

  I do also belive there is work you can do to improve your 'confidence', so those who may not naturally be the most aggressive in games can do mental training to help them with their attitude towards being 'commanding' in games.  As you say many keepers are physically naturally big but not commanding and the opposite can also be true.

  I think clubs can help with this issue, keeper coaches mainly but again I honestly think this issue is down to the individual.

Posted by Simon Doherty - 25/01/2009

Q. Hi Richard I was just wondering: 1 Should a gk use strapping tape around his wrists or fingers during a match/training and would you do it yourself? 2 What equipment should a keeper take with him during a match or wat should he bring/ use in trainin? 3 wat are the best gloves to use? i have been using sells last season and this one and they are doin me no harm! 4 do u have any tips on kicking or wat i could do to improve kick outs? thanks Simon

A.

Ok here goes.....

1-  I personally don't use strappings, my belief is that by using strapping your body gets used to them so could weaken the area (Just my belief I must stress)  I do however use strappings if I have a problem in that area, ie after twisting and ankle or spraining a wrist etc.  We are fortunate in that we have physio's to do the strappings, plus they are qualified in doing them in the most efficient way.

2- For training I'd always take a large bottle of water with me, when dehydrated you risk injury and poor performance.  I'd also wear padding if the ground is firm, elbow and hip padding mainly, not for games htough.  Obviously for games I'd wear shin pads, I wouldn't wear these for training unless we were playing games in training then I'd put them in.  A towel is always useful if conditions are wet and a cap can be handy if the sun is bright.

3- I personally wear Sells so would of course recommend them!  They are being worn by a lot of top keepers now which is proof of how good they are I believe.

4- Kicking is largely to do with technique.  My advice is always to just practice different techniques and find one that works for you.  The way I improved most when I was younger was to go to the park with a mate and spend the day clipping balls to each other, trying various techniques to do so.  You'll soon find out what works for you. 

Hope that helps!!

Posted by ed - 25/01/2009

Q. hi richard! im 15 and have always wanted to become a manager :) but how do you get into management? don't know if you could answer the question? if a player isn't named as a sub do they normally go to the game? for instance yesterday against crystal palace you wern't on the sub list but did you go to the game?

A.

In order to be a manager you would need to get your coaching badges.  There are 5 levels to being a coach and i order to be a premier league coach you would need to have a level 5 badge.

  I'm currently doing my level 2 badge which is a 12 week course with a final assessment at the end of it.  If it something you are serious about I'd recommend you enquire about these courses, the earlier you start the better chance you have. Also you don't have to have played at a good level to be a top manager, look at Mourinho!  By doing the coaching badges you'll get a great understanding of the game and learn how to be a great coach, well worth doing.

  In answer to your other question, you aren't obliged to come but most of the lads normally do.  The reason I didn't come was because I was ill that day.  I would go normally :)

Posted by Dan - 24/01/2009

Q. Hi Richard I met you breifly at a Mick Payne course a few years ago. I try to keep an eye on your career. Like me, you are not the tallest of keepers. Do you do anything different/extra in training to help you cope with high balls etc or give you extra spring?

A.

I do a few things that are slightly different to the norm.  Firstly I begin every day with 10 mins on a trampette.  This is a very personal thing but I believe there is something behind the idea of repetitive spring and by doing it on a trampette you have minimal stress on the body.

  I also do a lot of skipping and plyometric training, simple drills which focus on maximum power can help improve spring. 

 In terms of what I do in training itself, I do focus on crossing and this has become a strength because of it.  The idea of timing the crosses well and meeting them at the very highest point and at speed is a skill that many taller keepers may not utilise quite so much due to their physical advantage.

  The other aspect I focus on is flexibility, regular stretching everyday which can also have an impact on your power.

Posted by Daniel Povey-Garman - 23/01/2009

Q. Hi Richard. Even though I support Charlton, i think you're a great goalkeeper and would appreciate some advice. I'm 17 and have been told i am good enough to become a pro goalkeeper but wondering what would be the best step to take to furfil this ambition. The other problem is i'm only 5 foot 9 and am wondering would becoming a pro gk even be possible at that height? Thanks.

A.

My personal belief is that if you can make saves, catch crosses and distribute the ball well then height need not be an issue.  Although I must warn you that you will come across some managers who see it as an issue but there are many out there who won't so don't lose heart if you come across a few obstacles.

  At 17 you are still young enough so make sure that if you aren't already, find a team that will give you regular football and send off your CV to pro clubs, ask for a trial, once you have a trial then you have the opportunity to show what you can do.

  The other route is to play non league at a good standard and there are always scouts from league clubs at the games.  Many top players have made the step up from non league.  In the meantime continue to work hard on your game.  I'm sure you know how good the standard is to be a professional so keep working until your game reaches that standard.  Good luck!

Posted by Ian - 21/01/2009

Q. Hi Richard! Your last post recently says you have moved house, where have you moved from and too? I know this must be a tough question to answer but how highly rated is Scott Loach? I think its great we have 2 amazing keepers fighting for the number 1 jersey

A.

I just moved out of place i Hatfield, reason being it was rented and my lease was up, will hopefully be getting a place in the Watford area in the near future.

  I'm a big fan of Scott's, he has all the raw attributes to be very good.  He's tall yet agile, distributes the ball well and has a great attitude for the game.  Obviously it goes without saying that I want to be playing regularly but I get on great with Scott so want to help him develop also.  I personally think the prospect of having us both fighting it out for the number one jersey for the foreseeable future is a good situation for both us as improving players and for Watford FC. 

Posted by Janet - 20/01/2009

Q. i was at the sheffield united game last saturday and i was wondering where harry hornet was? x

A. I have to be honest in that I have no idea?!  Maybe he was on holiday with Harriet the Hornet??  Or maybe they couldn't get a babysitter for their baby hornets?!

Posted by glenn Power - 16/01/2009

Q. Hi Richard, As you see everything from between the sticks, is there any part of you where you feel you could contribute to improving defensive methods?

A.

Tough question, I do believe a keeper has a unique view of proceedings and for that reason it is vital that your keeper is a good communicator.  It really does make a massive difference to have a keeper that talks well and can almost dictate the play infront of him.  Schmeichel being a good example.

  In terms of me wanting to contribute to improving to defensive methods, I do think that most teams will defend how their manager wants them to defend.  I would love to have the opportunity to coach one day and use my beliefs on defending with a team and in that team the keeper would play a massive role but hopefully that's not for a while yet!