Goalkeeping Preparation

[stratfordgull]

I arrived earlier than I usually do at Cheltenham the other night, and sat watching the warm ups. I have to say that the keepers really impressed...

Olejnik was absolutely hammering the ball at Ricey (as the steward amongst others behind the goal will testify, given that he took a deflected Bobby O shot straight in the face), with power that you just don't see that often, and Ricey was looking pretty good. They went on to practice their punts upfield, and again, both left me with a good feeling....much as I admired Bevan, his kicking was often crap.

Once MR had gone into the dressing room to get ready, Bobby stayed out with Kenny V and I was astonished by his workrate - KV kicking at point blank range and doing throwdowns etc and I could see that he had to practically drag Bobby off the pitch...and this for a game when BO (sorry, maybe RO is better) wasn't even warming the bench. I've got no doubts that he is going to do a fantastic job for us, not just as first choice keeper, but also in bringing Ricey with him - and isn't that what we all wanted pre-season?

[Southampton Gull]

Agree totally, I've seen them warming up like that all season, Ricey's shot-stopping is seriously improved along with his handling. His biggest battle though is winning over the fans and if he can do that his confidence should soar, as we all know, confidence can be a keepers biggest ally in producing top-notch performances.

[ferrarilover]

I noticed this also and was similarly impressed.

Matt.

[bc-gull]

Agree totally, I've seen them warming up like that all season, Ricey's shot-stopping is seriously improved along with his handling. His biggest battle though is winning over the fans and if he can do that his confidence should soar, as we all know, confidence can be a keepers biggest ally in producing top-notch performances.

Agreed, confidence can sometimes play a big part.

[diamondgirl]

I arrived earlier than I usually do at Cheltenham the other night, and sat watching the warm ups. I have to say that the keepers really impressed...

Olejnik was absolutely hammering the ball at Ricey (as the steward amongst others behind the goal will testify, given that he took a deflected Bobby O shot straight in the face), with power that you just don't see that often, and Ricey was looking pretty good. They went on to practice their punts upfield, and again, both left me with a good feeling....much as I admired Bevan, his kicking was often crap.

Once MR had gone into the dressing room to get ready, Bobby stayed out with Kenny V and I was astonished by his workrate - KV kicking at point blank range and doing throwdowns etc and I could see that he had to practically drag Bobby off the pitch...and this for a game when BO (sorry, maybe RO is better) wasn't even warming the bench. I've got no doubts that he is going to do a fantastic job for us, not just as first choice keeper, but also in bringing Ricey with him - and isn't that what we all wanted pre-season?

I watched this as well. KV said to Bobby. "Ok thats enough" Bobby's reply was "No, I want to carry on" and he did. KV was throwing the ball along the ground and Bobby was diving, picking it up, rolling it back to KV who then threw it, back along the ground, on the opposite side. Bobby was sweating bucket loads, and puffing hard, but he just wanted to carry on. Great commitment considering he was not going to be involved in the game. All credit to you Bobby.

[ferrarilover]

That's all well and good, but the serious question remains...


Are we taking the dog to the beach?

Matt.