Interview: Paul Robinson, Tottenham & England

Robbo hopes to shine

England's Paul Robinson believes he can prove in Germany 2006 that he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

The Three Lions Number One doesn’t like to blow his own trumpet or shout his achievements from the rooftops. But he has become his country’s first choice goalkeeper through hard work and dedication and he believes it will pay off in the World Cup this summer.

He said: "I’m not the type of person who sits around looking in the mirror thinking I’m one of the best. But when I go out on a football pitch I like to show people I can do the job well.

Read the full interview on TheFA.com

Watch the full interview (Windows Media Player required)

England Kit News: New Away Goalkeepers Kit

Umbro and the Football Association today unveiled the new England away outfield and goalkeeper kit. This kit will be worn for the next two years (2006-2008).

Design features include:

> New Energy Transfer technology, utilising X-static silver fibres and a 'hydrophilic' coating, which channels heat away from the body, leaving the player cool, dry and comfortable.

> A special fabric has been developed for the back of the jersey, allowing the body to 'breathe' through the Three Lions jacquard design, and even the numbers are made from a breathable mesh material!

> The overall fit of kit has been anatomically designed and the new sleeve shape improves movement and comfort.

Now available online @ Great-Save.com - Home (Yellow) Keepers Shirt and Away (Blue) Keepers Shirt.

Premiership Keeper News: Everton sign Westerveld on loan

Everton have signed former Liverpool player Sander Westerveld on loan to ease their goalkeeping crisis.

The Toffees were given permission by the Premier League to sign emergency cover after suffering a number of injuries and suspensions.

Full story online at the BBC

Online Bargain: New England Shirt for £19.10

Yep the new England shirt for £19.10! Here's how:

Visit www.lxdirect.com and find the New England Shirt in the Sport section (Direct link here to the Men's Shirt).

Choose your Size and add it to your basket.

Then use the following promotional code: ZG5622 (this only works if it is your first order, if it is not your first order use: ZQ6022).

You can then get a further 10% off using the following code: XX599. The order total should now be £19.10 including Postage & Packing.

Keepers in Computer Games

Very few computer games actually put any effort or thought into the goalkeeper. Either the animations are poor or they are virtually invisable as it is so easy to score.

The one game from the past that addressed goalkeepers properly was Sensible Soccer. Each player had an ability that made each player unique - so Schmeichel, Seaman and Kahn were all quality keepers that were hard to beat.

Codemasters have announced a new version of this classic game after fans of the old game persisted with fan sites, blogs and online competitions. You can find out more about the new game here: www.codemasters.com/sensiblesoccer

In a recent interview, they have also commented that the control of the goalkeepers in new game maybe even more improved "You can choose to control their movement to some extent, or elect to let the CPU worry about them if you don’t fancy it. One cool new feature of the new goalies is when you’ve got a direct free kick in a shooting position. As you move the goalie about in the goalmouth the wall will move automatically to give him the best coverage… you can really annoy an opposing player by moving the wall right up to when he takes the kick…excellent stuff!"

Featured Article: Goalkeeper Psychological

James Hollman over at ProGoalKeeper.co.uk has produced another fantastic article on his site. This time he looks at the psychological aspects of goalkeeping:

The position of goalkeeper is one of the most psychologically demanding on the soccer field. Mistakes are final. The glory is usually reserved for the players at the other end of the field. Its not a position for everybody. You cant be stupid and play goal, but perhaps you must be a little crazy.

You can read the full article at the ProGoalKeeper website

2006/2007 Sells Product Preview

One of Sells Canadian distributors has leaked the 2006/2007 Products catalogue online. Take a look at the new models and range exclusively here:

SGP Trade Catalogue 2006/2007

Please Note: We think this will probably be removed in the near future.

Interview with Fulham's Tony Warner

Fulham's keeper Tony Warner has done a Q&A session with uhlsport for their Precision Football website you can read the full interview by clicking here.

Product Spotlight - Absolutgrip Ergonomic Supportframe X-Change Lite

How do you name a glove with more technology in it than the average NASA Space Station?

It's not easy, but we've managed it. Strap yourself in, and worship at the altar of the Absolutgrip Ergonomic Supportframe X-Change Lite.

Yes, you know all about Absolutgrip latex - it performs in the dry, damp, wet, mud, snow and anything else you throw at it.

You know about uhlsport's Ergonomic Project – a glove design which uses a single piece of latex so there's reduced stitching.

And you know about our new removable Supportrame – 32 different customisable settings over an anatomic skeleton. Now for the new stuff.

We've reduced the amount of latex in the AES X-CL (for short) to increase responsivity and reduce glove weight (hence 'Lite'). We’ve included Smartbreathe Lite, an actively breathing membrane, embossed palm for increased grip and a new elasticated wrist closure for total secure fit.

It's our elite glove for 2006 and with that much technology in one glove, the long name should be no surprise.

Source: www.precision-football.com

Bent admitted diving, says Dudek

Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek says Charlton striker Darren Bent admitted diving after winning a penalty during their Premiership game on Wednesday.

The penalty was converted for Charlton's first goal in the London side's 2-0 win at The Valley.

"Bent was, I think, one yard ahead of me. He dived, you know," said Dudek.

Full story available at the BBC Sport website