Latest news with #goalkeeping
Irish Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Irish Times
Shane Ryan: ‘If you go out there fearing a mistake, you're never going to express yourself'
Shane Ryan is talking all things Kerry goalkeeping when the subject of dropping an easy ball comes up. Arguably the best shot-stopper in the business, Ryan is philosophical about such moments, even if the season turns on them. In their seven games en route to Sunday's All-Ireland showdown against Donegal , Kerry have conceded only four goals, and Ryan's performances between the posts have been central to that. He's been impeccable. In their much-hyped quarter-final against Armagh , Ryan made three close-range saves, only Rory Grugan getting one past him. With a consistent spread of pinpoint kick-outs to boot, no wonder Ryan is considered critical to Kerry's chances on Sunday. Rewind to last year's semi-final against Armagh, however, and some people were pointing at Ryan differently. In the 55th minute, with Kerry up by four points, a Rian O'Niall punt fell short, and when Ryan failed to claim it, Barry McCambridge struck the dropped ball to the net. READ MORE Armagh went on to win by two points, after extra-time, and the rest is All-Ireland history. 'No, it was a huge moment, it was a huge factor in that game as well,' says Ryan, in no way playing down the significance of his mistake. 'You don't want them to happen. Particularly in an All-Ireland stage, but they're going to. Shane Ryan tries to accept that mistakes are part of the game. Photograph: Inpho 'And I suppose it's always a measure of a fella, how he reacts from mistakes, rather than the mistakes themselves. And that's kind of how I try to perceive them. Because if you go out there fearing a mistake, you're never going to express yourself, you're never going perform to your maximum. 'And that goes for all positions in the field. But I suppose when you're playing in goal, you drop a high ball, 90 per cent of the time it's in the back of the net, or it's over the bar.' A few weeks after losing to Armagh, Ryan was back in action with his club Rathmore, playing out the field among the forwards, as he's also done for years. 'If I'm playing full forward for my club and I drop a ball, no one gives it a second thought. So it's trying to compartmentalise those individual errors and just trying to react positively to them, really. 'I suppose the nature of the [goalkeeper] position, you are going to make mistakes. And the longer I've played at the top level, I've kind of tried to accept that they're just going to happen.' At age 29, Ryan will play in his fifth All-Ireland final on Sunday. He joined the panel in 2019, around the same time as the now core group of this Kerry team, and being together for that long creates a very different sort of mood compared to his first final. Kerry's Shane Ryan with Colm Basquel and Con O'Callaghan of Dublin. Photograph: Inpho 'I'm kind of lucky in a way, it's my fifth final, so you do pick up small bits and pieces throughout the years. I think the older you get anyway, in a sporting context, maybe in life, you just try to enjoy things that little bit more. You know, not wish the two weeks away. 'A lot of new fellas came in 2019. And the core group of our panel at the moment is kind of a team who've been there in the last five, six, seven years. 'And I suppose naturally, you grow closer ... and I suppose the tighter you get, it does fit into your performances as well. You don't want to leave the man down beside you, and you're more likely to be yourself as well, which I think is a great trait of any of any player.' Ryan first learned some of his goalkeeping skills in soccer, and while he credits the input of Kerry's number two goalkeeper Shane Murphy – 'he's been nothing but really positive for my game' – he admits the new rules have added another dimension to goalkeeping this season. 'It's been a huge change. All your kick-outs now, there is some element of pressure on them. And as always, a 'keeper is so reliant on what's outside him. 'I mean, a press is changing, bodies are moving, so you're trying to see, is he really on? Is there an opposition man there? Have we an overload somewhere? Have I got a mismatch one on one? You only have half a second to make a decision, because teams are so good now that if something pops up, it's closed in an instant.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Everton agree surprise Liverpool transfer
The goalkeeping department has seen a lot of movement at Liverpool this summer. It was an area that was always going to have a few changes. Caoimhin Kelleher had made it clear he wanted to be a first choice goalkeeper and so it was inevitable that he would move onto pastures new. With Giorgi Mamardashvili coming in, Liverpool had already secured his replacement. At the same time, unexpectedly Liverpool also secured the services of highly rated Hungary U21 international Armin Pecsi. The youngster is a Golden Boy nominee and already has over 50 appearances under his belt at senior level despite being only 20-years-old. In return, Vitezslav Jaros, has been sent out on loan to Ajax Amsterdam where he is expected to work alongside former Liverpool assistant coach, Johnny Heitinga. Harvey Davies has also gone out on loan to Crewe, which has seen Liverpool secure the services of highly experienced goalkeeper, Freddie Woodman on a free transfer. In the coaching department, the surprise departures of Fabian Otte and Claudio Taffarel were ones that came out of nowhere. In their place Xavi Valero, who previously worked at Liverpool under Rafa Benitez, and Colin Stewart has arrived from Rangers, having previously worked with Giovanni van Bronckhorst at the club, who is now one of Arne Slot's assistant coaches. While the loss of Otte and Taffarel are big ones, Valero is a renowned goalkeeping coach and Stewart has close to a decade of experience at Rangers, so Liverpool have brought in two very competent goalkeeper coaches. It's going to complement a really exciting goalkeeping pool at the club. As well as the aforementioned names, there are also high hopes for Kornel Misciur, who is an exciting young goalkeeper at the academy, and who caught the eye for the U21s last season. Meanwhile, DJ Bernard is another one to keep a close eye on, and he's expected to get his chance at U18 level this season. But there is one goalkeeper who will not be at the club anymore. Highly rated U15 stopper Ruben Savvas has made a shock move across Merseyside. The 14-year-old has joined Everton for a reported £200k according to LFC Next Gen on Instagram. Savvas has been called up to England's U15 side and was rated as one of the best up and coming talents in his age group at the club. It looks like Everton have managed to convince him to leave Liverpool in what is a major coup for the club's rivals. Savvas confirmed the move himself on his Instagram account, sharing the LFC Next Gen post to his story. The deal is pending Premier League approval but it's expected to be completed. Liverpool will hope they do not rue losing him to Everton in years to come, just like they once did with Anthony Gordon, who started out playing for the Reds' academy before switching to Everton.
BBC News
7 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Hennessey becomes goalkeeper coach
Nottingham Forest have confirmed Wayne Hennessey will stay at the club following his retirement, joining Rui Barbosa's goalkeeping former Wales stopper made nine appearances for the Reds across two stints at the club."I am delighted to continue my journey at the club as part of the coaching staff, " Hennessey said."I really enjoyed my time as a player here and working with this incredible group."This marks a new chapter in my career, and I'm really looking forward to getting started in the role to help the team towards its goals."Chief Football Officer Ross Wilson, added: "Everyone at the club is pleased Wayne is staying with us in a coaching capacity. Wayne brings a lot to the goalkeeping group off the pitch and will now work with Rui Barbosa and the team to further develop our keepers."Matz had a great season last year, and he undoubtedly benefits from the support and guidance of someone like Wayne, who has significant experience at the top level."
New York Times
7 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Wayne Hennessey joins Nottingham Forest coaching staff after retiring
Wayne Hennessey has joined Nottingham Forest's coaching staff following his retirement from playing. The former Wales international will form part of the club's goalkeeping department, working under Rui Barbosa. Nuno Espirito Santo had hinted that there would be a long-term role for Hennessey on the coaching staff when he signed a short-term deal as a back-up keeper in January. Advertisement Hennessey, 38, has been a positive influence on the players around him including Belgium international Matz Sels, who had an outstanding season — sharing the golden glove award with Arsenal's David Raya. 'He helps Matz Sels, (Carlos) Miguel and Aaron (Bott) with their work. I call the small group of goalkeepers the 'society'. Wayne is a big part of that community,' said Nuno at the time. Hennessey initially joined Forest following their promotion to the Premier League in 2022, going on to make nine first-team appearances. His last first team start for Forest was in a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace in May 2023, on the final day of the campaign. The keeper has made more than 450 first-team appearances for clubs including Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace, including 187 in the Premier League. He was a key part of the Wales squad that reached the semi-final stage of the European Championships in 2016. 'I am delighted to continue my journey at the club as part of the coaching staff,' said Hennessey, in a club statement. 'I have really enjoyed working with this incredible group. This marks a new chapter in my career.' Forest's chief football officer Ross Wilson credits Hennessey for the part he has played in helping his fellow goalkeepers already. 'While his playing career speaks for itself, Wayne brings a lot to the goalkeeping group off the pitch,' said Wilson. 'Matz had a great season and he undoubtedly benefits from the support and guidance of someone like Wayne.' ()
New York Times
16-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Why Everton signed Travers: Competition for Pickford and an impressive shot stopper
On the face of it, there was little wrong with Everton's goalkeeping department last season. Jordan Pickford had another stellar campaign, once again ranking among the Premier League's best shot stoppers statistically, and was ably supported by backups Joao Virginia and Asmir Begovic. Virginia and Begovic were largely unheralded figures behind the scenes; key pillars who set standards in training and pushed Pickford to maintain his high levels. The former deputised well in cup competitions, while Begovic was seen as an experienced older head and part of the senior leadership group at the club. Yet the decision was taken by manager David Moyes to move both on this summer, despite Everton holding the option to extend Virginia's contract by a further year. Advertisement Moyes' logic was simple. As Begovic told The Athletic last month, he wanted 'fresh blood' — someone young and hungry — to compete with Pickford for game time. A number of options were explored as Everton looked to strengthen their goalkeeping ranks. There were whispers of interest in Sheffield United's Michael Cooper, who had a strong 2024-25 campaign in the Championship. But in new signing Mark Travers, Everton believe they have secured the right man. Finding someone willing to come in and deputise for Pickford is not an easy task, particularly with the England No 1's hold on the position. Travers also had interest from clubs in the Premier League and at the top of the Championship, but while others were more indecisive, Everton registered their interest early in the window. There was also the option of remaining at Bournemouth and competing for a place there. The 26-year-old Republic of Ireland international is keen to be a first-choice goalkeeper, but Everton represented a step up in terms of status and were viewed as too good an opportunity to turn down. Once again, Moyes played a hands-on role in the process, mapping out the project. The presence of fellow Irishmen Seamus Coleman and Jake O'Brien will also have helped. By the end of last week, there was increasing confidence that Travers would be an Everton player. Bournemouth's interest in Chelsea's Djordje Petrovic, part of a chain of goalkeeper moves, had also progressed, and Travers travelled to Merseyside on Monday to complete a medical. Travers is unlikely to have received any assurances on game time. For now, he will almost certainly have to make do with appearances in cup competitions and stake his claim in those matches as well as in training. However, he is much younger than the 31-year-old Pickford and will no doubt back himself to make an impression. Advertisement He joins Everton off the back of a successful 2024-25 campaign, first at Bournemouth and then on loan in the Championship with Middlesbrough. Travers made a string of impressive late saves in Bournemouth's Premier League win over Manchester City in November and was one of the best shot stoppers in the second tier for Middlesbrough. The below graphic shows he prevented 4.6 goals based on the quality of shots he faced in the second half of the season. At 6ft 3in (1.91m), Travers is taller than Pickford and has different strengths. He's relatively comfortable coming off his line and mopping up loose balls, as displayed on the sweeper-keeper chart below. Based on last season's form, he also tends to be more aggressive coming off his line for crosses, too, using his height to good advantage. Travers splits his goal kicks fairly evenly between long and short, but tends to play the ball to feet in open play. Born in Maynooth, County Kildare, a small university town 15 miles to the west of Dublin, he joined Bournemouth's academy aged 17 from Shamrock Rovers. Initially seen as edgy and obsessive, to the point where it could cloud his judgement, he developed well under the tutelage of Bournemouth goalkeeping coaches Rob Burch and Gary Stewart. Between them, they worked hard on his distribution and focused on improving his all-round game. Travers played a key role in their promotion to the Premier League in the 2021-22 season, picking up the golden glove for the most clean sheets. 'He didn't have a really big presence about him, but I see the polar opposite now. He's come on so much and can pull off big saves in big moments,' then-manager Scott Parker told Dorset Live after that promotion-winning campaign. The next step for Travers will be to try to make an impression with Everton and add to his four Republic of Ireland caps, the last of which came in 2023 against New Zealand. For both club and country, the challenge ahead is considerable. Pickford will be exceedingly tough to dislodge at Everton, while former Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who joined Brentford this summer, is ahead of him in the international pecking order. Joining Everton affords Travers another chance to show what he can do, provided he can impress sufficiently to take a decent share of the minutes on offer. Moyes, meanwhile, now has someone to properly compete with Pickford. Three signings down, with plenty more needed. Onto the next one, then. (Graphics by Conor O'Neill)
