When it comes to English hockey, Holcombe are well known in various circles for their trigger happy approach to opening the purse strings to bring in high quality players (or whichever choice words fit best!) as the game slowly hopes to transform from its amateur status. While they have been able to bring in the talents of high scoring attackers like Danny Hall or drag flick specialist Gareth Carr, one area they haven’t splashed out too much is “under the crossbar”. Without an elite goalkeeper (one that makes as little mistakes as possible and can make the spectacular look easy without making the easy spectacular!), no team can “go the distance” and dominate. An elite goalkeeper is simply the difference maker between losing points over the course of a season, but finding one is not as simple as saying so!
And when it comes to recent acquisitions, Holcombe definitely missed out on keeping the services of the “Welsh Dragon” (aka a certain Mr David Kettle!). Holcombe signed David Kettle early at the start of the 2011-12 season, only to see them lose his services as he went across to East Grinstead, where he fought for playing time and upped his profile with some solid performances (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hz2-2JPdphI). Holcombe then scrambled to find cover “between the posts” and got Richard Harms in from Harleston Magpies, with his playing experience earning him contention (although whispers abound that he was a little lazy when it came to approach training in his own time with EG which can sometimes speak volumes…). Then came Allan Dick from Surbiton, moving in as a replacement, with Chris Bristow locking up the squad place at the Surrey side at the time. And with Kettle now at Surbiton himself, pushing for international honours (i.e. GB) in spite of competition and few opportunities, leading them on a career high into the Euro Hockey League, one wonders if, had they managed to keep him, would be they much better off, and more so, already in the Premier division by now?!
Kettle’s upward career journey and his evolution of his game (combined with personal drive and ambition) are an inspiration for any youngster and something to learn from when pushing for your opportunity (being stuck behind Fair whilst at Cannock). But aside from this, what do Holcombe do? Last season they were pipped at the post by rivals Wimbledon, who with the help of a number of ex-Olympians were able to make it into the top flight and secure some more talent in the form of a couple of the current England squad. Holcombe in their approach seem to be more focused on their goal tally, a freewheeling attacking side that often dominate the score line, hockey’s version of Brazil (perhaps?!), but this does little to help goals conceded. Sure, if against a weak defence this works wonders, but in close games and when it comes to goal difference, shipping goals needlessly shows poor form at the back. They are currently vying for position with Southgate, the London side who always seem to be in a yo-yoing trend between Premier and Conference divisions in the English national league. And if they don’t succeed this year, who knows how management will respond?!
Not forgetting that Diccon Stubbings was also at the club after England U18 selection, playing well for them in his tenure, only to move across to Canterbury, where a series of mixed results saw him lose his place to Ben Cowling and then Antoni Kindler this season. But even so, he showed promise and though needs a bit of maturing, is another talent Holcombe have left slip through their fingers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPHPMRLlYEw&feature=c4-overview&list=UUlsIvgH6I_MS6fx1O2y3u4g
To be quite, almost brutally, critical (I guess it makes for good conversation, as Jeremy Clarkson demonstrates!), there are few truly elite goalkeepers in England, especially at the top tiers of competitive hockey. A lot like England’s struggles finding the same talent base of goalkeepers in the popular sport of football, the approach to goalkeepers is normally “let them work it out themselves”. Which results in the rare finding of a diamond in the rough of substandard performers, versus other national programmes like Germany’s and Italy’s that manage their youngsters to provide depths at all levels. Goalkeepers that . There is no substitute for raw talent and pure instinctive goalkeeping, but with so few goalkeepers to choose from, competition isn’t exactly there. Take for example Ben Cowling moving to Havant from a side where he had little work to do, and when he did, he struggled, without the right concentration levels or decision making requirements for top level hockey. A goalkeeper going often untested at the Kent side, his role was a lot like De Gea’s at Manchester United (obviously before their current downfall, when Fergie and his extra six minutes were about!) and finding himself a greater work load, has seen the coastal side go from looking like league contenders to being a few points away from being relegation survivors.
The English “system” of goalkeepers when looking at elite level hockey, is to have an incumbent and a reserve, who is either a promising youngster or club standard goalkeeper for warming the bench. There is therefore no competition as any coach would prefer; it’s pretty much always either or. In essence there is no mostly no go between: no “1A, 1B” goalie scenario playing time split like ice hockey. The reserve hardly ever sees action because of unfortunate injury and if they do, the team’s often going to lose. But if you want to really push your squad, you need competition for ALL (!) places; just like the difference between subs and first picked, you need competition for the number 1 shirt to encourage a sense of not allowing for complacency, and if this what is missing in hockey arguably.
Is a reflection of England’s struggles generally. If England want to push other clubs in competitions like the Euro Hockey League, and push on to higher standings internationally, they need to learn to adjust to working with a little to make a lot and invest in the future, and work out a means to bring back the levels of goalkeeping depth they had years ago (which is arguably one of the best in the world, at least in comparison to today’s offerings). So they need to think wisely rather than spend (spend, spend), and sort out some rooted eythinking rather than bring in the equivalent of a higher talent (who would otherwise be missing out on the highest tiers of hockey; like France’s Lloris missing out on Champions League football atm) like you might see happen in growing sports markets like the MLS say. So could I even proffer the idea that Holcombe would actually be better in investing for the future by setting up their own goalie programme, school and academy at their beautiful pitch facilities?
And if Holcombe look to sign a replacement goalkeeper, who should they sign? One option would be to bring in a “foreign” (replace with “import” etc.) goalie that can bring with them a well rounded game and ability to backstop Holcombe to the Prem and beyond. Other leagues of respected leagues like Holland’s Hoofdklasse normally see the opposite with David Harte moving across the sea to play in the well renowned league, but the lure of what Holcombe can offer could be a sticking point should they consider it.
And seeing as Holcombe are becoming known for their , signing GB stars Barry Middleton (who has himself playing in Holland with HGC) and Dan Fox, with rumours going around about the possibilities of signing Ashley Jackson (however thin) mean that Holcombe could getting ever serious. So with the aim of offering up the same level of analysis you get with professionalism of football punditry, here goes nothing!
But before we get started on, let’s first consider the options available. Club loyalty is more impassioned in hockey so there would be less push to move per say as well. Patrick Smith is being given his chance at Cannock so there is no reason for him to move, Gibson is studying at Loughborough and Cachia has his spot secure at Sheffield and so on. There are also not many goalkeepers at a stage in their career where they would want a move, given the impact on their personal lives. Having already mentioned, the amateur status of hockey in England makes this more of a factor.
Lee Ible has gone to Cardiff, meaning Holcombe miss out on a Welsh international with Prem experience and also a coaching CV. So really there aren’t too (if any!) many options and the beleaguered analyst, goalie fanatic and English observant, the outlook looks pretty bleak. Shame on you England hockey! Shame on you!
So as a round-up of top five picks for a goalie scout/coaching staff management, here’s a rundown and some food for thought:
1. James Fair (ex-England/GB/Cannock starter?!)
Coming in as number one out of available options, England’s ex-number one would be a great choice. As far as I know, Fair is taking a year out of hockey after all the hard work building up to the London Olympics etc. (that’s all I know, until I ask him myself I guess!). And if he comes back, does he stay? Bit of failed journalism here, but stay with me on this one! Cannock have allowed youngster Patrick Smith the chance to shine and prove himself and whilst results have not being going to plan for the Staffordshire side, Smith has had his fair share of shots to save and has been doing an ok job of it. So, let’s put on our genie goggles and imagine that he comes back and looks for a fresh start elsewhere. There are a few teachers in the Holcombe side (Dan Fox we’re looking at you!) and as a teacher Fair would get the chance to experience a new teaching, as well as, playing environment. And with Pinner clearly the golden boy for England backroom staff, he could happily continue playing at a high level and enjoy his hockey without stressing over the pressures of international selection (which with the extra commitments over training etc. must take its toll).
But regardless of speculation, Holcombe would be in good mind to chase after his signature. It saves them scouting around for a capable overseas goalkeeper that would want to uproot; change jobs, family situation and so on, all to play hockey.
And Holcombe would get a goalkeeper star able to perform like this and pretty much steal points for his team. Just watch!
Example A:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppq-oFJcw40
Example B, noting how many corners he keeps out simultaneously (it’s ridiculous I tell you!)!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BYlOwYJK_I
And Fair would get “another bite at the apple” (or whatever phrase is better suited) of elite English hockey, probably able to take the side to the holy land of the Prem and beyond. So for now there’s hope of local talent getting local appreciation (nearer Dover that is than oop North!). With Pinner England’s now “chosen” one, Fair can continue to play on until his hair goes really grey doing what he does so well. Everybody wins!
2. Ashley Watson (Beeston HC, ex-Doncaster)
Ashley Watson would be another possibility should Holcombe look for domestic talent. Watson who recently moved across townships to Beeston is another good option. A capable cover for England’s (now) first choice George Pinner, who will be actually seeing playing time whilst Pinner is away on international duty (or training camps!). Whilst a move down south would see a change of scenery from that of the North, he would also be in with a better chance of really cementing himself as a first choice. No matter how much training a goalkeeper does in this cold nights and dreary conditions, game experience is priceless and without it, a goalkeeper cannot really fully development (learning from mistakes, improving decision making etc.). Whilst he shows talent (versus how Legg performed in Brothers’ absence in the top flight), there is still room for improvement, such as in decision making and getting better ‘reads’ on reading flicks. And the chance to work with some really accurate shooters and quality coaches would be the finishing touch to defining a finished product in goalkeeping ability.
With Dan Darby in the wings being projected as the future for Beeston, the future could be sooner rather than later; especially if Pinner’s experiences in India seem him snapped up to play in Belgium or Holland, attracting interest. And having played for Belper and in junior internationals is theoretically on the right track. But Watson is hard working and with the desire to get regular game time at a time in his life (and goalie life) is a big deal, moving to a club where he would be offered more opportunities would make sense. He has got what it takes, is at a stage in his career where benching is not really a desire and wants to be the clear cut starter, so with Holcombe able to entice many, would certainly be an option.
Grim's Goalkeeping 