Having been out of the cut and thrust of goalkeeper coaching for close to a full season, it was awesome to sit down with a man who's had time to reflect on his career and the fine art of goalkeeping.

Simon Smith is the ultimate glovesman. He's worked with one of the most solid No1 and No2 duos the Premier League can ever boast in Shay Given and Steve Harper, he's travelled the globe to expand his understanding of the position and he possesses a bank of knowledge and experience not many others can lay claim to.

This is the first part of a lengthy chat with the affable ex-Newcastle United man, who was kind enough to invite us into his home up in Tynemouth.

A shorter Part Two - focusing more on a few stories of those he's coached over the years, plus his time with Sir Bobby Robson - will come next week.