The Goalkeeper's Mindset Podcast

In this episode I'm joined by St. Albans City goalkeeper Michael Johnson. Michael has grown to prominence in recent years within the non-league system, amassing a number of appearances at Hitchin Town before brief spells at Braintree and Dagenham saw him secure the Number 1 shirt at St Albans with a string of fine performance. He talks about the importance of small details as a goalkeeper and how they can make a huge difference on and off the pitch.

We discuss:

• Building effective relationships within the dressing room
• Emotional and football intelligence and the importance of knowing your players
• Understanding the complexities of the goalkeeper-manager relationship
• Why getting games under your belt is so important for your development
• Understanding non-league football beyond winning
• The financial and life realities of life in non-league
• An appeal for 'that Inter Milan scarf'

I can't stress how valuable this episode is in providing insight into life in non-league. This episode highlights the strains players face outside the EFL and the level of commitment required to play at the top of the non-league pyramid. Michael also provides great advice on how to achieve marginal gains and carve a successful career in the game, regardless of your background or pedigree.

Be proactive and start your 2022 today. Gain 2% in under an hour. Trust me, the messages in this podcast are gold.

To keep up-to-date with Michael, you can follow him on:

@michaeljjohnson_ (Instagram) @Michael_johnss (Twitter)

Thanks again to our Sponsor Saviour GK, providing goalkeepers with scientifically engineered, evidence-based gloves to support the next generation of high-performers.

www.saviourgk.com (Use Code: GKMINDSET20 for 20% off)

@Saviour_gk_eu (Instagram)

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave me a 5-star review and subscribe to the show.

If you have any questions or you think you could add value to the podcast by becoming a guest, please contact me (kev) at:

[email protected]

@theGKmindset (twitter)

@thegoalkeepersmindset (Instagram)

In this episode I'm joined by AFC Wimbeldon goalkeeper Nik Tzanev. Nik is a living example of how the loan system and non-league football can play a huge role in the development of high-performance goalkeepers. After moving to the U.K at the age of 9, Nik began his journey to the EFL through the Crystal Palace academy and Brentford U23's, before multiple loans prepared him to step into the Number 1 role at AFC Wimbledon. He talks about the importance of mastering your ego and why non-league football was so crucial in his development.

We discuss:

• The importance of sacrifice and why short-term sacrifice leads to long-term gains
• Discipline, planning and structuring your training and lifestyle around football
• Understanding the pressure of non-league football and rising to those demands
• The relationship with his dad and how a strong parent-goalkeeper relationship develops structure, discipline and consistency
• The struggles of being out of contract, maintaining consistent behaviours and recovering from injury
• Dropping your ego, accepting the circumstances you face and finding a way to get the best out of your situation
• Being patient and managing your mindset when you're out of favour
• How non-league football builds character and resilience in young goalkeepers
• Finding your voice and knowing when to voice your opinions in the dressing room
• Building the coach-goalkeeper relationship and the multiple roles a goalkeeper coach plays

This episode is a must for young goalkeepers and parents. It highlights the importance of the loan system and how senior football can exponentially improve a goalkeepers technical, tactical, physical and psychological qualities. This episode also demonstrates the sacrifices and lifestyle choices young, aspiring professional must make in order to reach the top.

If there is knowledge I wish I had when I was a young goalkeeper, you'll find all of it in this one episode.

To keep up-to-date with what Nik is doing, you can follow him on:

@Nik_Tzanev (Twitter & Instagram)

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave me a 5-star review and subscribe to the show.

If you have any questions or you think you could add value to the podcast by becoming a guest, please contact me (kev) at:

[email protected]

@theGKmindset (twitter)

@thegoalkeepersmindset (Instagram)

In this special episode I'm joined by Bristol Rover's James Belshaw (The Manager), Borehamwood's Nathan Ashmore (The Bouncer) and Chesterfield's Scott loach (The man with the merchandise) to discuss all things mindset and goalkeeping. We recorded this episode last season during lockdown and I've been excited to put it out ever since. These three are some of the biggest goalkeeping personalities I've had the pleasure of meeting and who knows, maybe one day well be part of Belly's backroom staff.

We discuss:

• What mindset means and why it is different for each individual
• The biggest lessons they've learned throughout their careers and how their styles have adapted over time and through experience
• Belshaw Vs Mr Blobby – the story behind the Harrogate Town Vs Borehamwood play-off semi-final
• The research, analysis and psychology behind penalties
• The intricacies of contracts, life on furlough and the unseen parts of a professional goalkeeper
• The goalkeeper's union, number 2's and navigating one of football's most awkward relationships
• The difference between training ground goalkeepers and the day-to-day pro's
• Short sleeves Vs Long sleeves?
• Why goalkeeping is a specialist position which requires knowledge to asses performance
• Social media, pundits opinions and why blocking out the noise is the most important thing when maintaining a bulletproof mindset
• When technique goes out the window and keeping the ball out the net is all that matters
• Adapting coaching styles to suit the goalkeepers you work with
• Belly's plans for the future and why we would make the best backroom staff (yes including me!)

This episode has something for everyone and brings so much value to the podcast in my opinion. We cover serious topics like growth mindset, performance and analysis, and there's also lots of fun content on topics which every goalkeeper in the union can relate to. Consider this episode a thank you for all your support and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did when recording. Keep an eye on this podcast because this won't be the last time you hear us four talking goalkeeping again.

To keep up-to-date with what the guys are doing, you can follow them on:

@jbelly31 (Instagram & Twitter)

@scottloachgk (Instagram) @s1goalkeeping (Twitter)

@ashmore77 (Instagram & Twitter)

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave me a 5-star review and subscribe to the show.

If you have any questions or you think you could add value to the podcast by becoming a guest, please contact me (Kev) at:

[email protected]

@theGKmindset (twitter)

@thegoalkeepersmindset (instagram)

In this episode I'm joined by AFC Wimbledon goalkeeper Zaki Oualah. Zaki has been on an incredible journey through non-league and recently signed his first professional contract with AFC Wimbeldon in the Football League. At 5'10, he is an inspiration and example to many goalkeepers that height is simply a limitation of the mind. He talks about his approaches to mindset, the methods behind his success and how the law of attraction can make goals and aspirations become a reality.

We discuss:

• The relentless pursuit of goals and never knowing how close you are to success
• The unseen work behind success and enjoying the process
• How faith can provide guidance and meaning beyond the pitch
• Dealing with anxiety over height and not caring about what people think
• Why perceived limitations over height are only a construct of the mind
• The importance of loving yourself to build self-confidence
• Developing superstrengths and using them to compensate for your weaknesses
• The importance of training the body and the mind in pursuit of high-performance
• The fundamental message to goalkeepers who are worried about how their height will impact their career and future

There will be many goalkeepers out there who are anxious or concerned about how their height will impact their chances of becoming a professional footballer. This episode will give you tools and methods on how you can begin to develop superstrenghts around your game so that height becomes a nonfactor.

If there's one episode I'd recommend to change your perspective about goalkeeping, mindset and height…this is it.

To keep up-to-date with what Zaki is doing, you can follow him on:

@ZOualah (Twitter) @zakioualah (Instagram)

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave me a 5-star review and subscribe to the show.

If you have any questions or you think you could add value to the podcast by becoming a guest, please contact me (kev) at:

[email protected]

@theGKmindset (twitter)

@thegoalkeepersmindset (Instagram)

In this episode I'm Joined by Barrow AFC and former Carlisle United goalkeeper Paul Farman. Paul was an ever-present in the Lincoln FC team which reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. We explore his footballing journey and the reasons why internal motivation is a powerful tool to help you find your 'why'.

We discuss:

• The problems with over-analysis and why keeping it simple is key to high-performance
• The importance of finding your 'WHY' and how this impacts your motivation to compete everyday
• Contemplating the future and looking to join the fire service
• Why walking away may be walking away from your next opportunity
• The culture at Lincoln during their FA Cup run to the quarter-finals and playing against Arsenal at the Emirates
• Using the criticism of others to create goals and striving towards them to prove people wrong
• The fundamental differences between working hard and competing; why knowing the difference is important
• Sacrifices, living away from family and pursuing the dream of professional football

A raw and honest conversation about the other side of professional football that many do not get to see. Paul provides so many great tips and strategies in this episode that you can apply to deal with situations that goalkeepers across all levels in the game.

If you're serious about improving and genuinely want to get to the next level, make sure you listen to this one.

Your career, your choice.

To keep up-to-date with what Paul is doing, you can follow him on:

@Paulfarman23 (twitter) @pfarman_pk (instagram)

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave me a 5-star review and subscribe to the show.

If you have any questions or you think you could add value to the podcast by becoming a guest, please contact me (Kev) at:

[email protected]

@theGKmindset (twitter)

@thegoalkeepersmindset (instagram)

In this episode I'm joined by Wycombe Wanderers and former England International goalkeeper David Stockdale. David has had an incredible number of experiences at the highest level of football, starting his career at York City FC before making his way into the league with Darlington FC and eventually breaking into the Premier League with Fulham. David and I reflect on his career and uncover the reasons why humility is the key to consistency as a goalkeeper.

We discuss:

• Rock 'n' Roll football at Wycombe Wanderers and how the culture impacts day to day behaviours
• Dealing with criticism and having belief in yourself that the decisions you make throughout your career are correct
• Being prepared for any opportunity and taking responsibility for your training and preparation needs
• The performance gap between League 2 and the Premier League and adapting to a high level of expectations and performance
• Mental health, communication and the importance of being empathetic to others situations
• How a great coach-goalkeeper relationship starts by having meaningful conversations
• How football can unite a community in the aftermath of tragedy and how this changes your perspective on things
• Trying to get a helicopter from an England Training camp to get married
• The importance of humility when finding your level and playing for the love of the game and family

This is perhaps the most open, honest and meaningful conversation I have recorded on this podcast where David has kindly shared some of his experiences that he has never spoken about before. This episode goes beyond football, and explains why performance on the pitch begins with how you conduct yourself as a human being in day to day life. A genuinely unique take on the goalkeeper's mindset which id encourage everyone to reflect on.

To keep up-to-date with David, you can follow him on:

@stockogk1313 (twitter) @davidstockdale13 (instagram)

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave me a 5-star review and subscribe to the show.

If you have any questions or you think you could add value to the podcast by becoming a guest, please contact me (Kev) at:

[email protected]

@theGKmindset (twitter)

@thegoalkeepersmindset (instagram)

In this episode I'm joined by Concord Rangers and former Gillingham FC goalkeeper Chris Haigh. Chris has gained a lot of recognition amongst goalkeepers in the union for a fantastic season at Concord where he put on a man of the match display at Wembley Stadium in the FA Trophy Final. We explore his footballing journey from being released to Wembley Stadium and he explains how adversity can fuel success.

We Discuss:

• The fundamental differences between motivation and consistency
• The importance of asking for feedback and advice
• How coaches can have a significant impact on performance
• Sticking up for yourself as a young goalkeeper and growing-up
• The power of marginal gains and the importance of analysis when trying to improve
• Why bad warm-ups don't mean bad games
• Mindfulness, taking in the moment and being present
• Understanding managers and knowing how to guide your expectations

Chris has had a successful career in non-league since leaving academy football and exemplifies the power of resilience and mental toughness. If you're a young goalkeeper who's just been released or in non-league, there are powerful messages in this podcast which will help you understand how failure and adversity can be huge stepping stones to future success.

To keep up-to-date with Lee, you can follow him on:

@chrishaigh1 (Instagram) @_chrishaigh (Twitter)

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave me a 5-star review and subscribe to the show.

If you have any questions or think you could add value to the podcast by becoming a guest, please contact me (kev) at:

[email protected]

@theGKmindset (Twitter)

@thegoalkeepersmindset (Instagram)

In this episode I'm joined by Chelmsford City and former Wimbeldon FC goalkeeper Lee Worgan. Lee has had a prolific career in the game, coming through the ranks at Wimbeldon FC off the back of the Crazy Gang era. He then went on to become a mainstay at several non-league clubs at the top end of the pyramid, remarkably amassing over 650 appearances. He shares his thoughts on his footballing journey and how accountability is key to maintaining the high standards required for success in the modern game.

We Discuss:

• The power of engaging in consistent behaviours and holding yourself accountable
• The growth mindset and the importance of pushing yourself to the limit
• Playing on the edge of failure
• Adaptability and problem solving when you don't fit the typical goalkeeping mould
• Modelling your game off great goalkeepers
• The crazy gang era and why old school initiations shape your personality for the better
• Finding your goalkeeping game face and acting the part in the dressing room
• Putting out the fire at dover
• Bridging the gap between goalkeeping victimhood and genuine failure
• Demystifying mindset and how top professionals apply psychological skills
• The importance of treating people with respect and impacting the environments you work in

Lee has had a remarkable career and commands a lot of respect from those within the goalkeeper's union. It goes without saying…but if you're looking to gain the knowledge of someone who's had a significant impact at all the clubs he's played for, this episode will give you invaluable insight into one of non-league's finest ever products. Whether you are a coach, parent or a goalkeeper looking to carve out a career path, this episode is filled with knowledge bombs which will resonate with any listener.

To keep up-to-date with Lee, you can follow him on:

@Leeworgan1 (Instagram) @LeeWorgan (Twitter)

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave me a 5-star review and subscribe to the show.

If you have any questions or think you could add value to the podcast by becoming a guest, please contact me (kev) at:

[email protected]

@theGKmindset (Twitter)

@thegoalkeepersmindset (Instagram)

In this episode I'm joined by MK Dons and Oldham Athletic loanee Laurie Walker. Laurie's journey has been a huge talking point in the Goalkeepers' Union; plying his trade with Hemel Hempstead in non-league before securing a move to MK Dons and making his EFL debut whilst on loan at Oldham Athletic. With little EFL experience he hit the ground running, and is beginning to make a name for himself in the footballing world. He demonstrates the importance of mental flexibility and the relentless drive required to create your own path.

We discuss:

• Why goal-setting is a fundamental skill and not a boring cliché
• The victim mentality and what you can do to prevent yourself from being a victim of your circumstance
• Why 'wanting it too much' can cause overthinking and hinder your progress
• How having multiple income sources and diversification can reduce anxiety on the pitch
• Why you are a construct of your environment and how you can go about becoming more elite
• The mental advantage of waking-up early before others
• Going on loan at Oldham Athletic FC and making his EFL debut
• The importance of being present and taking each game as it comes

If you're a non-league goalkeeper who dreams of playing in the EFL, this podcast will give you invaluable knowledge of how you can apply mindset to achieve your goals. Laurie's career is a case that epitomises a bottom-up rise into the league. He demonstrates that the dream of becoming a professional footballer and playing in the league can be made a reality through application, a relentless drive to improve and developing a bulletproof mindset.

If you're serious about improving your game both on and off the pitch, this one's for you.

To keep up-to-date with Laurie, you can follow him on:

@Lauriewalker89 (Twitter) @lwalker_89 @prosavegk (Instagram)

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave me a 5-star review and subscribe to the show.

If you have any questions or you think you could add value to the podcast by becoming a guest, please contact me (Kev) at:

[email protected]

@theGKmindset (twitter)

@thegoalkeepersmindset (Instagram)

In this episode I'm joined by former Celtic FC and current Raith Rovers FC Goalkeeper Robbie Thomson. Robbie's career developed through the ranks at Celtic FC where he was called up on several occasions to the Scotland Youth International setup. He shares his thoughts on how mindset has changed his perspective on goalkeeping and why young players today need to be mindful of the illusion that the 'big club bubble' can create when forging yourself a career at the top end of the game.

We discuss:

• How the environment at elite clubs can cause young players to overestimate their abilities
• The identity crisis you can experience when leaving a big club and how you can begin to compartmentalise and accept your situation
• The harsh realities of overestimating where you are in your career and what managers in the EFL are looking for in goalkeepers
• What Flow/The Optimal Performance Zone feel like
• Speaking to a psychologist and making himself vulnerable to improve performance in the long run
• Why mindset is always a work-in-progress
• How being released can either be seen as a negative or an opportunity to explore different opportunities in your career
• How different clubs have different performance expectations and how you can go about managing the pressure

Without going over the top, this episode is a must listen for all academy goalkeepers. Robbie has so much knowledge and experience after working in one of the football world's most elite environments. I found myself reflecting on my career whilst recording this podcast - there are so many great lessons and knowledge bombs which may just alter the course of an aspiring professional goalkeeper's career for the better.

If you want to add 1% to your game right now, I'm giving you 5% just in this one episode. It's a hidden gem for sure.

To keep up-to-date with Robbie, you can follow him on:

@robbiethomson93 @properformancegoalkeeping (Instagram)

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave me a 5-star review and subscribe to the show.

If you have any questions or you think you could add value to the podcast by becoming a guest, please contact me (Kev) at:

[email protected]

@theGKmindset (twitter)

@thegoalkeepersmindset (Instagram)