ENFIELD | GLOVE STORY

Goalkeeping coach, James Gibbs, is already making his mark at a club that he holds so dear

When goalkeeping coach, James Gibbs, agreed to join the backroom team at Division One Central club, Enfield, earlier this month, it had a deeper meaning.

For the experienced Gibbs has some very fond memories of supporting the club as a child, attending matches with his beloved grandad.

“Yes, joining Enfield definitely has a much deeper meaning than most other clubs - even ones I’ve coached higher up the pyramid,” he told us. “The club badge meant a lot to me as kid and to my grandad, who sadly isn’t alive anymore to see me work for a club we both watched many times.

“There are so many great memories from my time supporting the club. The two that stand out most of all were probably beating Yeovil Town 3-0 at home when we just had the new stand installed. My dad and brother, who are both not football fans, also came along that day and there was a real buzz at Southbury Road.

“We thought we were going to win the League, but it didn’t quite happen in the end!

“The other memory was the last-ever game at Southbury Road. Everyone went onto the pitch at the end… I was barely old enough to get over the fence!”

Gibbs’ grandad also had a big influence on his playing career and interest in goalkeeping.

“My grandad was my coach and someone who I really looked up to,” he added. “Every time he took me to an Enfield game, I was fascinated by Andy Pape in goal. I love the way he would shout and swear at the defenders in front of him and dive around in all conditions in attempt to keep the ball out of the net.

“I always wanted a pair of his gloves, but it never happened! I did get a pair of gloves of my own, though, and started playing junior football. I played for Enfield Rangers and Norseman. Grandad would fire balls at me endlessly. It wasn’t an orthodox method, but it worked and I enjoyed it!

“As I grew up I remember watching the likes of Gianluca Pagliuca and Mark Bosnich on TV and trying to be like them. Sadly, my playing career only reached Steps 6 and 7, but from an early age getting into coaching was something that I wanted to do.

“My first proper role was with St. Margerestsbury at Step 5. I then moved to Ware and worked with Paul Halsey who I still love and it was great to catch up with him at the weekend.

“Since then I’ve been at a number of clubs at Steps 2-4, including Hanwell Town, Hendon, Bracknell Town, Aylesbury United, Berkhamsted, Tonbridge Angels and Cheshunt.

“During this time I have worked with some great ‘keepers, the likes of Shane Gore, Rob Tolfey, Hugo Sobte, Andrew McCorkell Michael Eacott as well as current pros Seb Stacey, Matteo Saloman and Max Merrick at Chelsea

“I also run a private goalkeeping coaching business doing group sessions and one-to-ones. I am always happy to work with goalkeepers who have the desire and commitment to work hard and develop their careers to the highest levels.”

We asked Gibbs how important he feels the role of Goalkeeper Coach is at clubs at all levels of the game.

“I feel a dedicated goalkeeping coach is a must have at all levels,” he replied. “Goalkeepers can make a save that keeps the game at 1-0 and earn you three points or keep the game at 1-1 and earn you a point.

“So much can be decided by fine margins in football and a goalkeeper who isn’t working or improving won’t make those big saves that can make all of the difference.

“The role of goalkeeper is a specialised and crucial position, which relies massively on mind set, psychology and feelings - all traits massively under-coached in non-League, in my opinion.

“I do think that the standard of goalkeepers is improving generally. They are becoming better all-round footballers as the game has evolved.

“I also think that non-League is becoming a tougher place to cement yourself as number one, though, as pro clubs are sending their academy players to clubs as low as Step 6 in order to get regular game time. That does make it harder for the lads who haven’t come through academies to break into teams.”

Saturday saw the club keep their second clean sheet in three games as they secured a good 1-0 away win at play-off chasing Ware.

“I was delighted with the clean sheet,” added Gibbs. “It gave us a foundation to go on and get what was a fantastic win in the end.

“The main aim this season is clear; keep the club in Step 4 and then go from there. Last weekend’s victory certainly played its part in that as we move closer to getting out of the bottom four.

“As for myself, I want to ensure that our ‘keeper goes into every game at optimum level and ultimately we want as many clean sheets and one-goal games as possible.”

A trip to Stotfold is on the cards for Saturday.

IMAGE: Enfield FC

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