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Alan Fettis has lived one of the most remarkable journeys in modern goalkeeping. From idolising Pat Jennings on Belfast streets to carving out a professional career at Hull City and earning 25 caps for Northern Ireland, his story is built on resilience, adaptability and a deep love for the craft. In this episode, Alan takes us through the moments that shaped him, the setbacks that hardened him and the opportunities that changed everything.

We explore the hidden talent of the Irish League, what it feels like to lose your starting place, and the surreal day he ended up playing outfield in a professional match. Alan also shares the self-driven learning that defined his coaching foundation long before he entered elite environments, revealing how DVDs, curiosity and countless hours shaped his understanding of goalkeeper development.

The conversation goes deeper when he talks about coaching at Manchester United, the snowstorm interview that opened the door, the evolution of David de Gea, and the training revolution under Louis van Gaal. Alan breaks down the modern goalkeeper’s tactical demands, the rise of analysis overload, managing different personalities and why enjoyment is being squeezed out of the game more than ever.

For young goalkeepers, parents and coaches, this is an honest, detailed and insightful look into what it takes to survive and grow in a constantly evolving position. Alan’s reflections offer a powerful blend of experience, humility and hard-earned wisdom.

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From non-league beginnings to Champions League nights and England duty, Simon Smith’s story is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and pure goalkeeping obsession.
As a player, coach, and mentor, he’s lived every level of the game – from grassroots development to standing beside Sir Bobby Robson on the Newcastle United bench, shaping the next generation of keepers.

In this powerful conversation, Simon shares the lessons he’s learned from over two decades at the top – what it takes to handle pressure, how to stay consistent under scrutiny, and why understanding football as a whole is crucial for every goalkeeper. He reflects on his work with legends like Shay Given and Jordan Pickford, the evolution of the modern goalkeeper, and the mindset shifts needed to thrive in today’s high-stakes game.

Whether you’re a young goalkeeper dreaming of the Premier League or a coach seeking deeper insight into the craft, this episode offers rare access to one of England’s most respected goalkeeping minds.

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🎧 EvoGK Podcast – Stay Connected

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When you’ve worked with Schmeichel, Van der Sar, and De Gea, you’ve seen everything there is to know about greatness between the posts. In this episode of the Catching Up, Eric Steele – the legendary former Manchester United goalkeeping coach – joins us to share his remarkable journey from Wallsend Boys Club to the world’s biggest stages.

Eric opens up about what separates the good from the great, the real meaning of professionalism, and how mindset defines a goalkeeper’s legacy. From Gordon Banks’ gloves to Ben Foster’s famous “iPod King” moment, he reveals the unseen details that build champions – and the humility that sustains them.

We dive deep into the psychology of coaching, the evolution of the modern goalkeeper, and why calmness under pressure might just be the greatest superpower in football. Eric also talks about his passion for developing young players through EvoGK, helping the next generation of keepers learn from the very best.

Whether you’re a young player, a coach, or simply a football fan, this is a masterclass in mindset, resilience, and the art of goalkeeping – from a man who’s lived it all.

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