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Karl
Senior Member
USA
914 Posts |
 Posted - Dec 21 2003 : 12:15:26 PM
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Ricketts
My goalkeeping is being revolutionised, says Ricketts
Sunday, December 21, 2003, 4:03:08 AM
IP:151.205.167.11
My goalkeeping is being revolutionised, says Ricketts
BY SEAN A WILLIAMS Observer staff reporter
Sunday, December 21, 2003
Ricketts.I am flattered that people think I am one of the best
In or out of footballing circles, few people can utter unkind words about Donovan Ricketts.
His calm spirit, charming personality, discipline, sense of purpose and brilliant mind make him an adorable fellow. An inspiration, even.
It came as no surprise to many when Ricketts created history by becoming the first home-bred Jamaican goalkeeper to land a professional football contract with a European club.
The local football fraternity was abuzz with excitement when it was announced that the towering national custodian had joined English Premier League campaigners, Bolton Wanderers, on a six-month loan contract from his parent club in Jamaica, Village United.
In media reports last week, Ricketts' agents, LogoSport, have stated that the contract carried a three-year option clause, but Ricketts, speaking from his home in England yesterday, said he knows nothing of an option.
'I don't know about any three-year option. This is a straight six-month loan deal,' Ricketts said bluntly.
His transfer fee, according to LogoSports' Eric Manasse at a press briefing on Thursday, was said to be £30,000 and if Bolton were interested in keeping him on that fee would then be £300,000.
The usually quiet Ricketts was also concerned with media reports that stated he would be number two to Finnish international, Jussi Jaaskelainen. 'I couldn't be the number two at this time because when I came here (Bolton) there were two goalies. I am definitely number three,' he said. 'Presently I am being blood through the reserves.'
Kevin Poole, 40, is in fact Bolton's second choice 'keeper.
But with all that aside, the 26 year-old told the Sunday Observer that he was just happy to be in a full professional environment and that he had begun his hard work toward success.
'It's a special feeling to be at Bolton. But the work has just began. I have been training very hard as my goalkeeping is being revolutionised. It's a sort of renaissance,' he said with a chuckle.
Football is played differently in England and to get Ricketts up to that level, goalkeeper coach Fred Barber has been spending a lot of time helping the player to smooth the rough edges.
'They are working on my stance, diving and how I handle crosses. We are also doing a lot of work with kicking as well,' he said.
To be a flag bearer has its pressures. 'I feel pressured to be the first goalie to move to England. I have to do well to pave the way for others. I have to make a good impression,' Ricketts said in a serious tone.
Settling in with the Bolton lads has been easy for the UWI graduate, who holds a degree in public administration. His fellow Reggae Boy, Ricardo Gardner, who also plays at the club, makes him feel at home.
'It will not be difficult for me to settle in as 'Bibi' has already paved the way. I am settling in and the other players have welcomed me with open arms,' Ricketts noted.
Ricketts said he was overwhelmed by reports that people think he's one of the best goalies in CONCACAF.
'I am flattered that people think I am one of the best... I will continue to do my best and work hard, and maybe then people won't say I am one of, but the best,' he chimed.
Ricketts heaped praise on national goalkeeper coach Paul Campbell for his contribution to his growth, but the 6' 5'' tall player believes the most fundamental principles were taught to him years ago by Colin Brysen, who kept goal for Violent Kickers (renamed Mount Salem).
'While I was a student at Cornwall College he thought me the basic fundamentals. He told me back then that I would play for Jamaica and that I would move on to great things,' Ricketts recalled.
Being number three to Warren Barrett and Aaron Lawrence in the 1998 France World Cup campaign has taught him a lot as well. 'I have gathered their experiences,' he said.
Though a lot of people will quickly remember Ricketts for his exploits in recent friendly internationals against Australia and Brazil in England, he believes his best game for Jamaica was against Honduras in a 2002 World Cup qualifying match which ended 1-1.
'...I made some excellent saves which included a penalty. The Brazil game was big, but that World Cup qualifier against Honduras stands out,' he said.
Against Brazil, the world champions, Jamaica lost 0-1 and it took an exceptional curling, left-footed shot from Roberto Carlos to beat the imposing Ricketts.
'To be frank, I reacted late to that ball. I thought it was going out but it made a wicked turn,' was his recollection.
In professional football, clubs are not just looking for talent, but good attitude, discipline, hard work and commitment. These qualities are what a lot of Jamaican players lack, but Ricketts possesses them.
'It comes from my parents, Delroy and Merveline Ricketts. I had to go to church every Sunday and I had to be on time,' he explained. 'Quality has to come from the individual. Some of it has to do with how we were culturised,' he added.
Ricketts, affectionately called 'Tall P', wants to urge all young, aspiring goal tenders in Jamaica that hard-work and dedication will open doors for them.
'They have to just continue to work hard and the chance will come,' he said.
A couple of seasons ago, Ricketts actually went on trial at Third Division Leyton Orient but was denied a work permit as he did not have the required quota of international games to satisfy the British Home Office.
Before joining Bolton, Ricketts also trained with Division Two, Rushden and Diamonds, where Reggae Boyz Onandi Lowe and Paul Hall play.
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Ricketts - Goalkeeper
