Roberts on retirement, coaching and Albion return

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Exclusive podcast with Albion goalkeeping coach available now.

Alex Stedman

2020-05-12T05:00:00Z

Albion goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts.

Ben Roberts discusses a range of topics in one of the exclusive My Albion Audio podcasts that are now available.

These extended interviews aim to go beyond the usual football chat to give you a greater insight into the club, and the people who matter.

Roberts spoke candidly about a host of subjects, and in particular being forced into retirement at the age of 29 and provided some of the backstory behind his decision.

“It was about springtime in 1999 when my leg went numb and I was struggling to stand on it,” he said.

“The surgeon found a big blood clot and took it out and the rehab was quick, I felt really good.

“But then it flared up again when I was at Charlton and it was here at Brighton when the final operation came on my back, and I had to call it a day.

“I couldn’t put myself through it mentally anymore and I’d give everything. To keep building yourself back up and have your body let you down and being left in agony was hard.

“Even when I was washing my face I would be in all sorts of pain with my back. I couldn’t do everyday things. Looking back now it was the right thing to do.”

Ben Roberts.

The goalkeeping coach also discussed his move back to the Albion as a goalkeeping coach, having plied his trade with the Seagulls between 2003 to 2005.

“I began my coaching journey down at Yeovil Town with Nathan Jones and Terry Skiverton – it was a smaller group of staff so we got to do so many different things,” he said.

“We did well down there and I got a move back to Charlton. I really enjoyed my time there, but I always felt there would be a time that I’d like to return to Brighton and it was fantastic to be able to come back.”

Ben Roberts out on the training field.

The 44-year-old says the world of goalkeeping has changed a lot since he was a player.

“The level of scrutiny has changed now massively,” he added. “You have 24-hour news, social media – all sorts of things, and they can be for better or for worse.

“The speed of the game has increased, the action and analysis are really detailed - goalkeepers have to be adaptable, two-footed and be able to handle pressure on the ball depending on how a manager wants the team to play.

“There will always be different styles of goalkeeping. Just because you’re not as tall as someone else it doesn’t make you any less of a keeper – it’s about your capabilities and character to flourish at the highest level.”

Fans can listen to the podcast in full below.