About Mike

My Journey into Coaching

I've played in goal throughout my life. I started competitive men's football at 16 with Steeple Bumpstead, went on to play in university intramural leagues (winning a title in my first season), and then played for several clubs in the Portsmouth area before returning to Suffolk. I had a cup victory with a Sudbury-based team before eventually making the transition to coaching at the age of 30.

In August 2020, I began coaching at Cockfield United, a role I held for three seasons. In April 2022 I started working at Long Melford, where I managed up to six goalkeepers across senior and youth teams, including involvement in recruitment and trials. For the 2023/24 season I was appointed Head of Goalkeeping, which brought weekly training responsibility, goalkeeper philosophy development, player profiling, and oversight of additional coaching staff.

One of the things that drove me into coaching was the lack of dedicated goalkeeper coaching I experienced as a player. I wanted to provide the kind of position-specific support and development that I never had — and give goalkeepers the chance to maximise their potential.

My coaching philosophy is built around progressive, purposeful sessions with clearly defined objectives, delivered in a positive and enjoyable environment. I believe goalkeepers learn best when they're challenged, supported, and having fun.