Season in review: Tommy's thoughts

As mentioned before, I'm going to try and develop the blog and add some depth and do a bit of experimenting to expand the coverage of goalies in the game right now. And as promised, I have been lucky enough to get the chance to ask some probing questions to some of the country's elite goalkeepers, so that you readers can get an insight into the life of a top goalie.

First up is Tommy Alexander, Reading's number one going forward, and his thoughts looking back on his first season back at the club since benching for Nick Brothers.

Tommy in celebration mode with his 'Ding team mates after their cup final win.

•       How do you feel about the successes of the season in review?

I think on the whole it was a successful season, it was a rollercoaster at times but we came out on top.  It was a completely different looking Reading from last season. A new coach, new faces and a bunch of young guns were called to fill in vacant spaces left from senior and international players who left the club in the summer. So we weren’t to sure in what to expect but it has been a pleasant surprise.

•          What was your favourite highlight of the season?

The first half of the season was great as we beat some big teams (Beeston & Wimbledon) and really surprised a lot of people. 

The indoor campaign was special as we had a tough start to the indoor league but to qualify for Wembley was amazing

Winning the HA cup was a great team effort and a great achievement. 

•       Would you say you would consider yourself an indoor specialist too, with your achievements so far?

I try and keep my indoor and outdoor style the same. I think my attributes suit the indoor game slightly more than outdoor. Also I don't like playing in the cold so a nice sports hall is always better than playing in the British winter. 

• ·         Has it helped develop your goalkeeping outside of that format too?

I feel indoor has helped my outdoor game. As there's less pressure indoor i find i can use it as a good tool to improve my skill sets, even if that means experimenting with a few things. Also helps to improve simple things such as wearing the ball. 

• ·         With Kevin at the club this season, how did you find splitting starts?

In the first part of the season it was fine. I was playing league and Kev was playing the early rounds of the cup. It got me a game upfront in the second round which I loved! A cheeky assist might I add :)  When I was unavailable for the early part of the second half of the season is was frustrating as a sportsman you just want to play. Once I proved I was fit enough again, there wasn't any sharing and I was able to continue with playing.

• ·         How did you manage this and stay sharp even without the certainty of a game at the weekend?

Certainly in preseason when you are competing for that number one spot it is difficult as you are concentrating on the other goalkeepers in training to make sure you're ahead. Once i got the nod it was easier as I had that stability and i could just concentrate my game and try demonstrating what I can do. 

• ·         How do you find working in a goalie partnership normally?

It certainly helps if both goalies get on, goalies are weird. Different skill sets, different rules and everything else is different right down to having a really big bag to take your goalie gear around in. I've had some clashes as I’m way too competitive. But at Reading i have good relationships with the goalies and been able to work alone if i want, but tend not to as I enjoy Gary Nobel’s chat.  

•       And what do you think for Kevin’s future for Canadian representation?

KP is involved with the seniors and he's young, so providing he trains hard and is getting regular club hockey then I’m sure he will get senior caps 

•       How do you feel about returning to the ‘Ding after growing as a player at other clubs? It’s pretty obvious you bleed blue but what are your thoughts on taking on the challenge of establishing yourself as the new go-to-guy?

Reading was my junior club so to return to play with lots of mates who were academy players and now first team players is quality. I’ve enjoyed the challenge this season and becoming the go-to-guy. Reading has been most successful when they've had long reigning goalies and that’s something that the club and I recognize. I'm relatively young as a keeper. As long as I keep healthy and motivated I will be at the go-to-guy for a long time. I’m looking forward to next season already.  

•         Do you think your time at Indian Gym helped fine tune your skill set and approach to play at the highest levels?

Indian Gym taught me so much and I’m very grateful for the opportunities they gave me. The experience of preparing for national league games and the pressure that comes with it was valuable. The confidence they gave me was huge and gave me a real stepping stone on becoming a mature goalkeeper

•         And would you say it is a cornerstone transition that young goalies should take note of? Like the need to put in the legwork and not just walk into the first team?

Being a goalkeeper is difficult. There are a lot of good keepers out there. The experience of playing regular 1s and learning the role is vital. It’s a position that can't be tampered with so it’s always difficult to knock out an established keeper. Performing well in the east & west league was enough to get a call to move up to a higher league club and it’s something I wish I did earlier in my career. Ability isn't always enough you need timing to be on your side too.  

• ·         What are your plans for yourself at the club, moving forward?

I’m very happy at Reading. I sat on the bench as a young gun for the EHL (08/09 season) so now that I'm Readings first choice, I want to play in the EHL. Hopefully Reading can be a stepping stone for myself and others to get senior England caps.