Psychology of goalkeeping, gloves for under a tenner, and this week I have been mostly wearing…

When we decided that I would try a weekly blog my main worry was that I wouldn’t have enough to write about. Putting pen to paper (or rather finger to key) over the last three weeks has really opened my eyes to just how quickly things move at GKHero, and my biggest difficulty has been in squeezing everything into a reasonably-sized chunk of text. I have a tendency to get engrossed and caught-up in whatever I’m doing whether it be working, goalkeeping, playing with my boys or doing the laundry! Taking some time out at the end of the week to reflect one the previous, and look forward to the next, seven days has actually proved really useful and ‘m sure will benefit the business, as well as helping you keep up to date with GKHero and my thoughts on the industry.

Last week I announced that I’d reached an agreement with Watford FC coach to make his brand available through our Outlet Store, and four RK1s models, including negative cut, roll finger, wrapped-cut and finger protection gloves can now be purchased, all for under £20.

I also mentioned that I’d secured a partnership with a sports psychology company, and earlier this week an audio product produced by MINDSi Sports Performance, available in both CD and MP3 formats, was launched at GKHero.com. Eye On The Ball Peak Performance for Goalkeepers features MINDSi’s founder and Senior Sports Performance Coach Gavin Wilson. Gavin has a rare, but very effective skillset, being both a FA-qualified goalkeeping coach and scout for a professional club, and a wealth of experience and qualification in psychology, and sports psychology in particular. You can benefit from Gavin and MINDSI’s experience for just £14.99.

This week we also started what I can only describe as a frankly ridiculous offer on HPG’s current 2011 range. Their full range of roll finger and negative cut mega grip gloves are now less than £10. I really should mention the caveat that this is only while existing stocks last, so if you’ve yet to give these models a go, before to order before your size is sold out.

This week I’ve also agreed a deal with German company Josef Fischer. Their 678 Legend models have been our best-seller since GKHero.com was reborn two and a half weeks ago, and I’m really pleased to have reached an agreement to make many more of their models available. I expect these to be online in the next fortnight, so if you’ve tried (and without question, loved) the Legends, be sure to keep an eye out for their new models.

Away from the GKHero, I also play a bit too. After what had been a very positive week, my team suffered a massive disappointment yesterday. Having gone through the various qualifying and preliminary rounds, we were knocked out of the FA Vase at the hands of the league leads from a step higher. Our lads matched them for work rate but the difference in quality eventually manifest itself in two second-half goals which we couldn’t answer. A big positive for me however was the performance of my Bramic Signatures. I worked closely with Bramic in developing and testing the prototype and the retail Signature model; although this was the first occasion I had given the retail model matchtime. It’s without question one of the best-performing supersoft latexes I’ve experienced and, in my opinion, and like many of the models we offer, it really does put many of the household-name brands to shame. Especially when you consider that it’s less than £20. I’ve been led to believe that Bramic may be extended their Signature range and I’m looking forward to seeing their future releases.

Unfortunately we sold out of our stock of PRO-GK’s Revolution 09 glove this week, although we do still have their Revolution Aqua and Revolution Aqua NC for half price, although this stock is dwindling quickly also. I think it’s likely that we’ll sell out of these models fairly quickly after the season’s first drops of rain hit pitches around the UK, so if you want to guarantee getting your hands in pair I’d advise doing so before the first downpour.

I think that’ll do for this week’s blog, as always please feel free to comment or drop me a line using the ‘contact Chris’ link in the navigation bar toward the top of this page. Alternatively you can get in touch through Facebook or Twitter or through the contact form on our site.

Chris

New brands. New products. New prices.

Welcome to the second instalment of my blog, which I’m writing after a very eventful seven days.

During the course of the week I’ve been testing a sample of RK1s gloves, which were sent over to us by the brand’s owner Reece Kirk. Reece is a professional goalkeeping coach at Championship club Watford FC and the Harefield Academy; and also runs his own goalkeeping school. The RK1s range benefits from a no-frills approach to design, which has already built a strong following of keepers who prefer a primarily white, no-nonsense glove. We’ll initially be adding the RK1s range to our Outlet Store in the next week or so, and I’d welcome any comment you have on the range. Yesterday morning we received glove samples from another brand and we’ll be putting them through their paces in the week ahead.

Earlier this week we added the Tyger Paw to our portfolio.  This was really pleasing for me because, as I mentioned last week, I’m really keen to broaden the product-base we have at GKHero.com. As soon as I saw the Tyger Paw it immediately struck me as a product which was closely aligned to what we value most at GKHero. Firstly, it’s innovative. Secondly, at £12.95 it’s great-value. And thirdly, and above all, the product serves a real purpose. Finally, it also looks damn cool! With those four things in mind, I wasn’t surprised to receive the heads-up from the guys at Tyger on Friday night that the product was to feature on Soccer AM the following morning. It was great to see a product I and GKHero have supported gain recognition on such a scale so quickly. I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before the Tyger Paw becomes an integral part of every self-respecting keeper’s kit bag! I’ve recently reached an agreement with a very well-respected sports psychology company who work with keepers to provide the confidence, mental toughness and coping techniques needed to be the best in our position. In the days ahead we’ll be adding further depth to our range of products with a very special offering from that company – keep an eye at GKHero.com and on our Facebook and Twiter pages for further information.

Earlier today we started a very special offer the remaining stock of Bramic’s Signature Pro glove. At £26.99 this glove was great value, but at our new special price at under £20 the Signature Pro represents an absolute bargain! Like many brands, Bramic were given their first break from a retailer by GKHero and since that time I’ve built a really positive relationship with Brad Gilbert, who heads up the Bramic brand, and I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to work together to enable GKHero to offer this glove to the market at such a low price.

Chris