Gloved one gets going

Source: The Star

PETALING JAYA: Selangor goalkeeper Samuel Somerville believes the Red Giants are in good hands under new coach Nidzam Jamil.

But the 29-year-old is also aware there could be changes in store that will leave him with his hands full in trying to retain his spot as the team's No. 1 keeper.

Somerville, however, will be out to thrive on those challenges instead of being alarmed by factors he has no control over.

"With a new coach, we can always expect changes. It's like starting all over again under a new boss. All the players will be out to impress and earn their regular spots," he said.

Somerville was consistently the first-choice goalkeeper last year and impressed with his superb shot-stopping and distribution of the ball from the back.

But he was quick to point those displays of last season will count for nothing if he does not maintain his consistency under Nidzam.

"I see every season as a fresh start, regardless of what happened last season. I'm always training and pushing myself to be better and be the number one keeper," said the former Penang custodain.He said he looked forward to working with Nidzam, whose man-management skills have already left quite an impression.

"Nidzam is a modern coach who is vocal and gives a lot of information during training. He has a good relationship with the players and has the know-how to bring out the best in them.

"We've got two months of intense training to prepare for the start of the league, and we must get cracking early."