Rafa Gonzalez - Who Knew?

Welcome to our new first team goalkeeping coach, Kevin MacDonald for a start is delighted to see Rafa make the step up permanently for the Hoooooolie years.

Speaking to the Official Site BigMac was thoroughly delighted to see Rafa make the move up and pointed to some of the top class saves that Friedel has been pulling off lately as a sign of the potential and influence Gonzalez has had since stepping up following the recent managerial and backroom staff exodus at the club.

Rafa Gonzalez is a former Spanish U23 international, and had a nine year stint in sunny Spain playing for Malaga, Real Oviedo and Sporting Gijon. He then spent four years in the Spanish second division before hanging up his gloves at Coventry City of all places.

It was there he met and impressed former goalkeeping coach Seamus McDonagh who in turn recommended him for the position of working with our youth keepers.

Like many in the reserve and academy setup who made the temporary step up, Rafa then started working with both Brad's and obviously has done more than enough to impress and keep the position.

'I am delighted for Rafa,' said Kev.

'He's been very good in the six weeks. He has a good rapport with the players and obviously he's doing good things with Brad because Brad's performances over the past few weeks have been outstanding.'

Kev's praise wasn't just limited to our new goalie coach though, he had a few words on a club legend.

Whilst not having spoke to Sid since the promotion, Mac thinks Cowans would've been delighted and very proud to be asked given his association with the club.

'It's great for Gordon to work with the first team. He was one of the most famous players here, one of the best ever. It would mean a lot to him.'

Some of our best days in my memory have come when a former player has been training the first team...long may that continue.

Vital Villa on:

Vital Villa on:

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