Through work I've been fortunate enough to get my hands on gloves from some of England's recent internationals. I've laid them out in what I think is chronological order - the first pair is from World Cup 2002 in Japan and the last pair are from England v Croatia at Wembley last November. Spot the stray EPL gloves I've slipped in to make up the numbers.
You are the Glove Mecca! All bow fellow Glove Bretherins to the King
Oldtimer1969: You are the Glove Mecca! All bow fellow Glove Bretherins to the King
A psychologist friend told me it would be better for me to get this out in the open. She said there might even be other sufferers.
Any chance of a higher resolution version of that Schmeichel avatar snap by the way Oldtimer?
Whats going on with the first Scott Carson fingertip?!
probably covering the adidas logo on the finger due to advertising restrictions on international gloves...
bokkeuk: probably covering the adidas logo on the finger due to advertising restrictions on international gloves...
Exactly - they're from World Cup 2006 in Germany. Gloves (along with other items of kit) had to be submitted to FIFA officials before each game to make sure the restrictions weren't breached. Here he is at training wearing in some match gloves - most of his training ones didn't have the modification.
Strange! Why did Adidas not just supply gloves without the finger branding!
iampepe: Strange! Why did Adidas not just supply gloves without the finger branding!
Easier to modify existing stock than manufacture new stuff. It used to be physio's tape covering up illegal logos in the old days. Seem to remember Uhlsports taped up at tournaments - possibly Shilton and Higuita? Maybe just goalies with perms.
i wonder how did you go about managing to get your hands on so many of the pros used or unused gloves?
XcalibA: i wonder how did you go about managing to get your hands on so many of the pros used or unused gloves?
From the goalies themselves. Lots of people around national teams and clubs have dealings with the players and I've been lucky to work directly with them as a photographer. Once they know you're interested in goalkeeping (and collecting gloves) they can be very generous. I doubt it would be the same if I was an outfield player though, not sure I'd be showered with boots. Goalkeepers are different!
Hey PS, how do the James Mitre gloves feel? They have a fantastic look, but appear to be a very basic design.
ChewieGK1: Hey PS, how do the James Mitre gloves feel? They have a fantastic look, but appear to be a very basic design.
They feel great - like an early 1980s Reusch but with a couple of modern updates in the bandage wrist and wrap thumb. I think David James may have had some design input in them. They're from the 2002 World Cup in Japan & Korea and feel very light compared to some of the more recent rollfingers - the Nikes in particular.
The James HO's at the bottom appear to have the zip opening for finger protection? If so I would be interested to know if he wore the gloves with or without the bones in place? And if he wore the HO bones if he he did as I personally feel they are very poor in comparison with others.
gkpaul: The James HO's at the bottom appear to have the zip opening for finger protection? If so I would be interested to know if he wore the gloves with or without the bones in place? And if he wore the HO bones if he he did as I personally feel they are very poor in comparison with others.
I think these are from his very early days with HO. They certainly didn't have the bones in when I got them and they were still a bit damp. Can't imagine him going for finger protection and don't think he even uses finger tape. It's possible they were sending him a range of models to try. You're right about the zip on the back which I was very surprised to see on a glove - you could have a centre forward's eye out!
Oldtimer1969: Its a signed magazine cutting I scanned onto my computer, im not sure how to upload it but I will try, oh there we are
Its a signed magazine cutting I scanned onto my computer, im not sure how to upload it but I will try, oh there we are
Thanks for that - look at those beauties, just before the iconic red and black version.