Longevity is the name of the game when it comes to goalkeepers, and there’s no better example in the current set up that illustrates it than veteran shot stopper Paul Madeley. As he prepares for his eleventh season with the club, we caught up with Paul to understand how he is setting sights on another competitive campaign.

Teacher and family man Madeley has risen through the club ranks over the past decade since graduating from Northampton University. He puts his high number of consecutive appearances in the first team down to commitment, fitness and a steel-like mind-set.

As pre-season comes to an end, we caught up with Madeley as he explains some of the secrets behind his longevity and how he balances family, work and hockey enjoyment.

What is your claim to fame?

Well, winning the County Champs with Northants and I can safely say I saved a penalty corner flick from the legendary Kwame Browne whilst playing at the tournament.

How many pre-seasons will the 2017-18 mean for you with Northampton Hockey Club?

I think this is my eleventh with the club. It doesn’t seem that long and time has flown by but each one has been a test and has given me a different challenge.

When did you start preparing for this year’s pre-season?

​As sad as it may seem, after having a couple of Saturdays (after the 2016-17 season ended) to myself, I really missed the competitive edge so was back out doing light running within two weeks.

How have you prepared yourself over the summer months to be ready for the season?

I have mainly worked on my endurance, strength and my sprinting power. I have been doing lots of runs (mainly around 5.5km) in a 20kg weighted vest to try to improve both my stamina and develop my leg strength.

In addition to this, I have been doing lots of interval work (run, walk sprint) and focussing on sprinting up hills to try to build on my strength.

Yoga has also played a big part in my routine to at least keep me flexible.

What hurdles have you had to overcome?

I wouldn't call them hurdles but having a young family and getting older certainly puts limits on how much you can do and when you can do it. It's really just about having the discipline to stick to a plan and managing my time more effectively.

Madeley in action accumilating another appearance for the first team

What was the most difficult part for you?

When you have a week off from a schedule, for example a family holiday, it is hard to get back into the mind-set again. It’s about setting mini goals to bring the motivation back.

How do you judge you are in good shape for the season ahead?

This is tricky, but I am not usually able to make that decision until after the first few training sessions as that’s when I really know how good my physical condition is and of course my reactions. So far, so good this pre-season now we've had enough games to get used to the new players and sharpen up my reactions.

What has been the most surprising part of this year’s pre-season?

That we have had such an excellent turnout of players, through some quite sunny weather too and long may this continue.

Have you noticed anything different in this year’s group as pre-season has progressed?

Yes, the lads that played together last year knew we were on the brink of something special when we turned our season around, so you get the feeling that everyone wants to be a part of it again this season.

How is pre-season different for a goal keeper compared to outfield players?

For general fitness I wouldn't say it's all that different, it’s more about reactions and sharpening those for a keeper, which can be quite hard to do when doing your own fitness. It's also the mental side of the game too, where you have to concentrate for seventy minutes as you know that just one lapse can lead to a goal. It can be quite a lonely position at times due to the fact that, as a keeper when you make a mistake, 98% of the time this will lead to a goal. Unlike any other area on the pitch.

It's all about being able to move on to the next phase and stay focussed.

If you were giving advice to any of the younger keepers in the club about pre-season in particular, what would your top three pieces of advice be to ensure you are fully ready?

1) Never assume that one training session a week is enough to keep you match ready, you must have your own training/fitness routine

2) Train like it is match day and that way when you play it will be second nature

3) Learn to accept your mistakes but be willing to learn from them. Yes it’s annoying when you let a soft goal in every now and then but don't dwell on it you can't change what has happened but you can have a massive effect on what will happen next, positive or negative - that's down to how you react

What are your ambitions for the 2017-18 season?

Ambitions are a top of the table placing, promotion would be even better but anywhere inside the top three would show a huge improvement. Moreover, I want to enjoy the season as much as possible building on the team ethic and togetherness we started last season.

Finally, what motivates you to keep committing to pre-season and the full season proper?

I love playing, it’s as simple as that. The higher level I can play the better, yes you have challenging days but nothing beats that feeling of playing on a Saturday.

Thanks to Paul for sharing his thoughts and views.

The men's first team ended the pre-season with a 4-3 away win agasint Coventry & North Warwick, giving a total record of three wins, one draw and one loss.

Attention now turns to the first league game away to Edgbaston on the 7 October.

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