Why red spells danger for the men on the spot

For research has shown that goalkeepers who wear red jerseys are more likely to be successful against the penalty takers in shoot-outs.

That is where England could have a problem for whoever is between the posts when and if such a situation arises will not be wearing red if the outfield players are in their away kit of the same colour – as they will be tomorrow.

The red shirts will obviously evoke memories of 1966 when Bobby Moore lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy after Alf Ramsey's men lost the toss and had to switch kits for the Wembley final – goalkeeper Gordon Banks playing in yellow.

At least Germany's goalkeeper will not be allowed to clash with the England colours tomorrow – having worn red in their final group match.

Former Bradford City goalkeeper John Ritchie, who spends some of his diverse schedule in a coaching role for the Scottish FA, has studied research undertaken at the University of Chichester and believes their findings have plenty of credence.

Ritchie, 63, is not surprised by the fact that 40 university footballers who tried their luck from the penalty spot missed around 20 per cent more when the goalkeeper used throughout the experiment was wearing red.

Only 54 per cent of spot-kicks went in against the goalkeeper in red while it was 69 per cent when donned in yellow and 72 and 75 per cent, respectively, while clad in blue and green.

Ritchie believes bright colours help a goalkeeper stand out and maintain an imposing stature.

"When you're in goal, you always want to have a presence, and wearing red colours helps you do that," said Ritchie, who made 64 appearances for the Bantams from 1971-74, being signed by Jimmy Wheeler from Brechin, whom he went on to manage after a further spell as player.

"I know that today, players and teams are much more prepared physically, mentally and psychologically than in days gone by. Every aspect of the game is stripped down and so I can understand the research being done.

"I would not be surprised to see a whole load of goalkeepers wearing red strips next season because everybody is looking for anything that can give you a wee edge. A red strip might give a striker an image that looks bigger than it actually is."

Looking back, Ritchie added: "When I played, goalkeepers generally wore green, or yellow if they were lucky enough to get into the international team. A great inspiration for me, though, was Lev Yashin, the Russian goalkeeper, and he wore all black and that's what I liked to do."

Psychology can only work in tandem with talent, however, said Ritchie, recalling an amusing incident during his 450-game senior career.

"Sepp Maier was the first to come out with the gloves that made his hands look absolutely huge while playing for West Germany in the World Cup. At home, we had been wearing green 'Peter Bonetti' cotton gloves when it was wet and relying on spitting on our hands when it was dry but then Maier came along.

"I went into my local sports shop and the owner said he could get me a pair. I said 'how much?' and when he said 32 I told him my manager would want to buy a new goalkeeper for that.

"Anyway, he got me a pair and I wore them in pre-season and for the first game of the season. They felt great but we got beat

8-1. I phoned him up and said 'what about these gloves?' and he replied 'you've got to be able to get to the ball first'."

Looking back, he added: "Jimmy Wheeler, who had taken Bradford out of the Fourth Division, signed me as fellow Scot Pat Liney was coming to the end of his career. Ray Wilson (England World Cup winner) was the assistant manager. It was a big experience for me because I was part-time at Brechin and had always wanted to play full-time.

"John Oldfield came later and he vied with me for the jersey. David Bairstow was at the club along with Ces Podd, who I have kept in touch with. Graham Oates was a great friend and John Hall was also in the side.

"The highlight of my time at Bradford was reaching the fourth round of the FA Cup in 1972-73. I still have the picture of myself making a flying save against Arsenal at Highbury and, although we lost 2-0 (goals came from Charlie George and Alan Ball), I was awarded man-of-the-match honours.

"I still have friends in the Bradford area and some of them were up here recently to reminisce."

Players had a greater affinity with the public in those days, believes Ritchie, adding: "Some of today's players live on a different planet whereas I always thought it was a privilege to go and play football and be paid for doing it.

"Today, as part of my involvement with the Scottish FA, I work with young players and try to make them appreciate what they have got and to prepare them for when their football careers come to an end."

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John Ritchie operate the worldwide goalkeepers coaching academy Just4Keepers in Scotland. More details on www.

jr-coaching.com