David Seaman - ex-England - Goalkeeper Spotlight

David Seaman's Stats
D.O.B.	19/09/1963
Nationality	English
Height	6ft 3inches
England Caps	75

Profile

Signed by George Graham from Queen's Park Rangers, Seaman's commanding presence and organisational skills have been vital to Arsenal's legendary defensive discipline.

Actually began his career with Leeds United as an apprentice before having spells with Peterborough United and Birmingham City.

Has won championship medals, FA and League Cup winners medals and enjoyed European glory during his time in North London. Before more recent playing under Kevin Keegan at Manchester City.

With the self-styled nickname 'Safe Hands', Seaman was the mainstay at Arsenal for over a decade but, with errors finally starting to creep into his game, he faced challenges for the No.1 jersey with club and country.

Made his England debut in November 1988 against Saudi Arabia but had to compete, mainly with Peter Shilton and Chris Woods, until he became a regular under Terry Venables, Glenn Hoddle, Kevin Keegan and Sven Goran Eriksson.

Lowest point of his club career was being lobbed from the half-way line by former Spurs player Nayim in the 1995 Cup Winners' Cup final but he achieved national hero status for his penalty saves at Euro '96 against Scotland and Spain.

Had an excellent Euro 2000 in Holland and Belgium but missed England's final game against Romania through injury.

Sven Goran Eriksson left Seaman out of his first squad that played a friendly against Spain in February 2001 but said this was because he already new about the goalkeeper's ability.

Seaman returned to the squad for England's World Cup 2002 qualifying campaign against Finland despite doubts over an injured back. He recovered in time to play the match and made a great save in the dying seconds to secure all three valuable points for England.

During the 2002 World Cup he was rock solid from the word 'go' and England's man of the match as they struggled to a draw in the 1-1 opening match with Sweden. Pulled off a crucial block to deny Argentina a point in the Sapporo Dome and a typically calming influence in the final group match against Nigeria.

In top form against Denmark but was caught off his line for Brazil's second goal as England lost 2-1. Ronaldinho's mis-hit free-kick found the top corner as one the best keepers in the tournament was caught out and England travelled home.

The signing of young England goalkeeper Richard Wright from Ipswich Town during the summer of 2001 suggested Seaman's days were numbered, but the Yorkshireman saw off the challenge and Wright joined Everton just a year later.

Retirement (13th January 2004, BBC Football)

So "Safe Hands" has finally decided to call time on a distinguished career.

A recurring shoulder injury has forced David Seaman to hang up his gloves at the age of 40.

The decision to retire may well have been a difficult one for the Yorkshireman after 23 years in the game as a professional. But the writing had been on the wall for Seaman for a while and he may have been better advised to bow out at Arsenal, with whom he won three league titles and four FA Cups.

The voices were telling him just one more season in the Premiership, one final campaign with England, yet Seaman's body was telling him something quite different. Time has caught up with the former England goalkeeper and his final hoorah at Manchester City has seen him leave the footballing fraternity with a whimper rather than a bang.

But it would be unkind to simply reflect on Seaman's steady slide down the ladder of keeping greats. He has been one of the Premiership top keepers, has served his country well (despite the costly error against Brazil in the 2002 World Cup quarter-finals) and has always been a consummate professional.

After failing to make a single appearance with Leeds, whom he supported since boyhood, his journey took him to Peterborough, Birmingham, QPR before he settled at Arsenal in 1990.

At Highbury, Seaman struck up a close relationship with former Arsenal legend Bob Wilson, whom he will no doubt have consulted about his decision to quit.

The pair have endured the highs and lows of Seaman's career at club and international level.

Perhaps it is only the mistakes that stick in the mind for some, like Nayim's audacious lob from the half-way line that eluded Seaman and cost the Gunners the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1995.

Gaffes against Germany and Macedonia in qualifying for the 2002 World and Euro 2004 respectively also seem easy to remember.

But it is not hard to recall the extraordinary save Seaman made in last season's FA Cup semi-final against Sheffield United. His sensational one-handed stop from Paul Peschisolido was hailed at the time as one of the best ever saves in footballing history.

And let's not forget Seaman's penalty heroics during Euro 96 when he helped England to reach the semi-finals after saving Spain's Miguel Angel Nadal's spot-kick in the quarters.

It is now the turn of Seaman's England successor, David James, to go between the sticks at the City of Manchester Stadium. Seaman suggested to City manager Kevin Keegan that he should swoop for the West Ham man. "After deciding to retire, it was a pleasure to recommend David James - so I know the position is in safe hands," said the veteran keeper.

Seaman's gloves are now definitely off.

Information Source Credits

Profile - ESPN SoccerNet
Retirement - BBC SPORT Football
Photographs - www.thebeautifulgame.co.uk & www.parquedafloresta.com

Follow the future activities of David Seaman @ PlayerWatch.co.uk