Mark Mason
Image by: Paul Hazlewood
PUBLISHED
06:02 4th September 2014
by Paul Camillin
We rate Mark highly, and he is one of the best young goalkeeping coaches around"
David Burke
David Burke
Brighton & Hove Albion academy goalkeeping coach Mark Mason will step up this season to assist first-team coach Antti Niemi, alongside his development work with the club's younger keepers.The highly-rated coach will deputise for Niemi - who is also Finland's goalkeeping coach - during the time he's working with the Finnish national squad during international breaks.
Head of football operations David Burke said, "We rate Mark highly, and he is one of the best young goalkeeping coaches around. He's worked hard to get his qualifications and he's done great work with our young goalkeepers.
"That progression has also been recognised by the FA, and Mark is working with England's young goalkeepers too. It was a natural step for him to move up to work closely with Antti and cover for him while he is away on international duty.
"Casper [Ankergren] and Christian [Walton] both know him well, and it will be fantastic for his ongoing development as a coach to be assisting Antti and gaining from his experience."
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Mason is already enjoying working with Niemi and Sami Hyypia. He added, "I worked quite closely with the first team last season and covered sessions when there were opportunities.*"This season there are going to be times when Antti is away with the Finland national team and that’s when I’ll be able to step in and keep the keepers on track.
"Antti's been brilliant with me since he came in and we've had a good chance to have a sit down and chat.
"He's spoken to me about what he wants from the goalkeepers, but is very open about listening to what you've got to say; he is very good in that sense.
"He’s had a great career and has so much experience, which is invaluable for us coaches and the goalkeepers as well.
"As an academy coach, the relationship with the first team goalkeeper coach needs to be really strong, so Antti’s arrival is a massive plus for me personally.
"The new manager has been brilliant too; he's been very open with all the staff and is happy to speak and give advice to everyone. He’s always there if you have questions about how he wants the keepers to play within the team.
"That is a massive benefit for all the coaches; it allows us to get the right message across to the younger players, so they understand what the gaffer wants when they step up into the first team. It makes that transition from the under-18s and under-21s into the first team a lot easier for the boys."
Original article