BT Sport catches The Special 1 goalkeeper doc

BT Sport has revealed that The Special 1, a documentary focused on goalkeepers, will air on BT Sport 1 at 10.45pm on 8 February.

Fronted by TV presenter Richie Driss, The Special 1 will take a distinctive and light-hearted approach, including comic book visuals and idiosyncratic music, while aiming to give an entertaining journey into goalies’ unique world.

Former and current professional goalkeepers such as David James, Paul Robinson, Rachel Brown-Finnis, Chloe Morgan, David Marshall, Neville Southall, Aaron Ramsdale, Chris Kirkland, Sam Johnstone, John Ruddy, Ben Foster, and, Shay Given explain why they chose the position and how it has changed, while Rob Green de-bunks some widely held myths around the position and England and Everton no.1 Jordan Pickford delivers his take on penalties.

The Special 1 also looks at the intense psychological pressure which comes with being a goalkeeper, with Driss speaking to Dr Dirk Enke, a psychologist and father of German keeper, Robert Enke, who sadly took his own life after playing at the highest level and finds out more about the unique pressures that contributed to his son’s mental health issues.

Sally Brown, BT Sport Films executive producer and commissioning editor, said: “We are delighted to present The Special 1 as the latest instalment in the BT Sport Film series which kicks off a bumper line-up of titles for 2022.

“The unique and isolating experience of being a goalkeeper in the beautiful game has long been misunderstood and overlooked in favour of the more glamourous outfield positions. The Special 1 takes the viewer on an insightful and powerful journey of what wearing the Number 1 jersey entails from the greats who know it best, and the psychological burden that often comes with the role.”

• Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, Rachel Brown-Finnis, Paul Robinson, Rob Green and Neville Southall