Behind every strong defence lies not only a dependable goalkeeper, but also the expertise, preparation and guidance that shape performances long before matchday arrives.
At McDiarmid Park, that responsibility falls to head of goalkeeping Gordon Marshall – a figure whose experience, calm authority and attention to detail play a vital role in the development of the club’s goalkeepers.
This week, we sat down with Gordon to discuss his journey in football, his transition into coaching, and the work that goes on behind the scenes to prepare his goalkeepers for the demands of the modern game.
Firstly, how did you get into football?
“My dad obviously had a huge impact on my career. I always wanted to be a goalkeeper, even from a young age. I really got into it during primary school and that was where it all started for me.
“My first club was Tynecastle Boys Club. Our club leader was Dougie Dalglish, and I still remember meeting him for the first time. He asked my name and when I said ‘Gordon Marshall’, he replied, ‘That’s a great name for a goalkeeper.’ It stuck with me.
“I used to go and watch my dad towards the end of his career, and both my mum and dad were incredibly supportive during my younger years in the game.”
How did you first get into coaching?
“My dad had a big influence on that too. My first real taste of coaching came when I was still playing at Motherwell, around 2005. Jim Stewart, who was involved with Rangers and the Scotland set-up, asked if I wanted to help out at an under-19s training camp.
“That was really the starting point. From there, it just felt like a natural progression for me.”
What are your memories of your first coaching stint at McDiarmid Park?
“It was a great time to come in. Derek McInnes and Tony Docherty were in charge and they were hugely ambitious. There was a real energy about the place and I thoroughly enjoyed working with both of them.
“We had a really good group. Zander Clark was coming through, and Peter Enckelman was performing well for the club. Alan Main was also there and, like me, he was starting to think about life after playing. He was a top professional and it created a great environment to work in.”
Before you moved on to Motherwell, you played a key role in bringing Alan Mannus to the club. Tell us about that?
“We knew Peter Enckelman was going to be leaving, so I went over to Ireland to watch Alan Mannus. I had seen him before when I was at Hibs, but at that time I didn’t think he was quite ready.
“When I saw him again, I felt he had improved massively. I came back and told Derek he was ready. Unfortunately, I didn’t get much time to work with him – I think I only had one session before I moved on – but it was no surprise to me how well he did here. He’s a fantastic person and thoroughly deserved the success he had.”
How did your return to McDiarmid Park come around?
“I had been away from home for six and a half years at Aberdeen and it was time to come back.
“My wife Michelle had been holding everything together at home while I was away working, and I felt I needed to be back with my family.
“I did some part-time coaching when I first returned, and then the opportunity to come back to Saints full-time came out of the blue. It just felt right.
“When we were in the Premiership, it was tough. Dropping into the Championship has given us a chance to regroup and rebuild, and it’s been an enjoyable season so far. But there’s still a lot of hard work ahead – we’re at a really important stage.”
Tell us about the coaching staff at McDiarmid Park?
“Simo and the rest of the coaching team have been brilliant. I love his enthusiasm and the way he connects with people around the city.
“You’ve also got younger coaches like Jordi and Paavo, and they bring great energy. There’s a lot of positivity in the building and that creates a really good working environment.
“The gaffer’s sessions are excellent for goalkeepers. They’re involved in a lot, which isn’t always the case at other clubs where they can sometimes be isolated. That’s not how we work here, and it’s a big positive.”
How good a group of goalkeepers is it you are working with at the moment?
“I’ve been fortunate to work with some top goalkeepers over the years, and this is another very strong group.
“Toby came in at just 20 years old and has shown real maturity. He’s still learning, of course, but he’s progressing well.
“Ross has also been excellent. He trains at a very high level every day and pushes Toby constantly, which is exactly what you want.
“Craig Hepburn has had a really productive time out on loan, first at Brechin and then at East Kilbride. Those experiences are invaluable for young players.
“And Kyle Thomson deserves a lot of credit too. He hasn’t missed a single training session and his attitude has been outstanding. That kind of commitment doesn’t go unnoticed.”
Finally, tell us about your stint as a hairdresser?
“That came about after I was released by Rangers early in my career. Looking back, I probably didn’t work hard enough at that stage.
“I ended up playing part-time with East Fife, and alongside that I got into hairdressing. My dad had bought a shop – it had a newsagents upstairs and an old barber shop downstairs that needed a lot of work.
“While I was at college, one of the teachers wasn’t enjoying teaching, so I asked if she wanted to come and work in the shop – and I became the apprentice.
“We ran it for about seven years, but once I moved into full-time football, that chapter came to an end.”
