Ray Newland

Jimmy Provett is still a professional goalkeeper and is recognised as one of the best goalkeepers in League 2. However, this is soon to be league 1, as his Hartlepool team have just gained promotion this season.

Jim started his goalkeeping quite late aged twelve. Before this he was a centre forward but as he grew, he started to grow into the shape of a keeper. As he went into secondary school, he went on trial as a Goalkeeper, and immediately got the number one spot.

Just one season after playing in goal, he had a host of clubs after him, and after spells with Sunderland and York City, Hartlepool United signed Jimmy on a 3 year YTS scheme.

Jim eventually tuned professional with Hartlepool and made a handful of games in his first season, but in his second season he made over 50 first team appearances and unbelievably winning both the 'Players Player' and 'Supporters Player of the Year' awards.

With still many years of professional football ahead of him (As his still only 24 years old) he has shown great loyalty to Hartlepool by being at this club for nearly 10 years. He is looking forward to a season in league 1 next season, plus helping budding goalkeepers in the North East follow in his footsteps.

Jim States, 'I love my goalkeeping and playing at the highest of levels in an honour, and I see my coaching schools as an opportunity to give young hopefuls opportunities that I never had!'