Meet Macca

Name: James ‘Macca’ Mcarthur

Age: 38

Role: Goalkeeper coach

Supports: West Ham United

Favourite player: I think my favourite goalkeepers would be David Seaman or Peter Schmeichel. When I was growing up they were top drawer.
My favourite player would be Carlos Tevez. As a West Ham fan, how can I overlook a player that kept us in the Premier League? And he ran his socks off every game.

 What is the most rewarding aspect of coaching at Godalming Town?
I’m new to coaching and although I’ve had a few offers to get involved before joining Godalming, I never thought I’d enjoy it.
When Ruggs approached me at the start of the season I thought I would give it go. And, I can honestly say I have loved it. When you’re away from the game, you miss being part of a club – a part of a cause, I guess – and the buzz of a match day. Very few things beat that.
Coaching is definitely something I want to pursue further, and I’m always looking at new research, advice and information from those working in the game. Working with ‘keepers and improving them is very satisfying, and we have talent in that position at Godalming.
Those who know me will be on at me if I don’t mention sweets in the dugout on game day. As a coach, I don’t have to worry about physical performance, so it’s a bench treat. If you see me heading back to the changing room during a game, I have run out and need to restock!

What are the most important values for you as a coach and role model?
I am a happy person, always joking and having a laugh and I like to take that into our sessions. We work hard but we have to enjoy what we do and being around one another.
Being the coach and making Gilesey or Ollie dive and then shouting ‘GET UP’ is a good feeling too!

Playing career:
As a youngster I actually played with Ruggs for a few seasons, which is where we met in our early teens. I was at Farnborough in the U18s and made a few reserve appearances for them also.
I played at Ash United for several seasons in senior football, before signing for Farnham Town.
I then had one season at Yeading (as they were known then), before a few seasons at Alton Town and then back to Farnham where we won Division One of the CCL.
I ended up playing local football at Tongham before injury sadly ended my playing days.

About me:
Growing up I was always around football – my dad was, and still is, mad on local football. He was actually assistant manager at Godalming under Chris Penny, which many people may not know, so I have a connection to the club. I have fond memories of sitting in the dugout eating my lunch on match days.
Work wise, I am an electrician and I really love what I do. It’s never the same on a job – it’s a mix of domestic and commercial work, with projects also in the exhibition industry pre-pandemic. I’ve also been lucky enough to travel to some lovely places around the world through my work.
I also train the goalkeepers in my son’s U14 team and we also have West Ham season tickets. It’s a shame we can’t go and watch at the moment as we are absolutely flying, but long may the winning football continue. My wife knew I was football mad before she met me so she doesn’t give me a hard time about it.
Finally, it’s great to be back around senior football again. Godalming really is a great club, run by good people and hopefully we can start moving back in the right direction again.
I must say I was taken aback by the support the club receives but we have a top squad with a fantastic management team and once we can get going again, I am confident they’ll see football – and people – they can get behind.

Up the Gs.


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