BT Sport Films: The Special 1 examines the role of goalkeepers in the beautiful game

BT Sport will premiere The Special 1, the latest documentary from BT Sport Films, on BT Sport 1 HD on Tuesday 8 February at 10.45pm.

The Special 1 provides an entertaining journey into the goalkeeping world, with former and current top-flight keepers speaking with rarely-before seen candour and insight, reflecting on well-known incidents and aspects of their trade.

Featuring a distinctive and light-hearted approach, including comic book visuals and idiosyncratic music, The Special 1 celebrates the unique and often misunderstood world of goalkeepers. It is presented by well-known TV presenter and former goalkeeper Richie Driss.

The film’s line-up of keepers also reveal why they chose that position and how the role has changed over the years. 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 all feature.

In addition, former England number one Rob Green helps de-bunk some widely held myths around the position, while the Three Lions' current stopper Jordan Pickford delivers his take on penalties.

The Special 1 also takes time to explore the detrimental impact of being a goalkeeper and discovers more about the keepers who have struggled to cope with the intense psychological pressure that comes with the job.

Driss meets 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.

After the premiere, at 10.45pm on BT Sport 1HD on Tuesday 8 February, The Special 1 will be available to watch via the BT Sport app and website at any time.

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.”