We’re delighted to sit down with one of our new signings for the 2025/26 season – Goalkeeper Harvey Simson, who brings composure, confidence, and shot-stopping ability to the squad.

Harvey joins Athletic Newham ready to make his mark between the sticks, and we caught up with him to hear his thoughts ahead of the new campaign.

🧤 Let’s get to know our new No.1…

Q1: First off, how did you get into goalkeeping?

My local team I was playing for didn’t have a keeper so all the players rotated. It was my turn to go in goal and I ended up doing well so the manager asked if I would be the teams keeper and I said yes.

Q2: Goalkeepers are often called the last line of defence. How do you handle that pressure?

I try to keep a clear head in both positive and negative situations. If I make a mistake, I get over it there and then as I would if I saved a penalty during the game.

Q3: Any pre-match rituals or superstitions?

It’s not so much a superstition where I have to put my left sock on before my right, it’s more of keeping the same routine on game day, example: waking up at 9:00am, showering/getting ready, then eating my meal before I leave for the game.

Q4: If you had to compare your Goalkeeping style with any good who would that be and why?

I was watching Iker Casillas at Real Madrid when growing up because like him, I am not the biggest of keepers, therefore I relied on my agility and speed to make up for the lack of height.

Q5: Why Athletic Newham?

It’s good to be back in step 5 and after talking to the Chairman, it seems a good set up with high standards to develop and push players on further.

Q6: What are your goals for the rest of the season?

Play every game and develop myself, along with wining silverware.

Q7: What’s your favourite part of being a goalkeeper?

That it’s a specialised position and that it’s not for everyone.

Q8: How do you bounce back after a tough game or a mistake?

I don’t dwell on it, what’s done is done and I have the next training/game to rectify it.