One of England’s biggest challenges on the road to their first World Cup final since 1966 is overcoming Argentina’s formidable goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, whose outstanding performances helped secure the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar.
Now an Aston Villa star and recipient of the Golden Glove award, Martinez’s journey was shaped in part by Neil Cutler, a former Cheltenham Town goalkeeper who coached Martinez early in his Aston Villa career. Cutler, who played in the Premier League and had spells at clubs like Stoke City and Rotherham United, was pivotal in Martinez’s £20m move from Arsenal to Villa in September 2020.
Reflecting on their connection, Cutler expressed the strong bond they formed, with Martinez calling him “the best English goalkeeping coach by miles.”
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“When Villa returned to the Premier League, Dean Smith and his team trusted my judgment to bring in a new number one,” Cutler told Gloucestershire Live. “Emi ticked all the boxes — technically, tactically, and personality-wise. He’s a quick, athletic South American with the biomechanical discipline that suits my coaching style perfectly.”
Cutler’s approach impressed Martinez immediately. “When I explained how I envisioned his development and the direction of the club, he bought in straight away. That commitment was the key moment for us.”
Though Cutler left Villa in October 2022 after a change in management, his close relationship with Martinez earned him an invitation to join Argentina’s pre-World Cup training camp in Miami. He worked alongside Argentina’s goalkeeper coach Martin Tocalli, combining efforts to prepare Martinez for football’s grandest stage.
“Seeing the team’s unity and spirit — even their dancing and singing — convinced me they were ready to lift the World Cup,” Cutler said proudly.
The victory in Qatar was a landmark moment for Cutler, who is now the goalkeeping coach at Premier League club Sunderland.
Cutler’s own football journey started with a loan to Cheltenham Town in the mid-90s while he was with West Bromwich Albion. That early taste of senior football shaped his career and coaching philosophy.
“Playing senior football at 18 in a competitive, demanding environment was vital for me,” he explained. “It taught me to thrive under pressure and hunger for wins — lessons I now pass on to young keepers.”
Cutler fondly recalls a Boxing Day derby win against Gloucester City, with over 3,000 fans at Meadow Park. “The atmosphere was electric, and playing in front of such a crowd at a young age prepared me for the highs of professional football.”
Despite moving on, Cutler’s affection for Cheltenham remains strong. He’s returned multiple times, both as a player and coach, and is inspired by the club’s ongoing growth and new facilities.
“Cheltenham gave me a foundation I’ll always cherish. Seeing how the club continues to evolve is wonderful, and I hope that momentum keeps going.”