By Geoff Twentyman BBC Bristol

Foster watched Spurs penalty takers on his iPod during the shoot out

Ben Foster's use of an iPod before the penalty shoot out in the Carling Cup final at Wembley has raised an obvious question.

Did the Manchester United keeper partake in a form of cheating?

It sent my mind into re-wind and I wonder if some of my former team-mates between the sticks engaged in their own form of 'bending the rules.'

I remember the day when the Preston keeper Peter Litchfield read the match-day programme before kick-off and noticed a photograph of the home penalty taker in a recent match sending the goalie the wrong way. Keeper dived left as the ball was slotted right.

Later that afternoon we conceded a penalty and in a moment of inspiration he recalled the image, dived to the left and made a great save. Research of type made the difference.

A few years later, as technology became more and more advanced, I remember a keeper who compiled his own tape of spot-kick takers from the same division. An anorak with a number one on his back.

Although I award Foster 10 out of 10 for ingenuity and creativity I think on the field equipment should be banned Geoff Twentyman, BBC Bristol

The hours and hours of research drew tangible reward as he saved a high percentage of penalties.

Along the way there were of course the custodians who did no research.

Some watched the taker's body as he approached the ball and took a chance. My former Rovers team-mate Brian Parkin was a master of this technique.

Others did not have a clue and just opted to dive one way or the other. They did not save many pens.

I once marvelled as Pat Jennings saved two penalties at Anfield. One from Tommy Smith, the other from Kevin Keegan.

The best I ever saw in a game I played in was when 'Parky' once saved three penalties in a shoot-out versus Walsall in 1990. Take a bow 'Mr Glum.'

So back to the question of Ben Foster.

Pat Jennings was an accomplished stopper from the penalty spot

Although I award him 10 out of 10 for ingenuity and creativity, I think on the field equipment should be banned.

Some might say all that Foster did was a modern day version of reading the programme before a game, and to be fair, the penalty scenario is seriously loaded in favour of the taker.

I think there is a big danger that unless it is outlawed every penalty shoot out would be delayed while the keepers get a quick refresher on their iPod. Just imagine the time delay!

Pre-match research is diligent, but research made during the match is off limits.

Geoff presents the Twentyman Talks Back football phone-in at 1900 GMT on Fridays on BBC Radio Bristol and BBC Radio Somerset. If you missed the latest programme, listen to it now.

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