IT may not have prevented Exeter City falling to defeat against Stockport, but goalkeeper Andy Marriott’s head-turning pink kit could be a secret weapon in the battle against relegation.

That’s the view of an expert in sport psychology, who believes the striking outfit sported by their man between the sticks could give the Grecians the edge in crucial games.

City’s veteran goalie has attracted more than his fair share of attention from commentators and opposition supporters in recent weeks since he began turning out in the new-look kit.

And following his impressive performance against Millwall at the New Den, some have even dubbed him the Pink Panther.

While some men would tremble at the prospect of appearing in front of thousands of fans dressed from head to toe in shocking pink, Dr Mark Wilson, a specialist in sport psychology at the University of Exeter, believes the attention will not undermine the goalkeeper’s confidence.

“I would imagine if he feels he’s getting some form of performance advantage from wearing something that might be a bit silly, he won’t really be worried about that,” said Dr Wilson.

The academic added that Marriott’s eye-catching kit could prove off-putting for opposing players when he is facing a penalty or rushing out to collect a corner.

“Our research shows that goalkeepers, by trying to distract penalty takers, can affect their performance,” said Dr Wilson.

“So anything the goalkeeper can do to try and attract the kicker’s attention is good from their perspective.

“If he feels he’s getting some benefit from wearing the pink kit by distracting opposition players, I think he will be able to cope with any banter from the crowd or the other team.”

Fashion expert Lynne Butler, who teaches creative textiles courses at Exeter College, applauded Marriott for helping to brighten up the football field.

“Well done to him,” she said. “I think it’s a really interesting thing to do and if you want to get yourself noticed, what better way to do it?

“We are in a kind of ‘80s revival and the really bright acid colours were shown a lot on the catwalks last season, so you could argue that it’s fashionable.

“I would think a bloke would only wear shocking pink if he was really confident of his sexuality, but designers like Paul Smith have been putting men in baby pink V-neck jumpers on and off for quite a long time.

“I think blokes generally are a bit more relaxed about wearing pink, and I see no reason why certain colours should only be for women.”

Marriott, 39, said after the Millwall game that taunts from rival supporters would not stop him wearing his all-pink kit.

“I got a few wolf whistles but there have been a hell of a lot of enquiries at the club shop about it and it is proving quite popular,” he said. “I will stick with it for the moment and see how it goes.”