Its a dull day, so happy to note we are second favourites to sign Shay Given from Villa, after Liverpool. According to SSN.
Christ on a bike! He must be older than Phil Parkes. What is it we are signing him to do for us? Of all the areas that need addressing, the goalie is the least problematic.
I seen Harry on SSN today asking how some big club hasn't come in for Cesar yet. If Cesar was to go, then we would only be left with Murphy. I think we would be one keeper short.
We should go and get him regardless of what else we are doing with goalkeepers. Surely he is better than Murphy?
Not for me. Buy Butland for the future. He would keep Green on his toes and gradually become a really good number one
Given is old, overpaid and useless.[/QUOTE] I cant believe you said that. You really do know fu•kall. One of the best Prem keepers over the last 10-12 years. He was world class. Will still do a decent job for somebody but not right for us just now
Don't take it too much to heart mate. Flyer hates all Goalkeepers equally. I remember him saying of Given during the Euro's that he should have a "bouncier stance"! I mean that's what you're up against NUTS. Having said that, Given is another one of those quality players who just doesn't know when to call time on it. He overstayed his Irish welcome by a year and will be remembered as a doughnut due to his awful performances at the Euro's. He's outstaying his Club tenure now as well when he should just do the wise thing and hang up his gloves.
No problem with any of that. He is still well capable of being second choice IMO. The fact that Liverpool are linked with him as a reserve keeper, IMO shows he can still do a job. Flyer just spouts the same rubbish out for every player over 30. He obviously knows nothing about modern fitness techniques and how footballers are now able to significantly prolong their careers. Look at Lampard tonight playing 120 minutes and watch the impact that Gerard Giggs etc etc can have in games. I know they are quality players but careers are not over at 30. To say Given is useless just shows his nonsensical negative approach to every thread. It's nauseating
All fair points NUTSY but my angle would be, why bring in a pensioner (probably on high wages) as back up when we could bring a young, fresh lad in and develop him? We have Murphy if Green gets injured and I'd bet any money he's as good as an over the hill journeyman for a few games. We've been signing fossils for long enough. Time to go back to basics.
Not impressed at all by Murphy as #2 to Green. Jack Butland @ 20 would be a great acquisition for the future. Given would definitely be a better #2 in the short-term. Look at Mark Schwarzer @ 41 brought in at Chelsea as #2, Brad Friedel @ 42 still going strong asSpurs #2. Given is a youngster @ 37
