Been supporting Saints for about 100 years and it has to be Antti Niemi for me, followed by Shilts and Tim Flowers. Another keeper who would I think have been a goodun was Gerry Gurr, robbed of a great career by a shoulder injury.
Like everyone else, Niemi for me (too young for Shilton). Most improved keeper was big Dave Beasant. Crap when he arrived but was real quality by the end of his time with us. Stand out keeper performance, has to be Le Tiss on Franny B's testimonial. Who knew?!!
Kelvin Davis' performance against Leeds is up there with Niemi's triple save against Arsenal as one of the best things I've seen in a Saints goalkeeping jersey.
Shame the majority of the forum is too young for Shilton. I did see him play, but just too young for that to be in a saints shirt. Despite the England caps and our league finishes with him between he sticks I feel compelled to vote for someone I watched and know for a fact was awesome Hope this doesn't effect votes when it comes to messers Paine, Davies etc
Niemi without any hesitation, but with a special mention for Maik Taylor. Wasn't really between the sticks long enough for us but looked solid, excellent shot stopper and remember a pretty good command of his area. Was odd to see again at Millwall away a few seasons back after all those years, got a good reception from us too.
Niemi, because he was with us in his prime. Shilts was a legend but he was nearing the end of his career when with us. Special mention must go to Paul Jones.
Must admit Paul Jones and Maik Taylor maybe should've made the list but there looks a clear runaway winner anyway. Shilts was class for us and he won 49 England caps with the club (Saints highest ever). Love your avatar AA...
Well said that man. Gurr was outstanding. I'm surprised that people think Shilts was past it when he came to us. He played in a good Saints side - better than the one when Niemi was playing - and so was maybe less necessary spectacular. However, just on the "oh-my-god-how-did-he-stop-that" factor Niemi jst shades it even if, as a pundit said at the time, he looked like someone's Aunty Mabel when we lost 4-1 to Pompey!
What? Shilts was 6-8 years from the end of his career when he played for us. Whether Niemi was in his prime or not, he was not as good as Shilts, despite him being excellent. This was 1982-1986, not 1990
Peter Shilton was one of the major reasons we came second in the league. Simply the best keeper we had.
I guess this result will be determined by the age of the Not606'ers. Anyone who saw Stilton play for us will know that Niemi was very good but not fit to lace Shilts boots Shilton was arguably the best keeper in the world, Niemi wasn't even the best in the league Additionally Shilton didn't spend a lot of his time on the treatment table either
I'd agree that Shilts was probably better but I'm only going for people I saw, and down to average age of this forum at a guess I imagine we'll end up with something of a mix between Strachan team and current team. (oh and Le Tiss!)
Age, not really. I used to love Eric Martin and, of course Cup Final hero Ian Turner, but with the best will in the world you wouldn't say they were top in the list of Saints goalies. I suspect age will come more into play with some other positions though. CB Fry anyone?
