What about this guy as a back up. Just been let go by some League 1 Club, could fit the bill. I'm sure he'd welcome the chance to learn his trade behind Super Kelvin, with the added bonus of actually getting paid each month. Only problem could be the step up a level and whether he can get used to big crowds each week. Maybe worth a punt?
Thought he'd make a good L1 player, wonder who they've got lined up................Anti again perhaps?
It says something that signing Niemi was nowhere near the worst decision that was made at FP. Does give us an excuse to watch this though. [video=youtube;unxO3xTK90M]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unxO3xTK90M[/video] If anyone finds that assist v Fulham, I'll love them forever.
What about that 5ft2" Jap they had, that played against us, he was really good. Dont know if he'd want to drop to League 1 and not sure if he would be willing to pay his £5 a week subs.
Fantastic. I might be wrong (not unheard of) but I think it was earlier in the same game that he headed Jason Dodd's backpass onto his own crossbar. Oh wow, I've just spotted the Michael Owen penalty save. And the triple save v Arsenal. And the bit where Claus nearly got sent off in the second minute of the FA Cup Final. I think I need a lie down.
2:30, the game against Villa in 03/04 where he played the game of this life and Villa only scored because Howard Webb thought Angel was tripped by a Saints player, when in fact it was Liam Ridgewell that pushed him.
Thanks for that Dan‽. I turned the sound off immediately..! I'd love to see a fuller version of that, where the tension of the last few minutes are conveyed, with Strachan waving Niemi forward after Antti has asked in previous situations and been denied by WGS. And the players mostly mobbed Niemi after Svensson scored, and at the final whistle, moments later. Great Saints moment. What a keeper he was too. For a while he was the best in the league, and I'm completely aware who else was playing at the time.
We've been blessed with a few good keepers in our time, haven't we?? Flowers, Niemi, Shilton, of course SKD...
I always thought he was an amazing keeper but some of those saves were unbelievable!!! The first few and the one against some West Ham player in the middle are insane! Legend.
Ashdown has both played in the Premiership and in front of large crowds. Fail. please log in to view this image
I always liked Niemi but I have to admit, watching that, that I'd forgotten just how athletic he was. I'd have to say he was the best to ever play for Southampton (apart from Burridge of course). I'd put him ahead of Shilton during his Saints years. Whether Shilton at his peak was better, i.e. during his time at Nottingham Forest, is debatable.
I'd put Niemi second only to Shilton, and miles ahead of Burridge [sorry Budgie - you were joking I take it, Lff..?], with Tim Flowers in third, during my time. Shilts was athletic too and didn't need to be because of his superb positioning. He was also such a presence in the goal that opposing strikers were hugely intimidated by him.
Niemi was class....who can forget this miraculous triple save at 1:57.... [video=youtube;TxH55gBWda4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxH55gBWda4[/video]
He probably meant large home crowds, something I doubt Ashdown is used to unless Rushden and Diamonds pull in thousands?
