Out for another 3 months with a reoccurence of his shoulder injury: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/9403128.stm I know there is no love lost with some Toon supporters, but it is still a shame to see such a good GK go to waste. When he was at NUFC he was a good servant to the club and got on with things, and left more out of frustration than greed as he could see the ship slowly sinking and FA being done about it.
Shame for him, but massively ironic that he left to win trophies and has got bugger all there, at least he would have picked up a Championship title and the one we got for beating Depor in pre season here. Also that Harper now starts every game, and Given watches on from the bench at City.
It is a shame for him. He was brilliant for us and his leaving was completely understandable. It's just ironic that things have turned out the way they have for him. Get well soon Shay!
Serves him right for chasing the money rather than going somewhere like Arsenal. He's still a legend, but it grates on me that he left for money rather than glory.
AG - I Met him a few tims around Forest Hall (near the Benton training ground) and he was a really nice bloke, I think he went to Man City more for the potential cup glory than the money. Unfortunatley it's went totaly tits up for him, 4 starts all season and non in the league is a bit **** really for him. On the positive side had he stayed we'd have had a crocked GK on are hands and Harps would never have gotten his chance Wish him a speedy recovery
Did Arsenal show any real interest in that Januray window, though? I can't really remember. Say what you want about Man City but you can't argue that there gunna be a force all round soon enough, probably be more successful than Arsenal, to be honest. I really feel for him. He's a much better goalkeeper than Joe hart, IMO, who, right now, looks all over the place. Shame.
They were interested in the past and he rebuffed them, it was City's money that turned his head. City won't be bigger than Arsenal for the same reason Chelsea won't usurp Man U; they're too unstable. Even if City do become the most decorated club in England, Given won't be a part of it because they've left him to rot in the reserves. He'd probably have a medal or two by now if he'd joined Arsenal.
he's a top keeper that any team would be glad to have,except citeh. hearing that he injured his shoulder and is going to need surgery for it is really a shame,he'll miss the first two euro cups games for Ireland and its the only chance he'll get starting a match as long as he's at city. I hope he goes to some team that would start him like Arsenal or even some championship club,since he really is getting on in age.
Given is/was a world-class keeper, unfortunately City isn't doing it for him. He should try and get a move to Arsenal or aboard to save his career! Too good a keeper to leave on the bench IMO.
I know he rebuffed them in the past, but it was that window that he'd had enough. I think there's a huge difference between Man U and Arsenal, though. Also, Chelsea have won major honours, something City, I'm sure will do. It was impossible for Given to know that Joe Hart would be fancied over him, especially as he was on loan at Birmingham at the time.
Shay was a great keeper for us and kept us in games we had no right to be in. I'll always wish him the best no matter what.
Quick Caption Comp: "Shay regretted standing so close to Tevez whilst he had a quick shave with the cheese grater"
Things have not went well for Shay Given at Man City, I'm sorry his career has stalled but I'm sure his huge salary cushions the blow. I can't see City letting Given go to one of their bigger rivals, it seemed for a while they intended buying up all the competition.
True, he'll never want for a crust of bread but it must hurt his professional pride to be second string.
I can understand why he decided to leave - and I'm sure that he didn't take that decision lightly. Who would want to work for the Ashley mob featuring JFK? He's been unlucky since he left - that's how the cookie crumbles. Shay would be aware that these things happen in football. He'll come back here to coach later on. Can't wish him anything but a turn of fortune.
I was disappointed with his decision to leave but I still have a lot of respect for Shay. Here's to a speedy recovery and a move in the summer for first team action, Arsenal, Celtic or anywhere abroad.
Could never blame Given for leaving when he did. He was a loyal servant to the club who rebuffed interest from Arsenal for many years hoping he would get silverware here, when he realised he wouldn't he went to City, who he thought he would be #1 keeper at a club who would be spending a **** load of money to ensure trophy-success. Hope he goes to Arsenal in the summer.
Shay was kept out by Hart-enough said--he's on his way to heading over the hill. Injuries and a lack of time on the pitch are the start of his decline. He should have stayed put..
