The place I want to be - Brad Friedel

http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/the-place-i-want-to-be-brad-080711.html

Brad Friedel feels he’s now part of one of the most talented squads of his distinguished career.

That is praise indeed from a goalkeeper preparing for his 18th season as a professional, 15th in the Premier League and with three World Cups under his belt.

Brad joined us from Villa this summer and admitted the quality of the squad assembled at the Lane was one of the big attractions behind opening another new chapter in his career.

Currently on a record mark of 275 consecutive matches in the Premier League, Brad has been an admirer from the outside as we’ve qualified for and then made such an impressive debut in the Champions League last season as well as just missing out on the top four again.

“The squad that has been pulled together here is very, very talented, one of the most talented I’ve been a part of in football,” said Brad.

“I felt after speaking to the chairman and the manager that this was the place I wanted to be.

“I liked the prospect of trying to help the team get back into the Champions League and I think the wealth of talent and the age of the players in the dressing room bodes well for Tottenham.

“Now it’s all about getting everyone together and getting the results.”

Brad has settled seamlessly to life at Spurs with the players back for pre-season training at Spurs Lodge this week.

“It’s a great group of lads, a great atmosphere and the camaraderie between the players seems to be very good,” he added. “Everyone knows this is a tremendous squad, a talented squad and the move has been so easy so far.”

 

I must be honest and say I don't really care what FREEdel has to say.

And no amount of "Gomes lost us points last season, isn't good enough, Cudicini is a back up keeper, not a first choice, Alnwick isn't a Prem keeper and Harry doesn't rate him" type comments can make me think that signing him was worth it.

A backwards step in what is increasing looking like a an upcoming failed season.

 

I'm not so sure of that. He may be old, but he's reliable. Gomes, sadly, was not.
Sometimes a bit of faith in your goalkeeper is all the defense needs to play as effectively as they can.

Friedel wouldn't have been my first choice, but I don't believe he's a step back.

 

Is he reliable? or is it that his previous team didn't have anyone else to play in that position even though he made some MAJOR rickets and has been declining steadily over the past season?

And I purposefully didn't say anything about him being old

VDS was old but was still at the top of his game when he knocked it one the head
Cech is old but still at the top of his game
FREEdel is old and getting worse

 

So we get yesterday's hero and Villa sign Given. I bet he is happy!