Given to Go?

[elroy]

One area where Shay is particularly weak on is penalties, I think i have only ever seen him save one penalty for Newcastle. None for Ireland but obviously the number of pens he faced for us would be significantly less.

[Sligo Hornet]

One area where Shay is particularly weak on is penalties, I think i have only ever seen him save one penalty for Newcastle. None for Ireland but obviously the number of pens he faced for us would be significantly less.

What about his fantastic penalty save in Cyprus?

[elroy]

What about his fantastic penalty save in Cyprus?

I stand corrected. Still dont think he has a great record at them to be honest.

[Stuttgart88]

He's unconvincing with penatlies for sure. There was a whole thread started by Owls fan (?) over a year ago. He did save one recently but it's certainly the exception. If I was buying a keeper I'm not sure I'd let that be a dealbreaker though.

[ifk101]

He's unconvincing with penatlies for sure. There was a whole thread started by Owls fan (?) over a year ago. He did save one recently but it's certainly the exception. If I was buying a keeper I'm not sure I'd let that be a dealbreaker though.

He saved a penalty in Cyprus for us, don't forget. :D

[Stuttgart88]

Absolutely, and what save it was too.

If only he had stood up against Mendietta's pathetic effort in Suwon :(

[tetsujin1979]

I remember that penalty well, it was my brother's 21st and we were watching the game in the pub. As he was making the run up, I said "you know, I don't think I've ever seen Given save a penalty"!

[Torn-Ado]

You could see Mendietta jump a little after he struck it. Even he wasn't convinced by it.

[Wolfie]

If only he had stood up against Mendietta's pathetic effort in Suwon :(

Still drives me demented thinking about that. :(

[Docboy]

I remember that penalty well, it was my brother's 21st and we were watching the game in the pub. As he was making the run up, I said "you know, I don't think I've ever seen Given save a penalty"!

I said the exact same thing to my missus! Well we can't be right all the time. Shay has always done it for us. I'll never forget the two outstanding saves he made at Lansdowne in the second half against Iran in the WC play-off. Made sure we brought the two-goal lead to Tehran.

[elroy]

Still drives me demented thinking about that. :(

Me too, just move your leg a little lower Shay.........

The guy is a top class keeper and is a true professional for us and his club. But if you watch him in penalties, he really gets a hand/near to the ball. I would need to watch the pens again but am fairly sure in the Spanish game he didnt really look like saving any. The two missed Spain pens were wide im sure.

Maybe that pen shootout taints my perception of him at pens, he did save a fine pen from Kevin Nolan earlier this year.

[hula4]

You could see Mendietta jump a little after he struck it. Even he wasn't convinced by it.

mendieta never looked at the ball when he took a penalty, always kept his eyes on the keeper to see his movement and tended to roll it the other way.

even though his penalty wasnt aesthetically the best, he rarely missed because of this technique

[tricky_colour]

City make £8m bid for Given


http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/english/city-make-pound8m-bid-for-given-1595677.html

[co. down green]

City make £8m bid for Given


http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/english/city-make-pound8m-bid-for-given-1595677.html

Thursday, 8 January 2009

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has denied making a bid for Newcastle and Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given.

Media reports claimed City had table an offer of around €9m for the 32-year-old, but Hughes says this is not true.

[Drumcondra 69er]

You could see Mendietta jump a little after he struck it. Even he wasn't convinced by it.


Given would've saved that with his legs had it not hit a bobble to take it over them at the last moment, shocking penalty. Still sick thinking about it, worst I've ever felt at a game I reckon....

[Wolfie]

Given would've saved that with his legs had it not hit a bobble to take it over them at the last moment, shocking penalty. Still sick thinking about it, worst I've ever felt at a game I reckon....

Amazing how a whole campaign can hinge on these "hairs breadth" moments.

I tend to juxtapose that penalty moment with Hollands excruciating miss against us at Lansdowne Road in the qualifier. Remember Dunne, Staunton and Given with some Key-Stonesque scrambling around in the box as the ball trickles wide of the post?

If we were in a peno shoot out tomorrow - who are the 5 you'd want taking them?

[paul_oshea]

Amazing how a whole campaign can hinge on these "hairs breadth" moments.

I tend to juxtapose that penalty moment with Hollands excruciating miss against us at Lansdowne Road in the qualifier. Remember Dunne, Staunton and Given with some Key-Stonesque scrambling around in the box as the ball trickles wide of the post?

If we were in a peno shoot out tomorrow - who are the 5 you'd want taking them?

The emotions throughout that game were unreal for me, i wear my heart on my sleeve as it is and am fairly edgy generally, but that day I reckon I got a glimpse of what manic depressants feel. Couldn't sleep properly the night before, headed down to the Irish Embassy in boston for around 7. Sheer elation, undescribale highs that no drug could bring about, unbeleiveable lows, I literally didn't talk to anyone for around 4 hours after that game and it annoyed me the fairweathers chatting and laughing about an hour after the game(im usually always talking, longest stretch is about 5 mins :D). I couldn't watch any more football until the final and none of it mattered then anyway. I didnt stop thinking about it for ages, I remember thinking before the game, sure we have got this far, what does it matter now, how wrong I was in how I felt after the game. Football is only a game(granted when your country is playing its more), but that day it felt like an awful awful lot more.

I remember thinking the same, the ball bobbled over his leg, but at the same time thinking shay lift yer leg, lift yer leg shay, shay lift yer fcuken leg!!! :D

[geysir]

Amazing how a whole campaign can hinge on these "hairs breadth" moments.

I tend to juxtapose that penalty moment with Hollands excruciating miss against us at Lansdowne Road in the qualifier. Remember Dunne, Staunton and Given with some Key-Stonesque scrambling around in the box as the ball trickles wide of the post?

Afair, avoidance of a goal was due to Stan's instinct to lay the ball in a direction slightly wide of the goal. Shay is prone to the odd rash rush. He was not watching what Stan was doing.
Féck it though, hard to keep cool when the world stops turning for 2 seconds.

Are Shay's kick outs not improving? He was able to land the ball directly on Doyle's head time after time at Croker recently, like a man who has finally found the spot to nourish.

[Drumcondra 69er]

Amazing how a whole campaign can hinge on these "hairs breadth" moments.

I tend to juxtapose that penalty moment with Hollands excruciating miss against us at Lansdowne Road in the qualifier. Remember Dunne, Staunton and Given with some Key-Stonesque scrambling around in the box as the ball trickles wide of the post?

If we were in a peno shoot out tomorrow - who are the 5 you'd want taking them?

Remember it well, how we got away with that I'll never know!! People go on about how Keane's tackle on Overmars in the first minute 'set the tone' but that's nonsense, they battered us for at least half an hour after that and Overmars made a mug of Kelly till the sending off, we were lucky to still be in the game at half time. He dragged us back into the game alright but that tackle itself meant nothing despite the mythology.

5 takers now would be Keane, Doyle, S Hunt and the 2 Reids if fit and playing. Would fancy Stephen Ireland for one if he comes back. Wouldn't give McGeady or Duff it or any of the back 4 at present. Would have confidence in Keith Andrews if he was on and reckon Glen Whelan could put it away at a push. Would have to depend on how subs and that had gone obviously.

Good question!

[Stuttgart88]

Whelan’s actually a pretty good ball striker, I’d be pretty confident in him.

Finnan’s penalty in Suwon was the most emphatic (of the 2 that went in! – Holland was unlucky, very similar kick to Sheedy’s in Genoa).

Now I’d have:
Keane
Hunt
Doyle (not a great record from the spot though)
Finnan
Whelan

I've heard it suggested that you leave one of your best until last - there's more pressure at the end and that's when quality tells.

Then:

Dunne (great ball striker but a bit wild)
O’Shea
Andrews
McGeady
Kilbane
Duff
McShane

I'd actually be tempted to give Shay a go at 6 or 7 and Andy Reid would be in my 5 ahead of Whelan if he's playing.

[Stuttgart88]

Given would've saved that with his legs had it not hit a bobble to take it over them at the last moment, shocking penalty. Still sick thinking about it, worst I've ever felt at a game I reckon....It was retribution for Cascarino's penalty in Genoa. How that went in I'll never know.

[Drumcondra 69er]

It was retribution for Cascarino's penalty in Genoa. How that went in I'll never know.

:D Think the keeper made the mistake of diving for the divot which actually was travelling faster then the ball and practically crossed the line first!

Forgot about Finnan, would definitely have him in the 5.

Wouldn't let O'Shea near it till absolutely necessary, always have issues with his concentration levels. Wouldn't fancy Dunne either, too wild. Mind you, who would have expected O'Leary to place it on the top corner with such aplomb in Genoa!

Yeah, Holland was unlucky, have always felt we'd have gone on to win it had that been a few inches lower.

[OwlsFan]

Hope he doesn't move. Has played very well for us and a move could upset the equilibrium - a bit like Robbie K.

[Torn-Ado]

I'd love to see him go somewhere like a top Serie A side. Our record with players on the continent is fairly poor but I reckon he'd hold his own.

[irishultra]

I'd love to see him go somewhere like a top Serie A side. Our record with players on the continent is fairly poor but I reckon he'd hold his own.

I understand we share the same language with England but still I don't understand the lack of players who are signed by to other European nation teams. its not like the language is that big of a deal anyway. many dutch people are fluent in english.

I think it nearly warrants its own thread tbh. Why does it not happen more often or just at a natural level the way it would happen in a country like ours, Croatia? Of course its beneficial for players to play at home in our league but I'd like to see Irish spreading out a bit more around Europe.

I dont buy the cliches like the technique of the players isnt what there looking for. ive played against spanish, french, italian, belgian teams as a youngsters and it was all pretty even really.

I can only think of Dominic Foley, zayed(for a few months i remember) Joe Kendrick(whose now back home), Ronnie O'Brien who have played outside the british leagues.

I remember a few years back roy o'donavon was really close to joining a french team , not sure which one though.

[Irish_Praha]

I understand we share the same language with England but still I don't understand the lack of players who are signed by to other European nation teams. its not like the language is that big of a deal anyway. many dutch people are fluent in english.

I think it nearly warrants its own thread tbh. Why does it not happen more often or just at a natural level the way it would happen in a country like ours, Croatia? Of course its beneficial for players to play at home in our league but I'd like to see Irish spreading out a bit more around Europe.

I dont buy the cliches like the technique of the players isnt what there looking for. ive played against spanish, french, italian, belgian teams as a youngsters and it was all pretty even really.

I can only think of Dominic Foley, zayed(for a few months i remember) Joe Kendrick(whose now back home), Ronnie O'Brien who have played outside the british leagues.

I remember a few years back roy o'donavon was really close to joining a french team , not sure which one though.

I think money has something to do with it aswell. Correct me if I'm worng but I would assume a decent Championship side would pay a player as much or more than some of the teams outside of the top five in the other leagues. In other words, once a player has found his level in the English lower leagues if he was to compare what he gets paid in England with playing the same level of football in another country then he would get paid more in England.

[Razors left peg]

I understand we share the same language with England but still I don't understand the lack of players who are signed by to other European nation teams. its not like the language is that big of a deal anyway. many dutch people are fluent in english.

I think it nearly warrants its own thread tbh. Why does it not happen more often or just at a natural level the way it would happen in a country like ours, Croatia? Of course its beneficial for players to play at home in our league but I'd like to see Irish spreading out a bit more around Europe.

I dont buy the cliches like the technique of the players isnt what there looking for. ive played against spanish, french, italian, belgian teams as a youngsters and it was all pretty even really.

I can only think of Dominic Foley, zayed(for a few months i remember) Joe Kendrick(whose now back home), Ronnie O'Brien who have played outside the british leagues.

I remember a few years back roy o'donavon was really close to joining a french team , not sure which one though.

Robbie Keane,Steve Finnan. O Shea and Gibson played a season at Antwerp

[tetsujin1979]

Connolly in Holland, Harte in Spain

[Closed Account]

Phil Babb, Alan Mahon in Portugal

[livehead1]

McPhail in Wales.

[Colbert Report]

Paddy McCourt in Derry.

NOOOOOOO I DIDN'T!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Noelys Guitar]

Gussie Campbell played in Germany. Micky Walsh played in Portugal. I will be amazed if Given leaves Newcastle for anyone other than Man City. And I would mortgage my bank owned property that Given will not be moving to Serie A.

[elroy]

It was retribution for Cascarino's penalty in Genoa. How that went in I'll never know.

Sylv (?) Lung who was the goalkeeper for Romania that day, his son is now with FC Cluj..............bit of a useless fact for ye all there.

[tetsujin1979]

from today's Manchester Evening News: http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester_city/s/1089821_kaka_tops_wanted_list

The manager (Hughes) is keen to relieve the pressure off the talented 21-year-old who is still to reach the 50-game mark in the Premier League and at the same time provide a mentor for him by signing Shay Given from Newcastle.

The Blues dipped their toe in the water with what the Magpies considered a derisory offer, and were told to re-start their bidding at more than £10m.

If there is no movement on Given in the coming days then Hughes may again look to Chelsea and Claudio Cudicini.

[shakermaker1982]

I cannot believe Man City tried to get Given for 3 million to begin with (bid at weekend).......10 million is a bit more like it. If Given does go then Newcastle are going to struggle big time.

[Stuttgart88]

Sylv (?) Lung Played for University Craiova (sp?) at Milltown around 1983, in a UEFA Cup game against Shamrock Rovers. Transpotter geek himself here recognised the name as soon as the teams were announced in Genoa. Little did I know at Miltown that he'd play a key role in one of the greatest days of my life!

[seanfhear]

If I was Shay I would not be in a hurry to sign up to play in front of that defence at city at the moment.
It looks like Micah Richards signed a good contract at city and retired from serious football at the same time.If Shay goes their I hope city sign 1or2 decent defenders and 1or2 defensive midfielders

[dr_peepee]

Does anybody else think that Shay himself has to mostly account for his current situation..

I mean he's a top and professional and all, but he kept committing to long term contracts knowing it would inflate his transfer value and put off prospective buyers.

He's better than the majority, if not all, the keepers at the top 4, but not by as much to warrant the outlay that Newcastle want.

Just my opinion.

[irishfan86]

Does anybody else think that Shay himself has to mostly account for his current situation..

I mean he's a top and professional and all, but he kept committing to long term contracts knowing it would inflate his transfer value and put off prospective buyers.

He's better than the majority, if not all, the keepers at the top 4, but not by as much to warrant the outlay that Newcastle want.

Just my opinion.

I think he was putting up with the manager merry go 'round, but now the ownership debacle has really pushed him over the edge.

I think his ideal situation is to win things with Newcastle, and his signing of long-term contracts proves that, but things get worse literally every week at that club.

[Scram]

If the loss to Hull in the Cup wasn't the final straw, today's 3-0 to Blackburn must put paid to Shay staying in Toon Town.

[tetsujin1979]

Man City upped their bid to 8 million, according to the Sun (yeah, I know)

[Irish_Praha]

Accordng to some newspapers the Given deal to Man City is almost complete, something like 10 million.

Here's The Star's version:
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/67124/Shay-on-his-way/

[Scram]

Accordng to some newspapers the Given deal to Man City is almost complete, something like 10 million.

Here's The Star's version:
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/67124/Shay-on-his-way/

Some nice money for my 6th October prediction either way! ;)

[Razors left peg]

http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,2483_4862750,00.html

[Uncle_Joe]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/7856463.stm


Looks like its going to happen, Given wants to go, City Want him and Newcastle are giving permission to talk!

[Razors left peg]

Shay didnt travel with the Newcastle squad tonight... do we think Man City is a good move for him?

[EastTerracer]

He's actually got a chance at breaking into the Top 4 (although a small one) as opposed to none with Newcastle.


Shay has been a Top-4 keeper so it's not as if he hasn't proved himself. It's a long while ago now but Newcastle finished in the Top 4 twice this decade (2002 and 2003) but the managerial rot set in when Bobby Robson was shafted after a couple of games in August 2004 (after finishing 5th the previous season). Since then Shay's had to put up with disasters like Souness, Roeder, Allardyce etc. and it seems that Mike Ashley's ownership has been the final straw.

I accept he won't get back in the Top-4 with the Toon so he is absolutely right to move on. City is a good opportunity for him to earn some serious money and the Dubai wall of cash will eventually push them up the table (maybe next season). Last time I looked Arsenal weren't a Top-4 team either!

[Stuttgart88]

Just going back to the earlier pages on this thread where people were drawing up lists of top keepers in UK and Howard was mentioned by a few, I have to say I think that Howard has reverted to type again recently - error against Liverpool (as well as fine saves) and he really should have stopped Van Persie's goal last night. It's a fine line but I think Howard has far too many "he should /could have saved that" moments in Everton's big games.

[OwlsFan]

I'd obviously rather a stable top club like Arsenal but in choice between Newcastle and Man City, I'd take Man City by a mile. It's not a dream move but it is a positive move.

Positives.

- He'll be on an ambitious team on the up rather than one on a downward spiral
- He'll get to work directly with Richard Dunne which will improve their understanding at Ireland
- Another Irish player surrounding him will do no harm whatsoever for Stephen Ireland's prospects of returning.
- He'll become more high profile being City's #1
- He's actually got a chance at breaking into the Top 4 (although a small one) as opposed to none with Newcastle.

From an Irish point of view and that's all I am worried about, it makes no difference or could possibly have a negative impact. He has been playing out of his skin for us for years. I don't see him getting any better. He was well settled at Newcastle. A move could unsettle him like Robbie. That's all that would worry me.


Some nice money for my 6th October prediction either way! ;)

Well if you keep predicting that every Irish player is going to move (e.g Keane to Celtic), you're bound to get one right sooner or later :p

[Scram]

Given will be announced as Man City keeper tomorrow at 11am.

As first announced exclusively on foot.ie on 6th October ! ;)