Shay Given

[shakermaker1982]

Given is 34 and could have another 5/6 years ahead of him. Van der Sar is 39 and is still in top nick.

Barry Glendenning doesn't have a positive word to say about anybody! He's entertaining when he lays into Terry on the guardian podcasts but tends to see the negative in most things

[irishfan86]

Well, he could go to all manner of teams in Europe potentially, but if he is going to Arsenal or Celtic those are the first teams that come to mind.

Remember that playing in the Europa League also cup ties you for the Champions League.

[Predator]

He's entertaining when he lays into Terry on the guardian podcasts...Now this I want to hear.

[aidinho]

Given off to Celtic.

PS. I love winding yous guys up, but talks are ongoing between city and Celtic.

[Hibs4Ever]

City in advanced talks with Fulham according to Irish radio this morning. Hopefully he'll stay in Premiership

[Noelys Guitar]

Stoke also trying to sign Given according to the latest reports (Straight buy and not a loan). If Given goes out on loan and gets the same deal Bellamy got ie City continue to pay a portion of his wages then half the teams in the Premiership below the top 5 will become involved. Danny Murphy was saying earlier that 7 players at Fulham have only one year left on their contracts and that Hughes should be dealing with those players first.

[paul_oshea]

Is Danny murphy one of those 7?

[Stuttgart88]

I'd love to hear Barry Glendenning's analysis of Schwarzer during the World Cup. Came for crosses he couldn't get near and his shot handling was atrocious. I'm sure he'll blame the ball, but Jansen(?) the young German keeper showed impeccable handling in the same situation, catching cleanly at least half a dozen of those tricky shots that you have to catch on the "half-volley".

I think Schwarzer had a very good season last year but he had too many seasons at Boro where he made errors. The likes of Schwarzer and Howard will always be thought of as good keepers because they play at middling to decent clubs that give up chances and where as long as you're generally pretty good, that's good enough.

I might think the same for Shay except I've seen him for Ireland over the years where every game is important and not only is he consistent, but he does the hard things well.

It was correctly pointed out above that investing in Hart makes more commercial sense for City, but from Arsenal's perspective - assuming equal ability - Given makes more sense than Schwarzer because he's younger. Neither would have much re-sale value but Given could give Arsenal 5 more years, whereas Schwarzer 3 max. That means Arsenal will be looking for another keeper before too long, unless the highly rated 3rd choice keeper (an 18 year old Pole) comes good for them. As I said, that assumes equal ability, but I think Shay is better than Schwarzer. The Times said Shay has been the best keeper of the noughties in the EPL. I don't think Schwarzer would figure in anybody's top 10.

Brady was interviewed in the Irish papers this morning. He said he had no knowledge of transfers for the senior squad. You'd like to think he'd offer some influence in this situation.

[Sullivinho]

City in advanced talks with Fulham according to Irish radio this morning.

That'd do. He'd be kept busy and sharp as a razor.

Not that he was under-employed behind City's defense.

[Noelys Guitar]

Murphy probably talking about himself (even though denying it in the Sky article)http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6322783,00.html. Getting off topic here but I wonder will Hodgson make a late bid for Duff considering Roy tried to bring back Hyppia to Liverpool. I felt Liverpool lacked a clever wide player on Sunday against Arsenal. One more good season from Duff might suit Hodgson and Liverpool.

[Closed Account 2]

Apparently Given didn't take the return flight from Timisaora with the rest of the squad but instead flew to Munich for "treatment on an injured arm", but others are now linking him with a move to Bayern. I guess he would be competition to Hans-Jörg Butt (36) as they've got rid of the other semi-experienced keeper (Michael Rensing) on a free this summer.

[boovidge]

That'd be a great move if true.

[irishfan86]

It's not an injured arm, it's treatment on his injured shoulder from last season. Sounds like routine follow up treatment and he is expected to be available for City on Monday.

But hopefully it's a transfer, that would be brilliant to see Shay line out for Bayern.

[amaccann]

It'd be great if true - the Bundesliga seems to be on the up.

[IsMiseSean]

But hopefully it's a transfer, that would be brilliant to see Shay line out for Bayern.

I doubt Shay would move his family to Germany. He always seems reluctant to move, it took years for him to leave Newcastle. I'd expect him to stay in England, but I'd love to see him at Bayern. He would be there NO.1 no bother, Hans-Jorg Butt is an accident waiting to happen and they only have two youngsters as back up.

[Stuttgart88]

FRom BBC gossip section:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/8933224.stm

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits a move for Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given is increasingly unlikely because of his wage demands, although Fulham's Mark Schwarzer is still on his radar.


Italian giants Roma have targeted Manchester City's out-of-favour goalkeeper Shay Given.

[tetsujin1979]

more on the Roma link from the Corriere Dello Sport: http://www.corrieredellosport.it/calcio/calcio_mercato/2010/08/20-125225/Burdisso%2C+giorni+decisivi.+Roma%2C+Doni+piace+al +City

DONI - All’improvviso, il Manchester City. Sì, proprio quello dove non sanno dove mettere i soldi. Il fatto è che Givern, la passata stagione titolare, titolare del Trap con l’Irlanda, quest’anno retrocesso da Roberto Mancini in panchina e, quindi, addio Manchester su precisa richiesta del portiere. Sarà accontentato, ma al Mancio ora serve un dodicesimo, avendo deciso di puntare forte su Hart. E Doni è uno dei tre-quattro giocatori che sono nella lista dell’allenatore italiano. Oltre al giallorosso, di sicuro ci sono anche Sorrentino e Rubinho. Ieri tra Manchester e Roma c’è già stato un contatto telefonico. Il club inglese preferisce una soluzione per il semplice prestito, la Roma considerando che dall’altra parte del tavola c’è l’emiro, propende di più per la cessione con l’obiettivo di incassare due-tre milioni.
and plugging into Google Translate

GIFTS - Suddenly, Manchester City. Yes, just one where they do not know where to put the money. The fact is that Givern, the last year the owner, proprietor of drill with Ireland, this year relegated to the bench by Roberto Mancini and then farewell Manchester on specific request of the goalkeeper. Will be satisfied, but to miss you now need a twelfth, having decided to focus strongly on Hart. And Gifts is one of the 3:00 to 4:00 in the list of coach players who are Italian. Besides the red and yellow, surely there are also Sorrentino and Rubinho. Yesterday between Manchester and Rome there was already a phone contact. The English club would prefer a simple solution for the loan, the Rome whereas the other side of the table is the emir, more inclined to sell with the objective to collect two to three million.

Claudio Ranieri is the current manager at Roma, he'd obviously be familiar with Given's abilities from his time at Chelsea.
(from the 2009-2010 Serie A review on wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009–10_Serie_A)
Roma finished second behind Inter last season, conceding 41 goals, 7 more than the Champions, and 2 more than AC Milan in third.
Finishing second, they qualified automatically for the group stages of the Champions League.

Their current goalkeepers are Bogdon Lobont from Romania, who signed on loan last season and only made 2 appearances before making the move permanent in the summer, and Julio Sergio from Brazil who signed for Roma in 2006, but didn't make his debut until last season. Sergio but went on to become the first choice keeper when Ranieri took over in September, and signed a new contract in the summer which will keep him at the club until 2014. Lobont has far more experience at international level, with 77 caps. He was an unused substitute in Euro 2000 and played all three games for Romania in Euro 2008, while Sergio has never represented his country.

Previous first choice keepers at Roma, Artur and Doni have joined Sporting Braga and Galatasaray respectively during the summer, so there's obviously a need to strengthen their options considering the lack of experience of the other two.

All in all, I think it would be a fantastic move for Given, but he would have to dislodge Sergio as number one.

[Noelys Guitar]

According to the commentator (Foxsoccer)doing the Fulham v United game Given is moving to Fulham. He then went on to say that there is a rumour that Schwarzer failed a medical at Arsenal last night and this is causing the hold up.

[Colbert Report]

I'd love to see Given at Fulham. I'd love it. Only problem is, if they can't get rid of Schwarzer, they're hardly going to be able to afford Given's wages.

Stockdale played very well today, saved a penalty too.

[Noelys Guitar]

According to the co-commentator (sounded like Dave Bassett who slagged off O'Shea and Evans the whole game) Schwarzer has a back problem and possibly that is why he failed the medical. They seemed certain Given was moving to Fulham.

[elroy]

Hart looking good so far again tonight. Fcuk, was hoping Torres might put one or two past him.

[gastric]

The rumours of Given going to Fulham on loan are growing stronger. It would be good for him as he showed loyalty to Hughes when he was facing the chop at City. Hopefully Robbie could join him and Duff there too!

[Noelys Guitar]

Good move for Shay. Needs to be playing games and Hughes likes him. Fulham for Europe anyone?
http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/soccer/2010/0829/1224277834268.html

[EastTerracer]

Joe Hart makes a complete howler of a mistake at home to Blackburn (with some help from Kolo Toure). Shay mightn't be waiting too long for his chance!

[Noelys Guitar]

Good old Joe. What a howler. Interesting to see how he reacts and I bet Mancini is having a quick glance at the classifieds if this result stays in Blackburn's favour.

[tricky_colour]

Hart didn't have a very good game for England either apparently, a few fumbles.

I can't Butterfingers starting ahead of Given for long :D

[DannyInvincible]

He was a four-week fairytale. Hype had to end somewhere. Wonder will Mancini seriously consider his place now.

[Charlie Darwin]

Nah, it would be madness to install a new keeper and then drop him at the first sign of trouble. He'd have to start losing games to consider bringing Given back.

[rebelmusic]

I think the pressure from the owners in City can't be underestimated. They are looking pretty dodgy so far this year. If he isnt replaced for the next game, he's one blunder away from losing his place. And the English media will eat him for breakfast over this. Actually feel kinda sorry for him - but thats what happens when country and club pile all that pressure on a 24 year old!

[Noelys Guitar]

Good points. I do rate Hart as a very good keeper but the pressure at City is immense with that moron Cook involved. And City have now dropped 4 points in two games against Midtable sides. Someone will have to get the blame whether they deserve if or not. It is the nature of the beast at a dysfunctional club like City. Mind you get ready for stories of City bid for Buffon and the likes. I really believe Shay should have gone to Fulham when he allegedly had the chance.

[Charlie Darwin]

I think the pressure from the owners in City can't be underestimated. They are looking pretty dodgy so far this year. If he isnt replaced for the next game, he's one blunder away from losing his place. And the English media will eat him for breakfast over this. Actually feel kinda sorry for him - but thats what happens when country and club pile all that pressure on a 24 year old!
I should clarify. Despite his errors, Hart's overall play has been so good that he doesn't deserve to be dropped. I'm not sure the criticism will be so harsh - he wasn't singled out much after Tuesday's game, and by all accounts he made a couple of important saves today.

[rebelmusic]

Point was that this is another bad result for City and the owners will be looking to point the finger at someone. I think it's fair to say that a it's fine for a keeper to make some great saves, but one serious blunder like today can quickly negate a lot of the good play. We'll see how the sunday papers react anyway - if Given wasn't waiting in the wings i don't think as big an issue would be made out of it. But in fairness, Given wasn't dropped because of poor form.

[rebelmusic]

Hart gets the start tonight - currently eating my hat. Sad thing is, if Hart didn't screw up at the weekend, Shay might have started this one.

[tommy_c12000]

Wot game is he starting?! Is there next game not Salzburg in the Europa League thurs nite? Has Mancini come out and stated that he is staying with Calamity Hart for that one??

[rebelmusic]

Sorry meant thursday night, and aye he has http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/given-stuck-on-the-bench-as-mancini-keeps-faith-with-hart-2336527.html although it has been reported differently elsewhere since i posted that, so we can hope.

[Razors left peg]

Was watching the Sunday Supplement on sky sports this morning and the journos were talkin briefly about Shay.Aparently Shay has done an interview in one of the papers about how frustrated he is(didnt see what paper so dont have a link). One of the journos said that he had a right to be frustrated because he knows he is one of the top keepers in the country, but one of the other fellas cut across him and said "well, he was".

I know I probably just Im just paranoid or cranky this early in the mornin but to me that sums up the media in english football perfectly. Because Shay is challenging an english player for his place I think some journalists will actively try to influence public opinion in england to write Shay Given off as a viable alternative. I fully believe the same thing has happened with Robbie Keane at Spurs over the years in his battle with Defoe for a starting place. I remember 1 example a couple of years ago when Robbie scored 4 goals in a game, there was hardly a peep about it in the english media but a couple of months later Defoe scored 5 in one game and the papers were full of it for about a week after.

Now I have no problem with a nation hyping up their own players, we do it ourselves on here often enough, but when I see some fella saying that Given used to be one of the top keepers in the Premiership its annoys me. Up to his shoulder injury at the end of last season Shay was almost faultless in goals for City and he has done nothing at all in the meantime to suggest he is starting to fade as a top keeper.

[rebelmusic]

Shay Given has confirmed that he will seek a loan move if he cannot wrestle the No.1 jersey back from Joe Hart at Manchester City.

Hart, who has become England's first choice since the World Cup, spent last season on loan at Birmingham City.

Upon his return to Eastlands, Roberto Mancini handed him the No.1 spot - meaning Given has been left to kick his heels on the bench.

"It's very, very frustrating. I know it doesn't matter what I do on the training pitch, I won't be playing at the weekend. If I'm flying around like Clark Kent in goals, I still won't play on Saturday. That can be demoralising," he told the Sunday Times.

A move away from the club before the transfer window closed was vetoed by City, but Given insists that he will not just sit on the bench.

"The club said I wasn't going anywhere and that was frustrating," he continued.
"We'll see what happens come January and hopefully if the situation's the same I can go on loan and try and get some games in.
"I've never said I want to leave Man City. I believe it's a big club that in the next couple of years is going to do big things. I want to be part of that but I also want to be playing football.

"I wouldn't mind where a loan was and wouldn't rule out abroad if it was a good club and a good team, no disrespect to a club that's fighting relegation and getting pummelled every week - though at the minute that probably seems better than what I'm doing."
Many expected Given to be handed a chance to impress during the club's Europa League campaign, but Hart was again given the nod against Red Bull Salzburg on Thursday.
And the Irishman admits he was disappointed, adding: "I thought I'd have played but I don't know what the manager's thinking because he hasn't told me."

[rebelmusic]

There was defintely 100% some political pressure on Mancini to make Hart the no.1. He's now no longer referred to as Joe Hart, but Englands no.1

Shay needs to get away from that, and yes Robbie has had exactly the same treatment. Crouch was in no way better than Robbie yesterday but robbie gets hassle in the media and nothing said about crouch. This is why i despise the english media, and they're mostly responsible for why i like england losing.

[boovidge]

can't blame the english media too much, after all it's their league and theyre bound to hype up their own players. one of the many disadvantages of the AL's lowly status is that we can't do the same about our international players playing in our domestic league.

[Charlie Darwin]

And the Irishman admits he was disappointed, adding: "I thought I'd have played but I don't know what the manager's thinking because he hasn't told me."This seems to be becoming a common complaint with players on their way out of Eastlands.

[Noelys Guitar]

He has to get out of City. Even if he gets back in the team they will always be trying to get someone else. It is better that he is at a club were he feels wanted (same goes for Robbie Keane). Fulham, Stoke, Sunderland or whoever. He is still worth 6 to 8 points a season to a team.

[rebelmusic]

I think for Shay, understanding he's one of the best keepers out there he really just wants a medal to hang on his wall. Probably thinking of the cabinet Giggs has and feeling crap about it. He really does deserve something - but i don't think it will happen at City even if he is their no.1

[Stuttgart88]

On SKY's text service he was quoted as saying he'd consider a move abroad as long as it was a good club. Encouraging...

[dr_peepee]

Very much so.. Also a foreign club would be no threat to City's season so they'd be more likely to approve a move there than they would to a PL rival.

[Colbert Report]

He should never have left Newcastle.

[Predator]

He should never have left Newcastle.He should have left them a lot earlier.

[DeNiro]

As a City supporter this rates up there with the other crazy decisions made at the club over time. Given was widely acknowledged as being the best signing of the big money splurges over the last 18 months to 2 years and is the first to be publicly cast out. I don't understand really why Mancini didn't let him go in August, he obviously knew then Given was going to play second fiddle. He may not have had a suitable back-up. For us, it's bad news. It doesn't look like he'll get much action before Russia/Slovakia games. On the upside, once he doesn't become cup-tied in the Europa League, I'd say a few European clubs will be interested come January!

[Paddy Garcia]

Mancini has now told him he can leave in January.

[rebelmusic]

Looks to me like Mancini effectively tricked him into staying with his promises of starting him in Europe. Get out of there Shay, you're too good to be getting splinters from the bench

[shakermaker1982]

Newcastle are being linked with him after Harper's injury.