Shay Given

[the bear]

Our best keeper and our leading scorer out. Yes, let's bring in a bit of "freshness" with two Championship players replacing them. I would have put money down on Keane scoring against Macedonia.

I have seen Westwood a few times this season. I am not convinced. Certainly not in the Given class but with a bit of shake 'n vac, let's put the freshness back!!

2 on form champ players or 2 player who been warmin benches all season. shay and robbie were undroppable and rightly so i suppose, after the performances they have put in for us over the years. but i think we have enough to beat macedonia without them, and will be interested to see how other players step up to the mark.

very worrying news bout given shoulder, hope the surgery sorts it out for good and he's back to his best soon

[Stuttgart88]

If Brian O'Driscoll's career can survive that type of injury, one would hope that Shay's can.

The Bear's point about Given and Shay warming benches is they key. Fit and on form they're both automatics. Reputation rather than form would probably have seen them picked for Macedonia. Instead (touch wood) we're going to have two very able, young, fit, in form and hungry players stepping in. I'm quite relaxed about that.

[DannyInvincible]

Worrying news, but maybe an opportunity to gauge how we'll cope a few years down the line when the day finally arrives that Keane and Given hang up their boots. Hopefully the shoulder won't plague him for the remainder of his career.

[Sullivinho]

Kieran Westwood will be as optimistic as any of us. As opportunities go, his prayers have been answered. (Insert 'Good Catholic' pun here.) He must surely be looking at this as a chance to usurp Shay in Trap's plans. Good performances in his run of games combined with Shay's club and injury woes and Trap has a decision to make down the line. Of course every professional always wants to do well but the shop window effect might work to Westwood's advantage as well as ours in this scenario.

[seanfhear]

This could be a worrying injury in regard to Shays longer term football future. I hope he is going to be okay and play on for a good numbert of years yet !

[Sullivinho]

Whether through wishful thinking or otherwise, I've always thought of him as being one of those keepers with longevity, ala Seaman and Van Der Sar. Hopefully he can get this shoulder thing sorted and fulfill that.

[Charlie Darwin]

Good news, apparently.

From the Daily Mail's Ian Ladyman: "#mcfc now saying that shay given op was not on the same shoulder as last year, despite briefing to the contrary on tues. good news 4 shay."

Yes, his name is indeed hilarious.

[tetsujin1979]

official word from City's web site: http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/Team-news/2011/February/Shay-Given-has-shoulder-operation

[paul_oshea]

Do you think he has a chip on his shoulder with Mancini, given the way things have gone the last year? Perhaps its actually the other shoulder and he wanted to balance the chip. Should Mancini shoulder some of the blame given the fact that given hasn't played many games, and warming up he might have been somewhat rusty or awkward hence the injury...

[paul_oshea]

I wrote that without spotting the bit about it being a different shoulder :D

[geysir]

Mark Schwarzer on his shattered dream (http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23926672-mark-schwarzer-arsenal-setback-really-hurt-me.do) move to Arsenal.

the move failed on the penultimate day of the transfer window because Shay Given, signed from Newcastle by Fulham boss Mark Hughes when he was in charge at Manchester City, rejected a loan move to Craven Cottage that would have released Schwarzer to join the Gunners.

"They only had one option [Given]. Unfortunately, the day before the window closed, he made himself unavailable."

Presumably, one man's "made himself unavailable" is another man's 'negotiations broke down'.

[tetsujin1979]

Given hoping to be back by the end of the season: http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/manchester_city/s/1413058_shay_given_is_still_dreaming_of_wembley

[gastric]

According to The Daily Star, Houiller is interested in signing Given and possibly Westwood. If you want to read about it, it's the thing they call a newspaper article which you will find when you take your eyes off the bikini babes.

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/182770/Gerard-Houllier-Give-me-Shay-Given/

[Junior]

He's going to be in a studio in London doing Media work on Saturday for the game.

Pity he's not about to give Westwood a few wise words if needed. No biggy though.

[tetsujin1979]

I think he'd be more of a distraction to Westwood if he was there, extra pressure knowing the guy he's replacing is watching every move he makes

[Junior]

Fair point. It depends on what type of relationship they have I guess, Id like to think it was more of a Mentor & Mentored one. Shay doesnt come across as the intimidating type - despite his fabulous record for Ireland.

[paul_oshea]

Fair point. It depends on what type of relationship they have I guess, Id like to think it was more of a Mentor & Mentored one. Shay doesnt come across as the intimidating type - despite his fabulous record for Ireland.


Mentor and Mentee? :p

[Fixer82]

Mentor and Mentee? :p

Together they are Mentos
:bulgy:

[Junior]

Mental lads...mental.

[gastric]

NOTW had an article today about Shay joining Liverpool in the summer. Would be a very good move for Shay as Kenny is slowly building a team.

[DannyInvincible]

Are they offloading Reina?

[Charlie Darwin]

Has a 20m buy-out clause according to yesterday's Mail and has been hinting that he'd be on his bike, probably to Manchester United.

[DannyInvincible]

Just came across this: http://www.footballtransfertavern.com/2011/04/premiership/arsenal/surely-reinas-daftest-replacement-suggestion-yet

The story itself isn't consistent with the headline so I don't get the "daft" reference.

Personally, I think it would be a good move for Shay if Reina were to move on. Although United and Arsenal appear to be on the hunt for new keepers, I can't envisage them being interested in Shay, unfortunately. According to that piece, United have pretty much agreed to sign David de Gea from Atletico Madrid to replace Van der Sar while Wenger didn't appear to show much interest in Janaury, having gone after Schwarzer instead. Plus, Sczezny looks like he's fast developing into a competent first-team keeper as well. Will be interesting to see what transpires.

[Charlie Darwin]

Shay's predicament (similar to Kevin Doyle in a way) is that he's probably worth more to his current club than he is any of the bigger clubs. I think City would be reluctant to sell him to any of the top 6 or a top European team unless a huge transfer fee was involved and Given is simply too old to command a really big fee.

[Kingdom]

There's also the issue that there are better, younger keepers out there at the moment too.

[Charlie Darwin]

Shay is back in full training (http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/given-back-in-time-for-macedonia-qualifier-152816.html) and will be selected for the Macedonia game.


"Shay sent a message this week to tell us that he is back in full training and doing very well," said Kelly at the annual Dublin Docklands Coaching for Kids festival.

"He is fighting fit once again and looking forward to getting back on the field with City and with Ireland.

"He is pushing the envelope and I will be very surprised if he’s not on the bench for City for the FA Cup final against Stoke and back forIreland in the games at the end of next month."

[seanfhear]

Is pushing the envelope all that rigorous of a training method though !

Seems a bit strange to judge a guys fitness on pushing envelopes. He might be as fit as a postman/woman I suppose !

[Eminence Grise]

Is pushing the envelope all that rigorous of a training method though !

Seems a bit strange to judge a guys fitness on pushing envelopes. He might be as fit as a postman/woman I suppose !

The actual envelope contains Mario Ballotelli's accumulated club fines in used fivers. It's pushed around Moss Side at high speed, so it's a combination of cardiovascular and weights training.

[SkStu]

surely, as well as the usual Arsenal rumour, a move to Spurs is an option this summer?

[tetsujin1979]

Given expected to leave Man City in the summer: http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/manchester_city/s/1419443_manchester-city-step-up-goalkeeper-search-as-shay-given-heads-for-exit

[BonnieShels]

Thank Christ. Please god go to arsenal.

[Charlie Darwin]

Doubt he'd get a look in at Arsenal either. Spurs or Liverpool I think, depending on whether Reina goes to a bigger club.

[Eminence Grise]

BBC Transfer Gossip today has him linked with Man Utd. The Beeb's source is here - http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/04/30/manchester-united-to-make-summer-move-for-manchester-city-keeper-shay-given/

Implausible?

[DannyInvincible]

Manchester United’s search for a suitable replacement for soon to be retired Edwin Van der Sar will reportedly see Sir Alex Ferguson attempt to lure Shay Given from local rivals Manchester City.

If that's the BBC's source, you'd have to wonder where it was initially reported, if at all. Probably a load of nonsense given it doesn't even quote or give mention to any source whatsoever. Would be a fantastic move for Shay, mind.

[SwanVsDalton]

Caught Offside are notorious rumour fabricators. Highly doubtful anything's in it.

[tetsujin1979]

Given making his comeback for the Man City's reserves (or Elite Development Squad as they are now known - seriously) and that game will be streamed live on City's web site.
More details here: http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/EDS-news/2011/May/EDS-face-Chelsea-tonight

[tetsujin1979]

Given making his comeback for the Man City's reserves (or Elite Development Squad as they are now known - seriously) and that game will be streamed live on City's web site.
More details here: http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/EDS-news/2011/May/EDS-face-Chelsea-tonight

Given completed 90 minutes in the game that finished in a 4-0 win for City
Conor Clifford was in midfield for Chelsea
Man City review: http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/Match-reports/2011/May/City-EDS-v-Chelsea
Chelsea review: http://www.chelseafc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10268~2353808,00.html

The Chelsea review describes Given's performance as "faultless"

[tetsujin1979]

On the bench yesterday for City against Everton

[EastTerracer]

Shay always said that he left Newcastle because he wanted win medals. While I'm sure it wasn't quite how he wanted to win an FA Cup medal he did look very happy to get something today.

Pleased for him on a personal level but on a professional level he definitely needs to get a move this summer.

[tetsujin1979]

More on Given leaving City:
Shay Given Manchester City exit set to spark transfer scramble: http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/manchester_city/s/1420893_shay-given-manchester-city-exit-set-to-spark-transfer-scramble

Given remains undecided: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6938323,00.html

Spurs and Arsenal named in both articles, although the QPR link is interesting, possibly replacing Paddy Kenny?

[EastTerracer]

The local hacks in Manchester clearly struggling with the Donegal accent...

according to the Manchester Evening News link Shay said "I don't feel much sharp" which didn't make any sense but the Sky Sports News article correctly quoted Shay as saying "I don't feel match sharp"

[DannyInvincible]

Manchester United have confirmed they're close to signing David de Gea from Atletico Madrid (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13535728.stm), so that probably rules out Shay as a possible replacement for Van der Saar.

[Crosby87]

Shay to Celtic: Come get me!! Im a supporter!


http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/923508/man-city-goalkeeper-shay-given-issues-celtic-come-and-get-me-plea?cc=5901

[DannyInvincible]

Ideally, you'd want him playing at a higher level than the SPL, but I suppose there's the opportunity of European football. Whatever it takes to get first-team action, I guess... I would hope a Premiership club somewhere would be interested in his services, although his wages would be another matter, and what about the transfer fee? How much would City be looking for?

[Kingdom]

If Spurs were genuinely interested, there's no decision to be made - he's not going to get a better footballing offer. There's times in a footballers career where they have to be greedy and times where they have to be loyal. Shay was too loyal to Newcastle for too long, and wasn't greedy enough with City when it was clear that Hart was going to be #1.

He was never a target for United, or for Arsenal. He's above Celtic. But if it's what he wants and it gets him constant game time, all well and good.

[tetsujin1979]

Shay to Celtic: Come get me!! Im a supporter!


http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/923508/man-city-goalkeeper-shay-given-issues-celtic-come-and-get-me-plea?cc=5901
He is a supporter, and often seen at Celtic Park
He started his career in the youths at Celtic before moving to Blackburn

[Crosby87]

I didnt mean to doubt that. Its just what he said.

[Sullivinho]

The worrier in me feared this thread had been bumped with injury news.

Phew!

[paul_oshea]

Shay given has injured his foot while going for a wee at night.....http://www.crossfit.com/cf-affiliates/BrokenFoot1.jpg

[DannyInvincible]

I see there's uproar on OWC as "IFA destruction advocate", Shay Given, takes his UEFA 'B' coaching licence course with the IFA in Belfast and is spotted in Umbro IFA gear.