drummerboy
24/03/2005, 9:36 AM
Kiely plays down United link
by Tom Adams -* created on 23 Mar 2005
Player profiles:
Dean Kiely
Team Pages:
Charlton Athletic
Manchester United
Dean Kiely admits he has been flattered by rumours linking him to Manchester United, although was quick to insist that he was happy at Charlton.
The Republic of Ireland keeper has enjoyed a fruitful season for The Addicks, and has been an ever-present in the side that has risen to seventh in the Premiership.
United are known to be in the market for a keeper, with Roy Carroll set to leave on a free transfer in the summer and Tim Howard failing to impress in the number one shirt.
Kiely's performances have led him to be touted as being ready for a step up, although the 34-year-old insisted that, despite being encouraged by the rumours, he was happy at The Valley.
The Charlton man also expressed his belief that the big sides are often too ready to snap up players on the basis of nationality or name, arguing that these criteria were no guarantee of consistent performance.
"It makes me smile really because my name is Kiely which is Irish not from Argentina, Spain or Brazil or some weird or wonderful name," Kiely told Sky Sports News.
"I think sometimes big clubs feel they have to go for big, big, massive names if you will, but I think they've found over the years that it's not a guarantee someone is going to come in and make the position their own.
"It's great to be mentioned because if you are you're in a band of players that are doing very well in a tough league.
"For me its head down, and work extremely hard for Charlton.
"I'm extremely happy at Charlton, I feel really at home here and hopefully that shows in my performances."
Kiely declared that he is not affected by such rumours, and explained that his association with the London outfit was a long and prosperous one.
The custodian signed from Bury for £1 million in May 1999, and has more than repaid his fee in becoming a cornerstone of Curbishley's side over the years.
"I don't think about [the rumours], until you mentioned it then it plays no part in my thought process at all," Kiely continued.
"Charlton took a chance on me six years ago, I think I've repaid that chance.
"Both parties, if we sat round a table, would be extremely happy with each other's input and what we've done.
"I come to work with a big smile on my face every day and I think that's really
by Tom Adams -* created on 23 Mar 2005
Player profiles:
Dean Kiely
Team Pages:
Charlton Athletic
Manchester United
Dean Kiely admits he has been flattered by rumours linking him to Manchester United, although was quick to insist that he was happy at Charlton.
The Republic of Ireland keeper has enjoyed a fruitful season for The Addicks, and has been an ever-present in the side that has risen to seventh in the Premiership.
United are known to be in the market for a keeper, with Roy Carroll set to leave on a free transfer in the summer and Tim Howard failing to impress in the number one shirt.
Kiely's performances have led him to be touted as being ready for a step up, although the 34-year-old insisted that, despite being encouraged by the rumours, he was happy at The Valley.
The Charlton man also expressed his belief that the big sides are often too ready to snap up players on the basis of nationality or name, arguing that these criteria were no guarantee of consistent performance.
"It makes me smile really because my name is Kiely which is Irish not from Argentina, Spain or Brazil or some weird or wonderful name," Kiely told Sky Sports News.
"I think sometimes big clubs feel they have to go for big, big, massive names if you will, but I think they've found over the years that it's not a guarantee someone is going to come in and make the position their own.
"It's great to be mentioned because if you are you're in a band of players that are doing very well in a tough league.
"For me its head down, and work extremely hard for Charlton.
"I'm extremely happy at Charlton, I feel really at home here and hopefully that shows in my performances."
Kiely declared that he is not affected by such rumours, and explained that his association with the London outfit was a long and prosperous one.
The custodian signed from Bury for £1 million in May 1999, and has more than repaid his fee in becoming a cornerstone of Curbishley's side over the years.
"I don't think about [the rumours], until you mentioned it then it plays no part in my thought process at all," Kiely continued.
"Charlton took a chance on me six years ago, I think I've repaid that chance.
"Both parties, if we sat round a table, would be extremely happy with each other's input and what we've done.
"I come to work with a big smile on my face every day and I think that's really