According to the Sun he may be off to either one of those clubs. Not disrespect intended but I wouldn't rate him quite that high.
Your disrespect might not have been intended, but it nevertheless is apparent!
Given has been consistently among the top 2 keepers in the Premiership for several years. Although he has not been at his best this season he is still far better than Carroll, Howard, Lehmann or Almunia.
Playing behind the current Newcastle back four is hardly ideal, and a move to either Arsenal or Manchester United would be ideal both for either or them and ROI,
JMacH
Given is probably THE best 'keeper in England
Originally Posted by SAINTS4EVER
Agreed. The only one that comes close maybe Peter Cech, but United or Arsenal will definitely try and snap him up as quick as they can. He would certainly be number one keeper for either of those clubs
UCD sha-la-la
On current form I don't think there's a better keeper in England than Nigel Martyn. He's still good enough to be Englands number one.
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
That's not saying much, Dillo. Take the blue-tinted shades off, son.
PP
Semper in faecibus sole profundum variat
Martyn's current form is excellent alright but I think he's enjoying a purple patch that's not necessarily representative of his career.
I was at Chelsea against CSKA Moscow about 8 weeks ago and Cech was pure class. Not just his saves, but the confidence he exuded by his command of his box.
Despite all the hype about dodgy 'keepers like Robinson & Dudek (Dudek was the "world's best" according to the press just before joined 'pool!), I think the three most consistently good 'keepers have been Niemi, Kiely (honestly) and Given. Brad Friedel has been good too. Schwartzer is erratic.
I'm not sure how much influence Bob Wilson has at Highbury these days but I think he's been on the record as saying he thinks Given isn't tall enough. My own view is that Given is everything Arsenal need in that dept.
Seconded, give it a rest DilloThat's not saying much, Dillo. Take the blue-tinted shades off, son.
Well he won't be off to Utd. as rumour has it that Van der Sar is off to Utd. in the new year. Apparently he's on a free aswell which will more than likely clinch the deal.
Just on the subject of who's the best keeper in the premiership. Below are some interesting stats. Games played versus saves made. It's quite an obvious fact but the amount of saves made is directly linked to how good or bad the defence is for the team in question.
Name.........Plyd.......Saves
Cech..........17..........27
Martyn........17.........47
Kiely...........17.........59
Robinson......17.........36
James..........17.........48
Sorenson......15½......54
Green...........17.........67
Carroll..........12.........23
Schwarzer.....17........56
Taylor..........17.........46
Friedel..........17.........63
Hislop...........13.........41
Kirally...........11.........50
Lehmann.......15.........23
Jaaskelainen...16........43
Given............16........46
Van der Sar....12½.....41
Niemi.............12........39
Last edited by BaZmO*; 14/12/2004 at 8:54 AM.
I suppose what I really should have said is that until now I thought he'd left his best days behind him. Maybe it's just a late purple patch or maybe he's simply playing to the best of his ability again.
I'd certainly like to have someone of his standard available in an Irish squad because, as we've all said in this site, our current cover is a bit scary.
I don't think he ever looked convincing for England though but you're very much under pressure to deliver immediately in front of their media.
Yes, I dont think the numbers of saves made has any co-relation to how good a keeper is, but as to how bad a team are. As I read on another site, a keeper for one of the top teams has the job description of doing sweet FA for most of the time, but when he is called upon he must be fully focused and make the top class save.
UCD sha-la-la
Agree wholeheartedly with you Dillo. Apart from Peter Czech
On a different note, I heard Dudek is back between the posts for Liverpool tonight.
"Love many, trust few, always paddle your own canoe." Dillo
Not a Liverpool fan, but think Dudek is far better that Kirkland
Given angles for a move - reports
14/12/2004: Republic of Ireland international Shay Given has signalled his intent to leave Newcastle, according to reports in the British press this morning.
Both the Daily Mail and The Sun claim that the Donegal 'keeper is dissatisfied with life at St James' Park and could leave as soon as the January transfer window if the right offer came in.
The 28-year-old is seen as a potential target for both Manchester United and Arsenal whose goalkeeping problems have been well documented in recent weeks.
I'd say he would go to Man Utd before Arsenal. How many years has he left in him I wonder. I dont see any real promising talent coming through the Irish set up.
He said he feels he has another 10 years left in him.
Arsenal have already stated that they will not buy a keeper in the January transfer window.
Have Boot Disk, will travel
Clubs say a lot of things. Doesn't mean it true!!!
Arsenal don't have much money to spend.
That is something they can't deny.
Unless they get Given for a steal, they wont be signing him.
Have Boot Disk, will travel
Yeah, he's no Tim Howard, Roy Carroll, Jens Lehmann or that other clown Arsenal are playing at the moment.
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