Re: Close Season Football Chat : Thu Jul 29, 2010 9:43 pm  

GCM1980 wrote: I really wish I'd have been listening when this was on FWIW I think Marlon King has every right to carry on his career. There's plenty of examples of footballers out there who have been given a second chance, one of them is at Bradford right now. What he did was a disgrace but he shouldn't be thrown on the scrapheap forever for it. Fantastic. I'm with you that one, every right to continue his career. He's served his time now, people who come out of prison get back to working and as his career's a footballer he continue to do so.

GCM1980 wrote: I really wish I'd have been listening when this was on FWIW I think Marlon King has every right to carry on his career. There's plenty of examples of footballers out there who have been given a second chance, one of them is at Bradford right now. What he did was a disgrace but he shouldn't be thrown on the scrapheap forever for it. Fantastic. I'm with you that one, every right to continue his career. He's served his time now, people who come out of prison get back to working and as his career's a footballer he continue to do so.

Re: Close Season Football Chat : Fri Jul 30, 2010 7:47 am  

Given is an excellent shot stopper, one of the best, but as an all round goalkeeper he's lacking. Doesn't command his area very well or take crosses. If he was a bit taller he'd be in the top echelon but he's just under for me. It can't be a coincidence that ever team he plays for leaks goals.

No issue for city of course; for the time being they have the money to buy anyone they want. Expect a bid for Casillas or Buffon in due course.

Re: Close Season Football Chat : Fri Jul 30, 2010 11:27 am  

Given's main attribute when he joined City was that he organised the defense better than Hart. His distribution was also much better.

I think Given is still just about a better all round keeper than Hart but I'd be disappointed to see Hart leave permanently. Ideally from a City perspective Given would keep the job for another season before handing over to Hart. But realistically I think City have to give Hart a chance or let him go.

Re: Close Season Football Chat : Fri Jul 30, 2010 12:05 pm  

I'd have let him spend another season at Birmingam. He played exceptionally well, his confidence was high and he clearly showed he'd settled in there. Given is 34, 35 come the start of next season. Hart coming back to City for the start o next season could well see him take the number one shirt from Given and let's face it, having Shay Given as your reserve keepr is quite impressive.

Re: Close Season Football Chat : Fri Jul 30, 2010 12:29 pm  

Catalancs wrote:

let's face it, having Shay Given as your reserve keepr is quite impressive.

It is, but he's not going to be happy with reserve football at his age. He's probably still capable of holding down a starting role in a premiership team for the next couple of years. Whoever gets the job I'd expect the back up to be putting in a transfer request in January.

Re: Close Season Football Chat : Fri Jul 30, 2010 1:53 pm  

David James signs for Bristol City, good signing for them is that IMO

Re: Close Season Football Chat : Fri Jul 30, 2010 1:56 pm  

LFCRhino wrote:

David James signs for Bristol City, good signing for them is that IMO

Excellent signing. Boosts the club profile also.

[Wanderer]

Re: Close Season Football Chat : Fri Jul 30, 2010 4:22 pm  

George Boateng off to Greece (Skoda Xanthi).

Re: Close Season Football Chat : Fri Jul 30, 2010 4:26 pm  

LFCRhino wrote:

David James signs for Bristol City, good signing for them is that IMO

Yes, what a coup for them. Bet as soon as he signed the contract it meant his England career was finished though.

Re: Close Season Football Chat : Fri Jul 30, 2010 4:38 pm  

andym1988 wrote:

Yes, what a coup for them. Bet as soon as he signed the contract it meant his England career was finished though.

It's finished anyway to be fair. He's what 39/40 now? next meaningful competition is 2 years away now so he won't be England's number one by then anyway.