nik986 Posted July 17, 2011 Share Posted July 17, 2011 it hasnt gone through yet has it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theboyangel Posted July 17, 2011 Share Posted July 17, 2011 it hasnt gone through yet has it? as good as done ! SHAY Given is excited about starting a glove affair with Aston Villa, according to close pal Richard Dunne, and is confident of keeping up Brad Friedel’s shot-stopping standards. Given is expected to be unveiled as Villa’s new No.1 tomorrow after undergoing a medical and finalising the personal terms of his £3.5 million switch from Manchester City yesterday and today. The 35-year-old goalie is determined to kick-start his career at Villa Park after losing his jersey to Joe Hart last season and spending the past 12 months kicking his heels at Eastlands. Given was reunited with former City team-mate and current Republic of Ireland international colleague Dunne during a tour of Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training ground on Friday afternoon. And Dunne is convinced Irish and Brummie eyes will be smiling with Given joining an emerald green contingent which also includes midfielder Stephen Ireland and defender Ciaran Clark. Dunne has been in regular contact with Given this summer and admits his goalkeeping compatriot is buzzing about the prospect of regular football for the claret and blues next season. “I spoke to him earlier in the week, he just wanted to get here and get started,” said Dunne. “He was frustrated over the way things have gone over the last year, I think he just wants to get playing again and he’ll be looking forward to it. “I spoke to him on Friday when he got here and I think he was surprised about how good the facilities and the setup are here at Bodymoor. “I think it’s a good opportunity for Shay to get back to playing football and I think it’s one he’s really looking forward to.” Dunne is convinced Given is among the world’s leading keepers, who, when he is not stopping shots, excels in shouting instructions to his team-mates and organising defences. And the central defender insists the experienced custodian is in tip top condition despite playing just one Carling Cup game and three Europa League ties for City last season. “I think that over the years he’s been one of the best goalkeepers in the league,” said Dunne. “He’s probably the best shot stopper around, and I think that as a goalkeeper he’ll really help us. “He’s always talking, encouraging people, telling them where to be watching, what to be doing and he keeps defenders on his toes. I think he’ll be good. “I don’t think there’s anyone better than Shay. We’ve been international team mates for about 10 years now, he’s been outstanding. “I can’t remember him ever having a bad game. “He’s a professional, always working hard to be at the top of his game, he’s always fit. “He’s always first out on the training field, he’s a goalkeeper who likes to get involved in training. You get a lot of goalies who like to sit out as they get closer to games, but Shay always wants to be involved. “He’ll attempt to save every shot that’s thrown at him. “He’s a good professional to have around the ground, and like I say I don’t think there’s many better than him in the world.” Dunne admits Given has big gloves to fill following Brad Friedel’s move to Tottenham, but he is convinced Shay will become an instant hit on the terraces and in the dressing room. Replacement And clean sheets in his last four winning appearances for Ireland suggests that the lad from Lifford is as sharp as ever and continuing to make spectacular saves to protect his goal. “Brad has been such a good keeper for Villa, and every team he’s played for, but unfortunately he’s moved on,” added Dunne. “If you’re going to lose Brad I don’t think there’s a better replacement than Shay. “I think he’ll step in and he’ll be a fan favourite straight away because he makes spectacular saves that sometimes don’t look possible. He’s a good lad to have around the training ground, he mixes in and works hard in training. “He’s going to bring a bit more experience to the team as well, which will help over the course of the season. “I think players who can come and fit straight in to the squad will settle quicker. It’ll help them and it’ll help the team. “Shay will come in and within a week it’ll seem like he’s been here a long time. We lost a few players during the summer, so we need to get a few in with some experience. I think Shay is a great start. “He’s not played many club games recently but he’s played every international. When he’s turned up he’s been brilliant. “He played three or four internationals at the end of the season and he didn’t concede a goal. “Shay, like I said, is the ultimate professional. Whether he’s playing or not he’s always keeping himself fit and charged, so I don’t think that’ll be a worry for him.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R.Bear Posted July 17, 2011 Share Posted July 17, 2011 Fantastic signing. We've replaced a player with a better player, you cant do more than that. Good stuff McLeish, keep it up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supermon Posted July 17, 2011 Share Posted July 17, 2011 I hope that the capture of Given will bring the best out of Richard Dunne, if he bucks up, loses a little weight. Reckon we should give him the captain's armband possibly and rejuvenate him to be the player he was in the first season...I hope! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigel Posted July 17, 2011 VT Supporter Share Posted July 17, 2011 The best keeper we could have got IMO! I think the likes of Arsenal and Spurs will rue the fact they did not try for him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beasley14 Posted July 17, 2011 Share Posted July 17, 2011 He is older but i agree Nigel, he is the best keeper available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ginko Posted July 18, 2011 Share Posted July 18, 2011 From Twitter so use your better judgment but Fourth Official seems quite credible... Fourth_Official Fourth Official One last thing; Shay Given is an Aston Villa player and should be confirmed later today #AVFC #Peaceout Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
villadude Posted July 18, 2011 Share Posted July 18, 2011 Good keeper, happy with this if it happens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NowDoINotLikeThat Posted July 18, 2011 Share Posted July 18, 2011 Be a very good signing in fairness. I have some doubts of his shoulder (?) injury malarky and sometimes can look bit suspect on crosses but he is an excellent shot stopper and routinely makes match winning saves. His age doesnt bother me - we could do with another experienced keeper and if keeps himself fit could continue for next 4-5 years Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrDuck Posted July 18, 2011 Share Posted July 18, 2011 Brilliant signing, very happy. A step up from Friedel for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Czechlad Posted July 18, 2011 Share Posted July 18, 2011 Finally. I have been hearing he will be signing by this and this day for over 2 weeks now. I am very happy we got such a quality keeper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Banger75 Posted July 18, 2011 Share Posted July 18, 2011 great result. will be a nice surprise to see him mincing about in the new GK kit at tomorrow's unveiling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wiggyrichard Posted July 18, 2011 Share Posted July 18, 2011 Cracking keeper, still in the top 4 keepers in the league. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevo985 Posted July 18, 2011 VT Supporter Share Posted July 18, 2011 Very good signing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jat_r Posted July 18, 2011 Share Posted July 18, 2011 Very happy with this signing. He is a very good keeper and can do a good job for us. I think him and Dunne playing several games together already can onlly benefit us! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shillzz Posted July 18, 2011 Share Posted July 18, 2011 Has he signed yet? because I'll just have lost a bet to Lexicon if he has. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R.Bear Posted July 18, 2011 Share Posted July 18, 2011 Sorry, wrong thread Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AVFC-Prideofbrum Posted July 18, 2011 Share Posted July 18, 2011 Eh? ain't the deal basically done? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjmooney Posted July 18, 2011 VT Supporter Share Posted July 18, 2011 Nothing on any of the main footie news websites. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AVFC-Prideofbrum Posted July 18, 2011 Share Posted July 18, 2011 Nothing on any of the main footie news websites. twitter is reporting the deal done .... :winkold: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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