Villa Goalkeepers

[Broadlee]

With all the comments recently about Brad Guzan and Shay Given I got to thinking about the keepers I remember watching since I was gratefully taken by my uncle (1962 ish) to watch Aston Villa, bit of a roller-coaster ride but there is no alternative out there.

The names I could bring to mind were: (there may be others)   

Nigel Simms, Colin Withers, John Dunn,Jim Cumbes, Jake Findley,John Burridge, Jimmy Rimmer, Nigel Spink, Michael Oaks, Mark Bosnich, Thomas Sorensen, Brad Friedel, Brad Guzan, Shay Given...

For me I like a keeper to dominate the 18 yard box, balls into it are his and the defence is organised and aware of his presence.. as well as a few forwards. But I can't really remember who filled that totally those stand out for me were Withers I recall as quite domineering, Cumbes was a big guy in his league was one of the better ones, Burridge was nuts!! but had some great moments, an entertainer, good keeper when he wasnt doing hand stands in the box and walking around on his hands  The we had Jimmy Rimmer, he was occasionally touching on being the best in the country, again a great shot stopper but needed Evans and McNaught, Nigel was a solid enough keeper, Bosnich was a step up and produced some great performances etc.... but in recent times Friedel has been the best and closest to my ideal keeper.
Brad G and Shay I'm not convinced and we need to move on. Guzan has made some great saves and some great gaffs as well but I'm always left a little frustrated by him and his decision making...frustrating...
So where do we go from here?
Tom Heaton? Jed Steer?, Big decisions by TS to be made here but with Tony Parks along side hopefully they can call it right.
Any thoughts any particular memories? I'd love to read your views

One Club, One Team, One ASTON VILLA Football Club 1874 est.

[Damo70]

Having watched them all from Rimmer onwards Bosnich was the best for me. Although, to put it politely, his kicking left a little bit to be desired.

[tomd2103]

With all the comments recently about Brad Guzan and Shay Given I got to thinking about the keepers I remember watching since I was gratefully taken by my uncle (1962 ish) to watch Aston Villa, bit of a roller-coaster ride but there is no alternative out there.

The names I could bring to mind were: (there may be others)   

Nigel Simms, Colin Withers, John Dunn,Jim Cumbes, Jake Findley,John Burridge, Jimmy Rimmer, Nigel Spink, Michael Oaks, Mark Bosnich, Thomas Sorensen, Brad Friedel, Brad Guzan, Shay Given...

For me I like a keeper to dominate the 18 yard box, balls into it are his and the defence is organised and aware of his presence.. as well as a few forwards. But I can't really remember who filled that totally those stand out for me were Withers I recall as quite domineering, Cumbes was a big guy in his league was one of the better ones, Burridge was nuts!! but had some great moments, an entertainer, good keeper when he wasnt doing hand stands in the box and walking around on his hands  The we had Jimmy Rimmer, he was occasionally touching on being the best in the country, again a great shot stopper but needed Evans and McNaught, Nigel was a solid enough keeper, Bosnich was a step up and produced some great performances etc.... but in recent times Friedel has been the best and closest to my ideal keeper.
Brad G and Shay I'm not convinced and we need to move on. Guzan has made some great saves and some great gaffs as well but I'm always left a little frustrated by him and his decision making...frustrating...
So where do we go from here?
Tom Heaton? Jed Steer?, Big decisions by TS to be made here but with Tony Parks along side hopefully they can call it right.
Any thoughts any particular memories? I'd love to read your views

One Club, One Team, One ASTON VILLA Football Club 1874 est.

Missed out David James and Peter Schmeichel in your list.  High profile mistake in the FA Cup final aside, David James was good during his time with us.  He had it all as a keeper - athletic, commanded his box well and very good kicking.  He was just prone to the odd lapse of concentration and confidence, but didn't have too many of those during his time with us.

[nigel]

I started from John Dunne.
Remember when Jimmy Cumbes his first kick left us gaping. We'd been used to Dunne just clearing half way and here was a guy who was putting it just outside the opposition area. Yes, Cumbes dropped a few clangers, but, generally was safe and commanding.
Jake Findley was never given a chance, which was a shame as he'd always looked pretty decent.
Budgie, as you say, was nuts. I think he was only 5'9" so was too small to dominate the area. Good reactions and a good shot stopper.
Jimmy Rimmer was brilliant. Unfortunate to be around when England had a few top drawer keepers.
Nigel Spink, again, brilliant. Underrated by many. He was unfortunate that the great team we had was broken up.
You forgot Les Seally. Understandable, because he was crap. How BFR preferred him to Spink still baffles me.
Mark Bosnich, was good, but not that good. A step up from Budgie, but well below Rimmer and Spink.
Didn't see much of Sorrenson.
Same for David James.
Brad Freidel, great keeper. Proved that if you look after yourself and train hard it will pay benefits.
Shay Given, past his best by the time we got him. Very good keeper, but, not great under crosses.
Brad Guzan. Underrated. Kicking let him down at times. Not given the credit he deserves at times.

[nuninho]

David James is the best keeper I've seen down at Villa in my 35 years.... I haven't seen a keeper since who has commanded the box.

[Damo70]

Mervyn Day hasn't had a mention. I thought he was pretty decent without being one of the best I've seen play for us.

[N'ZMAV]

Bosnich the best since I started going in 94. His kicking was his only weak point. Oh, and his salute down at the lane.

[nigel]

Remember John Gregory saying, when questioned about David James, "For every time he drops a ball he'll make 10 excellent saves. But you never see them!"
Unfortunately will always be remembered for dropping the ball on DiMateo's head

[dave shelley]

Off the top of my head at the moment, (I'm about to go out) John Phillips and, for those of us drawing our pensions, who could ever forget Evan Williams?

[Broadlee]

David James is the best keeper I've seen down at Villa in my 35 years.... I haven't seen a keeper since who has commanded the box.

Agreed, totally forgot about David and don't know why, probably blocked him following the FA Cup Final... but as you say thinking about it I agree must be one of the Villa best. Apologies David, probably the onset of dementia,  it helps .. sometimes i.e. Arse 4 Villa 0 et al

[Boz]

With all the comments recently about Brad Guzan and Shay Given I got to thinking about the keepers I remember watching since I was gratefully taken by my uncle (1962 ish) to watch Aston Villa, bit of a roller-coaster ride but there is no alternative out there.

The names I could bring to mind were: (there may be others)   

Nigel Simms, Colin Withers, John Dunn,Jim Cumbes, Jake Findley,John Burridge, Jimmy Rimmer, Nigel Spink, Michael Oaks, Mark Bosnich, Thomas Sorensen, Brad Friedel, Brad Guzan, Shay Given...

For me I like a keeper to dominate the 18 yard box, balls into it are his and the defence is organised and aware of his presence.. as well as a few forwards. But I can't really remember who filled that totally those stand out for me were Withers I recall as quite domineering, Cumbes was a big guy in his league was one of the better ones, Burridge was nuts!! but had some great moments, an entertainer, good keeper when he wasnt doing hand stands in the box and walking around on his hands  The we had Jimmy Rimmer, he was occasionally touching on being the best in the country, again a great shot stopper but needed Evans and McNaught, Nigel was a solid enough keeper, Bosnich was a step up and produced some great performances etc.... but in recent times Friedel has been the best and closest to my ideal keeper.
Brad G and Shay I'm not convinced and we need to move on. Guzan has made some great saves and some great gaffs as well but I'm always left a little frustrated by him and his decision making...frustrating...
So where do we go from here?
Tom Heaton? Jed Steer?, Big decisions by TS to be made here but with Tony Parks along side hopefully they can call it right.
Any thoughts any particular memories? I'd love to read your views

One Club, One Team, One ASTON VILLA Football Club 1874 est.

As an older fan, how about Joe Rutherford, Alan Wakeman and Keith Jones (Welsh international I believe)

[montague]

No Geoff Crudginton or Tommy Hughes?

[Breezeblock]

No Scott Frank Carson either but again understandable overlooking him.  I've only just got my mattress dry after witnessing some of his performances.

[Holte L2]

David James is the best keeper I've seen down at Villa in my 35 years.... I haven't seen a keeper since who has commanded the box.

Agreed, totally forgot about David and don't know why, probably blocked him following the FA Cup Final... but as you say thinking about it I agree must be one of the Villa best. Apologies David, probably the onset of dementia,  it helps .. sometimes i.e. Arse 4 Villa 0 et al

I was also a big David James fan.  Very commanding. Fantastic shot stopper.  Was bitterly disappointed to see him leave.

[silhillvilla]

Best - Rimmer
Worst - Enckleman / Kiraly