Summer Transfer Thread: Speculation, Lies, Absolute Cr*p and Bosman Rumours

[N'ZMAV]

Friedel was shit at pens. Awful.

[PaulTheVillan]

He just used to fall on his arse

[timeoutbigbar]

Friedel was shit at pens. Awful.

To be fair the taker always knew that anywhere near the corners was a guaranteed goal.

[mr underhill]

agreed, even my wife could convert a penalty against Brad.

[paulcomben]

agreed, even my wife could convert a penalty against Brad.

And when did she have this interesting opportunity? Oh hang on, you're not that fella who married Van Persie thinking Robin was a girl's name, are you?

[TheTimVilla]

I thought we offered Guzan a new contract last season, but he didn't accept it? So is this a new contract offer, or the same one?

[tomd2103]

I thought we offered Guzan a new contract last season, but he didn't accept it? So is this a new contract offer, or the same one?

On the subject of keepers, don't know if it's been mentioned, but the Daily Record has a story linking us to the Rangers keeper Allan McGregor.  The article states that Rangers players may be able to cancel their contracts if a new company is formed so no transfer fee would be required.  Steven Davis would be another who could be available on a such a deal.

[JJ-AV]

I thought we offered Guzan a new contract last season, but he didn't accept it? So is this a new contract offer, or the same one?

I don't blame him for rejecting it. He comes in to the team, does fine and loses his place as soon as the number 1 is half fit. What's the point?

I don't think Guzan is anything special, and I think Given is a top, top 'keeper. But it really was the wrong decision IMO... But I won't go into that again!

Like others have said, hopefully Seirgist is as half as good as hoped and we can promote him to cover in case of an injury to Shay.

[dave.woodhall]

I thought we offered Guzan a new contract last season, but he didn't accept it? So is this a new contract offer, or the same one?

I don't blame him for rejecting it. He comes in to the team, does fine and loses his place as soon as the number 1 is half fit. What's the point?

I don't think Guzan is anything special, and I think Given is a top, top 'keeper. But it really was the wrong decision IMO... But I won't go into that again!

Like others have said, hopefully Seirgist is as half as good as hoped and we can promote him to cover in case of an injury to Shay.

You've just said he isn't as good as the number one choice. That's the point.

[old man villa fan]

Guzan had his opportunity to become No. 1 when Friedel decided he was leaving.  The coaching staff and the new manager at the time felt that they needed to bring in a better keeper.

Off hand, I cannot think of many mistakes by Given that cost us goals last season but I can think of many great saves that kept us in games and allowed us to pick up valuable points.  On this one, I think the management were right at the time to bring in a better goalkeeper.  The amount we are paying him and length of contract is a different matter.

I do not believe Guzan improved significantly last season so it is time to move on. 

[JJ-AV]

You've just said he isn't as good as the number one choice. That's the point.

Thomas Hitzlsperger wasn't as good as Gareth Barry, but it was frustrating to watch him be underused and then leave on a free.

That's probably a weak comparison, but Guzan is a good option for #2. In 3 years while Friedel was here Guzan played half hour of Premier League football. He's had 6 games in one season as Given's understudy and it should have been more.

It's probably an irrelevance anyway as we don't know the intricacies of it, such as Guzan's contract, how the management see Seirgist or potential replacements.

But if Given's groin, knee or back injury reoccurs and we're left with Marshall in goal for a couple of games it'll be as frustrating as it was predictable.

[JJ-AV]

Corluka's signed for Lokomotiv Moscow.

That might hold up any Naughton deal.

[TheSandman]

You've just said he isn't as good as the number one choice. That's the point.

Thomas Hitzlsperger wasn't as good as Gareth Barry, but it was frustrating to watch him be underused and then leave on a free.

That's probably a weak comparison, but Guzan is a good option for #2. In 3 years while Friedel was here Guzan played half hour of Premier League football. He's had 6 games in one season as Given's understudy and it should have been more.

It's probably an irrelevance anyway as we don't know the intricacies of it, such as Guzan's contract, how the management see Seirgist or potential replacements.

But if Given's groin, knee or back injury reoccurs and we're left with Marshall in goal for a couple of games it'll be as frustrating as it was predictable.

I agree JJ. I've said before but we need to bring in a good second choice. Guzan would do. If he doesn't want to be a number two, then best of luck to him elsewhere. I still cannot believe we gave Given a five year contract.

[Nirog72]

We needed him more than he needed us and that was the price we paid?

[cdbearsfan]

I'm surprised McLeish didn't try picking two goalies. Or eleven.