Given considers Newcastle future

[dww]

Interesting.

I would class him as a better keeper than all those you mentioned.

I think he is Ireland's one truly world class player, but I may be slightly biased. If Pepe left us in the morning I think Given would be an excellent replacement.

As for the height issue. You're right, he is over six foot, but I've often heard it be said that he is relatively short for a keeper when many players in his position are 6' 4'' or 6' 5''. I don't think that has had too much effect on his career though.

I think we'll have to agree to disagree on this one for the time being and see how he does if he does indeed make a move this month.

On the height topic - the comparative height thing is probably true (although I have to say Shay somehow manages to look short). I have in the past argued that goals should be enlarged as keepers have become taller over the years.

[Rich]

On the height topic - the comparative height thing is probably true (although I have to say Shay somehow manages to look short). I have in the past argued that goals should be enlarged as keepers have become taller over the years.

Argued with yourself?

[dww]

Argued with yourself?

For once no. 'twas with the fine citizens of this site and Koptalk.

[The Erectile Banana]

On the height topic - the comparative height thing is probably true (although I have to say Shay somehow manages to look short). I have in the past argued that goals should be enlarged as keepers have become taller over the years.

Mmm. I dunno. There would be a lot of opposition to changing the size of the goals from football 'purists'. I remember there was some talk of the Americans doing it in the mid ninties when they were looking to launch the MLS and most folk recoiled with horror.

It's certainly an issue that's worthy of consideration even though I could never see it being adapted. It would be like video evidence all over again and you'd have people arguing that you are cheapening the art of goalscoring etc How much would you like to see the goals expanded by?

[red g]

On the height topic - the comparative height thing is probably true (although I have to say Shay somehow manages to look short). I have in the past argued that goals should be enlarged as keepers have become taller over the years.

but the game has got quicker and the ball faster

[bobbyfallon]

why not play with a smaller ball - it would be cheaper than enlarging the goals

[Rich]

Can't see the point of changing anything about the game, apart from some form of goal line technology for deciding whether a ball has crossed the line or not.

[The Erectile Banana]

why not play with a smaller ball - it would be cheaper than enlarging the goals

Can't see the point of changing anything about the game, apart from some form of goal line technology for deciding whether a ball has crossed the line or not.

That would be a much needed change.

I also like bobby's idea for the smaller ball. Some players have enough trouble controlling the existing size. Imagine the fun that would ensue if the ball size was reduced by say, one third. Titus Bramble would cower in fear before every match.

[Shaggy]

I don't think he is as good as some make out. I think he is a world class shot stopper but I'm not convinced he dominates his area or organises his defense well enough for the very top level. Also due to the teams he has played in you have to question whether he has the concentration needed for a good team. I can see exactly why none of the top teams have gone for him and in particular why United would stick with van der Sar. He does however deserve the chance to be in a better team, behind a better defense than he is currently.

I totally totally totally agree.

After we beat them 5-1, the internet and football-related media were awash wish cries of "Given is the best keeper in the league!!!!!!!!11". It reminded me of Carson's time at Charlton - a time when Carson had to save shot after shot. Shot-stopping is eye-catching but not the be-all-and-end-all of goalkeeping. Many of us said that Carson would come up short at a better club when he had less to do - and look what happened to him at Villa.

Given is in a different league to Carson of course but he's nowhere near Reina's level. I dare say if Reina played for Newcastle he'd look like the greatest keeper of all time.

[dww]

Mmm. I dunno. There would be a lot of opposition to changing the size of the goals from football 'purists'. I remember there was some talk of the Americans doing it in the mid ninties when they were looking to launch the MLS and most folk recoiled with horror.

It's certainly an issue that's worthy of consideration even though I could never see it being adapted. It would be like video evidence all over again and you'd have people arguing that you are cheapening the art of goalscoring etc How much would you like to see the goals expanded by?

It was an originally floated by someone else as the number of goals per game had gone down. You would have to do tests to see what extension is right to mean that approximately the same area of goal is likely to be left exposed given the increase in keeper size.

but the game has got quicker and the ball faster

I can see that and in some ways it is obviously a cheaper way of evening things up. However I think it is less fair on keepers in that now a lot of long range goals seem to come from the amount of unpredictable swerve put on the ball. I think it has made it harder to be a keeper in a way that isn't really able to be countered by increased skill.

I'd accept the fact that the changes have worked well but I would still be interested to see how enlarged goals affected the game.

[Rich]

I totally totally totally agree.

After we beat them 5-1, the internet and football-related media were awash wish cries of "Given is the best keeper in the league!!!!!!!!11". It reminded me of Carson's time at Charlton - a time when Carson had to save shot after shot. Shot-stopping is eye-catching but not the be-all-and-end-all of goalkeeping. Many of us said that Carson would come up short at a better club when he had less to do - and look what happened to him at Villa.

Given is in a different league to Carson of course but he's nowhere near Reina's level. I dare say if Reina played for Newcastle he'd look like the greatest keeper of all time.

Do you agree 110% with Dave?

[Shaggy]

At the end of the day I agree with him 110%.

[EwarWoo]

5 amazing saves, some of which are contenders for save of the season, certainly one of the performances of the season, and they still lost 5-1. You can't blame him for being a bit down.

He single handedly gave them the biggest boost they could have had and we still slaughterred them due to a clown like defence. He had to leave the game thinking why the **** do I bother.

Always been a big fan of his, not only is he a great keeper but he's shown amazing loyalty to stay with Newcastle through the lows despite being one of the best keepers in the league.

If we didn't have Reina I'd be watching this with great interest. As it is just wish him the best, one of the good guys who deserves a decent team in front of him.

However I have a feeling if he goes it will be Spurs so it will be just as bad.

[wiw]

I don't think he is as good as some make out. I think he is a world class shot stopper but I'm not convinced he dominates his area or organises his defense well enough for the very top level. Also due to the teams he has played in you have to question whether he has the concentration needed for a good team. I can see exactly why none of the top teams have gone for him and in particular why United would stick with van der Sar. He does however deserve the chance to be in a better team, behind a better defense than he is currently.

watch him **** up the simple stuff when he's in a top side playing at the highest level

[Neil Young]

At the end of the day I agree with him 110%.

I'm not being competitive here but I agree with him 150%.

Although I don't agree with his idea about increasing the size of the goals. That seems faintly mad.