Joe Hart, Please

Dear Mr O`Neill

When we signed Brad Friedel, I was delighted. Following a disappointing season from young on-loan keeper Scott Carson, I felt he was the type of player we needed, one of the league`s finest and most consistent keepers of the last 10 years, a player that would keep goal for 2 seasons allowing our other new signing Brad Guzan to learn and develop away from the limelight. Guzan would eventually take over in 2010/11 season, I and many others thought.

As the season has gone on, Friedel has continued to be as solid as ever, however in recent weeks he has appeared to be slow coming off his line and has picked up a tendency to palm shots away from the goal, and on occasion into the path of the oncoming attacker. This leads me to believe that Brad may well be past his best.

As the side build for what will hopefully be our second challenge for a top4 spot, next season, I would certainly hope that we consider whether Friedel is the best option the club has, I am not suggesting we throw young Guzan into the fray or indeed show Friedel the door. What I am suggesting is that we take a look at young Joe Hart, who appears to be out of favour at Manchester City. I personally feel that he fits the bill, not only is he a hot prospect but he is also young, English and perhaps most importantly, ambitious. He wants to be England`s Number One, and with David James getting older each season, Hart has to be one of the favourites to step up when James hangs up his boots. However for this to happen he needs to be playing regularly for a top club, and I would like to think that could be us.

Don`t get me wrong, I am a big fan of Brad Friedel and he has played a big part in our push for top4 this season; however I am just wondering if maybe Joe Hart could be the Keeper to take us to that next level.

So Mr O`Neill, please consider a move for young Joe in the summer, he could prove to be one of the best signings you ever make.

Thanks for taking the time to read my letter and good luck for the rest of the season.

Yours sincerely

young_jonah