Yes, I’m not yet tired of that one, so I’ll keep using it. But Shaun Teale, now there’s a man who brings back memories!
Speaking to Talksport former centre half and Tranmere hero, Shaun Teale, believes that the 5 year contract for Shay Given makes all the sense in the world from Villa’s point of view – although it has confused many a fan.
‘Given was the best available keeper at the right price, he’s a 35 year old, he’s got a good five years left in him, so for the money we have paid he’s a great signing.’
Teale gets some of the concern but points to Friedel as proof that the deal makes sense.
‘I suppose some would question, but the club will look at it from the fact that Friedel has just left and he is 40 so there’s your five years straight away. If you get four years out of him and his shoulder went they’d have got their moneys worth.’
As I just posted on the board, I guess the club also looked at it from the angle of what happened with Brad. By rights goalkeeper was a position we would’ve been ok for this season, and we had time to bring in a youngster like Siegrist slowly, or maybe pick up a Lewis or a keeper of that ilk from the lower leagues and see how they developed.
Friedel wanting the two year security and not the single season shot those plans in the foot for us, as we had to look straight away for a No1.
Keeping Given until he’s 40, allows us to get the most from him that we can whilst he’s fit enough and his form dictates, and if he does go to 40 without being an obvious liability, then it gives us those extra years to really scout for a valid replacement and give a younger keeper the time to develop properly.
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