Shay Given

[Mark Garrett]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 70,00.html

Aston Villa have agreed a fee of £3.5m with City for Shay Given. Will be going, subject to passing a medical and agreeing personal terms.

We bought him for £6m in January 2009.

Was a terrific keeper for us and have got a lot of time for him the way he was respectful last season and kept his head down supporting Joe Hart, even though he himself was desperate to play. Will always remember his debut when he made something like 3-4 top drawer saves against Middlesbrough at Eastlands.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTb7ykqpL1o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4PNOy13Uwg

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

Top quality player.

We'll have tough task finding second choice keeper. Imagine Yo Hart getting long term injury and we are stuck with stuart Taylor. That's our season down the toilet.

[Dubciteh]

Not a top quality keeper, hes a very good keeper but not top quality. His major weakness(crosses) means he will never be good enough for a top team challenging for honours.

I do wish him all the best as i have a soft spot for him but his time at city opened my eyes up to his faults as i like every other irishman thought he was one of the best in the world.

Will need to bring a second choice in now for definite, no doubt about it.

Good lucky Shay...

[Alex Sapphire]

Top quality player.

We'll have tough task finding second choice keeper. Imagine Yo Hart getting long term injury and we are stuck with stuart Taylor. That's our season down the toilet.

hopefully they've thought of that, but with his need for 1st team football and his dicky shoulder, keeping Shay was never a real option.
Thanks Shay lad and good luck.
Throw a couple into your own net on 16th October for old times' sake?

[Chinners]

Given, imo, is top quality and would not look out of place in any of the Top 6 sides. Sad we are losing him but totally understand his need for regular first team football. Fantastic signing for Villa who will progress this term despite losing other players as quite simply they will not leak as many goals.

[CityFanFromRome]

Sad to see him going but at the end of the day, he wants to play, and he deserves to, so it's right to let him go. We should find a promising young keeper to keep as second choice, because any keeper in his best years won't be content with warming the bench all season.

[Esky]

Given, imo, is top quality and would not look out of place in any of the Top 6 sides. Sad we are losing him but totally understand his need for regular first team football. Fantastic signing for Villa who will progress this term despite losing other players as quite simply they will not leak as many goals.

On balance, Given + N'Zogbia (+25 million) for Young and Downing isn't bad at all.

Wish him well, fantastic keeper who deserves first team football. Glad it's to Villa too as I've very little against them.

[Esky]

Given, imo, is top quality and would not look out of place in any of the Top 6 sides. Sad we are losing him but totally understand his need for regular first team football. Fantastic signing for Villa who will progress this term despite losing other players as quite simply they will not leak as many goals.

On balance, Given + N'Zogbia (+25 million) for Young and Downing isn't bad at all.

Wish him well, fantastic keeper who deserves first team football. Glad it's to Villa too as I've very little against them.

[Blue Blood]

Given, imo, is top quality and would not look out of place in any of the Top 6 sides. Sad we are losing him but totally understand his need for regular first team football. Fantastic signing for Villa who will progress this term despite losing other players as quite simply they will not leak as many goals.

Agree with you chinners.

Only thing I would add is Villa should look at added a fooking huge centre half who can easily deal with crosses.

As we all know, Shay is an unbelievable shot stopper but when it comes to collecting crosses it all get's a bit shaky.

Good move for City and a good move for Villa all in all.

[Wooders]

3.5 seems cheap but hey ho - good luck shay

[Bridge'srightfoot]

That penalty save vs Chelsea was one of my favorite moments in the last few seasons. In such an important, dramatic game to make a save like that late on was magnificent.

[Bridge'srightfoot]

Come to think of it does anyone have a link to highlights of the 09/10 home game vs Chelsea?

[kennyboy]

Thanks for everything Shay, you been outstanding.

[Tokyo Blue]

Thanks and good luck, Shay, but not against us, eh.

[craigmcfc]

A big thanks to Shay for some superb displays and an outstanding attitude especially last season. I get the feeling he's going to be in for a very busy season at Villa and unfortunately probably scrapping down the wrong end of the table

Good luck to him

[john@staustell]

3.5 seems cheap but hey ho - good luck shay

Judging by the length of time this has taken we were lucky to get that. I suspect his injury has reduced his value somewhat. In fact I wouldn't be surprised to see a recurrence in the non-too-distant future.

[dazby]

Thanks Shay, It's been emotional.

[Whassat]

Thanks Shay, It's been emotional.

That.

Good luck with Villa :)

[Flixton Blue]

Good luck.

[PeterParker]

Just remembered what game he did at his debut, with Boro. Great gk. Best of luck and hope he became a blue.