The fact that a supposedly fully fit Heurelho Gomes was left on the bench yesterday has increased speculation in the press that Harry Redknapp has made a new goalkeeper one of his priorities for 2011-12.
One of our alleged targets, Ben Foster is now set to face at least a season in the Championship and that could affect his availability ,but most areas of the press have followed up last week’s story linking Brad Friedel to the Lane.
The Aston Villa keeper is one that Redknapp has openly commented about and the boss had this to say: “He’s a very good keeper, but there are a few clubs in for him. Liverpool are in for him, West Brom too. It’s interesting. We’ll have to see where we go.”
While the suggestion of a Scottish keeper might not appeal to many, a new contender has emerged over the weekend in the shape of Allan McGregor.
The Rangers player has been at the club for 10 years now and it has been suggested that he’s after a new challenge in the Premiership. Harry could however face competition from a number of clubs including Manchester United where it’s thought that Sir Alex Ferguson is seriously considering bringing his fellow Scot in as replacement for Edwin van der Sar.
a) New keeper not a priority. Other areas priority
b) I expect Foster to leave Brum, and go to Premiership
c) Freidel is good, but 40. What solution is that?
d) Spurs need to find promising 22 year old keeper from lower leagues as back up for Gomes. Hopefully watch him learn ropes, and push Gomes. If he succeeds, we ultimately replaces Gomes. If not, the Gomes is himself getting too old, and replace him. Not urgent.
e) End the Scottish goalkeeper stereo type – Craig gordon is excellent for example.
All good teams build from the back.
Yes, i think Gomas should take the majority of the blame for us not finishing top four.
Friedel is a decent keeper but he has just turned forty, at that age you start struggling to get out of bed in the mornings.
In short Na
Bit like the old saying, “if there good enough, they’re old enough enough” or in Friedel’s case “young enough”. Poor old Gomes just can’t cut the mustard and was responsible for leaking a good number of points as well as cup exits. Don’t agree with it not being a priority. I’ve played a bit and I can tell you that good teams always have goalies they can trust. For me, the only weak link in our defence last season.
Three buys will do it for next season for me. Shay Given, Scott Parker and Daniel Sturridge. All British, all Premiership tested. Given and Parker to add to the steel we’ve started to show and Sturridge the hungry young striker who’s busting a gut to score 25 a season. Also, bring Caulker and Walker into the squad. Forget all the overrated, overhyped foreign players and concentrate on what we have added to these three. Also, to fund this if necessary, sell Hutton, Corluka, Dos Santos, Jenas, O’Hara, Crouchie, and Gomes.