First of all, Brwned is an idiot.
To the people saying he does not talk to or organise his defence, This is bollocks. He does as much shouting and organising as any other keeper. But even this doesnt make a difference. In professional football, with large crowd's and plenty of noise, it is impossible to hear an instruction. You never see SAF shouting instructions into the pitch, in comparison with say, Phil Brown. Is this to say that SAF is not instructing his players? No, he doesnt shout in because it is pointless. While defending, it is up to the leader of the defence(eg. Terry, Gallas) to keep the correct offside line and use their positioning as an example. The other, less experienced, players look to the leader and keep the line accordingly. This is an example of organising a defence. A keepers role in general play is totally defunct. When people talk of a keepers great organising skills, it is a bit of bollocks made up because they can find nothing else good to say about him.
The only time the keeper has a bit of organising to do is fixing the wall at free kicks, and positioning players at corners. Shay conceds very few goals from set pieces, especially free kicks.
Brwned example's of players playing in front of him playing badly doesnt ring true at international level. Quite the opposite in fact. Richard Dunne has been immense in the Irish defence for the past 3 years, even during his torrid run of form at city. Nobody could honestly call Sean St.Ledger or Kevin Kilbane quality defenders. Yet they have looked very competent for Ireland. Not that I believe that is down to Given. A keeper has very little baring on how defenders preform.
part 2
Brwned talks about the former Newcastle defenders performing well for new clubs. That defence was a total shambles with no leaders. Boumsong and Bassong have moved into decent and experienced defences. Christ, put me in a decent, experienced back 4 and I will perform well. Its why the likes of Carrick doesnt get found out at centre half! Bramble on the other hand became a good defender under the tutelage of Steve Bruce at Wigan. I'll come back to the theme that a keeper has very little baring on how a defender plays.
The problem with the City defence is that it has no leader. Toure was under the influence of Gallas at Arsenal, and was happy to play a secondary role. Lescott simply isnt a commanding presence at the back. The worst move city made was selling Richard Dunne. The City team as a whole hasnt been playing well recently, you cant just blame the defence. Also their defensive record hasnt been that poor. Blaming Given is ridiculous, the one obvious shining light that has saved them on many occasions.
If defenders play better when they move on from shay, then why do many of them say that he's the best they have played with? If he is not World class, then why do some of his managers say that he's one of the best they've seen. e.g. Souness, Trapatoni, Hughes.
He is very quick at coming off his line, and contrary to belief, takes great command of his box. I think its because of his height, or stature, or something about his physique that puts this idea in people's mind that he does not command his box or come for crosses. These people obviously dont watch the games. He is top class at both. As for the nuts and bolts of goalkeeping, shot stopping, well nobody can argue that he is brilliant. Tune in to Match of the day every weekend and watch him make save after world class save.
I for one deeply regret that we didnt go for him. He is, in my opinion, the best in the Premier League. And by a distance.
