equalizer Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 Has to be him hitting the bar with that volley at Fulham.
oxfordshire_saint Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 Has to be the triple save vs Arsenal. That was my 2nd fave game at St Mary's, still can't compete with Marian's goal vs the skates though!
Papa Shango Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 Apart from the Fulham game, got to be that triple save in that brilliant 3-2 win against Arsenal 2002/03. Can't forget his penalty save against Michael Owen in Sturrock's first game either.
DT Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 A great pro and a great keeper. If only we could return to those times. Seem to recall he still did a lot of work for local charities, long after he left the Saints. True Saint and one of the best keepers we ever had. Good luck Antti.
AndyNorthernSaints Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 Best keeper i ever saw play for Saints and that includes Shilton. Top man and a class player for Saints.
mitch01 Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 Blimey, what a player, so many great memories.
a1ex2001 Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 One of the best, never quite the same after he left Saints which I always thought was a shame. Would have him in his prime over just about any keeper I've ever seen.
Thorpe-le-Saint Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 The guy is a Southampton legend. That triple save against Arsenal was unbelievable, a top class keeper and by all acounts a brilliant man.
Gemmel Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 Saints have a great history for top goalkeepers and Neimi is right up there with them. Add to that he was a really nice bloke and very generous with his time with the fans. Some great great saves....good luck Anti
true-saint-keit Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 That save against Celtic on the You-Tube is possibly the bast save I've ever seen, it's up there with THE Gordon Banks save from Pele.
polegategavin Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 I would say he has been the best keeper I have seen in the flesh playing for Saints. I always felt comfortable with him in goal that the opposition always had an extra line of defence to get past. A top top bloke too, always had time for the fans whenever you met him. Enjoy your retirment Antti and I'm sure I speak for all Saints fans when I say you will always be welcome back at Saint Mary's.
Chap in the Chapel Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 The triple save is often mentioned as his greatest single moment, but in terms of overall match performances, I'll never forget his first away game for Saints at Bolton - it's probably more commonly remembered for Wayne Bridge's goal and 'windmill' celebration. Niemi was unbelievably good that day and was only beaten by the last kick of the match, an unmissable tap-in by Djorkaeff. Prior to that, some of the reaction saves, including one from Dean Holdsworth who'd hammered the ball at the goal from no more than six yards, beggered belief. Watching from the top tier of the stand were a few hundred awe-struck Saints fans, and I came away from the game wondering if Niemi had peaked! Thankfully, he hadn't. Another game during that season where he was incredible was the away win at West Ham, Beattie sticking a stoppage-time nail in Glenn Roeder's coffin. I was watching it on TV and Niemi stopped it from being a consolation goal in a heavy defeat. He is the greatest goalkeeper I've ever seen play for Saints and I reckon he's probably our best ever - I never saw Shilton play for us, but I find it hard to believe that he could possibly have been any better than Niemi. Some lucky club is about to land itself a magnificent goalkeeping coach.
alpine_saint Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 My son will be gutted. He adored Antii....
Robsk II Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 Bloody brilliant 'keeper, may not see one of similar class for Saints in many, many years, if ever again! Amazing memories from his tenure inbetween the sticks. Have a look at this compiliation to remember just what a sensational stopper he has been (but shy your eyes from some of the saints defending..!). Also, turn the sound down.. or off!
gaz Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 Does anyone still have that sound clip from a Scottish radio phone-in? Scotland fan; ''I don't know why Craig Brown [can't remember who he said was the Scottish manager] doesn't pick Antti Niemi for the Scotland squad'' Presenter; ''Antti Niemi?!'' Fan; ''Yeah, Antti Niemi'' Presenter; ''He's Finnish'' Fan; ''Finished? He's only 29!''
Um Bongo Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 His save against villa at St Marys was something else.
adzamazing Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 His save against villa at St Marys was something else. The Gareth Barry save?
Um Bongo Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 The Gareth Barry save? yup http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=MalC_A3_z7g simply stunning
Saint Matty 76 Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 HCDAJFU. Quality keeper, all the best.
Kaiser Soze Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 The "Triple Niemi" or Barry save. Top man, all the best to him.
Red and White Army Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 One the the best goalies to grace the English leagues, he was top drawer and a great blome to boot. A true Saints hero without a shadow of a doubt. Fare well, Antti!!
Um Bongo Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 Probably sounds sad, but does anyone know a way of contacting him or anything? Does he have his own website?
Mr X Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 Blimey, what a player, so many great memories. Makes you realize the gulf in quality between him and davis, not to say that davis hasn't been good this season though he's done pretty well :cool:
Red and White Army Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 Probably sounds sad, but does anyone know a way of contacting him or anything? Does he have his own website? I would also be interested in sending him a message of thanks and good luck.
Saint Mikey Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 I never saw Shilton play for us, but I find it hard to believe that he could possibly have been any better than Niemi. Some lucky club is about to land itself a magnificent goalkeeping coach. You find it hard to believe that a player that amassed over 1,000 league appearances and is England's most capped player (who would have had many more caps if it wasn't for Clemence), wasn't as good as Niemi?! Niemi was the best keeper we've had in the last 20 years, better than Flowers IMO. BUT, his achievements in the game do not compare to Shilton.
Chap in the Chapel Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 You find it hard to believe that a player that amassed over 1,000 league appearances and is England's most capped player (who would have had many more caps if it wasn't for Clemence), wasn't as good as Niemi?! Niemi was the best keeper we've had in the last 20 years, better than Flowers IMO. BUT, his achievements in the game do not compare to Shilton. I don't dispute that Shilton was a truly great goalkeeper over the course of his career. But Shilton was at his peak at Nottingham Forest (he's said so himself) and I genuinely don't think that he could possibly have played as well for Saints as Niemi did.
offix Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 Best memories? Not a specific action, but his attitude. He seemed always motivated, wanting to play for the shirt. Thanks Antii, you will always be one of the favourite sons.
Bass Playing Saint Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 Saw his debut against Charlton at SMS some years ago, thought then he was probably the best goalkeeper I saw play for Saints. Why retire, we'll have you back
SaintDonkey Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 Blimey, what a player, so many great memories. Some great saves - and some truly shocking defending!
SaintDonkey Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 I would also be interested in sending him a message of thanks and good luck. You could try his site at icons, but it doesn't appear to have been maintained in a while http://www.icons.com/niemi/
Guest Hacienda Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 Best keeper i ever saw play for Saints and that includes Shilton. Top man and a class player for Saints. My sentiments as well.
La BoIS Saint Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 Makes you realize the gulf in quality between him and davis, not to say that davis hasn't been good this season though he's done pretty well :cool: The gulf between Niemi and quite a lot of keepers.
Thedelldays Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 he and killer cost 2m a piece.....what bargins, both of them....Niemi was simply brilliant and am lucky to have seen him play live many many times
Iowsaintsfan Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 Arsenal triple save. Good luck Niemi! same for me too, Amazing keeper
Oz Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 I would say he has been the best keeper I have seen in the flesh playing for Saints. I always felt comfortable with him in goal that the opposition always had an extra line of defence to get past. A top top bloke too, always had time for the fans whenever you met him. Enjoy your retirment Antti and I'm sure I speak for all Saints fans when I say you will always be welcome back at Saint Mary's. spot on post
rocknrollman no2 Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 I wish Niemi hadnt gone off injured in the FA Cup final because we may have won it. I can only remember one mistake by him and that was the one against the Skates in THAT game no one mentions. He was a great keeper for us and i was sorry to see him go. Good luck Anti.
Colinjb Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 An utterly incredible goalkeeper. I feel privilaged to have seen him play. Best of luck in retirement Antti.
saintkiptanui Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 Got to be the fulham volley at the Valley, it set up a memorable post match drinking and singing session, great bloke and the only player who we've sold in recent times that I've been upset about.
St Landrew Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 Great, great goalie. Whenever I see him make a save for Fulham it makes me smile. He's still got the magic touch. Great shame he has that wrist injury. I think he could have played on for years otherwise. So many magic moments from his Saints days, e.g. the triple save, etc... But the standout for sheer fun was when he hit the crossbar at Craven Cottage, and Svensson headed in the rebound. The players couldn't decide whether to mob Antti or Michael. Lovely stuff, and a reference for how Saints were at the time.
Ivan Katalinic's 'tache Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 For me 3 classic moments: the triple save against Arsenal, the shot against the bar against Fulham and the shoving match with Prutton against whoever it was. Fantastic keeper, great personality - shame his career was ended by injury and not on the high it deserved (i.e. coming back here and getting us promoted!!!).
Saint Fen Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 Good Luck Anti. The best Keeper I have seen at Saints (Too young for Shilton unfortunely!). I really can't see us having a goalkeeper of such quality again! Thought he would have gone to a very top class side when he left us and really can't understand why a top side never brought him, maybe his age. Must have added a good 10-15 points to us each season he played.
fatpix2003 Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 Good Luck Anti. The best Keeper I have seen at Saints (Too young for Shilton unfortunely!). I really can't see us having a goalkeeper of such quality again! Thought he would have gone to a very top class side when he left us and really can't understand why a top side never brought him, maybe his age. Must have added a good 10-15 points to us each season he played. Apparently just before we bought him Sir alex ferguson tried to buy him but Niemi turned it down because he'd already agreed a deal with us and didn't want to go back on his word, top bloke, greatest keeper i've seen, good luck in whatever you do anti!!!!!!!!
Dicko Posted 3 September, 2008 Posted 3 September, 2008 I met Niemi in a restaurant during his Saints days. Despite being with his missus, he was still happy to chat to any Saints fans who recognised him or wanted a chat. An absolute gentleman and a brilliant goalie.
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