Saints ready to sign Robert Green

[Wade Garrett]

Personally I cannot see a downside, other than possibly very high wages, to signing Green and have thought so since I heard by the middle of last season that he was unsettled. England goalkeeper on a free. What's not to like?

 

Personally, I don't rate him. Butland is too young and quite expensive. If Craig Gordon is fit, I'd take him on a free.

[supersonic]

I'd be happy with Rob Green, he's made a few mistakes, yes, but name me a keeper who hasn't. Even established PL keepers have already made mistakes at the Euro's this year

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

Debating the merits of footballers is of course what we do on here, but how bizarre it seems to me that quite so many Saints fans seemingly consider a 32 year old current England International goalkeeper to be in any sense 'not good enough' for this club. Signing a promising young keeper for the long term is a splendid idea, but throwing a relatively untested youngster (such as this Butland lad) straight into the midst of what may well be a hard Premier League season, gambling on his ability to swim rather than sink ... well that's a bridge to far for this fan.

 

If there is one position in any top level football team where proven ability and years of hard earned experience is of paramount value then it is surely that of the goalkeeper. If you were to argue that young keepers need to be given a chance to play and develop into the experienced high quality keepers everyone wants then that is a perfectly valid 'Catch 22' style argument of course. Nevertheless better we let them learn their trade anywhere else but in the crucible of a Premier League survival battle I say.

 

Not to put too fine a point on it, it should be bleedin' obvious to everyone reading this that a keeper of Robert Green's ability could significantly improve the quality of our squad. So if we can persuade him to come here we should sign him pretty damn quick I reckon.

[thegaffer]

Lets forget about the arguments on here that Green has fallen out with Sam or any other part of the management structure at West Ham.That is absolutely 100% not true.As I understand the situation as it is at this moment in time Saints have never been mentioned as one of the teams Robert Green is going to sign for.

[Chez]

does that mean butland is as good as him?

I don't know if Butland is as good as him, do you? But it means A 20 year old keeper can be `thrown into the Premiership pressure pot'.

[Thedelldays]

I don't know if Butland is as good as him, do you? But it means A 20 year old keeper can be `thrown into the Premiership pressure pot'.

if he is as good as the arsenal lad then at least 15 teams in the prem, he would make the number 1 spot

 

 

which I highly doubt would be the case in reality

[SW11_Saint]

Sign Butland and Green. We'll need three quality keepers for the Champions League etc season after next...

[Big_Bald_Si]

Green might be in the England squad, but has anyone considered the number of England keepers that have asked not to be considered that would have been ahead of him? Robinson, Foster, Carson to name a few. All said they didn't wish to be selected and be a "bit part" in the England squad.

 

In Green's last season in the Premiership, he had the highest error rate of any keeper in the league. I'd be happy to take him if he was happy to come in knowing he'd be a be starting as number two, otherwise it's a bit insulting to Davis, who for me (and others), had a fantastic season last season.

[SaintRichmond]

Green might be in the England squad, but has anyone considered the number of England keepers that have asked not to be considered that would have been ahead of him? Robinson, Foster, Carson to name a few. All said they didn't wish to be selected and be a "bit part" in the England squad.

 

In Green's last season in the Premiership, he had the highest error rate of any keeper in the league. I'd be happy to take him if he was happy to come in knowing he'd be a be starting as number two, otherwise it's a bit insulting to Davis, who for me (and others), had a fantastic season last season.

 

 

That may be the case, but the key word is "LAST" season

 

Successful teams do not evolve through Sentiment. If Cortese/Adkins are aiming to keep us in the Prem, then they HAVE to get the best players they can to improve the team

 

Davis may have had a good season in the Championship, but the stark fact remains that he was NOT very good last time there.( in the Prem)

 

It is no use in waiting to see if he's any good against the big boys. Team improvement and Team building has to start NOW

Edited 9 June, 2012 by SaintRichmond
missed words

[Chez]

if he is as good as the arsenal lad then at least 15 teams in the prem, he would make the number 1 spot

 

 

which I highly doubt would be the case in reality

perhaps not, but that doesn't mean he couldn't cut it in the Prem. I'd go for Craig Gordon myself.

[Saint J 77]

That may be the case, but the key word is "LAST" season

 

Successful teams do not evolve through Sentiment. If Cortese/Adkins are aiming to keep us in the Prem, then they HAVE to get the best players they can to improve the team

 

Davis may have had a good season in the Championship, but the stark fact remains that he was NOT very good last time there.( in the Prem)

 

It is no use in waiting to see if he's any good against the big boys. Team improvement and Team building has to start NOW

 

I seem to remember Kelvin being man of the match for Sunderland against Man Utd at Old Trafford in a nil nil draw that season. Like his performance against Leeds away this season he just could not be beaten. So he can't have been that bad last time in the premier league. I much prefer Kelvin over Green any day.

[OldNick]

I seem to remember Kelvin being man of the match for Sunderland against Man Utd at Old Trafford in a nil nil draw that season. Like his performance against Leeds away this season he just could not be beaten. So he can't have been that bad last time in the premier league. I much prefer Kelvin over Green any day.

There are certain players who fans never appreciate. A small clique find fault and can never forgive, they hide away and wait for their chance to snipe. KD came here and from day 1 had a faction against him due to the Sunderland fans telling us he was no good, they had used him as a scapegoat in their relegation season. Every goal keeper has weaknesses and makes mistakes, we have some on here wanting Green over KD ffs and he has been Mr Calamity on many occasions, then others have mentioned Bogdan on the back of watching him 1 time!!

KD 2 seasons running has been voted best keeper in the league by the players who had played against him, IMO that tells me more than the judgement of the few who have an axe to grind on here. Thankfully the managers have kept faith and didn't listen to some who begged that Richard Wright be signed and KD be sold. (Wright did well when he was here but time has shown it was a purple patch) I do agree that we need a back up and if KD is not up to the PL this time round we need to make that change, but to drop him without a chance would be shameful. KD's performances are one of the main reasons we are in the PL, his saves at crucial times have been as important as RL's goals.

Add his loyalty

[Saint J 77]

There are certain players who fans never appreciate. A small clique find fault and can never forgive, they hide away and wait for their chance to snipe. KD came here and from day 1 had a faction against him due to the Sunderland fans telling us he was no good, they had used him as a scapegoat in their relegation season. Every goal keeper has weaknesses and makes mistakes, we have some on here wanting Green over KD ffs and he has been Mr Calamity on many occasions, then others have mentioned Bogdan on the back of watching him 1 time!!

KD 2 seasons running has been voted best keeper in the league by the players who had played against him, IMO that tells me more than the judgement of the few who have an axe to grind on here. Thankfully the managers have kept faith and didn't listen to some who begged that Richard Wright be signed and KD be sold. (Wright did well when he was here but time has shown it was a purple patch) I do agree that we need a back up and if KD is not up to the PL this time round we need to make that change, but to drop him without a chance would be shameful. KD's performances are one of the main reasons we are in the PL, his saves at crucial times have been as important as RL's goals.

Add his loyalty

 

Great post, I 100% agree with that!

[CB Fry]

Green might be in the England squad, but has anyone considered the number of England keepers that have asked not to be considered that would have been ahead of him? Robinson, Foster, Carson to name a few. All said they didn't wish to be selected and be a "bit part" in the England.

 

 

But this is nonsense. Green was first choice going into the WC. The others bailed out BECAUSE Green was being picked, not the other way round.

 

Either way this tearing apart and sneering at an international keeper is a joke. He is clearly better than Kelvin is, was or ever will be.

Edited 9 June, 2012 by CB Fry

[Window Cleaner]

But this is nonsense. Green was first choice going into the WC. The others bailed out BECAUSE Green was being picked, not the other way round.

 

He is clearly better than Kelvin is, was or ever will be.

 

but many just won't accept that, misplaced loyalty is one of Saints fans stock in trade.Davis isn't good enough to be a first choice keeper in the PL, fortunately the management seem to know that.

[SaintBobby]

I reckon Green is better than Kelvin, but not by much. Also, there are disruption risks (Kelvin is a big force in the dressing room etc).

 

If we are going to spend really big bucks, I'd like to do it on players who are much better than our presenting starting XI and very likely to play a large majority of games if fit.

 

For example, I'd say J-Rod is a major improvement on Sharp so merits a massive outlay.

 

Yes, I know it's a squad game, there will be injuries, loss of form etc etc. But I'd probably prefer to spend the £2.5m pa we might give to Green on a much better right back or right winger.

[Window Cleaner]

I reckon Green is better than Kelvin, but not by much. Also, there are disruption risks (Kelvin is a big force in the dressing room etc).

 

If we are going to spend really big bucks, I'd like to do it on players who are much better than our presenting starting XI and very likely to play a large majority of games if fit.

 

For example, I'd say J-Rod is a major improvement on Sharp so merits a massive outlay.

 

Yes, I know it's a squad game, there will be injuries, loss of form etc etc. But I'd probably prefer to spend the £2.5m pa we might give to Green on a much better right back or right winger.

 

 

He doesn't need to be better by much, just enough to compensate KD's glaring weakness on crosses and not have that blind spot he seems to have on the near post.Just those 2 little things will cost us dear enough to mke whatever it is we have to pay well worth the cost.

[Turkish]

but many just won't accept that, misplaced loyalty is one of Saints fans stock in trade.Davis isn't good enough to be a first choice keeper in the PL, fortunately the management seem to know that.

 

That and delusion. Others claiming we should be looking at better than Green. Yet no one can come up with a better goalkeeper who would be a realistic target.

[batterseasaint]

We aren't interested in Green; why would we completely change our transfer policy for an aging keeper when we already have an aging keeper? I think the tabloids are putting two and two together on the basis that we have to sign a keeper this summer.

 

We haven't signed an old player since Connolly and Jaidi, who were very much brought in to do a job when we were on -10 in League 1. We will sign a keeper who is under the age of 28 (possibly much younger) who will not be too upset to not walk straight in as our number one. Our policy is clearly to try and snap up the best young players around, attracting them with a five year plan rather than temporary glory. Older players will be looking for temporary glory in the twilight of their career.

 

I am sure we aren't after Green, and frankly I cannot think of a worse fit; for both Green, who would have to compete with a club legend, and for the club, who would have to break their transfer policy and handle a potentially divisive situation within the squad as a result.

[SaintBobby]

He doesn't need to be better by much, just enough to compensate KD's glaring weakness on crosses and not have that blind spot he seems to have on the near post.Just those 2 little things will cost us dear enough to mke whatever it is we have to pay well worth the cost.

 

I hear ya.

 

Am just saying if Kelvin is say a B+ and Green an A-, this isn't as big a gain as replacing, say, Richardson (C+) with Clynne (B+++)

[Turkish]

We aren't interested in Green; why would we completely change our transfer policy for an aging keeper when we already have an aging keeper? I think the tabloids are putting two and two together on the basis that we have to sign a keeper this summer.

 

We haven't signed an old player since Connolly and Jaidi, who were very much brought in to do a job when we were on -10 in League 1. We will sign a keeper who is under the age of 28 (possibly much younger) who will not be too upset to not walk straight in as our number one. Our policy is clearly to try and snap up the best young players around, attracting them with a five year plan rather than temporary glory. Older players will be looking for temporary glory in the twilight of their career.

 

I am sure we aren't after Green, and frankly I cannot think of a worse fit; for both Green, who would have to compete with a club legend, and for the club, who would have to break their transfer policy and handle a potentially divisive situation within the squad as a result.

 

He's 31. That's prime age for a keeper. He's got 4-5 good years in him yet.

 

And it's all very well going for young players but you need experience as well. Something we don't have much of.

[sperm_john]

wouldnt want him, happy with KD for a season, deserves it and his experience will be invaluable to us

[Window Cleaner]

I hear ya.

 

Am just saying if Kelvin is say a B+ and Green an A-, this isn't as big a gain as replacing, say, Richardson (C+) with Clynne (B+++)

 

Hopefully the extra ticket sale revenues of about 6 million £ for the season are for a few B- to AA+ upgrdades.

[ottery st mary]

I am with KD as number one....

 

A young keeper to understudy...

 

Joe Hart would be a good signing:rolleyes:

[Thedelldays]

I reckon Green is better than Kelvin, but not by much. Also, there are disruption risks (Kelvin is a big force in the dressing room etc).

 

If we are going to spend really big bucks, I'd like to do it on players who are much better than our presenting starting XI and very likely to play a large majority of games if fit.

 

For example, I'd say J-Rod is a major improvement on Sharp so merits a massive outlay.

 

Yes, I know it's a squad game, there will be injuries, loss of form etc etc. But I'd probably prefer to spend the £2.5m pa we might give to Green on a much better right back or right winger.

who scored more goals last season?

serious question as I don't know

[S-Clarke]

who scored more goals last season?

serious question as I don't know

 

Jay got 21....I think Sharp got 18 in all comps.

[Thedelldays]

Jay got 21....I think Sharp got 18 in all comps.

so how can that poster make such a claim on how mega he would be compared to sharp?

 

sharp also played for the worst team in the league for half of the season

[Matthew Le God]

who scored more goals last season?

 

Rodriguez 15 league goals - he got a further 6 in the cups (4 against Burton Albion)

Sharp 19 league goals and was the Championship's 3rd top scorer

[S-Clarke]

Rodriguez 15 league goals - he got a further 6 in the cups (4 against Burton Albion)

Sharp 19 league goals and was the Championship's 3rd top scorer

 

You got me

 

2 decent strikers though, wouldn't bet against Sharp getting goals in the PL. I think what people look at is the players all round game, and Rodriguez has more attributes to his game i.e pace, strength, agility etc....they're both goal scorrers though and to have Sharp, Lambert, Lee, Rodriguez as striking options is pretty impressive to say the least.

[CB Fry]

I don't think we need Green to contribute many goals if we do sign him.

 

Definitely not as many as Sharp anyway.

[SaintBobby]

so how can that poster make such a claim on how mega he would be compared to sharp?

 

sharp also played for the worst team in the league for half of the season

 

I'd say a major improvement, but may be wrong. May turn out disappointing, sure. But seems to be highly regarded and definitely destined for Premiership. Not sure Sharp had any Prem clubs after him.

 

£7m-ish surely reflects this (e.g. I'd be amazed if we sign a player at that level as a back-up or squad player)

[aintforever]

We need competition for Kelvin so Green would be a good signing IMO.

[Clifford Nelson]

It seems that we have forgotten that we really need two keepers. I won't join a debate on Forecast, but there seems to be a unanimous opinion, which I imagine that NA, as an ex-keeper, likely shares. But the forgotten chap is Jack Dovey who has now signed for Eastleigh. Obviously not somebody we thought had it in him for where we are going. This means that we both need a replacement for Bart, and a young keeper for the future. Whether Butland's head has swollen too much being picked for the motherland to accept being a third choice here for the time being, who knows. But the argument about that the only cover we would have is a young lad between the sticks with no experience at all is a strong one. I can't see that NA would put all his eggs in that basket and keep his fingers crossed. Whether the other signing would be Green I feel doubtful about. I wouldn't be surprised to see somebody from Holland, for example.

[westofshannonsaint]

wouldnt want him, happy with KD for a season, deserves it and his experience will be invaluable to us

 

& what happens if Kelvin breaks a finger? Would you be happy with our (new) untried prospect facing Man City?

 

We need competition for Kelvin so Green would be a good signing IMO.

 

agreed... I've never heard anyone that knows anything about football say "Competition for places is a bad thing".

 

Green offers instant competition, He's available for free & a realistic option. IMHO NC/NA would be foolish not to talk to him & I think if his wage demands were excessive/break our wage structure, Cortese would decide against.

[westofshannonsaint]

Oh & it would be good for our young prospect to have 2 experienced keepers to learn from.

[Legod Third Coming]

Green offers instant competition, He's available for free & a realistic option. IMHO NC/NA would be foolish not to talk to him & I think if his wage demands were excessive/break our wage structure, Cortese would decide against.

 

I don't think there is any hope that Green would go anywhere and fight for a place. Why would he need to?

 

The guy is easliy a better keeper than Kelvin (and that's despite all the sentimental attachment I have to the bloke).

 

Competition is good but you need the same keeper day in and day out for the defence to have total confidence in him. If he's under pressure from the bench great, but really good keepers will not be a number two. We've seen that with Jens Lehman, Ben Foster, Rob Green...

[farawaysaint]

I don't think there is any hope that Green would go anywhere and fight for a place. Why would he need to?

 

The guy is easliy a better keeper than Kelvin (and that's despite all the sentimental attachment I have to the bloke).

 

Competition is good but you need the same keeper day in and day out for the defence to have total confidence in him. If he's under pressure from the bench great, but really good keepers will not be a number two. We've seen that with Jens Lehman, Ben Foster, Rob Green...

 

Kelvin refusing West-Ham for first team football?

[Victor]

Lets forget about the arguments on here that Green has fallen out with Sam or any other part of the management structure at West Ham.That is absolutely 100% not true.As I understand the situation as it is at this moment in time Saints have never been mentioned as one of the teams Robert Green is going to sign for.

 

"absolutely 100%" is redundant; if you really need to stress what you are say 'absolutely' or '100%' would suffice but I would be happy with just 'That is not true'.

 

Similarly, "as it is at this moment in time" is redundant.

 

The more people use phrases such as these the less likely I am to believe a word they are saying.

[Minsk]

I would like Green to join us, or Robinson, or Foster, as I feel all are good EXPERIENCED 'keepers who would give Kelvin serious competition and, most probably, end up making him the bench warmer. Butland would also be nice as he has potential and will probably become a better 'keeper than the aforementioned. However, I think we will end up signing someone thus far unmentioned on this thread.

 

But, whilst I am here, for all those stating how much better a 'keeper Green is than Kelvin, can you please explain how Kelvin was voted into the Champ team of the year ahead of him by the players who played against both last season? Seriously, if Green is so much better why was he not voted the best in the league?

[david in sweden]

Sign Butland and Green. We'll need three quality keepers for the Champions League etc season after next...

 

at last some sanity. I've been writing for several seasons past....many Prem.sides have at least two International keepers on their books, and one of them usually has to pick the splinters out of his a** every week, unless there is an injury problem to the first choice man, but that's the Prem. for you.

It was in the latter part of one of our (previous) Prem. seasons that 3rd choice keeper Alan Blainey got a few games and won Save of the Season for a wonder save from (then) England CF Alan Shearer...

 

Strength in depth must mean for keepers, too..or would someone rather we call on Tommy Forecast in an emergency?

[The9]

at last some sanity. I've been writing for several seasons past....many Prem.sides have at least two International keepers on their books,

 

It wouldn't be too tricky to provide examples then. I'm assuming you'd mean regular starting internationals, as you're using internationals as a quality criteria ?

 

Man Utd don't even have an international keeper as their starter, De Gea isn't in the Spain squad. Back up Lindegaard is THIRD CHOICE Danish keeper (though Sorensen is injured).

Chelsea have one international in Cech, their back up isn't in the Portugal squad, and the other keepers are a French U-21 (and out on loan all last season) and a bloke who is absolutely nowhere near the England squad.

Man City have Joe Hart (international) and Pantilimon, who is at best second choice Romania keeper (and not currently on tour with them).

Arsenal have Polish keeper Szczesny and the no longer in the Polish squad Fabianski, plus not in the Italy squad Vito Mannone.

 

If you're talking about teams like Bolton (admittedly relegated), who have the Hungarian and Finnish first choices in their squad, well I'm afraid that isn't terribly impressive.

 

I think you need a different criterion to being an "international goalkeeper" to suggest quality - it's not like Premier League benches are stuffed with the Argentinian, Italian and French first teamers, is it ? See also Paul Jones.

 

I also completely fail to see the benefit of forking out mounds of cash to load up on a third choice keeper who never even makes the bench, when that's the one position teams can guarantee an emergency loan for.

Edited 11 June, 2012 by The9

[Gemmel]

Green signing for Qpr 50k a week

[Torres]

Green signing for Qpr 50k a week

 

Cortese out.

[Mowgli]

Probably (hopefully) outside of our wage structure.

[bender]

Green signing for Qpr 50k a week

 

Phew

[DT]

We definitely need a new keeper. But he's not value at that price for the simple fact that it would create major ripples/mean we would have to raise salaries across the board.

[Saint Billy]

Gutted

[alpine_saint]

Green signing for Qpr 50k a week

 

thank fook.

[Flyer]

Green signing for Qpr 50k a week

 

Noooooooooo, hopefully its his agent trying to get more money from someone else.

[derry]

Lets forget about the arguments on here that Green has fallen out with Sam or any other part of the management structure at West Ham.That is absolutely 100% not true.As I understand the situation as it is at this moment in time Saints have never been mentioned as one of the teams Robert Green is going to sign for.

 

Hi Dave, Sorry about the shoulder. I believe it's all about money. We were never going for him at twice our cap. WHU weren't going to pay either. Decent keeper though.