by Bashmachkin Fri Sep 28, 2007 4:31 pm
I think the height issue is irrelevant (though, incidentally, where I used to sit at Newcastle there was a certain group of people around me who, for a long time at least, were critical of Given for not dominating enough on corners, which was related somewhat to his height - I think Given has improved with age for a start, and that the point was never especially valid), and how Given compares to Casillas is not really to the point. For me, Given is an excellent keeper and I agree with Kimbo in that he is the only player we have at the moment who could rightfully be called a club legend - for his ability, his loyalty, the fact that hes been a shining light of professionalism and quality in years where that has been lacking.
I maybe rate Harper a little more than Kimbo - I think he has shown loyalty to the club too (I recall, rightly or wrongly, that Celtic were strongly linked with him a few seasons ago), and been a top class back up to the point where we have arguably had the best strength in terms of keepers in the whole league. And because of that, when he has come in and done well, it is particularly hard to drop him. That said, I think Given is significantly the better keeper and should be starting still.
In a sense Allardyce may have given himself a little problem in that, had he brought Given back straight away, there would have been no real arguments. The fact that he hasnt has lead to various rumours, and it also might make Harper a little more disgruntled if he is eventually dropped. Still, hes probably glad for the games he has had, and Given may well continue in goal now after the Arsenal game, in which he seemed to perform very well. Certainly I think theres little chance he will leave - Jaaskelainen is not a better keeper, the fans appreciate Given and there is no chance he would arrange a move elsewhere. If we were to sell him it would, like Kimbo said, be the closest thing possible to the concept of selling Shearer; in a similar vein, it would remind me of Robson selling Speed, which was always a terrible mistake.
Home
I've no problem with people saying Cassilas is better but it's not by that much. Given is a top class keeper, he's proved is season after season after season. He's a "nobody" compared to no one. 
