Aston Villa FC has been dominated recently by the managerial problems that Randy Lerner has prompted, before finally opting for Alec McLeish his choice.. Amongst this media frenzy, everybody seems to have forgotten about the other pressing concern at Villa Park – who is going to replace Brad Friedel?
Whilst everyone must have been sad to see the USA veteran leave the club, the hierarchy at Villa Park will surely have had contingency plans in place for Friedel’s replacement. The problem that is in place evident is that whoever gets appointed as new manager will have a preference, yet surely the same candidates will be in the frame! Here we will discuss a few options that Villa may consider.
1.Brad Guzan – Brad Friedel’s understudy and national counterpart has been at Villa a couple of years now, and has been very highly rated. However lack of playing time and untimely errors in league cup football may well count against the USA stopper. Guzan will no doubt be looking to put pressure for a starting berth next season.
2. Ben Foster – Surely given all the controversy around Alex Mcleish’s potential switch across the second city, Villa would not risk upsetting the ‘BlueNoses’ any further? Should they decide to go for Foster, a large fee will no doubt be required, yet a still relatively young goalkeeper with undoubted ability could be deemed a sound investment! Foster has declared his happiness at Birmingham yet a move to Villa and to stay in the Premiership may prove too good to turn down.
3. Rob Green – High earner at West Ham, solid Premiership goalkeeper, relatively low price – Greeno could be deemed as an ideal candidate for the midlands club. One thing that may count against the England international is his infamous howler against USA in the World Cup –an error that many fickle England/Aston Villa fans may have not forgiven.
4. Tomasz Kuszczak – The Poland international has almost certainly played his last game for champions Manchester United, and has declared his desire to remain in the Premiership. The former West Brom custodian would be available at a cut price, and could be seen as an answer to replacing Friedel – despite his inconsistent reputation.
5. Heurelho Gomes – Would Villa be willing to pay a significant fee for the erratic Brazilian’s services, and would they be prepared to do that for a goalkeeper that has become a national joke? There is no doubting that an on form Gomes is a great asset, it’s the other occasions that cause a concern!
6. Thomas Sorenson – The former Villa goalkeeper would probably be available at a reasonable price having fallen behind Asmir Begovic in the pecking order at the Britannia stadium. Sorenson would probably relish an opportunity to return to Villa Park through the perspective that being Stoke’s ‘cup goalkeeper’ is maybe a bit beneath him. Could prove a shrewd piece of business by Villa.
Whilst all of these goalkeepers are realistic options, there are of course many other options to Villa’s disposal. The lure of Shay Given may prove too tempting, whilst any of the Arsenal backups of Almunia or Fabianski may relish an opportunity to prove themselves, where as David Stockdale may recognise an opportunity of first team football in leaving Fulham. These are all options that will no doubt be considered.
What is for certain is that this will almost certainly be Aston Villa’s first issue to be addressed now that McLeish has been appointed.
