Baggies to use Myhill as Bait!

West Bromwich Albion’s pursuit of Birmingham City goalkeeper Ben Foster has taken another twist, as it now appears they are prepared to give them current stopper Boaz Myhill in return.

Foster looks set to move to the Hawthorns in a season long loan deal, with Birmingham eager to get him off their wage bill after suffering relegation to the championship.

The news will no doubt come as a blow to Myhill, who has already expressed his frustration at Roy Hodgson looking elsewhere to fill their current goalkeeping void. However it appears he could be moving the other way, should Roy Hodgson be successful in his acquisition of the former Manchester United stopper.

Lindegaard to Fight for Place!

Manchester United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard has sent out a warning message to Old Trafford new boy David De Gea, by stating his intent on becoming Manchester United’s number 1 this season.

The former Aalborg stopper spent much of last season on the sidelines due to Edwin Van Der Sar’s dominance between the sticks and also due to a knee operation that has sidelined him since March. However the Danish international has set his sights on breaking in to the Manchester United first team this term.

Lindegaard said “It’s not about making the choice difficult for Sir Alex. For me, it’s about being number one. That is what it’s all about – playing. I enjoy competing and, so far, I feel very good.
“There is big competition in all the spots but, so far, I’m very satisfied with my own performances.
“I think I’ve played very well so I believe in my chance. If I didn’t believe in my chance, how could I expect other people to?
“I’m not scared at all. I am very proud of representing Manchester United. It’s the biggest dream in my career come true.”

These words will sure be of no surprise to United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who has been quick to dismiss hotshot De Gea as guaranteed first choice at Old Trafford.

Baggies Fancy Foster!

West Brom have made contact with Birmingham City over possibly signing goalkeeper Ben Foster.


Roy Hodgson is in the market for a new stopper since offloading Scott Carson to Bursaspor, and has identified Foster as his top target. Talks have opened between the two clubs, and with Birmingham keen to reduce their wage budget since relegation - they are believed to be regretfully resigned to the former Manchester United man leaving the club, be it on a permanent deal or on loan.

Foster has been linked with a host of clubs this summer, but with Spurs opting for Brad Friedel and Aston Villa signing Shay Given, West Brom have now become the front runners in the chase to sign the highly rated goalkeeper.


It is believed that The Baggies will make a move for West Ham's Rob Green should a bid for Foster fail to materialize, however with both clubs looking to do business and Foster enjoying life in the Midlands - it appears Foster will be making the move to The Hawthorns in the not too distant future.


WBA manager Roy Hodson had this to say on the matter, "I am aware of our interest but I am not aware of how far down the line we are with our negotiations with Birmingham, so I can't make any comments on that.

"But Ben Foster is a goalkeeper who interests us and if we can get him to West Bromwich Albion on loan or on a permanent deal, that would be something we would be very happy about."

What is for certain is that Foster represents one of the best options for WBA, with him being a stand out performer in the Premiership last season he will no doubt be a great acquisition for The Baggies.

Neuer Feels The Law!

Bayern Munich's die hard supporters, known as the Bavarian Ultra's are less than pleased by the German club's acquisition of Germany international Manuel Neuer.

The clear opposition to Bayern's new custodian has stemmed from the fact that he is a life-long Schalke supporter, Bayern's most fierce rivals and Neuer's former club - with this being an allegiance that the Bavarian Ultra's are simply unable to forgive.

With Neuer making his début appearance in a easy pre-season victory. The Ultra's took it upon themselves to erect a banner,displaying their position on Bayern's latest signing. The banner read "You can save as many balls as you like, but we will never accept you in our shirt!"


Now German newspaper 'De Bild' claims to have been presented with a code of conduct that the Bavarian Ultra's expect Neuer to abide to during his time at the Allianz Arena. These set of rules were provided to Neuer in a clear-the-air meeting between the goalkeeper and group of hardcore Bayern supporters. The code of conduct is reported to be as follows:

1. Neuer must never sing fan chants on the Bayern megaphone, a tradition reserved for popular players.
2. Kneel in front of the team and sing "the Humba song."
3. Approach the South Stand (where the Ultra's sit).
4. Throw his shirt in to the crowd.
5. Kiss the Bayern badge on his shirt.

Whilst the Bayern board have dismissed the action of these fans, it appears that the growing feeling around the German giants is that Neuer would be wise to stick to these rules if he wishes to have a happy time at his new club!

You wouldn't have got this grief at Old Trafford Manuel....!

Those Who Can - Coach!

The second of KeeperTalk's recent interviews focuses on an aspiring goalkeeper coach in Carl King. Carl is currently Blyth Spartans AFC head goalkeeper coach, and has big aspirations of making it the top of his field. Like many goalkeeper coaches,Carl had his career stopped at an early age due to injury - with coaching being the obvious alternative. Since then Carl has made great progress in his career as a goalkeeper coach and is now the owner of GoalieTEK Goalkeeper Coaching. Here is a bit of an clip of the conversation KeeperTalk had with Carl:

1.What made you get in to goalkeeper coaching? 

I retired from playing through injury at 23 so coaching was the next best thing

2. Was it difficult to get in to goalkeeper coaching?

I was quite lucky that my sons under 7's team at the time needed a goalkeeper coach so i volunteered and was there 3 years coaching the academy goalkeeepers, women goalkeepers and 1st team goalkeepers!

3.Did you have a successful playing career?

Yeah i was fairly succesful at junior level. I played for Middlesbrough FC for 1 and a half years and also represented England NABC Under 16's.

4.Who is your all time goalkeeping inspiration?

It's got to be Peter Schmeichel. The word legend was invented for guys like this! My coaching inspirations are Simon Smith, Nigel Spinks and Fred Barber.

5.Who do you rate that is playing currently? 

For me Pepe Reina is up in the top 3 keepers in the world. Guy has everything!

6.Who do you not rate? 

Gomes at Spurs.

7.Where do you see your career going in the next 10 years? 

Hopefully i will be a Uefa A licensed professional Goalkeeper coach in 10 years time.

8.What goalkeeping products would you advise?

I've been wearing KA Goalkeeping gloves for past 2 years but have made the switch over to Pro-Tek GK for this season so would recommend both of them

9. Any advice for young goalkeepers?

Listen to your goalkeeper coach, if you make a mistake react ina positive manner, never let your head drop and most crucially - enjoy it.

Photo Courtesty thanks to Steven White of www.imagesbysw.com

KeeperTalk would like to thank Carl for taking the time to do an interview. Please all follow Carl on twitter (@goalieTEK). You can find more information on GoalieTEK Goalkeeper Coaching at http://www.goalietek.co.uk/

Shay Given Five Years!!

Aston Villa have completed the signing of former Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given for £3.5 Million.

The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper has been in limbo for the past year, having lost his position at Manchester City to Joe Hart. A move to Aston Villa has proved too good to turn down and Given will no doubt be looking forward to playing week in week out again.

Perhaps the surprising part of the transfer is the length of the contract that Villa have tied Given down too. With Given having signed a five-year deal, a contract that will take the experienced stopper past his 40th birthday, it is certainly a contract that has raised a few eyebrows.

Aston Villa have had their fingers burnt this season, with Brad Friedel opting to let his contract run in order to join Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer – which many will see as the motivation behind the large contract for Given. It is also reported that Given has taken a £60k per week pay cut in order to join The Villians, a decision that proves the Irishman’s desire to put his time at Eastlands behind him.

Regardless of the paperwork, there is no doubting that the Villa Park faithful will be delighted to have signed such a high calibre of goalkeeper, with new manager Alex McLeish being a firm admirer of the Given’s abilities. “We believe we have secured the services of one of the best goalkeepers in the business.”

The Bosman Board...

This new feature for Keepertalk will focus on those individuals that unfortunately find themselves without a club this summer. For many, this will be a make or break summer for their career and need every help they can get in promoting themselves to perspective clubs!

Our first goalkeeper looking for a new club is Christoffer Eklund, a promising 21 year old Swedish goalkeeper who has just been told that his current club Kristianstad FF (Swedish First Division) will not be renewing his contract. Whilst Christoffer is not particularly sad to be leaving Kristianstad, he does find himself at a crossroads in his career. Highlights of Christoffer can be seen below:

This is Keepertalk's interview with Christoffer:


How did last season go for you?

 My last season I spent at Loan to VMA IK. That was a great year for me that developed me alot. I also loved the team alot and the lads in the squad. This year I returned to Kristianstad . I wanted to continue in VMA IK but the coach in Kristianstad wouldn't let me. So this last 4-5 months haven't been so good and fun as I wanted it to be. I don't like it in Kristianstad and thats why I'm looking for a new club. You got to have joy in football otherwise you can't deliver your best.
What are you looking for from your next club?

I'm looking for a club were I can put full focus on my football and for a coach that believes in me.

Would you ever consider playing abroad?

I'm open for any option: Going abroad would be a good option because Sweden is a pretty small country.

Who is your favourite current goalkeeper?

Gianluigi Buffon

Who is the goalkeeper you most dislike?

 I'm not a hater but since I'm a Man United fan I don't like Thomas Kuszack. I also think Kirkland is highly overrated.

Who is your all-time favourite goalkeeper?

Peter Schmeichel, he's the reason I started to play as a goalkeeper.

What gloves are you wearing at the moment?

I'm wearing Puma Powercat 1.10 but I prefer Adidas Response.

What is your ambition for your career?

My ambition is to play at a high pro-level for my whole career. To become as good as I can get. To give everything for what I can become.

I would like to thank Christoffer for taking the time to have an interview for Keepertalk and hope that this interview may help find him a new club, and all the best for the future! Keepertalk will be behind him the whole way!! Lets get #signchristoff trending!!!!!

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