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.”