A veteran transfer sees Stoke join up with Villa-leavee Shay Given. Having made the most of his loan spell at Middlesborough and fighting his way back into the side after a strong cup run, Given has made the decision to leave the club and move forward with his career. With Begovic moving, and Sorensen having already retired, Stoke management needed to look for an experienced veteran to bring into the fold. With Buckland still pushing for that elusive starter opportunity, with so much game experience on loan and internationally with the England U21's, now more than ever Stoke will need a veteran with the right attitude to warm the bench but also be able to step in if needed.
Back-up to Butland?
The signing of Given and not signing of another big name goalkeeper (Given would be a bigger name say ten years ago when he was great for Newcastle!) really suggests to me that Stoke are non-verbally giving the nod to Butland. Butland has also shown his desire to play in the Premier league, and took the offer from Stoke rather than Chelsea (ironically as a back-up role that Begovic has potentially moved for) to match this, and a fair amount of loans to give him the next level up in playing experience to prove he is ready for the big show.
Like I mentioned with Begovic, the Given deal gives Butland support from the bench and a mature, experienced goalkeeper to learn from, go to for advice and to work with on the training ground. This should make for a great tandem as Butland gets given his opportunity to shine, and Given is there in the background to egg him on.
Back-up to Butland?
The signing of Given and not signing of another big name goalkeeper (Given would be a bigger name say ten years ago when he was great for Newcastle!) really suggests to me that Stoke are non-verbally giving the nod to Butland. Butland has also shown his desire to play in the Premier league, and took the offer from Stoke rather than Chelsea (ironically as a back-up role that Begovic has potentially moved for) to match this, and a fair amount of loans to give him the next level up in playing experience to prove he is ready for the big show.
Like I mentioned with Begovic, the Given deal gives Butland support from the bench and a mature, experienced goalkeeper to learn from, go to for advice and to work with on the training ground. This should make for a great tandem as Butland gets given his opportunity to shine, and Given is there in the background to egg him on.
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