IRISH GOALKEEPING LEGEND Shay Given is set to be released by Stoke City after his current deal runs out on 30 June, the club have confirmed.
The veteran star made five Premier League appearances for Mark Hughes’ side this season but was largely held in reserve despite the club’s regular number one Jack Butland being out injured for most of the campaign.
Donegal native Given has yet to confirm his next move, though at 41, it would be no surprise if he was to bring his illustrious footballing career to an end.
Having been part of the squad for three major tournaments and earned 134 caps, many consider Given to be Ireland’s greatest goalkeeper ever.
In two years at Stoke, he made 11 appearances in total, having previously had stints at Celtic, Blackburn, Newcastle, Man City and Aston Villa.
He was part of the Man City squad that won the FA Cup in 2011 and was twice named in the PFA Team of the Year — in 2002 and 2006.
In addition to being Newcastle’s Player of the Year for the 2005-06 season, he was named FAI Senior International Player of the Year two years on the bounce — in 2005 and 2006.
Given is among six players released by the club, with Daniel Bachmann, Liam Edwards, Harry Isted, Joel Taylor and George Waring the others to depart.
Meanwhile, Phil Bardsley has signed a contract extension, as have youngsters Lewis Banks, Jack Devlin, Dominic Telford and Mark Waddington.
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Is it only teachers who become president ?
Best of luck to him challenging times ahead
Delighted to hear John has become president. A true gentleman and wish him all the best.
Well that’s the GAA in the rest of the country fecked
Elected on first count with no non Dublin votes, was he?
First Dublin President since 1961.
@Fear Uisce: Why, It’s just the GAA and not FIFA or the IOC?
He gave me many the dressing down as a student in Vincents. I wish him all the best.
Jobs, Concerts, Festivals, Major sporting events and now Gaa president all must go to Dublin anything else
Yeah democracy is a bitch Richard
Pretty sure most festivals are outside Dublin
Yeah Richard. Mad how Dublin get 144 votes for Congress to be sure there’s a Dub who’s President all the time isn’t it?
Fear Uisce…
Last Dub elected to post in 1921…. elected by a massive majority…..get a life!
What club man is he?
Na Fianna
Na Fianna
By far the most qualified and best man for the job…and I’m normally anti Dublin…but I believe he’ll be an excellent president
Anti-Dublin. Good God. And I thought that red necks were a thing of the past.
Long live the red neck