Hughes linked with Friedel

July 06, 2008

MARK Hughes is ready to raid his former club Blackburn for goalkeeper Brad Friedel – according to reports.

The City boss has been linked with moves for Rovers stars David Bentley, Christopher Samba and Roque Santa Cruz since taking over at Eastlands.

But the latest claims are that he will spend in the region of £1.5m for Friedel, who served him so well at Ewood Park.

Hughes sees the 37-year-old as the ideal man to tutor City's outstanding young keeper Joe Hart.

It remains to be seen how Hart will react to the news, having broken into the England side last season.

Having established himself as City's number one last term, he is unlikely to be happy about having to play understudy again.

He has been repeatedly linked with a move to Tottenham this summer, who might see the arrival of Friedel as the perfect opportunity to make a swoop.

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Jesper, Copenhagen (06/07/2008 at 11:57)

What? Sub Joe Hart? Mark Hughes would be seriously clueless if he did that. Cant believe there is any truth in this story. There s absolutely no reason not to make Joe Hart first choice.

Audenshaw Bob (06/07/2008 at 11:59)

Bad move. Hart as No1 and a move for Leksi as No2.

Friedel worries me in set pieces.

Bluereed (06/07/2008 at 12:05)

I don't have a problem with Friedel being no2,but i do have a problem if hughes is thinking of making him no1.

I can see the experience factor with Friedel being a plus and that's fine but at a risk of having Joe's nose put out then it's a no no from me.

You can't expect someone who's established himself got his first england cap under his belt to except playind understudy to someone in the latter stages of his playing days.

I was kind of hoping Capser could have been persueded to push joe for the no1 position.

Pablo 1, SW14 (06/07/2008 at 12:06)

It makes sense to have an older keeper who can tutor both Hart and Schmeical. Not someone who is playing week in week out because that will knock the confidence from them. A keeper who can put into practice on the pitch on the odd occasion what he is teaching. Plus he is pretty experianced which may be handy in Europe. I think Joe will admit he needs help with crosses and Schmeical needs help with his positioning. Plus Brad will not be a long term threat to either of the young lads first team place due to his age. Wouldnt be bothered though if it didnt happen as i have every faith in Joe and Kasper to keep goal for city for the next 15 years.

Sean Jackson (06/07/2008 at 12:09)

do we really need a keeper??

i would focuss my attention more on another stricker, right winger, def/mid and a left back. once all these positions are filled with decent enough players then i believe we just might have a chance at 4-6 place in the league.

heathblue, newton heath (06/07/2008 at 12:11)

This is even worse than yesterdays story - kazim richards! Why would brad freidel be good for city?? Its a joke! He wouldnt be interested in being number 2 would he?? Is he any better than what we already have??

BlueMo' (Manc in Mayo) (06/07/2008 at 12:17)

Would be ok as back up and in a semi coaching role if he's ready to relinquish the No 1 spot.
Hughes knows the fella..... Maybe Joe is stalling on a new deal.
Any def news on that???
CTID

heathblue, newton heath (06/07/2008 at 12:18)

this is who we need - would be superb at city for a few seasons and would help others with his experience! go on hughes - buy buy buy! now now now!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6ntO_kBWr4

Gary Bee (06/07/2008 at 12:25)

Adriano Galliani claims Ronaldinho has rejected Manchester City. Who cares he just missed the boat. The money will be so much better spent elsewhere. I can,t wait to see his face in a couple of years time when we are lifting trophy after trophy.

adders junior (prestwich blue) (06/07/2008 at 12:28)

This is 'stir up' story. It has to be

Christian Fasching (06/07/2008 at 12:33)

Still to good for a second-rate club like city.

blue moon risin (06/07/2008 at 12:37)

As long as friedel is signed as a mentor for joe and casper [if he stays] in a coaching roll and backup cover,i think it would be good for the club.

rossco(true blue down under), perth(western australia) (06/07/2008 at 12:37)

I refuse 2 believe Friedel will come and be no . 2 at City and if so this is a backward step in my opinion as we don't need keepers we need 2 decent fullbacks and a couple of quality midfielders. There is no need for any strikers as we should give Bianchi another chance and if he is not up to much then theres Bojinov and Benjani, i hope we forget about Ronaldinho soon and Milan get him instead as he is a liability and certainly not the sort of player we need.

Krazyblue (06/07/2008 at 12:37)

Is it true Hughes is chasing the Blackburn tea lady as he has not had a decent cuppa at Eastlands all month!!

ulf blomberg, varberg, sweden. (06/07/2008 at 12:42)

for some reason men now see it as very important to publish every rumour about city. and to suggest that tottenham now see an opportunity to sign hart because we, maybe, will go for the 37 year old friedel is a joke...i expected more from men.

rossco(true blue down under), perth(western australia) (06/07/2008 at 12:42)

jackblue, Prescot (06/07/2008 at 12:44)

"MARK Hughes is ready to raid ... for Brad Friedel – according to reports."
Who's reports MUEN? Same reports that have Kasim Kasim coming? Just because MH has banned your inept reporters from both Carrington and their training camp in Bavaria, stop making things up about City and stick to your adoration of the swamp things. Stupid numpties!

ulf blomberg, varberg, sweden. (06/07/2008 at 12:45)

what about schmeichel? staying or going? we need 3 goalkeepers for the long season competing on 4 fronts.

Nick... As usual telling it as it is(Blackley born and bred) Caterham ,Surrey, caterham (06/07/2008 at 12:48)

Another cock and bull story...

Christian Fasching (06/07/2008 at 12:49)

when we are lifting trophy after trophy??????? Dream on your club is a joke

Steve, Droylsden, Tameside (06/07/2008 at 12:50)

Joe Hart has to be No.1 choice and remain at City for many, many years to come. Simple as that...

willdablue, Chorlton (06/07/2008 at 12:56)

NEWSFLASH! HUGHES LINKED WITH SHEARER AND HANSEN! GEORGE W BUSH SIGNS FOR A.C MILAN! FOOTBALL MANAGER 'BETTER THAN LIFE' SAYS BORED MANCHESTER RESIDENT!

get a life MEN for gods sake

The Pope, Rome (06/07/2008 at 13:05)

If anyone doesn't know, the main man at Milan has said Ronny has turned us down dispite being offered twice as much as Milan are willing to offer him thus now in pole position.
There's also a good article about GC changing the clubs mind set ie "typical City"

I think Friedel could play in Europe and Hart in the league and at the same time be cover for each other.
I expect Schmikes will leave tho...

Manc In The City, Manchester (06/07/2008 at 13:07)

rossco(true blue down under), perth(western australia) "we need 2 decent fullbacks and a couple of midfielders"!!!

Erm.... we have Richards and Corluka at right back, yeh they are rubbish aren't they!!! Get real man, we need 1 LEFT FULLBACK, a HOLDING MIDFIELDER and a RIGHT WINGER!

Friedel will be an excellent mentor for Hart, the actual speculation is that Friedel will be 1/2 player, 1/2 goalkeeping coach.

I also feel that Hart maybe thinking of moving to Spuds, so everyone jumping on this bandwagon had better pull back a little. If Hart signed for Spuds tomorrow, then you'd welcome Friedel with open arms.

Lets wait and see

woolleyback blue, Heart of the City (06/07/2008 at 13:18)

If he came as a No2 and possible mentor to Hart then fine but not as a No1. We still have Schmeichel tho'

I suspect this is just another MUEN column inch filler as we have not had a single real piece of inside info about City since MH became manager. Where's the 3 page interview with him about why he came and what are his visions for the future???

CTID

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