ONE of the great stories of the first weeks of the Premiership season has been the triumphant comeback by Blues keeper Nick Weaver.
Written off by all but a few after a succession of knee operations that culminated in a transplant operation in the United States, the 27-year-old has confounded medical experts and fans alike with his renaissance in the Premiership.
Had David James decided against a move to the south coast to be closer to his fiancée and family or Andreas Isaksson arrived from Rennes without a troublesome ankle then it is highly likely that Weaver would not have had the chance to shine.
The Sheffield-born former England Under-21 international may instead have spent the season battling Joe Hart and Kasper Schmeichel for a place in one of City's two reserve teams. Not now.
Clean sheets in the draw with Portsmouth and the win over Arsenal have followed an encouraging handling performance against Chelsea and given manager Stuart Pearce food for thought.
Crucial
In each of the home games Weaver has made crucial saves at crucial times. And how the Blues crowd lapped it up.
They have been searching for a new hero since Shaun Wright-Phillips left and they may just have found one in an old boy.
He only has to catch a corner or make a routine save and the chant "Weaver, Weaver" booms around the ground. There is a warmth and affection towards the former Mansfield keeper that precious few other current players can draw upon.
Weaver's form and extraordinary popularity have now combined to make life difficult for both Pearce and Swedish international Isaksson.
The willowy Swede's minor ankle operation will keep him out of action until after the trip to Reading on September 11 but what then? How can Pearce drop Weaver when he is in such prime form?
To do so would be pile more pressure on Isaksson whose every small mistake would then be pounced upon and magnified and the same time the Blues boss cannot have his chosen keeper fearing that every dropped ball might see him demoted to the bench.
Brilliant
All keepers after all make errors. It is going to need clever timing from the manager.
It seems most likely the Swede will have to be patient and then brilliant to fend of the challenge from Weaver who, to his great credit refuses to accept, in the last year of his contract with City, that his time on the big stage is over.
Certainly Weaver's nerve and agility do not seem to have been unduly affected by nearly five years away from the Premiership and . it seems all he has to do is steer clear of those pesky injuries.
"There were times when I didn't think the day would come when I would play again," admitted Weaver.
"That was particularly so when I had to go to America for the operation after people in this country - who know a lot more about knee problems than me - were telling me that I might never play again.
"But I have always felt the encouragement and warmth from City fans willing me to come back and the spell on loan at Sheffield Wednesday last season helped my confidence enormously. It's great to have that rapport with the supporters. I get the feeling that they want me to do well!
"This has felt like a new start for me. I know a lot about the art of goalkeeping but it is almost as though I am taking the exam again because I have not been in the spotlight of the Premiership for such a long time.
Chance
"I feel as though I still have a chance of claiming the number one slot. Andreas' injury has given me the chance to play and it is up to me to do so well that I stay in the side. I have got to prove that I can stay fit and sharp."
Weaver knows he is playing for his future at City in these early weeks and the same can be said for another of the quartet that make up a formidable armoury of keepers for Pearce.
Joe Hart's é750,000 arrival from Shrewsbury has effectively knocked Kasper Schmeichel down to fourth choice but as you would expect from someone with his surname he will not lack the motivation and desire to climb back up that ranking list.
He has until the summer of 2008 to do that.
Not 20-years-old until December Schmeichel has gone back on loan to neighbours Bury where he had a successful stint last season.
"There was a pressure last season at Bury that was intense," he reflected. "It was win at all costs to survive. No one could switch off for a second there because the price could have ultimately been their league status.
"The fans' numbers may be fewer at that level but they are die-hard supporters and very passionate."
As for the future, Schmeichel knows he faces a stern challenge to make an impact as No 1 at City
"I have always been the youngest keeper ever since I joined City but all of a sudden now I am not," he noted. "I am not really sure what's in store but I will just try and appreciate whatever I have got wherever I am."
Who should be City's No 1? Have your say.
Comments
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Isaakson, if fit, no question.
Nicky is a fine shot stopper but doesn't marshall his defence well and couldn't assemble a wall if he had an army of brickies and a quantity surveyor. His kicking seems to have improved (it needed to) and you can't question his commitment to the cause but you don't buy a 2.5 mill international and then stick him in the reserves.
Good Sheffield Lad, Nice One
Isaksson who?????????????
IMO Isaakson was a rash move at a time when we really needed a left sided player.
SP probly thght Distin was on his way at the time so he would recoup the money and stil be able to afford a midfielder and a CB.
As for NW I love it. C'mon Nicky keep it up.
Another record number of clean sheets for the lad from Sheffield please.
with teamates of the past like schmiechel, seaman and james, the way he has been playing shows he's been learning every year hes been injured. hope he stays fit to give pearce a real headache. nice to see him back.
I have alway said (and thought) build from the back. if you don't, how do you expect to score? So we haven't scored many? How many have we conceded..........i agree we need a flair stiker, maybe with a solid defence others wil have a chance to express themselves.....
P.S. How many have Chelski coceded this season
P.P.S.
Anyone remember how Dave Watson n Mike Doyle played together??
weaver weaver weaver. i love himxx
I've been saying for years that maybe it's time to let Weaver go elsewhere, he's been injured for so long and I've never thought of him as a top quality keeper. Despite this, the last few games have really proved me wrong, against Arsenal especially he was awesome. Here's hoping that Weaver can keep the strong performances coming and can keep on putting my past opinions to shame.
weaver weaver. brilliant player hope he can stay fit n battle to be number 1
Well done Nicky .You have amazed us all with the way you have battled through one injury after another when others may have given up.I'm pretty sure if you had not have had all these problems you would have been England's number one now not 'concrete feet' Robinson.
Keep at it .At last we have some real competition for the number one jersey at Manchester City and it can only be good for the club.
Harry Dowd. Could still do better than this lot put together. Bye Bye Pearce
There is no question that Isaksson should be Pearce's number one choice when he gets back from injury. He is a goalkeeper with vast internatioal experience including a world cup and a european championship. There is no doubt in my mind that City have aquired one of the top goalkeepers in europe.
it is not just a matter of who is best. The keeper is an integral part of the defence and how he links with his centre backs is important. I don't think that there is much to choose between them. The understanding with Distin and Dunne is the crucial factor. Weaver has been given his chance and to date has taken it well. He has created a dilema for SP but one that he will welcome. ¿¿2.5 million and stick him in the rserves .. if needs be yes but our history shows that we could sell him for ¿¿1 in January to "cut the wage bill".