Weaver takes the honours

Chris Bailey

January 04, 2007

Nicky Weaver

STUART Pearce's own New Year's honours list would have Nick Weaver at its head.

The City boss acknowledges that the former England Under-21 keeper has been the star of the show so far and is ready to open talks this month on a new contract for the 27-year-old comeback kid.

Despite the purchase of Swedish international No1 Andreas Isaksson for more than é2m, it is been Weaver who has been holding the fort in Premiership matches this season.

Terrace idol Weaver, who played his 20th game of the campaign against Everton on New Year's Day, is out of contract in the summer having signed only a one-year extension before the season started, but he looks to be heading for a new one.

"I spoke with Nick's agent about a month and a half ago and the one thing I would say is that I have a double handful when it comes to goalkeepers," declared Pearce, using a horse racing analogy that means he is well off when it comes to the last line of defence.

"Nick has to keep what he is doing and influence me. His form has to say to me that I cannot ignore him. He has kept nine clean sheets already this season. We are acutely aware of what he has done for us.

"He has had a disappointing few years, but if you are talking about character in the dressing room he has shown it over a number of seasons when he has been out injured. If someone said to me that Nick Weaver had been our best player so far this season, I would find it hard to argue a case for anyone else.

"The beauty of it is, he doesn't want to leave and that really pleases me."

Although Weaver gets a cracking half-term report from the manager, Pearce is quick to acknowledge that there are plenty of areas in which the Blues can improve in the second part of the campaign.

"I have seen teams in this league who play better football than us and who have more idea about playing the game than us," he admitted.

"We have just won three games in a week but that does not mean I am unaware of our shortcomings. We have to improve because, at the moment, every game is a slog for the full 90 minutes."

Accounts

That regular discomfort for Pearce, his players and the fans has primarily been caused by not scoring enough goals, something he aims to put right in the current window - if he can find the right man for the right price.

"We have a thin squad, so I would like to bring in one or two players without a doubt," he confirmed. "I know there is no money sloshing around in the accounts. The board have been pretty honest in that respect. But I also know the more we achieve, the more chance we have of attracting players to the club.

"I have lists of targets because as a manager you would be an idiot not to think about every equation. What has to be remembered is that most sides are not willing to get rid of their better players in the window."

And in the manager's mind that means him keeping Micah Richards, Sylvain Distin and Joey Barton the three City stars most coveted by other clubs.

"We need to hold on to real quality and we believe that there are players of that ilk in our squad and all of them are happy playing for Manchester City," he stressed.

"Not one player has walked into my office and started talking about transfer speculation. The more games we win the happier they will all become."

Pearce reacted angrily earlier in the week to suggestions that Chelsea had already made a é13m bid for England teenage defender Richards. It was a sign of just how much he wants to keep the player at Sportcity even though he only too clearly understands the power that comes with having money.

"Chelsea have got the financial clout not to just come to City and buy a player but they could buy me, the chairman the lot if us - fold up our football club and move on," he added. "They have the finance to do that so I cannot stop speculation."

One deal Pearce has struck has seen third choice goalkeeper Joe Hart, a é750,000 capture from Shrewsbury, go out on loan to Tranmere Rovers. Teenager Hart has been out of the first team picture since Isaksson's return to fitness.

"Goalkeeper and central defender is the strongest area at the moment," Pearce said.

How do you rate Nicky Weaver's performances this season? Have your say.

| Submit Comments | Comments (55) |

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DJ (not Jamo), Chorlton (04/01/2007 at 08:59)

The rumour this morning is that Richards has told City he wants to go to Chelsea, but has agreed to stay until the summer and move then. If this was in The Sun I'd laugh it off, but it is reported in the Guardian of all places.

Ollie, Guernsey (04/01/2007 at 09:26)

I was a Weaver doubter at the beginning of the season. I'm happy he has proved me wrong. He deserves a one or two year contract as do a few other players who are out of contract at the end of the season. I am an Isaksson fan and was before he joined the club. I think the club managed to do get an absolute steel there and I would like to see him play a bit but form should dictate who starts. Perhaps giving Weaver a rest this weekend would be the game to let Isaksson start? Personally, I would like the club to resist all offers for any players and look to bring in one or two players in this window. We are building up a head of steam and losing an influential or quality player now may affect that. Note to Ed (not for publication), how about running a story about all the players out of contract in six months time? Get supporters opinions who should stay or go? From memory Trabelsi, Reyna, Jordan, Thatcher, Weaver, Distin, Sinclair and a one or two more are out of contract.

Mikey P, Fareham (04/01/2007 at 09:36)

I agree with Ollie that Weaver deserves a contract extension. Whilst form should dictate who plays it's also important that other players are given the opportunity to show what they can do and Isaakson needs to play a few first team games. Again, I agree with Ollie, let Isaakson start on Sunday and give Sturridge a run out too. Come on Stu you know you want to!

butch dingle, the farm (04/01/2007 at 10:02)

Weaver has been quality and without question deservers a deal.On a different note Ireland apparently wants an improved contract or another club and has hired Willie Mckay to do his talking.

Steve, Droylsden (04/01/2007 at 10:05)

I think he's done really well this season. More importantly, however, does anyone know how to stop these fffffff...flippin', infuriating gambling adverts (and the like) every time you change pages on the MEN WEB site? I'm sure my pop-up blocker is on and I don't get them nearly as much on other sites...

Steve, Droylsden (04/01/2007 at 10:09)

We've got Graham Poll on Sunday...

THE WINTER, OF MY DISCONTENT (04/01/2007 at 10:13)

block all transfers till the summer
charge into the top six at the end of the season batter the rags in may and then see who DARES to leave my beloved city!!!

Mike, Northstand (04/01/2007 at 10:21)

Give Weaver a 2 year contract - he deserves it. Also heard from reliable source that Reyna is on his way back to America this month - so should be another big earner off the wage bill.

Ben, Londonblue (04/01/2007 at 10:32)

Yes read the report online at the guardian sounded very realistic, always thought we'd lose Richards because £20m will be too much to turn down, and if Sp can keep hold of Distin Ned can come in at right back! If this does happen then at least half of the fee should be given to the kitty with a top striker and left back the first priority. SWP isn't coming back so if Chelski grab another one of our youngsters a loan move for Bridge maybe (please)!

Rix76, Wherever (04/01/2007 at 10:38)

Weaver has done ok. Isaksson is a great keeper (I think hes just a bit better than Weaver to be honest), but he has to wait for his chance. Would like to see Pearce play Isaksson in the FA-Cup, but I cant see Weaver agree to that, particularly playing the Owls. I think everybody agrees Weaver earning an extension to his current contract, maybe except Isaksson.

gerry gow, darwem (04/01/2007 at 10:46)

i think the point should be made he should get an england call up for the forthcoming friendly.is he the best goalkeeper in the world NO.is he the best english goallie,he:s up there with robinson,surely.and definatly better than rob green

Chris, Davyhulme (04/01/2007 at 10:54)

Pearce is spot on to praise weaver and he must surely be offered a new deal. However, if i earned a penny for everytime i have read or heard the words ''i am acutely aware'' from SP i'd wouldn't be far short of a millionaire by now. I'm sick of hearing it! Other irritations include ''amptitude'', ''to be honest wiv ya'', ''steely determination'', ''hard-nosed stickability'', ''we need to be cuter''... etc ... I wish he would change the record but he's changed the tactics recently so maybe changing the record aswell is asking for too much.

Chris, Davyhulme (04/01/2007 at 10:59)

gerry gow: I too would like to see him called up to the england squad, but for me (and it hurts me to say it) David James' form this season means he is currently the best english keeper. It would then be 50:50 between weavs and robinson as to who is 2nd best. He will probably be able to get in as 3rd choice, but scott carson has been unbelievable recently, especially against arsenal the other day (they would have lost 15-0 rather than 4-0 if it wasn't for carson).

Simon Brown, London, UK (04/01/2007 at 11:44)

I'd like to see Weaver command his box a little better and some of his kicking has been a little suspect but overall I think he's back to his best, unluckily for Isaakson.

Yes on current form David James is the best English goalkeeper but then when he played for us he was the best English goalkeeper too. Problem was he was rubbish in an England shirt but great in a City shirt - I think the pressure gets to him, he seems like an intelligent chap so the added attention and pressure worries him and he tries too hard. Green would look good behind a decent defence (eg not West Ham's), Weaver too, I don't necessarily think Robinson is up there at the moment and like James he has his "moments".

Phil, Sheffield (04/01/2007 at 12:04)

Weaver is definitely worth a new contract and I am really pleased for him that he has come back so strongly and continued to improve (he is looking more assertive in the box of late). Isaksson is the finished article but he has to wait his turn, as Weaver's form warrants the jersey. I don't think Weaver would be very happy to miss out on a return to his boyhood club, but that decision is Psycho's!

Dean, north wales (04/01/2007 at 12:07)

deserves a new contract, weaver is payng back the clubs loyalty in him when out injured with some quality performances.

Bluer than Ever, Northwich (04/01/2007 at 12:08)

Nothing but praise for Weaver and a superb save against Everton. Keeping Isaksson out cannot be easy but SP has got the decision right and NW should get a 3 year contract for his ability as well as his passion and loyalty.

MIKE 83, middleton (04/01/2007 at 12:14)

I've been told by someone who works at sheff utd they put an offer in for BILLY SHARP and got told we have a deal agreed with manchester city. As for ireland i think he can have a big future with us but has made a mistake having him as is agent.

Roger, Exiled in Holmfirth (04/01/2007 at 12:14)

I'm not a fan of Weaver's, I think he looks like an overgrown kid charging about the penalty area. Every save somehow looks like an accident. However, I thought he was excellent in all areas against Everton and for the first time in a long time I felt safe with him in goals.

THIS IS OUR CITY, REAL MANCHESTER (04/01/2007 at 12:17)

I know this is off the subject but.............Has anybody got a spare ticket for sundays game at Sheffield Wednesday! I have one but need one for my parter...will pay more than face value! If you have please mail me at kirsty.mcdonald@ntl.com

Thanks

TP, Wilmslow (04/01/2007 at 12:19)

Oh Bertie, Bertie ...in what way do you describe Weaver as 'a joke' ? Get real.

chris, stockport (04/01/2007 at 13:05)

weavers been playing very well. top class shot stopper. well done my son.

Gary, Dudley (04/01/2007 at 13:06)

Weaver has done brilliantly this Season, and has probably shocked everyone with the number of saves pulled off. But the fact remains that the new man, Isaksson, is physically and technically superior, and should really get his chance soon. It would be a huge mistake to make him want to leave because he can't get a match. Somebody 6 feet 7, with dozens of international caps, must be better at defending crosses, corners and general set-pieces than our gallant trier. But while his great form continues, Weaver deserves his chance. Just play the big lad in the Cup, please, Stuart?

David, blackburn (04/01/2007 at 13:12)

I said at the start of the season that weaver will not let us down.... 9 clean sheets is reqard enough i'd say. give him a 2 year contract, with an additional 1 depending on performances. doubt isaksson will be with us in 3 years anyway, he'll be going back to Juventus once they fire off buffon.

Mikey P, Fareham (04/01/2007 at 13:36)

Gary, Dudley - Spot on! Like I said earlier, Weaver's done a great job but Isaksson is world class. It would be typical of us to make a real killing in the transfer market and then let him go because we can't give him a game. I always feel that NW is prone to the odd clanger. He's a great back-up keeper but my money's on Isakkson.

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