Competition Will Be Key This Season

Brad Guzan believes that competition will be key this season as Paul Lambert picks players on merit, and not just based on their name.

Speaking to the Birmingham Mail Guzan talked about the competition that was now in place at the club, which also saw him replace Shay Given between the sticks after a few below par performances.

'The manager names his team an hour before kick off so that's when I knew. We know that in terms of working hard in training everyone wants an opportunity. The work we do on the training ground among myself, Shay, Andy Marshall and the younger goalkeepers, we know it's an environment where you have to put your best foot forward. When you have competitiveness in training that creates a good atmosphere for the team. I think that's what the manager has done and it's only going to help us and make us better.'

Many fans raised their eyebrows when Given was brought straight back into the team following injury, despite Guzan's own form at the point under he who blames everybody else, so Lambert showing he will select the team on merit, and not on names, surely has to be a good thing and will help remove the malaise that some players have shown for - oh three plus years - knowing they'll be selected come what may.

Many of them have already left, those who remain surely have to know anything but their best will see them on their butts now.

And that is something I can only applaud.

Not only was dropping Shay the right thing to do, and let's face it he'll bounce back as he's quality, it was also a hell of a message to every other member on the playing staff.

Brad Guzan Forum Thread.

Vital Villa on:

Vital Villa on:

Join Vital Villa

It's easy to REGISTER, simply click the link and enjoy getting involved!

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.