City fans named the goalkeeper as the team’s outstanding performer for November, and John Doyle was the lucky one to be pulled out of the hat to present the award to Shay at City’s Carrington training ground this week.See John present Shay with his award in this video clip.
The Irish international made an immediate impact after signing from Newcastle at the end of this year’s January transfer window, but he’s admitted to having a few nerves about he would be received after making the move.
He said, “I was at one club for so long that coming here was a real challenge for me, but I started well and it’s carried on from there. You have to maintain your standards but I’m always trying to improve as a goalkeeper. That will be the case for all the time I’m at Manchester City, I’ll always look to get better, do as best I can for the club and the supporters.
“The fans have been great to me, from the very first game against Middlesbrough. I’m very grateful for that because I was a bit nervous about coming to a new club after such a long time at Newcastle. I didn’t know if the fans would take to me, it wasn’t something I had had to think about for a long time, but it was a nice feeling when they did, and I want to thank the fans for that.”
I’m always trying to improve as a goalkeeper. That will be the case for all the time I’m at Manchester City, I’ll always look to get better, do as best I can for the club and the supporters.
...Shay Given...
Shay follows in the footsteps of Craig Bellamy and Martin Petrov in picking up the monthly award, and he modestly admits he would prefer if the exploits of the outfield players sees them taking the prize for the rest of the season.
“It’s nice to get the award, I know that Martin and Bellers have won it before, so maybe it’s better if forwards are getting these awards as at least we know we’re scoring down at the other end,” he added.
“But I’m delighted that the fans voted for me this month, I’m happy to take it but maybe it’s a better sign if someone further up the pitch could get it after me!”
