Boaz Myhill
History
Myhill, a product Aston Villa's youth system, was signed by Peter Taylor in January 2004 for £50,000. He was immediately installed as the number one 'keeper, making his debut in a 1-0 defeat at home to Mansfield Town. It quickly became obvious that his price-tag was ridiculously low as 'Bo' helped the Tigers win 2 successive promotions and established himself as one of best goalkeepers in the Football League. He signed a new 3 year contract with City in the summer of 2007. He produced some of the best football of his career in 2008, winning his first cap for Wales (he has a Welsh mother) and, most importantly, securing a third promotion in his five and a half seasons with Hull City.
Strengths
Bo is a superb shot-stopper. He has incredible reactions, great agility and very strong wrists. Positionally, he is rarely caught out, taking up great positions in the goal. He has a great stance that allows him to get down quickly while covering a lot of his goal. He has good hands and the ball sticks to him. He has a good level of concentration and appears to be mentally strong as he doesn't dwell on mistakes.
Weaknesses
His short distribution needs a lot of work, although he's generally played in City teams thus far that didn't 'do' short distribution. Decision making is much improved, but also needs to improve if he is to fulfil his potential.
Premier Quality?
Absolutely. Myhill already has the tools to play at the top level and also has room for improvement. He's highly reliable and rarely makes mistakes. He doesn't go to pieces in big games. If he could improve his decision making and perhaps be braver when coming through crowds of players, he can be a top goalkeeper. He's a quiet player, he's not one to shout and scream, but lots of top goalies are.
Future?
Myhill will be a Premier League player beyond this season, regardless of whether Hull City survive. He's easily adapted to every level of the game thus far and should easily do so again. Along with Michael Turner, he'll probably be the most crucial player for the Tigers this season. He can be worth 20 points a season on his own.
Matt Duke
History
Another Peter Taylor signing, Matt joined from non-league Burton Albion for £25,000 in the summer of 2004. He's constantly improved during his time with the Tigers, but has been unfortunate to have had Bo Myhill standing in his way. He eventually forced his way ahead of Myhill in August 2007, but suffered an ill-timed injury and Myhill didn't let go of the No. 1 jersey again. Overcame a serious illness in 2008 to take his place on the bench for the Tigers crucial promotion run-in.
Strengths
Duke has the perfect frame for a goalkeeper. He's a solid shot-stopper and has good hands. He's an excellent member of the first team squad, he's competitive and puts pressure on Myhill. While probably not happy that he doesn't play more, he's happy to be a part of the City squad and earns praise form the staff for being an excellent professional.
Weaknesses
Poor distribution with his boot. Doesn't have the agility or reactions that Myhill has.
Premier Quality?
Possibly. Duke probably won't be called upon very often but will never let anyone down. He'll take on the challenge of fighting Tony Warner for the back-up 'keeper spot.
Future?
If Myhill were to leave City, he'd have a great chance of being the next No. 1. If Myhill sticks around, and with time not on his side, Duke may fancy moving on to find regular games.
Tony Warner
History
Warner came through the Liverpool youth system in the early 1990's but never really broke through, spending several season as back-up to David James. He moved on to Millwall, Cardiff City and then Fulham, but has spent much of the last few years as a 'goalie for rent', with lots of clubs looking to him as short term option, most notably, Leeds United, Norwich City and Glasgow Celtic. After leaving Fulham, Warner signed for the Tigers on a free transfer in July 2008.
Strengths
Often tagged as a "good shot-stopper", Warner is tall and agile and capable of making remarkable saves. He brings a lot of experience with him and is another known for having a great attitude.
Weaknesses
Despite having all the physical tools, Warner has never really been a top goalkeeper. He makes the occasional howler, which appears to indicate a lack of concentration.
Premier Quality?
Warner isn't someone who will consistently play at the top level, that's been proven. He will be a reliable stand in who'll give the other goalkeepers competition and the benefit of his experience.
Future?
Warner is 36 and so probably won't be around beyond the next couple of seasons. In the Premier League, a club needs 3 goalkeepers, so he'll be a valuable asset should the worst happen to Myhill or Duke.