JUSSI JAASKELAINEN Biography - Theater, Opera and Movie personalities

 
 

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JUSSI JAASKELAINEN
       

Finnish Under 21 international goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen came to Norwich on trial from Finnish side VPS Vassa in October 1997. With City’s Third choice keeper Robert Green out until after Christmas with injury, Mike Walker wanted extra cover for the No.1 shirt. Jussi played for the Reserves in their 1-0 victory over Luton Town on October 27th. He returned to Finland to await Walker’s verdict.

       

Whilst Walker deliberated, Premiership side Bolton Wanderers stole City’s thunder and signed Jussi for £100,000. He made his debut on Saturday 8th August 1998 in Bolton’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace. He has been Bolton’s first choice keeper during the 1998/99 season as injuries have plagued the other keepers in their squad. Despite a heroic performance in Bolton’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Aston Villa that finished 0-0 on 2nd March 2000, Jussi could not stop Villa’s penalty takers. After his Bolton teammates failed to convert their efforts, Jussi had to stop Dion Dublin or the Trotters would be out of the cup. Unfortunately for Bolton, the England international striker converted his chance to send Villa to the cup final

       

In July 2000, Jussi signed an extension to his contract until 2004. His impressive contribution to Bolton’s fine start to their 2001/02 Premiership campaign led to speculation that Middlesbrough were preparing a £4million bid. He is also likely to add to his 7 international caps for the Finns.

       

When Peter Schmeichal announced his retirement in April 2003, speculation began almost immediately that Jussi would be signed by Man City as his replacement. In October 2004, Jussi’s form in helping Bolton to the upper echelons of the Premiership saw him linked with Manchester United and Middlesbrough. However Jaaskelainen told the club’s website. “It’s just speculation. I don’t care about it. I still have two years left,” According to the News of the World on 24th April 2005, Arsenal are said to be closely monitoing Jussi’s contract negotiations with Bolton but nothing materialised. With Bolton swooping for Oman international and highly rated keeer Ali al Habsi in January 2006, it appears that Jussi’s stay at Bolton may come to an end. Middlesbrough are said to be watching the situation, according to the News of the World (8th January 2006). In May 2006, he was linked with a £2.5million switch to Portsmouth