Media wake up to what Newcastle fans have known for years
Football FanCast columnist Jim McKendry is delighted to see the British media wake up to what Newcastle fans have known for years.
Shay Given’s performance the other week brought great acclaim among the British media and in a strange way gave the Irishman the kind of appreciation that he has warranted and deserved. It makes you wonder why it has taken so long to realise that he is the best keeper in the country by a country mile; us Newcastle fans have known it for years.
I don’t know a Newcastle fan who ever begrudged the decision of Shay Given to walk out on the football club last January. Like us supporters he had grown tired of the all the false dawns, the ridiculous state club was going and the 5-1 defeat at the hands of Liverpool was the straw that broke the camel’s back and the sheer frustration and emotion that was shown certainly told me that enough was enough, as far as he was concerned, and if the opportunity arose then he would leave; Man City provided it for him and although I was shocked a United or Arsenal didn’t come in, however there is no doubt that in time he’ll be in a position to challenge for honours in years to come. It is a shame he couldn’t achieve it at our place, but it was never going to happen with Ashley steering our ship.
I’m pleased that Shay is getting the credit his ability he deserves, because not only is he an excellent footballer, but the consummate professional as well and deserves all the plaudits that comes his way. He has been the best keeper in the country for as long as I care to remember; therefore it astounds me that it has taken the media so long to wake up to it. Good sides are built around a top class keeper and if City wants to fulfil their obvious ambitions, then they couldn’t have chosen anyone better than Shay Given. Our loss is definitely your gain.
Football News 24/7
hnagon, you don’t know any newcastle fans who have anything against given?
well, i’m one, right here.
he jumped ship when it was convenient for him,. and him alone.
would shay given have suffered had he stayed at nufc? no. in fact we’d still be in the prem if he hadnt done a runner, in my opinion.
every reference he makes to the toon sickens me, because he left us just when he was needed.
Reply
Totally agree with Chris F.
I know loads of supporters who think the timing of his departure was a total betrayal.
I’m the first to acknowledge the debt we owe to Given due to the countless times he (sometimes single-handedly) saved us, but he should have stayed until the end of the season before jumping ship, then he would have left with everyone’s blessing. There was no reason for him to leave when he did and his subsequent pronouncements about NUFC make me sick.
Reply
make that 3
he jumped ship & left us in the lurch. if he was the guy you think he was he’d have stayed until the summer.he left for 1 simple reason, given in his own words….”they made me an offer i couldn’t turn down”
great goalkeeper, but lost my respect & there are plenty of newcastle supporters who feel the same
Reply
you Toon fans are a source of great consternation to many fans of other teams, in that you seem to think you can run around undermining your own club’s manager (Sam Allardyce), whilst demanding undying loyalty from someone who has done more than enough for your club, he’s not even a Geordie born and bred, he’s not even English! He owes you nowt.
You started your clubs decline when you forced Ashley to sack Allardyce, Shay Given would not have kept you up on his own, it’s not his fault you lot think you have a divine right to be at the top level.
You disgust me.
Reply
Toon fans have the right to say what they like about a player they paid for whilst going through the turnstiles
Like barry from villa shay left for the money and i hope if the toon draw citeh in the cup print thousands of fake £50 notes and wave it at him when he takes his place between the sticks at SJP
look forward to the toon in the prem next season some genuine fans
rob
Reply
So you’ll be reverting to type again, taking off your shirts and protesting about something or someone you blame to cover your own shortcomings – admit it, Shay Given didn’t make your club a rotten mess by leaving in January, it’s been a culmination of impatience over the years leading to the premature sacking of many managers that’s destabilised your club.
As a Man City fan I know we did the same, too many Managers, not enough patience, hopefully now we’ve learnt our lesson, and with the oil billions we can afford to be patient.
You do have the right to slag off players who play / played for you, but don’t think it’ll help you attract players to your club when they see the treatment you dish out, nor will it get you any respect in the football community.
Reply
are you’s lot mad shay given gave our club everything and stayed alot longer then he need to given his abilty and the plight of our club since sir bobby got the push even tho it pains me to say shay deserves meadles and he wasnt goin to get them while we have a billionair with no respect for the club or ambition. i for 1 grant shay his move NUFC TILL I DIE
Reply