There were reports last week that Liverpool are interested in Steve Harper, but Kevin Keegan has today laughed off any chance that Steve will be leaving Newcastle United.
Steve Harper -going nowhere
This is hardly a surprise since Keegan was the manager to bring Harper to the club.
Keegan said today:
“I am not looking for him to go out, though I’m sure he would come and see me if Liverpool come and knock on his door.†“I know Steve very well – he’s got a great sense of humor.â€
“I’m not surprised if other teams are interested.†“Steve Harper is a very, very good goalkeeper.â€
“Everyone’s always known that, but it’s always been hidden by the fact he’s not played.†“He’s just played his 100th game, but he was here last time I was, which was 1936, so he must be about 50 now!â€
Steve got in his 17th Premier League start of this season at Upton Park on Saturday, leaving him just one short of his best ever number of appearances of 18 games in 1999-2000.
It was also Steve’s 99th start for Newcastle too, so he will celebrate his 100th start against Chelsea next Monday afternoon, and we’re sure he’ll get a great reception on this the last home game of the season.
He’s played just great for Newcastle this season.
Steve has proved to all Newcastle fans in the last few months, those that didn’t know that is, that he is a top class goalkeeper. It’s certainly going to be some competition next season with Shay Given, who will return from his groin problems next season, that has given Steve his big chance this year.
And Steve has taken that chance – big time.
Comments welcome.
20 comments so far
Hamas (51times)
Apr 29, 2008 at 1:06 PM
Comment #1He’s shown a lot of loyalty to us.
Maverick
Apr 29, 2008 at 1:14 PM
Comment #2He really is a good goalkeeper and we are lucky to have 2 of the best goalkeepers playing for us
Bill F
Apr 29, 2008 at 1:19 PM
Comment #3I would be surprised (if it is true) if they would want him as a first choice keeper (thats not intended as a put down). So why would he want to leave when he is actually rated as our current number 1 keeper. With every chance of it continuing into next season.
ToonTex
Apr 29, 2008 at 1:26 PM
Comment #4You would think there would be a Harper for England mention in the press somewhere by now.
Eric
Apr 29, 2008 at 2:14 PM
Comment #5Harper is a diamond. Still say that press reports are aimed at disrupting and destabilising a resurgent NUFC. Rate Steve as a better keeper than some I could mention in the England squad.
In order to be a force in the EPL we need both Steve and Shay. No going anywhere without them!
Leo
Apr 29, 2008 at 2:35 PM
Comment #6after showin the loyalty that he has i doubt he would leave no he is getting first teams spots
Canuck
Apr 29, 2008 at 2:48 PM
Comment #7I would prefer to sell Given rather than Harper, if one keeper had to be sold. Harper deserves to be starter because he has become a better keeper than Given, especially given that Given has become injury prone. I hope neither gets sold, although Harper will not get playing time at NUFC if Given is still around, which is why I would prefer to see Given leave.
ScottyT
Apr 29, 2008 at 2:51 PM
Comment #8top class guy. great keeper credit to him for his service he’ll no doubt get a testimonial whenever hes finished cos he deserves it. one of a kind now. still say hes as gd as any other english keepers atm.
CRAIGG
Apr 29, 2008 at 3:03 PM
Comment #9Scotty i like him a lot for his loyalty and rate him as a good keeper.
As much as I would love Harper to get a cap or two, he would for me still be behind Hart, Green and maybe when fit Kirkland.
I dont think we have ever really replaced Seaman and i think Hart should be blooded as he is going to be a top keeper.
iain
Apr 29, 2008 at 3:05 PM
Comment #10think he will definatly start next season as no1 and if hes lucky that capello has been watching owen again he might get into the england sqaud.
he would already be there if he was behind that current pompey defence liek james is.
ScottyT
Apr 29, 2008 at 3:10 PM
Comment #11craigg tbh agree.. dont think harper will get any caps but would like him to. for me id have hart and green ahead of harps maybes but only just. nt certain on kirkland but hes defo better than carson, robinson and dodgy james.
CRAIGG
Apr 29, 2008 at 3:15 PM
Comment #12Spot on i see James get all this praise for his season at Pompey but he still scares me to death when the ball is in Englands half
Robinson i trust about as much as the hamburgler with the key to McDonalds
Carson i like at times but he does scare the crap out of me as well.
ScottyT
Apr 29, 2008 at 3:27 PM
Comment #13haha.. yh james seems good for pompey (still makes a load of mistakes mind) but for england he hasnt had a gr8 game for years if ever.
robinson i used to rate at leeds but the past few years hes just been awful. gifting goals every other week. carson again i used to think was an ok keeper but still looks very dodgy no doubt and that england game was an embarassment for him.
green has had 2 gd seasons for west ham so i would have thought he should be in with a chance of an england callup and hart looks like a gd up and coming keeper. made quite a few quality saves recently as well for city.
CRAIGG
Apr 29, 2008 at 3:33 PM
Comment #14I think the press are to blame for Robinson and Carson
The mistake against croatia wher Robinson missed his clearance was the start as the press mauled him and it triggered a series of errors.
The same with Carson he has been slated and his form has dropped.
kk
Apr 29, 2008 at 3:55 PM
Comment #15harps no1 for club and countiery
Tom_Toon
Apr 29, 2008 at 4:22 PM
Comment #16Hart should be England No.1
James is good.
Carson is shocking.
Robinson is even worse.
chris_toon
Apr 29, 2008 at 5:37 PM
Comment #171936??
ende
Apr 29, 2008 at 7:24 PM
Comment #18Certainly loving harper. Raises Q’s about Shay next season though. It’s obviously great to have two incredibly talented and capable keepers, but the question is… if someone offers do we bite?
Simon
Apr 30, 2008 at 2:18 AM
Comment #19No 1 keeper for NUFC should be the No. 1 keeper for England. If James didn’t have such a massive perm nowadays he wouldnt save goals like the point blank shot from owen a few weeks ago.
Hamas (51times)
Apr 30, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Comment #20chris_toon – It’s a joke.