The Evening Chronicle today is again reporting the news that Arsenal are interested in Shay Given, Newcastle’s long serving Irish International goalkeeper.
Shay Given – Arsenal very interested
Sources at both Newcastle United and Arsenal have confirmed Arsenal’s interest in Newcastle’s star 32-year-old Ireland international.
Wenger, over the years, has made no secret of his admiration for Given and that’s usually been repaid by Shay having some of his best games against the London side.
There’s no doubt Shay Given is a wonderfully consistent goalkeeper, who would do just great in London.
Arsenal are looking for a new goalkeeper now that Jens Lehmann has left to join Stuttgart, and if there was ever a time that Newcastle might think of letting Shay finally leave the club, it’s now.
Given has been one of our best players over the last 11 years, and is very well liked by Newcastle fans for his great and long service to the club.
There are some questions about his fitness right now, but his groin problems were hopefully fixed by an operation in Munich, Germany by famed woman surgeon, Dr Ulrike Muschaweckearlier, earlier this year.
Dr. Muschaweckerlier said after the operation that Shay should now be fine, and she’s nearly always right, as she was when she fixed up both Alan Shearer and Michael Owen, for Newcastle.
In Shay’s absence at the end of last season, Steve Harper was outstanding in goal, and played some great games for the club.
In addition, we have a couple of very good 20 year old keepers in Forster and Krul, although if Shay left, Newcastle would probably have to bring in another goalkeeper.
Allan McGregor, the Rangers goalkeeper, has been linked with a possible move to Newcastle, should Shay leave.
While most of his Newcastle colleagues have been away relaxing on holiday, Shay has been working hard this summer, as he seeks full fitness following his hernia operation in Munich.
If Shay is still at the club some August, there will be a monumental battle with his pal Steve Harper, as to who wins the number 1 goalkeeper jersey this season.
Steve Harper is one of three key players at St James’ Park whose contract comes up at the end of next season, with Steven Taylor and Michael Owen the other two.
Allan McGregor – 26 year-old 6ft Rangers goalkeeper
If Newcastle do sell Given and go after Ranger’s 26 year old 6’0″ goalkeeper Allan McGregor, as has been mentioned, they will face competition from Spurs ….. again.
The London club want to reunite the Rangers keeper with his former colleague and right-back Alan Hutton, at the White Hart Lane club.
The Rangers keeper joined Rangers back in 1998, and has played 70 times for the Scottish giants, and just once for Scotland last year.
If Given is sold, quite a few of the Newcastle faithful will feel the club has made a mistake in letting the Irishman go.
We think Shay’s career is far from over, and expect Shay to play until he’s 40 years old, because he’s taken such good care of himself over the years.
Comments welcome.
91 comments so far
broon ale
Jun 11, 2008 at 1:52 PM
Comment #1sod off ALAN OLIVER. this is a blatant attempt at shit stirring!
god i hate the daft slack jaw’d old fart!
this is a non story!
reported by the gutter press last week!
liamtoonbirchy
Jun 11, 2008 at 1:52 PM
Comment #2keep him
HeronMag
Jun 11, 2008 at 1:54 PM
Comment #3Keep him.
broon ale
Jun 11, 2008 at 1:56 PM
Comment #4Ed harrison. please do an article on Alan oliver so i can try and gaige if i am the only one who has nothing but hatred for the idiot!
Punk Skunk
Jun 11, 2008 at 1:59 PM
Comment #5Apparently!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!..
…Well if gordon is worth £9m?????????????..
Ed Harrison
Jun 11, 2008 at 1:59 PM
Comment #6It’s not surprising that this would cause some concern for the fans – Shay has been a great servant for this club. It seems a little that Newcastle would not be loyal to Shay if they let him go – but with the new ownership and all – we’ll have to see what happens.
Erichero
Jun 11, 2008 at 1:59 PM
Comment #7This is complete nonsense – where are the quotes?
I’m a Gooner and Wenger has stuck his head out on the block to support Almunia, backing him for the England spot. We’ve also got Fabianski coming through. I do think we’ll sign another keeper, but not Given.
Punk Skunk
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:00 PM
Comment #8Arlreet broonale,
y’not on y’own there bro’!..
…He’s a mackem!..Does it get any worse?..
HeronMag
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:00 PM
Comment #9broon ale.
You’re not the only one mate.
Davies
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:01 PM
Comment #10Keep him.
Davies
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:01 PM
Comment #11Better still Ed, why not do an article stating that Alan Oliver has had a better offer from a rival paper, perhaps one in Sunderland.
See how he likes it.
Punk Skunk
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:03 PM
Comment #12Ed, while y’here, why not do a piece on Joe Harvey?..
…It’s the anniversary of his birth & the Fairs Cup win!..
…Do i have to mention his Legendary status?..
Punk Skunk
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:04 PM
Comment #13Top comment Davies!.. 😀
Bill F SPLASH THE CASH ASH
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:04 PM
Comment #14You keep forgetting Soderberg who also looks like a great prospect, even if Shay goes I do not think we need another GK. I am still not sure about his injury so I would rather Arsenal had to worry about it than us. If I was Shay I might well be tempted to the move for a variety of reasons.
broon ale
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:05 PM
Comment #15i was actually told by biffa from nufc.com that alan oliver used to write for the sunderland fanzine.
get me.. rubbing shoulders with the high flyers. ha ha
HeronMag
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:05 PM
Comment #16I’m not old enough to remember Joe Harvey but I’ll gladly raise a beer to the last man to actually win something for the toon!
Danish_Magpie
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:06 PM
Comment #17Straight swap for Bendtner and Traore 😉
So, in all seriousness, keep him.
THELONGSHANKS
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:06 PM
Comment #18Keep shay still years left in him and he deserves silverware b4 he leaves the toon.Krul not ready yet.
The Entertainers
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:06 PM
Comment #19@ Broonale
I honestly think there are a lot of Newcastle fans out there really disillusioned with the Ronnie Gill’s coverage regarding The Toon over the last number of years.
Inparticular their head man Oliver!
He has fallen out with numerous managers and players over the years and it appears Newcastle rightly do not trust the man and the company any more.
However thats just my opionion, based on the fact when was the last time the paper truely broke a story about Newcastle. I remember a time when it was ‘they’ source of information regarding Newcastle
Not sure whether it is down to the bed Oliver has made over the years or it may well be down to the age we live in and the internet and great sites like this one break news faster.
I’m not sure, but i certainly dont buy the Chronicle for Newcastle news anymore!
Punk Skunk
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:07 PM
Comment #20Aye Bill, but if he has to warm their bench, he’ll whine like a mamaluke!..
51times
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:07 PM
Comment #21Punk Skunk – His birthday is in November, but you’re right about the Fairs Cup.
broon ale
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:08 PM
Comment #22punk skunk.. how do.
i know this has nowt to do with you but as your in camden and so is amy winehouse i thought you night be interested i seeing what your neigbours are getting up too.
type into youtube, “AMY WINE HOUSE MICE”
tell me you werent a little scared by it!
Bill F SPLASH THE CASH ASH
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:09 PM
Comment #23Are we talking about Alan Oliver OBE, (Order of Bloo*y Ediots.) Best I could think of at moment any one else do better?
broon ale
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:10 PM
Comment #24entertainers. its probably due to the bed he made for himself. like you say.
Punk Skunk
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:10 PM
Comment #25Anal O-Lover= Doom Monger!..
Bill F SPLASH THE CASH ASH
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:16 PM
Comment #26Punk Skunk, are you a wargamer by any chance. I remember Mamalukes as very fierce versatile Egyptian cavalry not highly noted for whining. From my tabletop wargaming days.
broon ale
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:17 PM
Comment #27even the other writer lee ryder is useless. all he does he speak with passed pro’s like bob moncure, rob lee and mick quinn.
it seems all of the chronicles communication has been shut off.
neil farrington of the sunday sun writes porkies also.
dick
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:17 PM
Comment #28the way things are going we wont be able to get a team out at the start of season, hope no body gets injured, might look for my old boots might get a game am only 59
chris
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:18 PM
Comment #29id love it if shay came to arsenal,
as an irish guy i think he has to move on
Ericles
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:18 PM
Comment #30I saw Joe Harvey play live only once. Remember him as a chain smoking manager too. If Joe were alive today he would be round the Chronicle and smack Oliver right on the nose.
Jim
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:18 PM
Comment #31Look like the Mail has the inside track these days… (pause for breath and wait for scorn). What about Alan Oliver applying for the Media Managers (new look programme) job at St. James’?
I think Given’s been an absolute diamond for the Toon and would hope the club respect that. If he want’s a crack at the big time with Arsenal then he would go with my support (for what it’s worth). If the board are pushing him, then shame!
Harper, Forster and Krul are healthy options for the position.
Rich
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:21 PM
Comment #32Would rather keep him but Mcgregor is a good keeper, depending on the money!
Tim Bouffler
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:24 PM
Comment #33Shay Given is pasted it.
broon ale
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:28 PM
Comment #34jim, i also heard the mail have links to the toon
Tim Bouffler
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:29 PM
Comment #35I love Kevin Keegan
Punk Skunk
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:29 PM
Comment #36broonale,
OMGosh!..EEEK!..
…I’d keep me head down if i was her!..
Petworth (DC) Mag
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:30 PM
Comment #37If Shay wants to stay then he stays if wants to go i’ll have 10M thank you very much. 5-8 years of top goalkeeping left in the tank
Bill F SPLASH THE CASH ASH
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:31 PM
Comment #38Dick you are just a kid, I can give you a few years but also would be willing to get my boots out of storage. We will still probably do as well as some of the current players. I actually played till I was 55.
craig chisholm
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:31 PM
Comment #39sell everyone.
broon ale
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:33 PM
Comment #40awfull innit