It didn’t look good for Rob Elliot when we finally brought in Karl Darlow from Nottingham Forest in this summer and the 24 year-old was installed as the second choice goalkeeper behind Tim Krul, and that dropped former number two goalkeeper Rob Elliot down the pecking order at Newcastle.
But the thing we liked about Rob is he didn’t complain and in the summer said he was willing to fight for his place in the team and continued to train hard for the team.
Rob Elliot when he signed from Charlton in the summer of 2011
And then it just shows how things can change so quickly in football when Tim Krul picked up a serious ACL knee injury playing forthe Netherlands and is out for the rest of the season.
And since Karl Darlow is nursing an ankle injury Rob has the chance to play quite a few games in the first team again – and that’s a massive opportunity for the 29 year-old.
This is what he has said today in the local papers:
“If I’m being honest I never thought I would play for Newcastle again at one point.”
“So to play for this club again and to be out here is one of the proudest things I’ve ever done.” “On a day like against Norwich, when you have the crowd and everything, it’s just absolutely amazing.”
“From a personal point of view you just want to take the chance with both hands and just give it your best.”
“I’ve always said if you just go out there and give it the best you can – come for crosses and just sort of sweep up – if you always do those things then you’ll be well.”
Rob had a solid game for us in the 6-2 win and had no chance with either goal and now he really does have a huge opportunity to continue in the Newcastle goal for the rest of the season – if he can play well for us.
He is good at crosses and good with the ball at his feet and his distribution is usually good.
But he will be pushed by Karl when he comes back and 18 year-old Freddie Woodman is a top young goalkeeper coming through the ranks and if Rob falters and Karl is still injured Freddie could even get his chance in the first team having played so well in pre-season.
Rob signed a five year deal at Newcastle in August of 2011 but then almost two years ago extended his contract at the club until 2019.
He has become a Republic of Ireland International since joining Newcastle and we hope Rob does (very) well.
He’s never let Newcastle down.
Comments welcome.
4 comments so far
Toon-Prodigy
Oct 22, 2015 at 8:51 AM
Comment #1see Sam has let people in on his transfer wish list at NUFC.
He wanted Modric, Jagielka and baines but he was given Beye, Enrique and Faye on the last day of the window.
cestriasteve
Oct 22, 2015 at 9:00 AM
Comment #2Not one of my favourite players, said that we as fans expect too much from nufc. Well let’s hope you give 100% Rob cos that’s actually all we want.
catchy in norway
Oct 22, 2015 at 9:11 AM
Comment #3i dont rate him, but i also dont put any blame on him for the goals at the weekend, he did what was expected and was let down by out field players.
but for the record, i dont rate Krul, i used to, but he has gone backwards over the last 3 seasons, he cannot kick a ball,
cestriasteve
Oct 22, 2015 at 9:25 AM
Comment #4Catchy, there is know doubting his shot stopping but your right his distribution and thought before distribution is poor. He’s been caught 3 times now with that free kick across his back line I’m surprised players taken free kicks haven’t noticed that.