It was some turn-out last night at St. James’ Park, where some former Newcastle greats and former greats in the football world were all on display, and watched by over 50,000 fans – a fantastic turn out for Steve Harper’s testimonial – after 20 years at Newcastle.
David Ginola pleads with Newcatsle fans
You just have to look at the teams, and some of the great players who were at Newcastle last night for Steve Harper’s testimonial
Newcastle United Legends: Steve Harper (Shay Given 25, Pavel Srnicek 60); Nolberto Solano (Steve Watson 52, Steve Stone 72), Darren Peacock (Brian Kilcline 52, Olivier Bernard 73), Nikos Dabizas, John Beresford (Alessandro Pistone 35); Ruel Fox (Keith Gillespie 35, Paul Kitson 67), Lee Bowyer (Joey Barton 60), Rob Lee (Nicky Butt 35, Kevin Nolan 60, Ed Speed 75), David Ginola (Scott Sellars 52, Alan Thompson 67); Alan Shearer (Peter Beardsley 46, Tommy Speed 75), Les Ferdinand (Faustino Asprila 20, Andrew Cole 46)
AC Milan Glorie: Sebastiano Rossi (Massimo Taibi 41); Giuseppe Pancaro (Pietro Vierchowod 51), Giuseppe Favalli, Franco Baresi (Roberto Mussi 42), Paolo Maldini; Massimo Oddo (Ibrahim Ba 51), Alessandro Costacurta, Mark Van Bommel (Roberto Lorenzini 79), Gianluigi Lentini (Daniele Massaro 51); Paolo Di Canio, Maurizio Ganz (Christian Lantignotti 41)
David Ginola playing for Newcastle back in 1997
One former Newcastle great making a return was David Ginola, and he took the opportunity after the game to urge fans to support fellow Frenchman Yohan Cabaye, and forgive him for refusing to play for two league games, as Cabaye tried to force a move away from the Tyneside club to Arsenal.
This is what David said about Cabaye:
“He’s a great player – he’s done really good for the club,” “You have to put things in perspective. Sometimes you make a mistake and you have to be forgiven for that.”
“As soon as he steps back on the football pitch at St James’ Park, he will wear the zebra shirt and that will be it, he will be back on track.”
According to Newcastle manager Alan Pardew, Yohan has had his head down all week and trained well and been acting very professionally, and he must have a decent chance of starting the game at Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.
We need to see Yohan committed to Newcastle on Saturday and have a good game, if we are going to get the result we need at Villa Park.
Comments welcome.
Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook and +1 us on Google+:
You can also reach Ed at admin@nufcblog.com
7 comments so far
Ibizatoon
Sep 12, 2013 at 9:21 AM
Comment #1Ok then, a quick little re-post…
Sounds like it was a great night, gutted there wasn’t another way to see it.
Who would have thought that Harper, in his departure of the club, could trump his own professional attitude and love for the club during his past 20 years?
That interview and then the organisation behind the testimonial itself could well be what the man is remembered for.
Served the truth to Ashley with dignity, pride and a whole lot of spirit. Three things which have been sorely missing under Ashleys ownership, no matter what side of the argument you sit, whether you think he’s done well with the books, saved us from oblivion (not saying he did or opening the debate….stick with me here…), whatever, that is the core of Newcastle United and unless there is a way to get the balance back, to get the fans back properly involved in the team then it really is dying.
Something good has to come from this mess. It just means too much to too many people, as was on show last night.
On thread…Oh David, using your French charm and flowing locks (if you close your eyes and think back anyway 🙂 ) to sway the mood of the toon.
The fans feel let down. We don’t know the full extent of what went down and I’m sure many are willing to believe that this isn’t all down to Cabaye or that even if he wanted to leave, we could understand why….it’s not like most of us have been left somewhat disillusioned with the club and he’s not even a fan…
What we need to see now is this commitment on the field. Everything else is just talk. If he comes in, does his job and plays for the shirt we’ll move on. Such is life. Over to you Yo.
Moe
Sep 12, 2013 at 9:23 AM
Comment #2It’s not easy to forgive knowing that the player knew what he was doing, he’s no child after all.
I’ve always felt that Cabaye’s head was turned since last summer not this one, his game and effort hasn’t been the same entire last season.
For the good of NUFC we have to forget rather than forgive, we should never forgive players for such a treasury that easily or else others will be encouraged to follow example.
1st!!
Moe
Sep 12, 2013 at 9:23 AM
Comment #3I hate reposts
Transfer Sage
Sep 12, 2013 at 9:24 AM
Comment #4If the lad gets himself on the pitch and makes the effort he will be backed, simple as that. Everyone can make a mistake, just needs to work hard and show he wants to play for us.
If the players accept him and he has apologised to them for letting them down that is the main thing.
Ibizatoon
Sep 12, 2013 at 9:26 AM
Comment #5Moe….Was it the repost or the losing out to first? I did add something to the original post, if that makes you feel any better.
Consett Mag
Sep 12, 2013 at 1:45 PM
Comment #6Steve Harper showed us how much he and this club is loved.
Fantastic night.
Re Ginola – Cabaye has to perform now – he knows, just like Demba Ba, he’d be a bit part reserve if someone actually stumped up some cash for him.
toonicle
Sep 12, 2013 at 3:51 PM
Comment #7Even ignoring the transfer drama around Cabaye, for me the way he’s played so far this season just doesn’t warrant a start over Anita who’s been quite good so far.