John Beresford picks his all-time TOP XI Team with Shay in goal!
John said the following of putting Shay in goal for his all-time
top XI:
"HE might be out of the
team at the moment, but
he’s a world-class goalkeeper
who could play in all
of the top leagues in Europe.
Shay was pretty much
an unknown when he signed
for the club in 1997 in my later years at United, but it didn’t
take him long to prove how good he was.
I’ve been lucky to play in front of some of the game’s
top keepers, but Shay is always
going to be my No 1."
"Shay's the Best" Keane
Robbie Keane throws a bit of spice into tonights game against the Czechs by stating:
""Cech is one of the best goalkeepers in the world but we are quite lucky in that we have the best in Shay Given. Cech is [in a] different class but Shay Given is for me one of the best goalkeepers I have ever seen."
Shay comments to the press, when asked about wanting
to pick up as many caps as possible:
"A while ago, people were criticised for not playing
for their country, now you get stick if you do! I think
it's a no-win situation to be honest but personally I'm
as proud tomorrow when I make
my 80th cap as I was when I made my first against Russia
in 1996. It's just personal pride and I want to make
as many caps as I can for myself. If that's wrong then
so
be it."
Shay on being Captain at Croke Park against Slovakia:
"I was delighted when Stan named me as captain.
I didn't know until after the game until one of you
boys told me that Robbie was suspended. But if it's only
for one time to lead my country then I'll be extremely
proud
and very honoured to do so. It's not every day you
can lead your country out in to Croke Park as well with
over
70,000 people (there). So it's a very special moment
in
my career."
On picking up his 80th cap for Ireland:
"I remember when
Packie (Bonner) won his 80th cap I think it was out in
America.
I'm very
proud
to
play for my country whenever I play. I'm delighted
to
make 80
caps and hopefully I'll make a few more after that
as well."
On the future:
"I don't want to set many targets and look
too far
ahead,
especially this season because I have had a
lot of injuries. You don't know what's around the corner
in football. You're one challenge or one knock away from
maybe
never
playing
football again. So you just look at the next
game.
The
next game is tomorrow and I'm not looking too
far beyond that.”
"SOMEONE dial 999
There has been a mugging and the suspect was wearing a
green shirt."
"Scotland Yard last night issued a photo-fit of
a small athletic Irishman and named him as Shay Given
of Tyneside."
I had to laugh when I read this write up for Shay on
The Sun's website! :-) It's probably one of the strongest
write-ups of Shay's career, but then again they've been
quite a few of them and long may it continue.
Other quotes from the article were equally positive on
Shay's contribution:
"How the Geordies reached the interval on level
terms they will probably never know. Mind you, they have
become so reliant on their Republic of Ireland keeper
they probably take his heroics for granted these days.
No wonder they had dropped into the relegation zone while
he was recovering from his horrific stomach injury —
a torn bowel — earlier in the season. Yet even with
golden Given doing the work of five men, sparkling Spurs
still seemed to have far too much for Glenn Roeder’s
injury-ravaged team."
"They have a great keeper in Shay Given" Ashley
Cole
In fairness ... we have to agree entirely with Ashley
Cole here. Well said. :-) Full article can be read at
icnewcastle
Shay and teammates lose points at Chelsea
On a night ehen Newcastle were hard pressed through a
range of injuries, they could have left Stamford Bridge
with all 3 points after a header from Sibierski could
have gifted Newcastle with an early lead. Then a scuffed
attempt at goal landed so well for Drogba who finished
with ease at the near post. Shay had to be at his sharpest
on numerous occasions denying Robben at the death
with a fierce drive into the left corner of the goal which
came off the post much to the disappointment of Robben.
:-) and to the delight of Shay fans around the world!
Shay stands up to German pressure
Shay before the game in Frankfurt
A tough game in Frankfurt still left Newcastle leaving
with a point to top their Group. Topping the group helps
them stay out of the Champions League dropouts which isn't
a bad thing really. Shay had a few important moments helping
Newcastle stay in the game with Steven Taylor and Nicky
Butt particulary working tirelessly to block the onslought
of german attacks. At the death it could have been all
3 points with Emre clean through on goal with only the
keeper to beat, but the keeper to his credit saved well
with his feet denying all 3 points to Newcastle. But all
in all, a good result for Newcastle.
Shay's GIVEN his gloves to Orphans!
Thanks
to everyone who put in a bid for the gloves from Shay-
The last bid was the winner bringing in 210
Euros for Diesel costs to transport toys, shoes, socks,
clothes to needy orphans in the Ukraine.The money went
DIRECTLY and entirely to DHHN here in Germany http://www.dhhn.de/
Shay's BACK!
Glenn Roeder:
"Shay feels he is ready to play again. In fact
he really has pushed himself hard in training and I can
only wish I had 20 Shay Givens in my squad. I am hoping
that he has a gentle return tonight."
Shay lines up for Ireland in his first competitive game
since injury forced him out some 8 weeks ago. We all wish
you the best Shay for the game tonight.
Shay receives 3 prestigious awards!
Player of the Year award &
Save of the Season plus North East Football Writers' Player
of the Season
"I'm very pleased to win the awards. I'd also like
to thank everyone who has sent me Get
Well messages since I got injured at West Ham. Thanks
for all the support and I hope it's not too long before
I'm back out playing again."
Glen Roeder and Steve Harper picks up awards on Shay's
behalf
Glen Roeder and Steve Harper kindly picked up the awards
of "Player of the Year" and "Save of the
Season" last night. Thanks guys. Here's a link
to the picture and story at nufc.co.uk
Get well soon messages!
If you want to wish Shay well, you can do so at GetWellSoon@shay-given.com.
We'll collect all the messages and forward them to Shay
to read. Thanks in advance.
Shay out for possibly 6 weeks
The Chronicle is saying that Shay will be out for 6 weeks
which is bad news for Newcastle and Ireland, but never
underestimate Shay's powers of recovery who didn't receive
the nickname "Lazarus" for nothing. Read the
Chronicle's story here
from Alan Oliver.
Shay Update from the Club
SHAY will remain in hospital for "a short stay"
after undergoing surgery to repair a small tear in his
lower stomach suffered during yesterday's 2-0 victory
at West Ham United. Shay spent a comfortable night in
a London hospital after receiving treatment following
his collision with Hammers' striker Marlon Harewood in
the latter stages of the victory at Upton Park.
Manager Glenn Roeder told nufc.co.uk:
"Shay has had surgery to repair a small tear in
his lower stomach. He is comfortable and will have a short
stay in hospital. We'll let things settle down now and
it's too early to be putting any date on when he'll be
expected back."
Shay repsonded to dopped points against Fulham saying:
"If you looked at the Sunday League football around
Newcastle you wouldn't even see the kind of goals we gave
away against Fulham. I don't want to dig things out or
blame any individuals, but we've given one of the best
players in the Premiership in terms of heading the ball
total freedom of the six-yard box. It's amazing, but we
have to talk about it privately and get it sorted out
within the camp. Before the game we felt those were three
points we really had to get. Scotty popped up with a great
run into the box and a great header. He was inspirational,
but we've then given away two bad goals. It just isn't
acceptable and as a team we need to improve. They didn't
even carve us open, we handed them the goals on a plate.
That's the most disappointing thing for us. At the end
of the day we win as a team and lose as a team. It's just
frustrating that we have lost in the way we did. We have
got time to work on these errors, but we also have some
difficult games coming up as well. Now we need men around
the dressing-room because we have to go on the pitch and
stand up and be counted. We've got West Ham away and then
away to Liverpool and they are tough games. But we've
got Tallinn away on Thursday, so we need to bounce back
as quickly as possible."
No doubt about it, Ireland needed a Goalkeeper of world
class standards and they got that in the hands of Shay
against a lively german side in Stuttgart. Ireland were
a match for their hosts particulary in the first 20 minutes
and then the germans started to get into the game and
exploit openings in the irish defence but they had yet
to meet the form of Shay on the night, who was only beaten
by a deflection from Robbie Keane. A cruel goal gave Ireland
no share of the points on a night were every irish fan
thought they deserved one. At least Shay made his point
on the international goalkeeping scene! :-))
Tough defeat at the hands of Aston Villa
It was always going to be a testing game away from home
against Villa who certainly appear to have their tails
up after the appointment of Martin O'Neill as Manager.
Aston Villa must have knocked the stuffing out of Newcastle's
pre-match team talk after getting their first goal within
2 minutes! When that happens away from home, you can easily
think "Oh no, how many more are they going to put
in, they've got another 88 minutes of football left to
play", but thankfully the damage was only 2:0, but
enough to take all three points off Newcastle, who now
have 2 weeks to think and prepare for Fulham at home!
I reckon though Newcastle will pull at home all 3 points
off Fulham!
Duffer signs...for Newcastle
Damien Duff has signed a 5-year deal with Newcastle.
The former Chelsea and Blackburn Rover's star is sure
to make a huge impact on Tyneside, with Shay saying:
"I have known him for years, since when I was at
Blackburn and he was there, a 16-year-old training with
the first team. Even then he would be running rings around
the senior players there."
"Shay is the best in the Premier League. You might
say I'm biased but I don't think I am, I was with him
at Blackburn from an early age. I have played with him
for I don't know how many years now and he just seems
to get better with every season.
"He has been an outstanding player for Newcastle
for some time now and he was certainly the outstanding
player of last season for his consistency and for some
of the saves he made to keep us in games.
"What people don't see is the work he puts in on
the training ground," added Shearer.
"You get out of the game what you put in, and, with
that being the case, Shay will just keep on getting better
and better. He has worked so hard to get to where he is
and is a great lad as well.
"He is good to have in the dressing room, and all
the lads really respect him."
Shay has received another honour from "true faith".
Read it here
Shay "proud and honoured"
Shay:
"To receive any award is nice, but when you are honoured
by your fellow professionals who you play against week
in, week out, it is a tremendous accolade. I was proud
and honoured to be named in the Team of the Year - and
it was quite a team! I have been happy with the way my
form has been over the season, I feel I've been playing
well, but it's not for me to say whether this is the best
season I've had. I was named in the Team of the Year a
couple of seasons back, and all you do as a goalkeeper,
or as any player, is to try and keep on improving your
game. Hopefully I've done that, and to be chosen in the
team means I must be doing something right."
Shay named "Premiership's BEST Goalkeeper
for 2005/2006!
Yippee, Shay's fellow professionals have voted him the
"Premiership's Number ONE!". Yooohuuuuu!!! We're
all delighted for you Shay. You deserve it and a new beefy
contract from Newcastle Utd.. Come on Freddie, get the
cheque book out for the best goalkeeper in the Premiership!
We're of course as biased as anything, but when Shay's
fellow professionals say he's the best, then HE IS THE
BEST! :-))
If you'd like to congratulate Shay, we've set up a GUEST
Book for your comments on a temporary basis. Please no
abuse or SPAMers. Here's the LINK
Shay's on the Premiership Team of the Week
Shay made it onto the Barclay's Premiership (Actim Index)
'Team of the Week'. See who else made it here
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHAY
Shay's celebrates his 30th Birthday today, and what a
season he's had. We wish you all the best Shay. Keep on
keeping on! An unexpected birthday present must be the
captaincy of the team until the end of the season. What
an honour for Shay and his family.
Shay had the privilege of picking up £2,847.50
from Kingston Park Primary School followed by a cheque
for £3000 for the appeal from Newcastle City Council
'New Deal' Community Wardens.
Shay said:
"I was delighted to come along to the school and
meet the children who have done fantastically well to
raise such a large some of money for our appeal. The Tyneside
Appeal is of paramount importance in the region and we
always welcome donations so I'm very grateful to each
and everyone of the children who have contributed."
Shay and Jane give back with Westlife and Newcastle
players
Shay fellow players will be joined by Irish pop group
Westlife to bring a fashion extravaganza to St. James'
Park on May 1. Shay said:
"I am thrilled the players have agreed to help
me again, to raise valuable funds for charity. We were
all a little worried about taking to the catwalk last
year, but once we were up there, we all thoroughly enjoyed
the experience and it's a great feeling to know we are
contributing to something meaningful and helping others.
"I would also like to place on record my thanks to
my wife Jane who has supported me and without whose help
I would not have been able to organise the event."
Read full story with Freddie Shepherds comments etc. here
"We deserved something out of the game"
Shay
"I think we deserved something from the game and
in the end we have been undone by a set-piece early on.
We had a lot of the play and on the night we performed
well in what was a tough test."
John Terry awoke all Toon fans from any dreams of "SHEAR"
Glory as early as the 4th minute with a simple tap in
as he got away from Peter Ramage at the near post giving
Shay and Nobby Solano seemingly no chance on the goal
line.
Shay up for a DIFFICULT night
There's no hiding the size of the Mountain Newcastle
Utd. are to climb tonight ... away from home in London
of all places and against Chelsea of all teams. I guess
it's one of those nights where afterwards you could be
thinking "best to forget about it as soon as possible!"
or it could be a night that will be remembered for a "long
long time" if we can BEAT Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
and especially if it means we can progress to actually
win the trophy this time! Read
what Shay has to say before the game talking to Alan Oliver
(Journal)
Shay thanks the fans for sticking behind the Team
after being 1:3 down to Liverpool
"The fans stuck with the team and they could have
easily gone the other way.
"They stuck with us and we did play some good stuff
after the sending-off. We created a few half-chances from
free-kicks and had it got to 3-2 you never know, we might
have nicked another one. What has happened has gone now
and we cannot change what is in the past. Now we must
focus on going to Chelsea. It is a big game for us and
is huge for our supporters so we have to give it everything."
I don't think Glenn Roeder could pay Shay a higher compliment
in saying:
"He is without a shadow of doubt a very proud Irishman
who is equally proud to represent his country, but if
he was English and in goal in Germany this summer, I believe
we would have a better chance of winning the World Cup."
I kind of always wondered now that Graham Souness and
his staff were sacked: "whose coaching the goalkeepers?"
and the Chronicle was kind enough to answer that question
today in the form of an article. The answer is: "26-year-old
Geordie Adam Saddler"- Full
story here from the journal
Ireland 3:0 Sweden
Ireland bashed World Cup participants 3:0 in an entertaining
contest with one way traffic for Ireland's new manager
Steve Staunton. Shay also got his vice-captaincy underway
with a clean sheet, but he had very little to do on an
exciting night in Dublin where Sir Bobby must have thought
"hey, we should be in Germany not Sweden!" :-)
""I don't think there is anyone better
than Shay in the Premiership, or in Europe for that matter!"
Sir Bobby Robson
Sir Bobby is back in football with the Irish, and was
quick to give his opinion on just how high he rates Shay.
Read full story here
Shay is PLAYER OF THE YEAR for Ireland
Shay has received the official PLAYER OF THE YEAR status
for his contribution to the irish campaign to get to Germany
2006. Despite his heroics on numerous occasions, it wasn't
enough to get Ireland to the finals, which Shay desperately
wanted to go to. More Infos here
Newcastle meet the big guns in the cup!
Newcastle are faced with Chelsea in the cup in London.
It doesn't get any tougher than that, but it'll be a day
to show who wants victory the most!
Newcastle sack Graham Souness
Newcastle Utd. released just now a statement saying:
"NEWCASTLE United today announced that the employment
of Graeme Souness has been terminated with immediate effect.
An announcement will be made shortly regarding transitional
arrangements pending the appointment of a new team manager."
We got this email this morning folks and thought it was
too good to keep to ourselves from a mother and son following
the Cheltenham game on Saturday:
"As far as Im concerned Shay Given is a true legend
and one of the greatest goalkeepers ever. Not only that
he is probably one of the nicest personalities in the
premiership. I say this because I took my 13 year old
son to see the Cheltenham- Newcastle game as he is a MASSIVE
Newcastle fan and afterwards we waited for autographs
in the freezing cold (and missed our lift home in the
process!). But Shay Given made it wothwhile because he
was the only player who came over to sign and chat to
the fans.So my son is now in complete awe of him! What
a fantastic and lovely man! I wish more players were less
arrogant like him. ... Val per Email
Fair play to you Shay, but the thing that those closer to
Shay know is that once upon a time, Shay was also that 13-year
old boy waiting for autographs outside a freezing cold ground
and has never forgot that. Fair play to you Shay!
"It's a no win, no win, no win! Shay
Shay speaking to Newcastle world reckons that there's
only one team expected to win and all hopes are on the
opposite to happen in front of a live television audience,
saying:
"Going to Cheltenham's going to be tricky - ties
like this are what the competition is all about. That's
why it's live on TV. We've got to match their workrate
first of all, and then we can play our football. It's
not been difficult this week - we've all trained hard."
...Our sympathy goes out to the parents and family of
brave Kristopher Graham who died aged 19 waiting for a
double heart and lung transplant. Shay had visited Kristopher
in hospital as did other Newcastle players (Alan Shearer
& Norberto Solano). Full story here
with a beautiful picture of Kristopher with Shay in hospital.
Shay receives hightest praise from Ireland's new
Goalkeeping coach!
Shay received the highest praise from Ireland's new goalkeeping
coach Alan Kelly, saying:
"He is a great lad, and the way he has gone on
to become a world-class 'keeper over the last few years
has been absolutely amazing," added Kelly. "He
is at the peak of his form and among the top three in
the world, if not at the top, in my opinion.
When I look at the Premier League, I would say he is
the best there. I wouldn't swap him for anybody in Europe,
or the world."
AND
THE Best Player Catagory falls to NONE OTHER THAN!!!
SHAY GIVEN
"Keeper Shay Given has been outstanding this season
and has kept United in many games."
was the Christmas or half-time verdict on Newcastle United's
season. Full story here
'True Faith" FANZINE Editor
Michael Martin, editor of Newcastle United fanzine true
faith applauds United's level of commitment in the win against
the Gunners and said of Shay's role:
"Although United were largely outplayed by the
Gunners in the first half, they stuck to their task and,
saved by yet another piece of magnificent Shay Given goalkeeping
(let's get this lad signed up on a contract for the next
10 years), went in at the break still in the game."
Steve Harper keeps an eye on Shay's contract talks
An interesting article concerning Steve Harper's thoughts
on Shay's new contract. I'll let you read
it here yourselves.
One quote in the article that we of course like (cheers
Steve):
"I can't knock on the manager's door and complain
about how Shay is playing, can I?"
Shay pulls off a point-blank stunning save to keep
Henry at bay!
Shay 1:0 Henry
The battle of the titans. I think it's fair to say that
Shay enjoys coming up against the best strikers and he
loves an old-fashioned battle with Henry who delivered
a superb volley to take Arsenal into the lead on the 27th
minute. But as Freddy Shepherd always says "Don't
start your celebrations too early, there's always still
Shay to get past, as Portsmouth discovered earlier this
season". Shay's Dad insisted it was on of the "best
reaction saves he seen Shay making". Well done Shay
and the importance and timing of the save was vital to
Newcastle's battle to take all three points from the Arsenal.
Shay in contract talks and definately
wants to stay at the TOON!
Shay says:
"In an ideal world, I would like to stay here,
there's no reason why I would want to leave. We will see
how Michael (Shay's agent) gets on, but I don't want to
finish my career without having won a trophy. I have said
that all along and it hasn't changed. It has got to be
right financially for myself and for my family. But there
are football issues as well and Michael will talk to the
chairman about that. I don't want to hang my gloves up
and think about what could have been or what should have
been. Michael is coming up on Saturday for the first meeting
and we will see how that goes.
Hopefully something good will come from it but I just
don't know at the minute." More here
from icNewcastle
Paul Gilder from the Journal says:
"Graeme Souness rates Given as the Premiership's
finest goalkeeper and persuading the Republic of Ireland
international to remain at St James's Park will be crucial
to his hopes of engineering a brighter future for a club
without a trophy in 36 years.
But, given United's history of underachievement, few would
blame Newcastle's number one were he to decide to further
his career elsewhere."
Shay says:
"Newcastle is in my blood. I feel my best years
are ahead of me and I would love to spend them here. I
don't want to leave. But we will have to see what happens.This
club is part of my life and it always will be, even when
I finish playing football. I'm not just saying that to
keep the fans on my side, I really mean it. But it hurts
me to see us in mid-table."
I think it's fair to says that it hurts Shay and everyone
connected with Newcastle Utd. to see them mid-table!
"There's only ONE Shay Given!"
Wigan 1:0 Newcastle
37min - "Shay Given has the massed ranks of Newcastle
fans singing his name for a brilliant piece of goalkeeping.
Albert Luque loses possession to Josip Skoko who feeds
Lee McCulloch. His low 25-yard drive is parried by the
United keeper, but with David Connolly looking certain
to net the rebound from close range, the Magpies' ace
pulls off a brilliant block. " Full
match stats
GUTTED!!! Shay
Shay was gutted in losing to Everton who're scrammbling
for their Premiership lives at the bottom of the table:
"We are hugely disappointed and gutted at losing
to Everton. They are struggling at the moment and we came
here looking for three points, and we are going away with
nothing. Yes, we should have had a penalty that would
have changed the whole game, but we didn't get it and
I do not know how we can put a positive spin on this game.
In fact, I do not think we played that well. We did OK
in the first half, but to be honest, we never got going
in the second when we were poor. And at the end of the
day, we lost to a team in the bottom three."
Press comments on Shay's performance in the Everton
1:0 defeat:
BBC: "Everton ended the game in total control,
with Given saving brilliantly from McFadden. McFadden
then saw another effort blocked in injury time, with Given
recovering miraculously to block two efforts from Tim
Cahill.." Full
match report here form the BBC
The SUN: "There was still time for Given to amazingly
keep out a 12-yarder from Cahill and the same midfielder's
close-range rebound as the hosts confirmed how much they
merited victory."
Souness says Shay's saves were vital!!
After Newcastle went one up, West Brom responded well
and only for a first-rate reaction block from Shay at
close range, it could have been an entirely different
game, a fact that Graham Souness is only too willing to
point out:
"We had a difficult ten minutes (after the break)
where Shay's had to make a great save. If he doesn't do
that at 1-0 it could have been a different game. From
that moment on we passed it well." Read
on full story here from icnewcastle
Scott Parker says "Shay's world class"
Scott Parker had to this to say:
"Maybe two years ago Newcastle would have been
2-0 down (against West Brom), but we have a world-class
goalkeeper in Shay (Given) and I help out with the back
four. Now you're seeing both sides of Newcastle."
Src.: icnewcastle
Tough week for Shay
It must have been a very tough week for Shay being knocked
out of the world cup and as he says himself "We were
just one goal away from the play-offs with Turkey, so
it wasn't a disaster but very very disappointing".
Then to have gotten beaten against Wigan 1:0 on Saturday
was surely another blow for Newcastle and Shay. That's
football isn't it, the sun shines bright a lot of the
time, but when it rains, oh does it pour down. Here's
hoping that things brigthen up again soon.
A fine display from Shay in our last game at Pompey
earned him his third consecutive club clean sheet and
he is now unbeaten in 347 minutes, since Brian McBride
profited from some comedy defending to net for Fulham.
The best run we can find for Shay during his United career
to date is a 425 minute spell, which included four consecutive
full shutouts and encompassed two seasons.
That run began with the final goal of a Michael Owen
treble at Anfield in May 2001, followed up by a 0-0 home
draw with Arsenal and a 3-0 success at St.James' against
Aston Villa on the final day of the season. Shay then
began the next season with a home and away shut out in
the Intertoto against the Belgians of Lokeren (4-0 and
1-0), before finally being beaten by 1860 Munich's Australian
forward Paul Agostino at the Olympic Stadium. As far as
Premiership games are concerned, Shay has to avoid conceding
within the first four minutes of the game at Wigan (assuming
he plays) to raise the bar on his own record of 350 minutes.
That was set in February 2003, when Shay was unbeaten
after Jermaine Defoe scored for West Ham at Upton Park
until Thierry Henry beat him at SJP for Arsenal.
In between Shay had played his part in helping us to
beat Manchester City 2-0 and Bolton 1-0 on Tyneside, as
well as record a 1-0 success at White Hart Lane.
PS - Shay also kept clean sheets in his last two internationals,
meaning that it's actually 527 minutes since anyone scored
against him in any game.
(when calculating these stats, all games are deemed to
have been 90 minutes in duration with no account made
for added time.) Src: NUFC.com:
Shay "Given" a standing ovation
It was an emotional end to Ireland's exit from Germany 2006
but the irish put their disappointment behind them at the
final whistle when Shay Given left the pitch. Leaving to
a chorus of "There's only ONE Shay Given", it
was enough to break anybodies heart, as everyone in the
ground knew, if anyone deserves to be in Germany next year,
then it's our very own Shay! Well done Shay, you did us
more than proud.
Newcastle put on a plane to bring the boys home!
"The chairman put on a small plane to bring Given
and Carr straight back from Dublin," said Souness.
"Emotionally they'll be down but physically we believe
they are all right. It's the same with Boumsong."
src: icnewcastle
The dream is over!
The dream of going to the World Cup 2006 is officially
over as Ireland failed to beat Switzerland last night.
Shay hadn't much to do but had to make a great save in
the second-half in a one-on-one situation. What a shame.
Germany was looking forward to 30,000 irish making their
way over next summer!
He's been brilliant! Dunne
Manchester City defender Richard Dunne, who was indebted
to Given after giving away the penalty at the GSP Stadium,
underlined the importance of the 29-year-old to the team.
"He's been brilliant, and over the last two years
has established himself as probably the best keeper in
Europe," said Dunne." Src.: icnewcastle
Shay will be FIT to play!!!
Shay sustained a kick in the foot while playing in a
five-a-side practice match yesterday but WILL be FIT to
face Switzerland on Wednesday night. Thank God for that!
Shay receives recognition for doing
a great job against Cyprus
What Shay said:
""I had watched some videos of Cyprus and
checked who took their penalties but it wasn't Okkas and
I was surprised when he stood up. But I managed to get
a left-hand on the ball and thankfully deflected it outside."
We did not play well, especially in the first half,
and we gave the ball away too easily and didn't create
many chances. That said our defenders managed to get in
some great blocks and I managed to make a few saves as
well. The good thing is we are going home with three points
after getting the result we needed and it sets us up for
Wednesday."
What the press said:
"With Ireland's supporters hushed behind him, Given,
so often our outstanding player, dived to his right and
palmed Okkas's kick away. The Irish crowd roared. If the
goal hadn't eased the nerves, perhaps the save might.
It didn't. Ireland were sloppy for the rest of the half
with Given saving twice within the next ten minutes."
"Cyprus were entertaining, Okkas turning Dunne
brilliantly and, minutes later, trying to chip Given.
Ireland's 'keeper again protected the lead with an outstanding
save."
SHAY GIVEN: Ireland would be out of the World Cup if
it wasn't for the string of excellent saves that the Newcastle
goalkeeper made over the 90 minutes to save the blushes
of his team-mates. 9 out of 10 points >>> Man
of the Match! (Scr. Irish
Independant)
Kenny Cunningham (Irish Captain:)
"We
wouldn't trade Shay. We really wouldn't. He's the best
around. He gives great confidence to a back four. When
you talk about a great keeper, you tend to talk about
great presence. People normally associate that with somebody
of six foot four, someone of huge physical presence.
Shay may not be that six foot four, but he has a great
presence. His shot-stopping is second to none. His decision-making
is fantastic. As a centre-half you know that, with anything
big, he's going to come out the back and clean up behind
you.
Not only tonight, but in big games in the past, he's
come up trumps for us. And we've got to make sure that
penalty save tonight really counts for something, by getting
three points on Wednesday." (Src: Irish
Independant)
Or the Irish Independant's Vincent Hogan:
"Five times in that first-half, Given produced
saves that fluttered on the edges of divinity. He was
busier than Noah in the flood."
"Ironically, Brian Kerr's (Irish Manager) one moment
of visible animation arrived, midway through the half,
in the form of a rebuke to Given for a mis-placed clearance.
It was like John Wayne getting grief from the sheriff
whose hide he's trying to save."
Ireland keep hopes of qualifying alive
Shay did more than his share of getting Ireland through
a tense 0:1 victory over Cypurs saving a penalty superbly
and adding a host of other world-class saves to keep a
lively Cyprus team at bay and keep Ireland in with a fighting
chance of beating Switzerland next wednesday at Landsdown
Road. Well done Shay.
We've tried to collect as much rave reviews and quotes
as possible from Shay'y performance against Portsmouth
on Saturday last. Here's a selection:
Freddie Shepherd (Newcastle Utd. PLC Chairman,
source: The Sun)
"When Shay made those two saves from the lad Taylor,
Milan Mandaric and his directors were on their feet because
they thought they had scored. But we just smiled as if
nothing out of the ordinary had happened — yet this
was not the case. To pull off two saves like that in the
space of 30 seconds was truly remarkable — it was
world-class stuff.”
Alan Shearer - nufc.co.uk
"They had the better chances, and Shay was magnificent
for us. He made two or three fantastic saves and had it
not been for his performance it could have been a different
story for us.
Shay's glad that old Newcastle colleagues
are OUT of Portsmouth match
Shay is happy not to have to face Lua Lua or Robert against
Portsmouth saying:
"Robert is very dangerous from free-kicks especially
and Lua Lua always pulls a few tricks out of the hat too,
so we're glad not to have to face them on Saturday".
Things are starting to look up for Newcastle with encouraging
wins against Blackburn and Man City at home on Saturday.
Shay played his part in both games saving well against
a "Savage" free-kick at Blackburn at saving
point-blank with his left foot in the opening stages of
the Man City game on Saturday. As Newcastle boss Graham
Souness said himself:
"I think he deserves a special mention for the
save he made in the first couple of minutes of the game
- the one from Sibierski where he's got a header in, and
stopped it with his leg, or his foot.
That kept us very much alive at that time, and was the
basis for us to go on and play so well in the first half.
He deserves a special mention, because it's easy to forget
that."
Or John Gibson's comments from the Evening Chronicle
give also credit to Shay's performance against City:
"The Mags also won because Shay Given is quite
the best keeper we've had in many years and he provided
evidence yet again with a great one-footed stop from an
Antoine Sibierski header only six yards out as Newcastle
marked atrociously on a right-wing free-kick."
"If we can keep the top stars fit, the owens, the
shearers, the emre's, the parkers, the boumsongs, the
Givens, then we could definately be in with a crack at
winning something! It's a BIG IF though considering Chelsea
could lose their entire first 11 starting players and
you would hardly notice a weakened team with the squad
they have! But such is life. We have to get on with it,
and try and produce the goods this season. Howay the lads!s
15,000 Geordies say "WELCOME TO THE TOON MICHAEL"
If any player needs any encouragement to join Newcastle
Utd. they just have to take a look at the 15,000 Geordies
who showed up to welcome him to the ground this afternoon.
Totally overwhelmed Owen said
""When I came down the tunnel I could hear
the noise, then when I got out onto the pitch it was unbelievable.
I must admit I had a lump in my throat.
"I knew this club had a passionate following, and
that turnout just proves that. Hopefully I can give the
fans a lot to shout about, if that noise was made by just
one end of the ground then I cannot wait to hear it when
it is full!"
Well it's amazing. Doom and gloom after just one point
from 4 games, now Michael Owen one of the best strikers
in the world signs for Newcastle second from the bottom
of the Premiership. Things are looking up folks. A Sunderland
fan Michael Bland had emailed me saying "The only
way Newcastle will score if they play Shay up front!".
A day later and he's saying "What a signing for Newcastle".
We're the envy of England this morning!
BoumSONG "Off-TOON" as Newcastle suffer
another POINTless afternoon at St. James!
One day our headline will read "BoumSONG sings a
defiant tune" but yesterday it was unfortunately
"off-TOON" for the 52,000 Toon Army. As always
"there's always positives to take from Newcastle's
performance", but it's nevertheless 1 point from
4 games and leaves them 1 point above Sunderland also
at the bottom of the Premiership. Tough times for the
North-East, with Middlesbrough getting thrased at home
by 3 Charlton goals. Hmmm, it can only get better! Surely
not any worse, please!
Well, it was never going to be easy at the Reebok Stadium,
especially with Newcastle short on firepower, but there
was the hope of Shola Amoebi's return to the fray maybe
making the difference on the night which certainly wasn't
to be. Newcastle could've gotten a goal early on from
Lee Bowyer, but it was the experience of Gary Speed heading
it off the line that must have lifted Bolton and given
them the necessary incentive to take the game to Newcastle
which they certainly did. In fairness to Newcastle, it
probably doesn't help the team with all the fuss around
Michael Owen's transfer reluctance, etc. but nevertheless
it's a battle on for Newcastle facing the red devils at
home on Sunday.
Newcastle expecting their first three points of the season
against a newly promoted West Ham side were left frustrated
and berated having West Ham hold on for a draw despite going
down to 10-men, something that Newcastle couldn't do at
Arsenal a week prior. A big problem seems to be lack of
fire-power, with Alan Shearer as lone striker, it seems
a lot of teams could come to St. James and hold for a point.
Newcastle dealt bitter blow at Highbury with Shay
outstanding
Newcastle deserved at least a point from the game but
football rarely gives you what you deserve. The sending
off of Jenas ultimately decided Newcastle's fate with
Shay doing his reputation at Arsenal no harm with a great
game between the posts denying Arsenal on several occasions.
What the press said about Shay:
The Sun:
"The excellent Given just failed to stop Henry's
spot-kick before Van Persie wrapped up the points."
giving him an 8 rating with Parker just pipping him for
the "Dream Team Star Man".
The Chronicle:
"Given was in commanding form between the United
posts, helping Arsenal frustrations to mount."
With Deportivo having a 2:1 lead from the first leg,
it's up to Newcastle tonight to prove their worth by getting
a vital home goal and Shay keeping a cleansheet:
Shay: We know what we have to do. One goal is enough
for us to win it. We know we have the players in our side
to get goals, but if that goal doesn't come until the
90th minute then so be it.
We have to approach the game correctly, we cannot go
all out from the start because we saw in the first leg
that they have the players who can catch us on the break.
It will be a tough game, there's no doubt about that.
But hopefully we can turn it around and go through, because
we all know what's at stake.
We need to be playing European football and this is
a back door route into the UEFA Cup, so we have to try
and take advantage of it."
Shay has still 2 years left on his current contract and
sees no reason to renew things too fast:
Shay: "I have two years left on my deal and, so
far, the club have not offered me a new one. We will have
to see where this season takes us and I will look at the
situation again. But I have to say I am in no mad rush
to sign a new contract at Newcastle."
Shay sounds a little concerned with the lack of players
coming in compared to the amount going out:
"We have sold six players and brought in three
so anyone can do the maths and see we are short,"
I think everyone will agree with Shay that Newcastle
still need to bolster their squad if they are to keep
up with the best next season. But the transfer window
isn't closed yet, so anythings still possible.
Shay pulls off a superb reflex save against Deportivo
From the Chronicle:
"While Depor were bringing off some of their best
attacking players, United threw on Chopra and switched
to 4-4-2. The next goalkeeper called into action, though,
was Given as he produced an outstanding reflex stop. Castro
was in the six yard box when he deflected Munitis's shot
goalwards but the Irishman was equal to it and got his
reward when team-mate Steven Taylor was first to the rebound.
Given made a fantastic save on 73 minutes when Munitis'
effort clipped off Castro, but despite being wrong-footed
the Irishman got down to block the shot and Taylor hacked
the ball away to safety.
Shay confident that Newcastle can get the players
they need!
"Since the chairman has been at the club, he's
been wonderful in the sense that he's always put his money
where his mouth is and always backed the manager. I'm
sure it'll be no different this time and, come the start
of the season, we'll have a strong squad of players."
Full story here
Newcastle take an away goal back to St. James
Newcastle playing with a young team with not too much
experience managed to wrestle a 2:1 defeat and a vital
away goal from Lee Bowyer out of a tough tie with Deportivo.
Newcastle glided to a 5:1 on aggregate victory over Dubnica
at St. James park with Shay making the occassional save.
Newcastle had to be patient till Alan Shearer secured
a 2:0 victory with 2 well-taken headers. Match report
here
Shay's back in business!
Shay will return to Newscastle's Intertoto Cup side against
Dubnica (Slovakia) in Tuesday night's second round tie
at St. James park accompanied by Jermaine Jenas, Lee Bowyer
and Stephen Carr. Read full story here
17-year old Dutch Goalkeeper signs
Tim Krul signed from Den Haag, is regarded as one of
the top young keepers in Holland and the natural successor
to Edwin van der Sar when he retires from international
football after the World Cup in Germany next summer. He
also hopes to be challenging for a first-team place in
a couple of years saying:
"I am hoping to start off in the Reserves and then
make progress into the first team and in a couple of years
I am looking to be challenging for a first-team place.
But I know this is not going to be easy because Shay Given
is such a fantastic goalkeeper."
The holidays are over and Shay is back in Newcastle getting
back to full fitness, and looking forward to the new season's
campaign:
Back ONLINE!
Sorry folks, we were offline temporarily for a few days
due to us changing webservers for the new season! Only
the best and all that! :-) Oh, by the way, isn't it great
to see Shay stay a Newcastle player despite all the rumours.
Relief all round, but as Shay said yesterday himself:
"As far as I'm concerned, it's just people trying
to sell papers, but it's football and part and parcel
of the game, it doesn't bother me at all".
Souness puts rumours about Shay to bed
Graham Souness was quick to put out the fire surrounding
his 2 goalkeepers for next season saying:
"I don't know why these stories have kept appearing
because we have absolutely no interest in selling either
of our two goalkeepers. We're very happy with the pair
of them. Shay has been linked with moves all summer and,
according to some, he was definitely off to Manchester
United a few weeks ago.
But I'd spoken to Sir Alex Ferguson and I knew they were
not interested in him so I had no worries about that.
Now they've signed Edwin van der Sar and people have finally
stopped talking about Shay going elsewhere. We have not
had a single enquiry for Shay all summer and even if we
did have one, we wouldn't sell. He is under contract with
us and we are not interested in losing one of our best
players. Shay has not intimated to me that he wants to
leave and we fully expect both our goalkeepers to still
be at Newcastle United next season."
Like we've said all along, it's just Newspapers stirring
up rumours to sell their wares. Shay is a proud adopted
Geordie and wants to win silverware with Newcastle. Let's
hope they can do it next year. More here
Papers say Newcastle rejected 6m bid from Man Utd.
for Shay
The irish press maintain that Newcastle Utd. turned down
a bid of 6 million for Shay and were wanting 10 million
for Newcastle's ace goalkeeper. Well done Freddie Shepherd!
Great relief for Shay and the irish squad
It was relief alround after Ireland got the valuable
three points against a well drilled Faroe Islands defence.
Shay had a couple of saves to make with Gerry McDermott
commenting:
Given produced a superb save on 70 minutes when he tipped
a 25-yard shot from Lakjuni onto his left-hand post and
out for a corner.
So well done Shay and Ireland for now topping the group
and keeping the hopes of a World Cup alive.
Steve Harper off to Celtic?
It's rumoured that Gordon Strachan has Steve Harper in
his sights according to the journal. He has a gentleman's
agreement allowing him to leave Newcastle if any club
comes in with a bid of over 1 Million. Full story here
Thanks From Chelsea!
NUFC this week received the following letter from Chelsea
supporter Dave Spicer, from Bristol. I thought it was
so encouraging that I wanted to honour the Newcastle fans
by having it on Shay-Given.com aswell:
To whom it may concern, this is a short Thank You. I
am a Chelsea season ticket holder and I was at the last
game of the season at Newcastle. I would like to congratulate
the Newcastle players and all the Newcastle fans for the
respect and great ovation they gave the Chelsea team onto
the pitch. This was great to witness, and it was the complete
opposite of the way the team were received by Manchester
United fans a few days before. This just showed me and
others what sort of club Newcastle and their fans are.
A big well done, and good luck next season.
Dave Spicer - Stockwood Bristol
That's the plea from former irish international Liam
O'Brien saying:
"Shay's a fantastic goalkeeper, and I know him
well, and there's been a lot of speculation about him
going here, there and everywhere. He's one of the best,
if not the best, goalkeeper in the Premiership, and has
been for some time. You can see why other clubs might
be interested, but it would be nice if he could stay at
Newcastle and help them win something."
"We are angry that we threw a two goal lead away
but we can still qualify for the World Cup even if it's
now that little bit more difficult. There are some big
games to come, especially at home but if we play like
we did in the second half on Saturday, especially with
the chances we created, on another day, we will score.
Three points, and no less, is a must tomorrow night. It's
going to be a tough game, no doubt about that. There's
not much margin for error from now on."
Barcelona the latest club touted!
Barcelona are the latest line of clubs "apparently"
keen to bring Shay away from Newcastle Utd. but it's just
"paper talk" to Shay. See source from teamtalk
here. We at Shay-Given.com think it's very flattering
for Shay and should be for Newcastle fans too, having
their goalkeeper touted with the big names in football,
but we want to stress once again that it's just in Shay's
words "paper talk".
No, he's not going into a career in acting unlike his
opposite opponent in the Israeli goal last Saturday, but
is playing the role of Godfather to the irish squad in
this years International Danone Nations Cup Final in Lyon,
France this September ... more infos here
from soccercentral.ie
At least one rumour put to bed folks!
Everyone was terrified that Shay was off to Old Trafford.
Okay I got quite a few mails from Man Utd. fans begging
Shay to come, etc. but it was never going to happen. They
can't afford a keeper of Shay's quality! :-) and Newcastle
wouldn't sell him anyway! My opinion (for what it's worth)
is that Shay will spend his career as a magpie. He loves
the club, the fans, the city and desperately wants to
be on the back of a black n' white double decker bus in
Newcastle!
Actors should be banned!
The Israeli goalkeeper should be fined and banned from
football for up to at least 12 months for his performance
in getting Andy O'Brien sent off. He was at it the whole
match and finally succeeded in getting someone off the
pitch. I think it makes a joke out of soccer. BAN this
actor and send him off the circus!
Tough test for Ireland and Shay
Ireland need to win against Israel on Saturday and it's
going to be no picnic. Robbie Keane comments that:
“It’s going to be a tough game. They’ve
certainly done well over the games. As we know, they’re
up there for a reason. The table doesn’t lie. We’ve
played all the teams and now we’ve got the big teams
at home. Every game, we want to win. This is just as big
as Switzerland and France and we’re not going into
thinking it will be any easier. We’ll be patient
— we’re not going to go into the game trying
to win it in the first 20 minutes. It’s 90 minutes
and we’ll have to be patient.
Israel will be missing key central defender Tal Ben Haim
of Bolton Wanderers and former Wimbledon midfielder Waleed
Badir through suspension but Keane pointed out that the
loss of Stephen Carr and Roy Keane will be just as significant
to Ireland.
“They’re probably saying the same about
us because of Roy and Stephen. They’ll miss those
players but take nothing away from them, they still got
great players in their side.”
That's Michael Martin's (Editor True Faith Fanzine) warning
to Newcastle Utd.'s board of management to "not sell
their best players". He says (from the Evening Chronicle):
"Whilst we had a brief period where we thought
the club had seen the light in the memorable era of Kevin
Keegan's Newcastle United playing days in the mid-80s,
the club reverted to type and flogged off the fruits of
a Geordie generation: Waddle, Beardsley and Gascoigne
all joining clubs which had more ambition, drive and vision
than NUFC. The sale of that trio was followed by the inevitable
march to relegation and the money spent on replacements
was largely squandered, resulting in another depressing
era for the club in the late 80s and early 90s under Jim
Smith and Ossie Ardiles. All of these thoughts came to
mind on Friday night when we heard the news that Man Utd
had released blunder-prone goalie Roy Carroll from the
Old Trafford payroll. It wasn't long before texts and
mobile phone calls between Newcastle supporters were buzzing
and the subject of this excitement was obvious: Shay Given.
Man Utd are in the market for a new keeper and, like Arsenal,
cannot have failed to notice the lad from Donegal,
who has established himself as one of the best 'keepers
in Europe. Indeed, he is the best goalkeeper many of us
have ever seen in a lifetime supporting Newcastle United.
He should be a player ready to enter the pantheon of truly
great players to have served NUFC. But...
The lad would not be human if he had not observed the
morass around him at NUFC and wondered whether his career
would not be better served elsewhere.
We are all far too long in the tooth to imagine there
are such notions of loyalty or that a professional could
feel the same way about a club as supporters do. Players,
and their agents, make decisions about where they go based
on money and how a club will progress their career.
I genuinely believe Shay is looking at his career and
the state of the club, about which he has already made
some withering comments in the media, and contemplating
his future.
We hear that Freddy Shepherd and Graeme Souness will be
ready to fight to keep our beloved keeper at the club.
Forgive me for my cynicism, but Shay is our most saleable
asset and the club is keen to raise money to bring in
new players."
So the question is "Will Newcastle "kee the
faith" with Shay? Your thoughts here
to the webmaster please.
Man Utd. have been connected with almost every goalkeeper
and their Granny since they let go of Roy Carroll last
week, and it's no surprise that Newcastle's fans player
of the Year Shay gets his share of the rumours:
United in chase for £6million Given
Sir Alex Ferguson will launch a £6million bid to
prise Shay Given away from Newcastle and make him Manchester
United's first-choice goalkeeper. Fergie has identified
Newcastle keeper Given as the man he wants as his new
No.1 after United's shock decision to release last week's
FA Cup final keeper Roy Carroll on a free transfer. Carroll
was shown the Old Trafford exit door after turning down
the offer of a new deal. Given has two years left on his
contract and United believe the Newcastle board will find
it hard to turn down a bid, even though publicly they
say he's not for sale. Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd
made similar assurances to fans over Jonathan Woodgate,
only for the defender to join Real Madrid for £13m.
United are hoping a deal can be completed by the time
they leave for their Far East tour on July 21.
Staff reporter, Daily Mirror
The best compliment on the Man Utd. board came from Matthew
Miles who said:
"Shay Given is the only goalkeeper which is the
total package."
That's our sentiments exactly and all the more reason
for Newcastle NOT to sell Shay! :-)
Another comment of the Man Utd. message board from Satya
Vellan:
"I think we need an additional Goalkeeper? Fergie,
please buy Newcastle gk Shay given ... He is the right
person: Experienced, disciplined, acrobatic ... I'm 100%
convinced that he will play 4 us if the right offer made
... There are no better keepers than him to play
4 man utd. Buy Shay Given! Believe me he is better than
Peter Cezh."
Arsenal gunning for Shay?
Today the Evening Chronicle is saying that Arsene Wenger's
after Shay if he doesn't get his first choice Cudicini
from Chelsea. Well I've got an even better one lads, yesterday
in Irish papers it's being said that Sir Alex is aiming
for Buffon for over 30 million but if he doesn't get him
he's also after Shay! :-) It's all just talk. Shay will
be a magpie next season. Full story from the Chronicle
here
Rumours are running rife again! :-)
It's always humurous to hear the latest rumour concerning
Shay, but the latest is definately close to hilarious.
It's rumoured that (according to sources connected with
nufc.com) that Newcastle will sell Shay to Man Utd. and
replace him with Sporting Lisbon's Ricardo, Portugal's
number one in exchange for Hugo Vianna. It's great entertainment!
:-) but before you start emailing me asking if it's true
etc. I think it's fair to say "unless some big club
offers silly money this summer, Shay will remain a proud
magpie!
Back to work on the 22nd of June?
Considering Shay has to play internationals at the end
of the Premiership, it leaves him getting off work on
the 9th of June with the Faroe Islands game on the evening
of the 8th of June in the Faroe Islands, so Shay will
be really ready to go on holiday probably earliest on
the 10th giving him a 12 day break! This isn't Shay's
opinion here but I feel he needs and deserves a bigger
break than that. Here's for 3 weeks off! :-)
Shay's one of the unsung HEROES of the Premiership!
According to television and radio pundit Rodney Marsch,
Shay is one of Newcastle's and the Premiership's unsung
heroes just like Solano and Speed were before they were
bizarely off-loaded as "surplus-requirements".
Marsch said of Shay:
"He rarely keeps a clean sheet and he plays behind
one of the least reliable defences in the country but
the Irishman somehow manages to maintain a remarkably
high standard week in week out."
We think Shay maintains that standard because he wants to
be up there amoung the great goalkeepers of his time when
his playing career is over and he "never stops learning"
which means he never stops "improving his game".
It's the least the Geordie fans deserve. More here
from the Evening Chronicle
Sorry!
Sorry folks for the site being down over the weekend.
We were testing a new software to allow more editors on
site and there was a glitch in the testing phase shutting
the start page down. But we're back up again.
"Nobody said it was going to be
easy!"
To see that an understrength Newcastle team came away
from Old Trafford surprised not to take anything away
from the game is credit to the youngsters involved. Shay
was beaten for the opening goal by a spectacular volley
from Wayne Rooney but should Shola Amoebi have done better
for the second one? It's not really his strength is it?
Shay staying at Newcastle
With all the rumours starting to gain momentum regarding
players leaving Newcastle and players coming in, Shay
has made a statement planting his heart firmly in Newcastle:
"I fully expect to still be a Newcastle United
player next season, I've got two years left on my contract
and I want to be here for at least that length of time.
I suppose I anticipate a summer of speculation linking
with me with moves away, but I don't see it as anything
more than paper talk. Unless somebody tells me otherwise,
I'll be a Newcastle player next season.
It looks as though there are going to be some major
changes in the summer. I've not got a clue who we're going
to buy, but I think it's obvious the areas we need to
strengthen. The manager already has an idea of the players
he wants to bring in and I want to be a part of what he
is trying to do. He will bring some new faces in and I'm
looking forward to joining up with them when we return
for pre-season training."
In fairness to Shay, he played well. I loved the way
the came out like an "ice-hockey" goalkeeper
to block that certain goal just before half-time keeping
Newcatle in the game. He looked like Oliver Khan in the
last world cup when Ireland played Germany. Ollie Khan
would pounce like a cat on top of poor Robbie Keane's
goal attempts blocking every one and frustrating the life
out of the irish squad. It was the same world cup which
Khan received the "best goalkeeper of the tournament"
title. Maybe Shay will be known as the cat if he keeps
it up. I'm sure the Newcastle fans will encourage him
to POUNCE at Old Trafford on Sunday! :-)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO SHAY
Yes, it's Shay's birthday today and the best complement
of all must have come from the fans website nufc.com
saying: "Shay Given ... A rare commodity in the Newcastle
dressing room - a top class player and seemingly a top
class individual. Long may he stand between our goalposts."
Tough times for the Toon!
It'll be tough to go to training tomorrow without the
Final of the FA Cup to look forward to or the Semi-final
of the UEFA Cup, but such is life being a Newcastle fan
at the moment.
A tough pill to swallow
Shay might've swallowed some anti-inflammatories to play
against the Portugese, but the most difficult thing to
swallow must have been 4 goals hitting his net after leading
0:1 through an outstanding Kieron Dyer. Knowing Shay though,
he'll be up for the Manchester Utd. game on Sunday as
if they just returned from Portugal crowned European Champions.
Rock on Shay.
"Shay can grow a new muscle!"
Steve Harper "With Shay, you can never rule him
out. Shay could even grow another muscle by Thursday and
recover - he has done things like that in the past. They
don't call him Lazarus for no reason".
We're hoping that Shay can grow another muscle this week
instead of missing the 2 biggest games in Newcastle's recent
history. Full story here
from nufc.co.uk
Shay's hoping to play!
There's no doubts about Shay willingness and drive to
play against SPORTING Lisbon, but will his hip injury
ease up in time for Thursday's clash? Would it be better
to try and make the FA CUP Semi-Final on Sunday against
Man Utd. instead? Here's
a picture of Shay on the SUN's website of him looking
cool in his shades with a very determined look on his
face. As Steve Harper would tell you "Never rule
out Lazerus". :-)
"Shay's on the plane"
Shay has been on the treatment table since last Thursdays
SPORTING Lisbon clash and is taking 'Anti-Inflammatories'
in a rush against the clock to be fit for what he decribes
as the "2 biggest games at the club for a long time".
Full story here
from nufc.co.uk
Tough day in London
Tottenham 1:0 Newcastle
Steve Harper had a harsh baptism in this year's Premiership
losing against a dominating Spurs outfit after a kick-out
210
Euros for Diesel costs to transport toys, shoes, socks,
clothes to needy orphans in the Ukraine.The money went
DIRECTLY and entirely to DHHN here in Germany 
Shay:
"To receive any award is nice, but when you are honoured
by your fellow professionals who you play against week
in, week out, it is a tremendous accolade. I was proud
and honoured to be named in the Team of the Year - and
it was quite a team! I have been happy with the way my
form has been over the season, I feel I've been playing
well, but it's not for me to say whether this is the best
season I've had. I was named in the Team of the Year a
couple of seasons back, and all you do as a goalkeeper,
or as any player, is to try and keep on improving your
game. Hopefully I've done that, and to be chosen in the
team means I must be doing something right."