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.
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91 responses so far ↓
1 broon ale // Jun 11, 2008 at 13:52
sod 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!
2 liamtoonbirchy // Jun 11, 2008 at 13:52
keep him
3 HeronMag // Jun 11, 2008 at 13:54
Keep him.
4 broon ale // Jun 11, 2008 at 13:56
Ed 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!
5 Punk Skunk // Jun 11, 2008 at 13:59
Apparently!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!..
…Well if gordon is worth £9m?????????????..
6 Ed Harrison // Jun 11, 2008 at 13:59
It’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.
7 Erichero // Jun 11, 2008 at 13:59
This 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.
8 Punk Skunk // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:00
Arlreet broonale,
y’not on y’own there bro’!..
…He’s a mackem!..Does it get any worse?..
9 HeronMag // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:00
broon ale.
You’re not the only one mate.
10 Davies // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:01
Keep him.
11 Davies // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:01
Better 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.
12 Punk Skunk // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:03
Ed, 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?..
13 Punk Skunk // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:04
Top comment Davies!..
14 Bill F SPLASH THE CASH ASH // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:04
You 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.
15 broon ale // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:05
i 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
16 HeronMag // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:05
I’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!
17 Danish_Magpie // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:06
Straight swap for Bendtner and Traore
So, in all seriousness, keep him.
18 THELONGSHANKS // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:06
Keep shay still years left in him and he deserves silverware b4 he leaves the toon.Krul not ready yet.
19 The Entertainers // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:06
@ 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!
20 Punk Skunk // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:07
Aye Bill, but if he has to warm their bench, he’ll whine like a mamaluke!..
21 51times // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:07
Punk Skunk - His birthday is in November, but you’re right about the Fairs Cup.
22 broon ale // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:08
punk 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!
23 Bill F SPLASH THE CASH ASH // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:09
Are we talking about Alan Oliver OBE, (Order of Bloo*y Ediots.) Best I could think of at moment any one else do better?
24 broon ale // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:10
entertainers. its probably due to the bed he made for himself. like you say.
25 Punk Skunk // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:10
Anal O-Lover= Doom Monger!..
26 Bill F SPLASH THE CASH ASH // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:16
Punk 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.
27 broon ale // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:17
even 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.
28 dick // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:17
the 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
29 chris // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:18
id love it if shay came to arsenal,
as an irish guy i think he has to move on
30 Ericles // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:18
I 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.
31 Jim // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:18
Look 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.
32 Rich // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:21
Would rather keep him but Mcgregor is a good keeper, depending on the money!
33 Tim Bouffler // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:24
Shay Given is pasted it.
34 broon ale // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:28
jim, i also heard the mail have links to the toon
35 Tim Bouffler // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:29
I love Kevin Keegan
36 Punk Skunk // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:29
broonale,
OMGosh!..EEEK!..
…I’d keep me head down if i was her!..
37 Petworth (DC) Mag // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:30
If 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
38 Bill F SPLASH THE CASH ASH // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:31
Dick 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.
39 craig chisholm // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:31
sell everyone.
40 broon ale // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:33
awfull innit
41 51times // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:34
Digard is having a medical at Boro according to Sky Sports.
42 James // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:34
Barton’s Agent has just said if the club sacks Barton, then Barton is going to take us to court!!!
I mean for **** sake! This scum needs shooting let alone sacking!
43 Punk Skunk // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:34
@ Bill F,
aye i knew they were fighters, maybe a warcry then?..
…But i was thinkin’ ‘Mean Streets’: “he called me a Mook…What’s a Mook?..
…I dunno, a mook, a mamaluke!?!..
44 broon ale // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:38
digard having a madical at boro.
45 broon ale // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:38
i meant medical.
once again sluggish in the transfer market
46 Nick Dryden // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:40
Krul’s outstanding performance against Palermo was nearly 2 year ago now. Krul was absolutely sensational that night. With Harper, Forster and Soderberg why do we need yet another keeper. Personally I would be quite happy to get £3-4m for Given and save another huge wage.
Shay hasn’t been the same for a while now and I’d much rather we had Krul as Harper’s cover, rather than buy a Scottish keeper.
47 Jim // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:40
Broon ale…
I think Ashley has an ‘arrangement’ with the mail. It’s sh*te that the Journal and Chronicle can’t do anything except echo the Mail but there you go. Time for them to do some real journalism.
Remember after the summit meeting and the Mail broke the ‘rumours’? A lot of people are regarding those as facts now. The clearout seems to back it up too.
Now they have the Milner story and before that the Barton ultimatum. Did they break Mort’s step down too?
Ashley’s turned his back on the local media.
48 steven1979 // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:42
Arda on board tonight..at least i can watch tonight a good match..after yesterdays Greece-sweden..it was the most boring match ever..
i really hope KK watchs tonight Arda too..and tomorrow a little bit action in the transfer market..
49 toonjon // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:43
HOPE THIS IS TRUE.
I have just heard reliable rumours that newcasle have put in a 10mill bid for gomis and he will begin talks after the euros and with the board wanting young players in at newcastle he is perfect. also aimar has agreed terms as has the spanish duo silva and marchena of valencia. keegan also keen on turan and zigic with a possible huge swoop lined up for either deco or quaresma!!!
50 Punk Skunk // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:43
broonale,
you were right 1st time bro’…MADical!..
51 moza // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:45
oliver just makes stories up he’s got no inside information into the club since ffs left, the comicals a joke now
52 broon ale // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:51
tonjon. whats your source
53 toonjon // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:55
its just from skysports mesaage board. so im thinking its a load of sh*te. but u never know.
54 James // Jun 11, 2008 at 14:58
Deco is not coming - he gave an interview yesterday saying he will only go to Inter Milan or Chelsea (who have both bid)
I was very sceptical of the Gomis deal at first, but the more I read about it from the French media, it sounds like Newcastle will not take no for an answer and will sign him up no matter what. And yes I too heard that we have been given permission to speak to him after the Euros
Let’s hope France get knocked out early!
55 Craig Allen // Jun 11, 2008 at 15:00
Hope it’s bull and that we’re keeping Given.
56 Leo // Jun 11, 2008 at 15:04
swap him with Armand Traore he looks a great prospect
maybe a bit of money too or another player like denilson
57 bob marley // Jun 11, 2008 at 15:09
IMO I would let him go as i think that steve is a much better keeper also we have krul and the sweedish keeper who are both ment to an insperation to watch let him go GET MORE MONEY !!!!!!!!!
58 Jim // Jun 11, 2008 at 15:10
If transfer rumours are your thing…
http://www.football-rumours.com
Full of supposedly well sourced gossip and wild speculation. Good for a laugh if nothing else.
59 HeronMag // Jun 11, 2008 at 15:12
A L A N O L I V E R =
ANAL OR VILE
60 Ian // Jun 11, 2008 at 15:18
He is good but I would sell him, we hang on to players too long and that includes Shearer, get some money in to re-invest in the club, we are so short of goals in the midfield and defense it is terrible, if we dont fix that we are going nowhere.
Looks like we may sell Carroll all for that sale too.
61 micepie // Jun 11, 2008 at 15:24
I don’t mind us losing Given so much now that the idea has settled in, though surely an excellent opportunity to get an Arsenal player in exchange?
What’s with the Carroll rumours though? What would be the point in selling him??
62 Punk Skunk // Jun 11, 2008 at 15:26
Well, we either hang on to players too long or not long enough!!!..Der!..
63 craig chisholm // Jun 11, 2008 at 15:35
how come we are selling carrol though. its on the news now that he;s on his way out to derby or norwich etc. i thought he was the sort of thing mort and co have been dripping on about, cheap as fcuk, young and potential. just see we have put a price tag of 8 million on milner too notto mention barton now going for def and given going aswell. didnt keegan just the other week say he was keeping all his squad ha ha. chrsit man. dont get me wrong, i dont mind most of them going but the fact that we have signed no-one is ridiculous. has anyone done the rounds through each club yet to see which clubs have signed or pre-signed players. i bet there are a fair few deals in place already. we have signed no-one i know but i bet we have released and sold the most though eh!! i just keep hoping for a sign, anything to show me that my gut instinct is wrong, that we are not owned and run by knobheads. none ofthis is justifying my 12% increase in season ticket this year either!!!
64 Ashton // Jun 11, 2008 at 15:41
sell him
65 rlw // Jun 11, 2008 at 15:49
hopefully bye bye given
66 ronaldeano // Jun 11, 2008 at 15:50
@Broon Ale,
as you know, I hate the man with a passion also for all the crap he writes. In fact i will slap him with a couple of rolled up comicals if i see him!
67 moza // Jun 11, 2008 at 16:00
al second that ronaldeano, the mans a muppet and that comment isn’t wide of the mark
68 Midjew // Jun 11, 2008 at 16:03
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_3677135,00.html
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_3677815,00.html
Looks like we’ve missed ANOTHER 2 Targets.
and one of them to MIDDLESBOROUGH!!! GREAT!
69 broon ale // Jun 11, 2008 at 16:06
ha ha.. wide of the mark!
he always says that,
70 Hadji // Jun 11, 2008 at 16:07
Craig Crisholm…I agree with you on this one,the way things are going so far we’ll be shoulder to shoulder with Hull City.
How come when it comes to selling players the Geek Squad acts so fast but when it comes to buying they are hiding like rats in their holes.
71 broon ale // Jun 11, 2008 at 16:08
craig chisolm. where are you getting this info from?
72 ende // Jun 11, 2008 at 16:12
We aint GIVEN up GIVEN!!!
73 Midjew // Jun 11, 2008 at 16:14
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_3677684,00.html
Here is the article about Carrol Leaving MAYBE, but not much on it really
74 Nick C // Jun 11, 2008 at 16:17
I saw him(ALAN Oliver) in M&S a few weeks ago. He really is a proper ugly get.
Regarding Shay, he has been a good and sometimes great keeper for NUFC, however he has two major weaknesses. 1. His size and 2. His command of the penalty box. As a shot stopper there have been few better over the last decade, but am I the only one who feels he has never been the same since Marlon Harewood knacked him a couple of years back?
Steve Harper is certainly as good as him and the lads coming through are all giants with great reputations. I would take the 4 mill.
Now for those signings!!!
75 Hadji // Jun 11, 2008 at 16:20
So much from Digard,well at least he’ll be in the neighbourhood.
76 Tom_Toon // Jun 11, 2008 at 16:22
Good, i didnt like emana.
77 Midjew // Jun 11, 2008 at 16:23
Wouldn’t it be great if Digard was at Middlesborough and as he arrived Dennis wise picked him up and just drove him to newcastle, ha ha that would be funny.
78 broon ale // Jun 11, 2008 at 16:25
does anyone know for certain what happend to fabio zamblera?
79 JC // Jun 11, 2008 at 16:25
Schalke 04 signed Farfan on a 4 year deal that would of been a good deal for us
80 Ericles // Jun 11, 2008 at 16:30
I have a strange suspicion that after his injuries and ops, and at 32, Shay may lost some of his edge. Perhaps not. Goalkeepers are not like outfield players - they carry on longer and even improve with age. Still think that if we are to challenge for top 6 plus play in 2 cups we need both Shay and Steve. On top of that KK must tell Bendover Burger to keep his hands off NUFC players.
81 craig chisholm // Jun 11, 2008 at 16:42
broon ale.i go all over the place for it but to be honest, the best one is prob the one that we all use…. http://www.newsnow.co.uk go on there and go to footy. it has every f**king team in the universe. it auto serches over about 25,000 news outlets every five minutes with key worlds, for us it would be Newcastle, sad and joke right now ha ha!! it brings everyone up, from the ridiculous rants of anal oliver to feeds in brazil. some shit but some good. just click on a story mate and read it.
82 Petey // Jun 11, 2008 at 17:13
meh, let him go to arsenal, he deserves a chance to win sommin big before he retires….he has been amazing for us, but we can replace him im sure….
for a start we have krul, who i really rate…man city went with joe hart who’s young, why cant we do the same?
83 51times // Jun 11, 2008 at 17:13
JC - Yeah it would have been great, I mean it’s not like the player has said he doesn’t want to play in England is it?
Oh, hold on a minute…
84 oga // Jun 11, 2008 at 18:33
Le’Arse don’t sign players over 18.
85 Webster // Jun 11, 2008 at 20:56
Keep him.
86 titchytom // Jun 11, 2008 at 22:38
sell him he’s been finished since harewood took him out and get shot of harper as well he’s not good enough. Cappello preferred an unknown from peterborough before him to be in the england squad. theres too much talk about how we prefer people who give 100%, but it’s bollocks
87 Gateshead Mag. // Jun 11, 2008 at 23:33
Nah. Shay is one of those guys we love. KEEP HIM
88 Nick Dryden // Jun 12, 2008 at 8:09
It seems just at the moment there is a really good chance to claw back some of the millions we’ve shelved out in recent years. At the last count we still had 22 players in the first team squad and I’m sure there will be signings coming in soon. I really believe the likes of Krul, Lua Edgar and Kadar could come also come through next season if given a chance. If we can get 7M for Milner, 5M for a 32 year old Given and 4M for Ameobi that would be incredibly good business. We don’t need to buy any Scottish goalkeepers, give a youngster a chance and keep the money for a better investment elsewhere. Gomis, Turan, VDV, Larsson and then I woke up!!!!!!!!!
89 The Entertainers // Jun 12, 2008 at 8:34
I think prehaps of Given should be down to the man himself.
If he decides to go to Arsenal and win a trophy or two before he hangs up his boots and lets face it hes still got 4-5 left in him. Then i dont think Newcastle should stop him, he deserves his wishes after giving us some great seasons.
Part of my decision is that we do have some great young goalkeeperss at the club and Krul looked excellent during our Euro game and was very good in Scotland by all accounts.
What ever happens i think Newcastle will be left with quality keepers at the club.
90 joal // Jun 12, 2008 at 9:09
if given wants to leave then let him..he’s been a model proff all these years and so all the best to him…thers is no need to sign any more keepers even if he leaves a s we have krul and forester ..more than enough..thoug i wud like it if arsenal paid atleast 9 mil for given..he’s worth it..
91 Dondatta13 // Jun 12, 2008 at 12:13
Alan Oliver OBE … Only Bullsh*te Editorials.
Keep Given ffs! (if he wants to stay)….
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