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NUFC Player Quotes - Shay Given
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Here we delve through our own archives to bring you Shay Given quotes,
comments, his thoughts on the game, praise and even criticism from
the player himself, former managers, fellow pros and ex-players alike.
Quotes from Shay Given himself
"I'm worried about the club's direction. It is going to be very hard
now for the chairman and the manager to attract the necessary quality
to a club that is in the InterToto Cup. I truly believed that we could
win the Uefa Cup, more so than the FA Cup. I couldn't speak properly
to anyone for days after that, now it looks like Sporting, a team
we were capable of beating, are going to win it. To me the Uefa Cup
was Newcastle's big chance of making the breakthrough and finally
winning a trophy." Shay Given on being knocked
out of the UEFA and FA Cup (May 2005)
"The gaffer said this morning that his whole presence around
the club and the training ground is fantastic. He is a real leader
and is someone you want around the club." Shay
Given on Alan Shearer's decision to not retire as originally planned
(April 2005)
"It's just doing my head in. We should be talking about the football
and not about other things. We are a football club. You don't hear
stories like that coming out of Arsenal or Manchester United or even
Chelsea - they are totally football stories. We must stop the bad
press and try to focus totally on success on the pitch. You can't
follow every player everywhere they go, but every player has got to
stand up and be responsible for what they do. It is difficult. Some
of the lads are young and don't know any better to a certain degree,
but we all make mistakes in life, so it is important that we look
forward rather than back." Shay Given on all
the bad publicity that the club seems to generate (February 2005)
"The fans aren't happy and they have every right not to be. We've
not been doing well enough this season or towards the end of last
season's campaign." Shay Given on a disappointing
season (December 2004)
"It's been so far so good. Actually it's been really good. Training's
been good. Everything's being going really well. It's up to everyone
to impress the new manager and show their ability. It's a fresh start
for us all. We've all been given a clean slate and it's up to us to
show we're good enough to be in the team." Shay
Given on new manager Graeme Souness (September 2004)
"I know Wayne Rooney's a brilliant player, but I know we have
got four very good centre-forwards already and I would like to see
the money spent on a centre-half. It depends how much the chairman
has to spend, but for me personally and I think for the squad, we're
in more need of a centre-half than centre-forward. A couple of injuries
and we are really stretched. A lot of managers have said you always
build from the back. I think we are always going to score goals, but
we have got to tighten up at the back. Shay
Given wants Newcastle to sign some defenders and not strikers (August
2004)
"If we want to try to run it close in the Premiership, which
has got to be the aim, we have to buy players in the summer. It is
already a good bunch of players but so are Arsenal's and Chelsea's
and Manchester United's and they have still strengthened and brought
people in. If you don't you get left behind. That is why those three
are so far ahead of us. It is no guarantee because over the last 10
years this club has probably spent more than anyone. So you can't
blame the chairman or the board for not being there to back the manager."
Shay Given on the need to strengthen the squad
(March 2004)
"Personally I'm not adjusting very well to being in and out every
week, I'd rather play in every game. But I'm not the manager and I
don't pick the team. It's his decision, but I was very disappointed
when I first found out. Hopefully he won't do it too often. I don't
think you can keep alternating between the keepers for very long,
but I don't know what will happen. Personally I prefer to play every
game. I don't agree with all the chopping and changing. I don't think
it's right. It's unrest for myself, the team and Steve because it's
also hard for him just coming in for a couple of games." Shay
Given on being told by Sir Bobby Robson that he and Steve Harper would
alternate with each other for a place in goal for Champions League
games (November 2002)
"I know there was talk about me possibly moving, but I wanted to stay
and I am delighted to have signed, especially as it is for five years.
I have already been at the club for five years and, with another five,
hopefully, I can end my career there." Shay
Given on signing a new 5 year deal with Newcastle (May 2002
"My contract is up next year and it would be nice to get something
sorted out. We had a meeting last week on the contract talks. I want
to stay here for most of the rest of my career. I'm still only 25
and as long as the club want me, it will be signed." Shay
Given reveals he is ready to sign a new deal to stay at Newcastle
even longer (March 2002)
"I would like to think I have cemented my position as first choice
and that is a relief after all the speculation about the gaffer looking
for a new goalkeeper when he arrived. For all the uncertainty, he
has been good to me and stood by me. I just hope I am now repaying
some of that faith." Shay Given on establishing
himself as United's No.1 (October 2001)
"Having given the events of the past month a great deal of thought,
I have decided to withdraw my request for a transfer. At the time
I was upset at not being recalled to the team after I was unavailable
due to injury for the Leeds match, and I felt the only way to convey
my feelings was to request a transfer. I now realise I over-reacted
to the situation and would like to let all Newcastle fans know that
I never had any intention of actually leaving the club. I fully intend
to honour my contract and hope this incident can now be forgotten
and I can concentrate on fighting for a regular place in the team,
helping the club achieve the success we all strive for." Shay
Given withdraws his transfer request (January 2001)
"As I got on the team coach for the midlands, I was handed a letter
from the chairman saying that the board had turned down my transfer
request. To be perfectly honest, I am pleased to know where I stand.
My intention was simply to express my frustration at being left out
of the team after I had missed the Leeds United game through injury.
As I pledged at the time, I am 100% committed to Newcastle United
and am as much a part of the team now as ever before. I have been
training hard and am determined to win back both my place in the team
and my excellent relationship with the fans." Shay
Given on handing in a shock transfer request and seeing that request
denied (January 2001)
"Chelsea and Arsenal are big clubs but I'm already at one of the biggest
in the country and I'm happy to be here. The manager has always said
he wanted to keep me and that was what I wanted to hear." Shay
Given reveals both Arsenal and Chelsea wanted to sign him (September
2000)
"This is the only club I want to play for. The club has been very
good to me and the fans and the stadium are fantastic. We all feel
we are going places under Bobby Robson so why should anyone want to
leave? I'm happy that I've made the right decision and I said from
day one that I wanted to get the contract sorted. I employ an agent
to talk about business so it was never going to affect my performances
and I've been able to focus fully on the football. Things are going
really well for me this season and the run of clean sheets has helped.
It fills everyone with confidence. The club is moving in the right
direction and the manager has really turned things around. The start
we've made proves I made the right decision to stay. The club is a
massive club and I don't want to go elsewhere." Shay
Given commits his future to Newcastle, signing a 3 year contract and
ending speculation of a move back to Celtic (September 2000)
"I've been in negotiations with Newcastle about a new contract but
nothing has been sorted out. If Celtic came in for me I would definitely
consider moving back." Shay Given on his contract
situation and interest from Celtic (September 2000)
"This is a big season for me with my contract being up. But Newcastle
is a big club and I want to stay here for as long as they want me
- perhaps even for the rest of my career." Shay
Given on his future at Newcastle (August 2000)
"The bottom line is we have to put a trophy in the cabinet. Finishing
fourth would be a relief more than an achievement because of the expectations
here. We should start each season wanting to challenge for the title
like Manchester United and Arsenal do." Shay
Given reveals anything other than winning a trophy is failure to him
"The fans have had to wait far too long for success and I'm sure they're
fed up. We haven't won anything and when you look at the money spent,
the size of our stadium and the backing from the fans, it just isn't
good enough. As a professional you play to win trophies and I'm disappointed
that another season passed by with us empty-handed. It's not a nice
feeling." Shay Given on going another year without
winning a trophy
"It's great that I've played so many games for such a good club and
hopefully there'll be 300 more. You just don't know. I suppose the
two FA Cup semi-finals stick out and Barcelona a few years back when
we beat them at home - that was a big game in the Champions League.
There are some great memories and some great trips in Europe as well.
Newcastle have played in Europe most seasons that I've been here,
so that's a bonus as well. But we're still missing that silverware,
including myself. I'd really like to win something, and that's what
it boils down to. That's 300 games and we haven't won anything - but
hopefully I can do that and the team can do that. We're a big club
and we've got a great squad of players. All that's missing really
is something that we haven't won." Shay Given
on passing the magical 300 appearances mark for Newcastle
"I've never taken a penalty but I would fancy taking one. If you feel
confident enough to take one, then why not? I suppose people will
think outfield players should take them because they're more used
to striking the ball." Shay Given on taking
penalties
"I am a very proud man." Shay Given
on becoming Newcastle's most capped player, winning his 41st Cap while
a United player in friendly against Norway to beat ex-Toon defender
Alf McMichael, who made 40 appearances for Northern Ireland.
"I come up against top-class players every week and, although I'm
not knocking Scottish football, it's just not the same north of the
border." Shay Given on the difference between
the Premiership and Scottish football
"The Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world and I
know I will get tested week in, week out as long as I'm with United."
Shay Given on life in the Premiershp
"There are no excuses, we should avoid it." Shay
Given on conceding sloppy goals
"I would like to go to Spain or Italy. I've never had the opportunity
though. The only time when I possibly could have gone outside Britain
was when my contract was up at Blackburn and I signed for Newcastle.
There was talk of Besiktas being interested. I don't how much truth
there was in it and I don't know if I would have fancied it because
it's a bit mad out in Turkey. But I wouldn't rule it out. Who knows
whether it will happen or not. You never know what is around the corner.
To be honest, though, not a lot of keepers from the British Isles
play in other countries. A lot of foreign keepers go into England
but not the other way around. Maybe they don't admire the keepers
in this league. Maybe we don't punch the ball enough rather than catch
it." Shay Given on the prospect of playing abroad
"I once turned Manchester United down. When I was a 16-year-old
I came across from Ireland at the invitation of Sir Alex Ferguson.
I got first-class treatment but I picked up an injury and I went home
to Ireland. They wanted me back, but to tell the truth my hero Peter
Schmeichel was the Manchester United keeper at the time and I could
see him being No 1 choice for a lot of years which, of course, he
was. I was young at the time and listened a lot to my father. He advised
me to go to Celtic and that's what I did. But I cannot complain at
the way things have turned out for me." Shay
Given reveals he had the chance to play for Manchester United as a
youngster
"I don't do weaknesses, man. I don't have any weaknesses - positive
mental attitude. Strive to improve, but I don't have any weaknesses!"
Shay Given on his own game
"I want to play every game for Ireland. On a personal level I want
to get as many caps as possible." Shay
Given on playing for his country
"As a young lad he was always giving advice to me, and he really helped
me. He decided I should go to Celtic more or less, and you have to
do what your Dad has to say when you're 15!" Shay
Given on his father, also of the same name
"It's taken me eight years to reach 50 games and I don't see why I
shouldn't play on for another eight years." Shay
Given on making 50 appearances for United in Europe
Quotes from others
"We are aware of the rumours surrounding Shay but the simple
fact is that he's not for sale to Manchester United or any other club.
I am no fool. I know where these rumours are coming from but Graeme
Souness and I are determined Shay will be a part of the future of
this club. Given is one of the top keepers in The Premiership but
we will do what is required to make sure he remains a Newcastle player.
He is not for sale. End of story." Toon Chairman
Freddy Shepherd on speculation linking Shay Given with a move away
from the club (March 2005)
"He came to see me and Shay was deeply concerned as to what appeared
in the newspapers and was mystified as to where they had originated.
He actually asked the question: 'Is it not the club trying to get
rid of me?' I assured him it's not the case. We would not like to
see Shay go, as he is one of the best keepers around and I understand
he loves it at this football club and the supporters love him. From
my point of view, I want him here because he is a top class keeper."
Graeme Souness on speculation linking Shay Given
with a move away from the club (December 2004)
"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." Former
football and Sky TV pundit Rodney Marsh on Shay Given
"Shay Given is an outstanding goalkeeper." Fellow
'keeper Brad Friedel on Shay Given
"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" Fellow
goalkeeper and team-mate Steve Harper on Shay Given
"Shay is an example of a player who's managed to maintain his form
all season and he's been a real star for us. When I look back I realise
he's had very few ordinary games." Sir Bobby
Robson on Shay Given
"Shay's a fantastic goalkeeper. He's one of
the best, if not the best, goalkeeper in the Premiership, and has
been for some time." Former Newcastle and Republic of
Ireland player Liam O'Brien on Shay Given
"Shay is so like Gordon Banks, he's not the tallest keeper but makes
up for his lack of height with incredibly fast feet. They make his
reaction times - for example, from close-range headers - quite remarkable.
Possibly the best I've seen. And in terms of his all-round game, what
I've seen of him in the last 18 months or so has been phenomenal.
His development has staggered me. He's now displaying a palpable all-round
knowledge of his art. His positioning is impeccable and his consistency
is remarkable." Former Arsenal legend and
goalkeeping coach Bob Wilson on Shay Given
"Shay is the best goalkeeper in The Premiership. His main attribute
is simply that he stops the ball going into the net. He has always
been a high-class keeper. I would say he is the most agile keeper
too. He does things in training that get a round of applause for the
saves he makes." Former Republic of Ireland
manager Mick McCarthy on Shay Given
"I hope Shay will now get on with his career. If at a later stage
he is still in the reserves then I will have to think about it, but
for the time being his request has been turned down. We know his qualities
and we know he is a top goalkeeper. Every club needs two outstanding
keepers and they have both proved that at various times this season.
I fought to get him a new contract last season. It's up to him to
respond and give us a return." Sir Bobby
Robson on Shay Given's transfer request and future (January 2001)
"We've no intention of selling Shay. Contract talks with him are on-going.
The boss, Bobby Robson, is a big fan of his and we fully intend to
keep him here. We consider that in Given and Steve Harper we have
the best pair of keepers in the Premiership. The board are very determined
to make sure Shay stays here. I'm fairly confident he wants to remain
a Newcastle player." Former Newcastle coach
Mick Wadsworth on Shay Given's contract situation (September 2000)
"I understand how Shay feels, but he is under contract here and
he will have to wait for his chance. He can forget about bids from
elsewhere because he`s not going. The lad is an absolutely fantastic
player and I like him very much. He's not for sale." Sir
Bobby Robson on Shay Given's future (January 2000)
Notes: If you have found decent Shay Given quotes,
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them in and we'll put them up. |
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