Keefaz

Well, I'm sorry but I live in the real world where when a top player--who finds himself, after over a decade's good service, once more in the mire with his club--is given the opportunity to finish his career at a wealthy, ambitious club challenging for trophies, or at least European competition, owes it himself to give it a shot. Particularly when, as I understand it, he sought assurances that the club would endeavour to puts things right on and off the pitch, and was given nowt, and as such, could only face the grim prospect of another 3/4 years struggle on the pitch and almighty fuck-ups off it. Everyone whining about his loyalty or lack thereof should put themselves in his shoes for a moment. Since SBR, he gave the club plenty time to turn itself around, and it didn't. Is he supposed to throw away his career? Welcome to big school.

So, presumably everyone who goes to another club is a Judas bastard as well, then?

The fact is if we hadn't been relegated, or were still relegated with Given still at the club and had went now, then there would be almost nothing said against him. To be honest, I couldn't care less now about the whole transfer as the whole club has been a shambles for years, and it's a minor miracle that he stayed as long as he did. It's when you hear these interviews that get my back up - once you've left then I'm sorry, but the club is no longer any of your concern. Eh? This makes no sense to me. So, Supermac is not entitled to an opinion? Or Beardsley? Or Rob Lee? Or Bob Moncur? These guys are pundits who are paid to give and opinion of the club. This was an interview, where a 'no comment' response would have sufficed. And to be honest NO - Rob Lee doesn't have the right to an opinion - the bastard still owes me £20 quid for attending his testimonial match that he brought forward by a year to avoid the World Cup the next year - typical money grabbing Cockerny twat!!!!! Dave, what was his opinion of the Ronaldo transfer - and don't say no comment! Tbh, I'd prefer Given's opinion than Supermac's. On one hand you've got a fella who's played at the club during all the high and lows for the past 11 years and has first-hand experience of the current situation, and on the other, a clueless berk who knows nowt.

I'll make one for Cacapa. Would be funnier for Shola tbh. Howay, at least Cacapa gives you something to work with.

The fact is if we hadn't been relegated, or were still relegated with Given still at the club and had went now, then there would be almost nothing said against him. To be honest, I couldn't care less now about the whole transfer as the whole club has been a shambles for years, and it's a minor miracle that he stayed as long as he did. It's when you hear these interviews that get my back up - once you've left then I'm sorry, but the club is no longer any of your concern. Eh? This makes no sense to me. So, Supermac is not entitled to an opinion? Or Beardsley? Or Rob Lee? Or Bob Moncur?

The fact is if we hadn't have been relegated no one would say anything against the fella.

I'll make one for Cacapa.

What is it he has to learn, Dave? That's a serious question and don't forget nobody can predict the future. What would you prefer? A Board that backs the manager or one that doesn't? Well I'm not going to list out all the things I think were mistakes, but generally I mean finding a more reasonable balance regarding the finances and the way he dealt with managerial appointments. I believe your question regarding backing a manager is far too simplistic - even if Ashley had spent more money his 'system' and the way he dealt with Keegan/Kinnear/Hughton etc was catastrophic. It's not just about money spent. Do you believe Shepherd made any mistakes? I remember you saying if Roeder was a failure then it was someone else's turn. Howay, Roeder was the fans' choice, remember?

"I couldn't take it, and I got ill, really screwed up," Sonny adds. "I stopped going to training and stuff, because I was so screwed up I couldn't hack it. Looking back, it's amazing how low I was. Ajax completely forgot about me, they didn't want to know, but as soon as I was better, they acted like they'd always been there for me. I realised how superficial it is at that level, and if I hadn't got back to form I bet they would have turfed me out. That's why I packed it in, it's so unstable. I guess it was during that period that I realised how much psychologists can help people, and I suppose I took it from there." His parents must've been idiots, tbh.

After everything, I can see why Shearer wuold be comfortable working with people he knows. The same reason many supporters would, if not be overjoyed, not object to FFS: at least you know what you're going to get.

I wasn't here at the time, but my impression was Given went to the management and said, 'Sort this out or I'm off,' and they basically said, 'Alright. See ya.'

Makes you wonder where all that money went..?

But the players who stayed are blameless? What kind of logic is that? Where did I say that? I just lost my answer to you. Anyway, in summary: you didn't say that. But, if we're playing the blame game, I think you have to look at the players who remained. I can see your point, but isn't Given allowed to say, 'Enough's enough. I've given everything here and no one else seems to give a toss.' I'm sure he never thought it would turn out like this.

But the players who stayed are blameless? What kind of logic is that?

Fair point, but to say that he's not entitled to an opinion is just daft.

Of course he was! Honestly, I find the idea the suggestion that Shay doesn't give a toss about the club fucking offensive, and those who claim it to be the case have clearly never seen the man play.

He seen what was coming and went, in a way I don't blame him in another I do, had he stayed we may have stayed up and he could have left in the summer. But he stayed for a very long time and year after year he saved our arse he earned the riight to go for glory elsewhere. That was his job and he was paid alot of money to do, its not like its was a charity and he was doing it for free, Newcastle made him a wealthy boy and when the going got tough Shay walked away to another fat pay day Absolute nonsense of the highest order. Newcastle did not make Given a great goalkeeper; he would have been great without us. You could argue we kept him from fulfilling his potential rather than the other way around. He was brilliant for us, a club legend.. He saw what Ashley was doing to our club and wanted out. Can't blame him. Did not say Newcastle made him great , but they paid him well for his services, he lost the right to stick his oar in when he left as long as he is playing he should keep his mouth shut, its got nothing to do with him anymore he made that choice Why? He's still a fan of the club and has ties here as strong as anyone. He can give his fucking opinion if he wants.

Aye, it's definitely Shay Given's fault we got relegated. Hang the bastard.

It's a good point about the exec boxes, though. I imagine a corporate box loses some of its cachet when you're taking clients to Newcastle v Blackpool...

Looks the same on the map.

Two different things though. We have to get behind them, but he doesn't have to have a clean slate. Quite the opposite in fact, he has a lot to prove. Aye, quite right. But I mean we couldn't afford to start campaigning etc. against a buyer like FFS. So, not a clean slate but given him a chance to prove he's not a total cockend.

Tbh, we'll have to get behind whoever buys the club otherwise we're fucked. Ashley has kinda left us in that position.

Not at all far-fetched, think you might be on to something. The numbers certainly add up. Am more inclined to believe its a Sky corporation conspiracy to create and maintain a real life soap opera. Aye, I guarantee next season we'll have Newcastle: The Championship as the Sky cameras follow us around every week and capture the drama as it happens.

Aye! I remember thinking, quietly, 'we could win this, you know'. Honestly, I think it would've been possible if we'd just had a little luck with injuries because we were a total surprise package--no one had planned for us.

We're in the gutter. Even that fat cunt looks alright from down here.