Are NUFC Right Not To Offer Harper A New Contract?


By Tyne-Talk
March 21 2013

Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper today announced that he will not be offered a new contract at the end of the season when his expires. The 38 year old, who has spent 20 years at the club has made just 7 appearances this season and is third inline behind Tim Krul and Rob Elliot. Overall he has made 197 appearances for the club, being the clubs longest serving player and forever playing second fiddle. He told the Evening Chronicle this evening that he never imagined he would see out his career at the club when he was younger but that he has enjoyed his time there.

He said;

“It has been a privilege to be a professional at such a fantastic football club.

If you had said to me as a raw kid from Seaham I’d be at the club for 20 years as a professional, I would have said you were mad.

People describe the club as an emotional roller-coaster and it certainly has been. I’ve had some fantastic times here.

There have been some difficult times as well, but I have enjoyed it all.”

Do you think the club are right not to offer Harper a new contract or should they have allowed him to stay 3rd choice until he was ready to retire?

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Are NUFC Right Not To Offer Harper A New Contract?
Discussion started by TyneTalk (IP Logged), 21/03/2013 17:27
TyneTalk
TyneTalk
21/03/2013 17:27
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
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MissC
21/03/2013 17:32
I'm struggling with the nostalgia of him being there 20 years and not retiring at the club.

I hope he hangs up his boots at the end of the season rather than go else where.

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fatash
fatash
21/03/2013 18:26
I think he should be kept at the club in coaching capacity, he has worked with sum of the best keepers in the business and bhas set great example of loyalty to the club through some of the best and worst times

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annie
21/03/2013 18:28
He could have been the main keeper at any amount of clubs but he chose to stick with Newcastle.

I always liked him and wish him all the best and hope he fulfils his ambition of being a coach/player at another club.

Steve Harper (Sm152)(Sm152)(Sm152)(Sm152)

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Toonmania
Toonmania
21/03/2013 18:32
Personally think they should leave the choice to Harper he's been such a great servant to the club I would like to see him stay on in some sort of 3rd choice go goalkeeping coach role (If he was open to the idea) Being a local lad he must be good to have around the changing room to show the passion on the club esp around derby day time and the experience he can pass onto the youngsters must be invaluable.
Whatever is decided I will have fond memories.

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MESSAGES->author
i!
21/03/2013 19:30
A legend but it's time to go. People might question his ambition but nobody can question his loyalty. Best of luck.

http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/2185/legendsst3.jpg
Get regular updates from one of TyneTalk's mintest posters, follow: [www.twitter.com] @adameverett92

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surreymag
surreymag
21/03/2013 22:13
Good luck to him whatever he decides to do top mam and loyal servant over the years.

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mentalman
mentalman
21/03/2013 22:44
he's looking to leave on loan by the end of this month and will carry on playing next season!

another big wage off the bill, anyone know of any french goalkeepers

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Ben Brown
Ben Brown
16/04/2013 02:20
Elliot has been shocking when he has played, Pardew knows Harper would outshine him thats why he hasn't fielded Harps because he would find it hard to not offer an extension.
Harper has deserved better from the club given his commitment. He helped bring us back to the Premier League don't forget. He was sharp in games he has played, I just think the club is pushing him out without a doubt.

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