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?
Re: Are NUFC Right Not To Offer Harper A New Contract?
Posted by: fatash (IP Logged)
Date: 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
Re: Are NUFC Right Not To Offer Harper A New Contract?
Posted by: Toonmania (IP Logged)
Date: 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.
Re: Are NUFC Right Not To Offer Harper A New Contract?
Posted by: Ben Brown (IP Logged)
Date: 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.
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.
We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment.
We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals.
We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards.
If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing
abuse@sportnetwork.net
