Never mind Charles Insomnia, here’s a tale about another player that wanted to leave St James’ Park recently who actually lost sleep over the whole affair. While the Toon Army are likely to wish this loyal servant well as he finally departs Tyneside, could his exit spell the end of Newcastle’s Premier League status?
Nobody is questioning Steve Harper’s ability between the sticks (well not in our offices anyway), but as Joe Kinnear accurately pointed out (for once), Shay Given is one of the best cats in the Premier League and his departure could hit Newcastle hard. The Guardian report that the Irishman was like a child on Christmas Eve ahead of his first day training with his new club.
“I was so excited last night I couldn’t sleep,” he told City’s website. “It will be like being a kid at a new school at training. I want to meet the lads, get to know my new surrounds, and get down to work.
“I feel the best years are still ahead of me. I work hard in training to keep improving. That will never change.”
While Shay Given has been given a dream opportunity to win silverware with Manchester City, will it mean that Newcastle suffer the nightmare of relegation? After a 1-1 draw with Sunderland, the Magpies are just one point clear of the drop zone, with a crunch game at West Brom taking place on Saturday.
Are Newcastle fans still confident of avoiding the drop?