Given And Allardyce - A Very Unhappy Partnership!

Last updated : 05 December 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
Let's shoot from the hip ... as we always do on this website ... and look at the facts.

Shay went knocking on Sam's door after the humiliation the team suffered against Liverpool, and the Irishman was not a happy bunny.

Now - regardless what was said in the "official statement" from Newcastle in Shay's name - that was a fact!

And now we get: "Sam Allardyce has the full backing and support of every Newcastle United player and we are all working together as one to bring success to the football club.

"It is mischief-making of the highest order and appears designed to unsettle everyone on the eve of our big game against Arsenal on Wednesday night."

The Chronicle and Journal both stand by their articles, as there is nothing to defend. Shay DID have it out with the manager after the 3-0 defeat.

The problem is Allardyce is keen to sign Jussi Jaaskelainen from Bolton Wanderers, and that will happen very soon ... IF Allardyce stays as manager.

The goalkeeper has made it public he wants to leave thev Reebok, and St James' Park is the obvious place to go, and Given is in no mood to play second fiddle to anyone.

Given wants to go down in history making more appearances for Newcastle United than anyone else. But he admits he could see it blown apart if Allardyce signs his old mate Jaaskelainen.

Today against Arsenal should mark his 423rd appearance for Newcastle - only five men have played more games for the club in its 115-year history.

The Irish international is currently in 6th place, but he should be in the top three by the end of the new season if he stays clear of injury (and either Sam gets the sack, or Jaaskelainen goes elsewhere).

1 Jimmy Lawrence 496
2 Frank Hudspeth 472
3 Frank Clark 457
4 Bill McCracken 432
5 Alf McMichael 431
6 Shay Given 423

Allardyce will go into tonight's game with the public support of his players ... including ... Shay Given.

But don't believe for one second Shay would cry in his Guinness if Mike Ashley swings the axe before the transfer deadline and the arrival of another goalkeeper.