And many fans of my age went through the 1960's, 1970's and 1980's watching below-par goalkeepers (playing for Newcastle) who would struggle to keep goal for the Black Bull Sunday League Second XI!
Even the best of them, Iam McFaul and Pavel Srnicek were never going to make it at Arsenal, Man Utd or Liverpool.
But at last we've got it right, and Shay Given suddenly finds himself No 2 behind Steve Harper.
Allardyce: "The performance of Steve leaves me in a position where I say to myself: 'For what reason can I leave this player out?' And there isn't one.
Given Performance Gives Sam A Headache!
"Harper's form has been absolutely top drawer, and he made another two crucial saves which were very, very good against West Ham on Sunday.
"That leaves Shay in a very difficult position because of his past at this football club.
"He is one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League, and you have Harper matching him.
"What more could a manager want than that headache?"
Although, after last night's fabulous performance by Shay Given at Arsenal, Allardyce could be forced to have a rethink.