He Played For Both ... But He Backs Toon In Derby!

Last updated : 31 October 2010 By Footy Mad - Editor

Shay Given: “You cannot walk the streets in Newcastle without somebody talking to you about football – not least during derby week.

“That shows just how much it all means up there.

“It is certainly one in which you just do not want to lose.

“I had a lot of great memories from derby games, but the one which probably sticks out the most was when we won 1-0 at the Stadium of Light in 2002 when Nikos Dabizas scored and we were on our way to the Champions League.

“Any game like that when you have helped the team to get the result is satisfying, especially against the local enemy.

“I hope the atmosphere will still be alive when I go back and they are still talking about a derby win.

“I have to say I fancy Newcastle to do it as well.

“I hope that is not putting the kiss of death on them, but I know there is more than enough quality within the ranks to get a result. The lads will be up for it and I fancy them to take those important three points.

“I have not really been back to Newcastle that much since I left, but I am really looking forward to the night.

“There will be a lot of my close friends there such as Stevie Harper and Pavel Srnicek and we will also be raising money for great causes, which is the most important.

“I made a lot of great friends during my time at Newcastle and 11 and a half years is a long period of your life.

“We also had a great spirit among the goalies during my time with Harps and Pav.

“When you spend so much time on the road and the training pitch you build up a great rapport.”