Shay is Given to criticising ‘passive’ Toon

FORMER Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given has lamented Newcastle’s ‘passive’ performance and feels the club is losing value with every passing defeat.

Despite goals from Joselu and Dwight Gayle, the Magpies were beaten 3-2 at home to Leicester on Saturday.

United are on an alarming slide down the Premier League table and are just two points above the Premier League relegation zone.

They have won just one of their last 11 games and Given felt Newcastle needed to be a bit more aggressive against the Foxes.

He said: “I was trying to be positive in the sense they were unlucky for the goals.

“However, someone just needs to put a tackle in - wipe someone out if you need to.

“Sometimes the crowd react to that but it was just a bit passive at times.

“They needed to get in people’s faces and when you look at the goals Leicester scored - just give them an old-fashioned tackle.”

Given, recently voted Newcastle’s greatest ever goalkeeper, claimed Newcastle’s lack of urgency played into Leicester’s hands.

He admits he is worried about their survival prospects - should their current form continue.

Given added: “Newcastle had their noses in front after four minutes and the crowd was up.

“Then Leicester got back into it and you could feel the nervousness around the stadium.

“Newcastle are such a big club and you want to see your players get on the ball and you could sort of see them not hiding but not wanting the ball, going long and playing into Leicester’s hands.

“They are looking over their shoulder, they are two points above the relegation zone.

“There is all of the takeover chat and a lot of stuff off the pitch - it is a worrying time at the minute.”

Off the pitch, uncertainty surrounding the club’s takeover continues to persist.

Owner Mike Ashley is in talks with Amanda Staveley and PCP Partners but the two parties are still some way apart in price.

Given feels the club are gradually losing value as a result of their poor form and he fears that could scupper a potential deal.

He said: “The longer it is going on the more it is devaluing the club. The closer they get to the relegation zone, the potential new owners could say they want to pay £20-30 million less.”