Given: Swift takeover at United best for all
Shay Given was back in Newcastle just in time for United’s 125th anniversary – but the icing on the cake would be a quick transfer of power at St James’ Park SHAY Given says the Newcastle United players will probably be talking about a potential club takeover but must not let it affect them.
The ex-Magpies goalkeeper said the sooner a deal was finalised “the better”.
Amanda Staveley met with current United owner Mike Ashley in London on Thursday.
The Sports Direct tycoon has previously said he would prefer any deal to be done before Christmas.
Given experienced what it was like to play under the cloud of a takeover and was at the club during the early stages of the Ashley era.
And he urged the powerbrokers involved to make a deal as soon as possible.
He said: “I think as a player you’ve got to blank it out, but the lads are human beings like the rest of us.
“They’re probably talking about it in
the changing room and wondering whether these people are going to come in.
“I think there’s a lot of uncertainty. The sooner it gets sorted for everyone the better.
“Hopefully the new owners will be clear on the objectives of the club moving forward.”
For much of his time with United, Given was used to challenging at the top end of English football.
The Irishman left the Magpies in 2009 to sign for Manchester City, who were going through an ambitious and extensive recruitment drive.
For Newcastle, that season culminated in relegation to the Championship.
United bounced back immediately in 2010, before dropping into the Championship again in 2016 and regaining their Premier League status earlier this year.
With former Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez at the helm, he wants to see the club reclaim what he feels is its rightful place towards the top of the Premier League table.
He said: “Hopefully they kick on a bit and they’ve had a few disappointing results recently, one win in 10 games, which is not great.
“Hopefully they can get a few wins before Christmas and the New Year and Rafa gets a bit of money in January to strengthen the squad and get away from the relegation zone at the bottom and build the club up gradually.
“Maybe then he can get the club back to where it was when I was here – challenging for the league and Champions League football.
“It might take a few (transfer) windows or a few years to get back up there but that’s where I think the club should be.”
Yesterday’s home game against Leicester also served as a celebration of the club’s 125th anniversary.
The Irishman, who spent 11-and-ahalf years on Tyneside, has previously spoken of his love of the city.
And he was glad to be back in Newcastle ahead of such a momentous milestone.
“It’s a special weekend, 125 years of Newcastle United so it’s nice to be up here for that,” he said.
“It’s a milestone of course in the history of the club.”
Given played 462 times for United between 1997 and 2009, earning hero status with Magpies fans.
And yesterday it was revealed that the stopper has been included in Newcastle United’s Greatest Ever XI as voted for by Chronicle readers.
A special eight-page pull-out will be i included l d d in i tomorrow’s ’ Ch Chronicle i l to celebrate the chosen 11.
He added: “For me personally to be part of that history is very special.
“Many players came before me and many players have come after me.
“It’s just nice to be involved with such a great club.
“We’ve had some amazing players over the years and hopefully there will be many more to come over the next few years as well.”
The former Newcastle number one was speaking at the opening of a new DW Sports store at the MetroCentre.
At the opening, fans had for a meet and greet with Given, with the chance to get an autograph.
Younger fans also got to take penalties against the goalkeeper who played more than 400 top-flight games.
Given added: “It’s great to be back in Newcastle and to open the new DW store is an honour.”