Rob Elliot has taken to Twitter to mention that he joined the club seven years ago this month. The 32-year-old signed from Charlton Athletic in 2011 and has gone on to make 68 appearances in all competitions for the club.
The fact that he has never been the undisputed number one explains his surprising lack of games during that time, in addition to the injuries he has sustained.
However, fans on Twitter were quick to congratulate him on his service to the club:
Cult hero ????
— el Danilo. ⚫️⚪️ (@DoctorCookeh) 30 August 2018
Cult hero ????
— el Danilo. ⚫️⚪️ (@DoctorCookeh) 30 August 2018
Class act ????????
— Alex Wilson (@AlexWilson_11) 30 August 2018
It’s great you have found a true home in the warmth of the North East. Hope to see you between the posts soon Big man
— Kevin Reeve (@reevesyk1) 30 August 2018
Special player
— Dave tait (@Davetait6) 30 August 2018
Part of the furniture now mate
— ⚽ The East Stand ⚽ (@CraigMorrison84) 30 August 2018
Proper professional. Top bloke
— sturrock (@sturrock89) 30 August 2018
You’ve seen a lot in that time unfortunately mate. Been a great signing for us – proven many of us wrong a few times over????????
— Tony (@St1pe) 30 August 2018
Some hope he displaces Karl Darlow as the club’s number two:
Wish you played last night instead of darlow
— Jamaal Lascelles (@BadboyLascelles) 30 August 2018
Don't get why he dósent get in and even push dubravka
— hadwinNUFC (@TomHadwin3) 30 August 2018
Elliot has never let anyone down during his time at the club, but I think his chances of ever being a number one for us again are pretty slim. Martin Dubravka has firmly established himself as Rafa Benitez’s first choice.
Of course, injuries could offer the keeper a chance to re-establish himself, but for now, at least, he’ll have to be content as a squad player.