The excitement is back at Newcastle United and across the city as a whole, and legendary Toon ‘keeper Shay Given couldn’t be happier. Football fever has always been a constant on Tyneside but the performances of the team this season has brought the good feeling to another level.
An amazing turnaround in fortunes since the takeover of the club by the Saudi PIF, added to the departure of Mike Ashley, has fans dreaming of Champions League qualification, replacing the nightmare of a relegation battle just twelve months ago.
Given made 354 appearances over his 12 years at Newcastle, but having been one of Kenny Dalglish’s first signings at the club, he just missed out on the excitement of the Kevin Keegan era. The former Republic of Ireland captain is enjoying every minute of Eddie Howe’s time on Tyneside, however, and he is delighted to see the excitement back around the city he once called home.
Given was appearing at the Premier League’s Fan Fest in Orlando with fellow Newcastle legends, Alan Shearer and Steve Harper. When asked how he feels looking at his old club this season, Given said:
“Yeah, I mean it’s nice to come and meet some of the Newcastle fans here today as well. I think the message that they’ve sent to me and around the city of Newcastle is the hope, the excitement is back in the city.
“It seems like with the previous owners, a cloud has been lifted and the fans have hope and can dream of challenging in the Premier League and of course the semi-final of the League Cup on Tuesday night as well.
“There’s huge excitement around Newcastle at the minute.”
Huge excitement might be a bit of an understatement when it comes to the feeling among supporters right now. Fans are in dreamland with the performances of their heroes and are daring to dream once more.
Of course, the fans’ feet need to be kept on the ground for now, something Given was keen to stress when asked if his former club were now title contenders.
“Maybe not this season,” Given said, but it depends on the results. I think you don’t want to get too excited because you can get too carried away but if they finish in the Champions League [places] and won the League Cup, it’d be an unbelievable season.”