Lots of Newcastle United fans have been reacting on social media, after Norwich City goalkeeper Tim Krul thanked the St. James’ Park faithful for the reception he received during Saturday’s goalless draw.
Krul started the Premier League affair between the Canaries’ posts for his 23rd outing of the campaign, and keeping the likes of Joelinton, Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron at bay saw the 31-year-old keep his fourth clean sheet of the term, as well.
In truth, Krul was rarely tested, with only Saint-Maximin (3) and Joelinton (1) registering on-target efforts for Newcastle.
But the former Netherlands international was the far busier of the two shot-stoppers at the weekend, with Krul penning two more saves, two more collections and three more parries than counterpart Martin Dubravka, per WhoScored data.
Yet despite denying United a goal which would have sealed our ninth Premier League win of the season, the St. James’ faithful were more than glad to laud Krul and that ‘amazing’ reception was clearly appreciated.
And a Big Thank you to all the Geordies today for the amazing reception before the game and even more so after..
St. James’ park will always be a special place for me and my family.. #nufc pic.twitter.com/vDBVbc7Iod— Tim Krul (@TimKrul) February 1, 2020
Krul made 185 first-team appearances during a 12-year spell in the North East, having joined the club from boyhood side ADO Den Haag in 2005 at the age of 17 and making his senior debut a year later in the UEFA Cup against SSD Palermo.
He made several loan moves away from Tyneside during his many years with the Magpies, but established himself during the 2010/11 campaign and became a firm fixture of the first-team for the next four seasons.
A Cruciate Ligament Rupture ruined his 2015/16 term after just eight games and the arrival of Rafa Benitez later in the campaign spelt the end to his Toon career, as the Spaniard wanted to make a change and released Krul following loan spells with Ajax and AZ Alkmaar so that he could join Brighton & Hove Albion.
Krul told the Chronicle back in August when United lost 3-1 at Norwich: “I had a bad injury and Rafa came in. He wanted to get his own goalkeeper.
“I probably would have still been at Newcastle now had it not been for that.
“I have never shied away from the fact I love the place and I always will.”
Should Benitez have allowed Krul to leave?
Yes
No
Here are some of the messages shared as fans reacted to Krul’s post…
A fully deserved reception Tim, a loyal servant to the club!
— Jamie Rowntree (@Jamierowntree1) February 1, 2020
Nothing more than you deserve Tim x
— Littlepuntie NUFC ⚽️🏉🏎 🏃🏿♂️ (@littlepuntie) February 1, 2020
I wish you were still at @nufc tbh tim. What a keeper and servant you were for this club, and imo you were badly treated at nufc
— ollie (@holst24) February 1, 2020
Still think about your fantastic debut against Palermo as basically a child. Incredible.
— A Blue Kagool (@roundhousekicks) February 1, 2020
Our Geordie Dutchman – in that order ⚽️🧤💪👍
You could have let one in for the family though Tim 🤷♂️
— Mick Mahoney Supa Goalie… (@derwent1) February 1, 2020
Adopted geordie always gave 100% for us
— Kev (@K3v1n2017) February 1, 2020
All you’d ask for in a Newcastle player. A good pro who got what it meant. All the best.
— NUFCThreatLevel (@NUFCThreatLevel) February 1, 2020
Was Krul to see you leave.
— Rob M (@GeordieRobM) February 1, 2020
In other Newcastle United news, a rumoured January target has addressed the January interest in his services.