Archive for tag: Alan Pardew on Steve Harper.

Steve Harper’s exit is strange and baffling.

October 24th, 2011 | 31 Comments |

Steve Harper's exit: Strange and baffling.
Steve Harper's exit: Strange and baffling.
Of course, as most of you will already know, Steve Harper’s one month loan move to Brighton was confirmed earlier today, with ex Charlton keeper, Rob Elliot now replacing him as the full time backup for Flying Dutchman, Tim Krul.

Speaking on the move in a rare interview, Newcastle United’s Silver Supremo, Alan Pardew, said:

“The paperwork isn’t finalised but in principle, I think he’s likely to play in this evening’s game. Harps is very keen to play and obviously he’s a top goalie. It’s an opportunity to him to play and that’s what he wants to do.

“For Brighton, it’s a real coup for them, so we’ll just see if it all gets confirmed later.

“He’s sat here behind Shay Given for so long and is so unfortunate to have a top young goalie come through the ranks like Tim to push him to one side.

“But he is a goalie who’s going to play for the next three or four years at the top level, so it’s an opportunity for him to show his wares.”

“Show his wares” could imply that Harper is being lined up for a permanent move from the Magpies. Some might also say, alternatively, that Pardew wants to see what he can do in proper competitive matches. However, the second seems unlikely as Harper has already more than proved himself at Newcastle United, and Pardew comment that he would be showing his wares to play “three or four years at the top level” tends to suggest that a permanent move to another club is on the cards eventually. (more…)