Given withdraws transfer request - January 24, 2001
Republic of Ireland international Shay Given has officially withdrawn his request for a transfer, following his star display for Newcastle at the weekend. The request had been turned down by the club in any case.
Given, who lost his place because of injury just before Christmas, slapped in the request when he failed to regain his jersey when fit again.
But Given returned to the first team on Saturday when Steve Harper was injured and proceeded to produce a world-class display in Newcastle's 3-1 win at Leeds - even drawing grudging praise from manager Bobby Robson, whose inane selection policy provoked the crisis in the first place.
In a statement, the 24-year-old 'keeper said: "Having given the events of the past month a great deal of thought I have decided to withdraw my request for a transfer.
"At the time I was upset at not being recalled to the team and I felt the only way to convey my feelings was to request a transfer.
"I now realise I over-reacted to the situation and would like to let all Newcastle fans know that I never had any intention of actually leaving the club.
"I fully intend to honour my contract and hope this incident can now be forgotten and I can concentrate on fighting for a regular place in the team, helping the club achieve the success we all strive for."