Robson brands Given as 'selfish' - January 9, 2001
Newcastle manager Bobby Robson accused Shay Given of 'acting in a selfish manner' after the Irish international slapped in a transfer request yesterday.
The club will decide later in the week whether to accede to the request. Robson said Given was acting selfishly in expecting to be restored to the first team after recovering from injury.
The Irishman had to leave the pitch during Newcastle's game against Derby on December 23. But he has sat out two games since recovering - and watched from the bench as his understudy, Steve Harper, conceded four against Spurs last week.
When he was again left out for Newcastle's FA Cup assignment against Aston Villa at the weekend, the 24-year-old 'keeper lost patience and demanded a move.
Under Ruud Gullit, Newcastle adopted the ridiculous policy of "whoever has the jersey keeps it until injured", regardless of form.
Harper and Given expected the policy to be abandoned when Bobby Robson took over - and Given claims he only signed his current three-year contract after receiving assurances that he was Robson's first choice.
Given said: "I thought that my consistency in the 20 or so early-season games would have meant an early recall.
"When this did not happen and no explanation was given to me, I felt that I had no other way of making the strength of my feelings known.
"It is nothing personal against Steve Harper, we are great friends. I appreciate that there are many players who would not have reacted in this way but I am a passionate and committed player.
"The board have told me that they will give me a decision later in the week and in the meantime I will train with enthusiasm."