Shay Given

Shay Given was a wonderful signing because he was everything that you need in a goalkeeper.

He was defensively stable, he was consistent – and he was definitely world-class.

Granted, he was rarely spectacular or eccentric – but he did a job, and for 12 years he was a very important part of Newcastle’s squad.

He could have easily moved on to a bigger club, but his commitment to Newcastle was astounding.

There have been few greater servants than Shay Given.