Re this refusal to allow him a transfer: "To be perfectly honest, I am pleased to know where I stand. My intention was simply to express my frustration at being left out of the team after I had missed the Leeds United game through injury.

"As I pledged at the time, I am 100% committed to Newcastle United and am as much a part of the team now as ever before. I have been training hard and am determined to win back both my place in the team and my excellent relationship with the fans."

-- Anonymous, January 17, 2001

Answers

In Ireland, it's called blarny.

Me ? Ah caal it smarmy. :-)

-- Anonymous, January 17, 2001

WE all agree, Stevie is nicer than Shaaaaaaaaayy. Right, offski to do some work. See yer later.

-- Anonymous, January 17, 2001

I remember losing the plot with my manager when I was 24, it happens, you reflect and then you get on with it. Sadly his was very visible, all part of life's experience. I don't hold it against him at all, at all.

-- Anonymous, January 17, 2001

Perhaps next time he wants to lose his rag, he'll try doing it in his manager's office...like most of the rest of us. ;-)

As long as he gets his head down, works hard, and plays with 100% commitment when called upon, I can forgive his little transgression.

-- Anonymous, January 17, 2001

Let's hope he doesn't follow the Homer Simpson school of thought:

"Jeez! Don't 'make a stand' about it, just go in and do you job really half-assed, it's the American Way."

-- Anonymous, January 17, 2001

Problem is, sooner or later one of them will get fed up and genuinely want to leave- it cud well be Harper. And of course the keeper worth big bucks is Given. Should we have sold him for 5 million?

Personally im very happy hes staying and want to see him as the number 1 keeper.

-- Anonymous, January 17, 2001