There’s no going back now, Steve.
Steve Harper spent 20 years at Newcastle United, most of the time as back-up goalkeeper to Shay Given, but his attitude, commitment and loyalty to the club endeared him to the Magpies’ fans.
When the goalkeeper left the club in 2013, over 50,000 attended his testimonial at St James Park. So it’s no surprise that he looked a bit sheepish upon signing for Newcastle’s bitter north-east rivals Sunderland this week.
The 40-year-old, who worked with Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce during his time with Newcastle, looks as though he’s been kidnapped by the Black Cats and about to make an appeal for his safe return.
He presumably anticipated the abuse that was coming his way.
Sunderland have signed veteran ‘keeper Steve Harper on a short-term deal – https://t.co/oXeDipLCbi pic.twitter.com/q1mJXeyouS
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) January 22, 2016
Harper, who’ll be third choice ‘keeper at the club, has signed until the end of the season, and barring an injury crisis, will most likely never play for Sunderland.
“I turned down a lot of offers in the summer,” Harper said.
“I had a chance to join Premier League club and Championship club in August and three offers to go to India, but I think my career proves I’m a bit of a home bird.”
However, some Newcastle fans aren’t happy with Harper’s decision, and he has deleted his Twitter account since joining Sunderland because of the abuse he’s received, presumably from disgruntled fans.
Steve Harper has cancelled twitter account because of idiots abusing him for getting a job close to his family. I would have laughed at them
— Luke Edwards (@LukeEdwardsTele) January 22, 2016
https://twitter.com/BreatheSport/status/690611715126468609
Harper really has some nerve joining Sunderland though, forcing the usually mild mannered football fans on Twitter to direct their frustrations towards him.
Sure he has bills to pay and a family to support, and he’d rather stay at home than play in India, but is that as important as not angering a bunch of people he’s never met?
Newcastle AND Sunderland fans abusing Steve Harper are moronic. Served the Mags loyally & great the Easington lad's now home with us. End of
— Kevin Maguire (@Kevin_Maguire) January 23, 2016
