u/melvinlee88

I think Shay Given legacy will not be surpassed for a long time - given his enormous time spent with us AND the amount of world class performances he gave us.

But our second best ever goalkeeper is more competitive in my opinion.

Nick Pope (2022-present) - 4 seasons, 131 starts, 46 clean sheets

- His peak has probably ended for us but was a true rock for the first 2.5-3 seasons with us and part of one of the greatest Newcastle teams in PL era bringing us into the Champions League and part of one of the best defences we ever had. Has made amazing saves and a great sweeper keeper until recently.

Martin Dubravka (2018-2025) - 8 seasons, 177 starts, 53 clean sheets

- An insane bargain from nowhere. Genuinely was our best player at times during the Bruce era, he was hampered by being part of one of our worst teams in the PL era but made many great performances and was the difference between relegation at times. Ended his time here by being part of a great League Cup winning run.

Tim Krul (2006-2016) - 8 seasons, 167 starts, 47 clean sheets

- Many amazing performances that led to a strong 5th place under him, his Spurs performance will never be forgotten. Made the transition from Shay Given near seamless with him being a very solid goalkeeper.

Steve Harper (1998-2013) - 12 seasons, 162 starts, 45 clean sheets

- The eternal Shay Given understudy, would have played a lot more if he wasn't there but his quality was never doubted. Has 45 starts in our record breaking Championship run in 2009-2010.

Pavel Srnicek (1993-1998, 2007) -6 seasons, 107 starts, 34 clean sheets

- Pavel is a Geordie! A bit before my time but part of Newcastle most successful period before the takeover and well loved by the fanbase.

View Poll

In 2030, our starting lineup could be:

Beach: 26 years old

Circati: 26 years old

Italiano: 28 years old

Herrington: 22 years old

Bos: 27 years old

Souttar: 31 years old

Metcalfe: 30 years old

O'Neill: 32 years old

Okon: 25 years old

Toure: 26 years old

Irankunda: 24 years old

Volpato: 26 years old

And an injured McGree which we really missed would only turn 31!

Say what you want about Popovich, but at least he trusted his youth players this WC. Invaluable experience.

As we see from the interviews, the players selected was pre-determined and clearly in training, they were shown to be good at penalties to be picked in the real situation.

A centreback can take penalties better than a striker/midfielder. Two of Egypt scorers from the shootout were defenders. We've had defenders take penalties in shootouts in the past.

At the end, it was a penalty shootout and shit happens.

Instead, we should be critical about how this team never got going offensively, never had their best attacking players on at the same time, etc etc.