Bramble is still getting there

By Matthew Jones
September 16 2002

Titus Bramble has not been too convincing early on this season at St James' Park. Maybe it is because he isn't settled yet, or maybe he can't cope with the pace. Whatever the real reason is, John Carver (First Team Coach) says that it is just a matter of time before he will become a new young star

Newcastle United's fans have been told to give struggling £5million defender Titus Bramble time to prove himself on Tyneside.

The Toon Army have been alarmed by several shaky performances from former Ipswich centre-back Bramble which resulted in him being dropped for Saturday's game at Chelsea.

But Newcastle first-team coach John Carver insists the 21-year-old will come good as long as the boo-boys stay off his back.

"We have to stay behind Titus," said Carver. "What we and, most importantly, the fans cannot do is get on his back.
"Darren Peacock was the club's record signing a few years ago and had his knockers early on but once he had settled in, he was our most consistent player and hugely popular.
"Given time, Titus will make the same progress. He's got incredible ability, is very open-minded and wants to learn.
"But he's also a quiet, shy lad who could suffer more than most if people start giving him unfair stick."