Goalkeeper Shay Signs Five Year Deal

By Matt Jones
May 13 2006

Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given, who was named in the Premiership's team of the season, has signed a new five-year contract which will keep him at St James' Park until 2011.

The new deal will keep Given at Newcastle United until he is 35.

"I'm extremely delighted to get my new contract sorted," the Republic of Ireland international told the club's website.

"I've already had nine great years here and I'm now looking forward to five more.

"Hopefully we can win something in that time because I'm still very hungry to win things as a Newcastle player.

"I've said before that I feel like an adopted Geordie now. The fans here are second to none and St James' Park is a fantastic place to play football."

Chairman Freddy Shepherd added: "Getting the deal done with Shay is a great way to start the summer.

"Some of the saves he has made over the past season have been absolutely brilliant.

"He's Mr Reliable - he's only missed two Premiership matches in the last five seasons and we wouldn't swap him for anyone.

"Shay is still only 30, so as a goalkeeper he has plenty of years left at the very top. And we are delighted he will spend them with us at Newcastle United."