Bob Wilson says Steve Harper deserves recognition

Apr 24 2011 by Mark Douglas, Sunday Sun

“GENTLEMAN” Steve Harper deserves to be recognised as one of the Premier League’s greatest goalkeepers.

That is the verdict of honorary president of the goalkeepers’ union Bob Wilson as he continues an incredible charity cycle ride around Premier League stadia which will end in a blaze of glory at St James’ Park on Thursday afternoon.

The long-serving Newcastle shotstopper might be facing a fight on his own doorstep to reclaim his starting spot from emerging talent Tim Krul.

However, Wilson – who made more than 200 appearances for Arsenal in a storied career - believes there is no debate about Harper’s place in the roll of great Premier League-era stoppers.

He said: “He sometimes slips under the radar outside Newcastle, but make no mistake Steve is one of the very, very best.

“We like to talk of a goalkeepers’ union because we are the only ones who know what goalkeepers go through, and every member of that would recognise what a good goalie Steve is.

“I think the word is solid. He does all the fundamentals so well - you just hardly ever see him make a mistake.

“Sometimes if your positioning is so good you do not need to make a flying top- corner save and that is Steve, although he can make those saves as well.

“He was probably unlucky that Shay (Given) was so outstanding while he was there.

“If he was a few years younger I have no doubt England would have come calling.

“I have huge admiration for his loyalty to Newcastle United.

“He is just totally and utterly committed to the club, through rain and shine.”

Perhaps Wilson also recognises a kindred spirit in Harper.

One-club men are something of a dying breed these days, but there is something else Wilson believes they share – an appreciation of the privileged position the game has given them.

He added: “When we did research in the early days of the Willow Foundation we noticed there were certain regions where we were not really recognised.

“The North East was one, which surprised us because we all know how fabulously generous the people are.