Historical cult hero: Newcastle United – Steve Harper
Like many Geordies, Steve Harper spent significant periods of his life watching Newcastle United from a seat at the side of the pitch.
But the perennial number two goalkeeper also happens to be the Toon’s longest-serving player.
The Durham-born shot-stopper chalked up fewer than 200 total appearances for Newcastle, despite being on the books of the first team from 1993 to 2013.
So, why he is he so respected and admired among those on Tyneside?
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While many others would have ventured away from St James’ Park in search of first-team action, Harper is revered by the Toon Army for his faithful commitment to the club when often playing second fiddle to other custodians.
The likes of Pavel Srnicek, Shay Given and Tim Krul starred between the sticks in front of the Gallowgate End, with Harper providing diligent competition week in, week out, in training, but often finding himself on the bench.
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During his 20-year stint with Newcastle, Harper spent time on loan at six clubs in the lower divisions, mostly in his early years, and none between 1998 and 2011.
In 13 years since he signed under Kevin Keegan from Seaham Red Star, Harper appeared just 25 times in the league, accumulating most of his time on the St James’ Park turf in his latter career.
Harper’s longest run in the side came after Shay Given’s move to Manchester City in 2009. He was number one for the 2009-10 Championship-winning season, making 45 league appearances, ensuring Newcastle were promoted back to the Premier League at the first attempt under Chris Hughton.
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During this campaign, he broke the club’s clean sheet record for a season as the Magpies went up with 102 points.
However, injury and the emergence of Dutchman Krul in the Toon’s first season back in the top flight restricted Harper to 18 league appearances the following season.
The keeper was made captain for his final game in the sacred black and white, a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on May 19, 2013.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Supporters cheered his name with fervour in the 37th minute of that game, corresponding to his then squad number, and he was pictured with tears in his eyes up as he soaked in the St James’ Park atmosphere for a final time.
He left for Hull City in 2013, spending two years on Humberside, and had a six-month spell on Sunderland’s books as cover in 2016, but never appeared for the Black Cats.
