Source: FOOTYMAD
Tommy The Barman Sees Toon In Good Hands
One position Chris Hughton will NOT be trying to fill this summer is between the sticks. And former Toon favourite Tommy 'The Barman' Wright gives his verdict on the goalkeepers. Wright had two spells at Newcastle - 1988/93 and 1999/00 - making 86 appearances for the club. Tommy "The Barman" (he was barman in Belfast before joining Newcastle) was signed from Linfield for £300,000 and was an established Northern Ireland international. He spent a period on loan at Hull City. A goalkeeper who was well respected at Newcastle before moving on. Came back on loan during Ruud Gullit's ill-fated reign, filling in when United went through a goalkeeping crisis. Tommy Wright: "I’m delighted that Steve Harper has been given his chance at Newcastle. "He’s a quality goalkeeper who has always had Newcastle United at heart. "He could have moved on at several stages of his career but he always wanted to play for his local club. "Therefore he deserves the plaudits he’s getting after a great season. "He’s been so patient and I’d love to see him build on a good season in the Championship with an even better one in the Premier next year. "I’m sure Tim Krul would relish some first-team experience as well. "He’s got massive potential, but he’ll have to remain patient and grasp any chance he gets. "Maybe they can afford to send him on loan, but it’s a great problem to have for Chris Hughton. "The biggest compliment you can pay them is that if there’s one area Chris doesn’t have to worry about strengthening, it’s the goalies. "I’ve worked with Glenn Roeder and Lee Clark at Norwich, and they both speak highly of Fraser Forster. "He’s done really well at Norwich and that must have been a fantastic experience for him. "It’s about being patient as a young keeper, but if you get the chance to go out and play in the Football League, you should take it if it means first-team football. You will learn more than you will in the reserves. "He’s got a long career ahead of him. "It will be interesting to see what they’ll do. I’m sure Norwich would love to have Fraser back there again."
