Let's shoot from the hip ... as we always do on this website ... and look at the facts.Shay went knocking on Sam's door after the humiliation the team suffered against Liverpool, and the Irishman was not a happy bunny.
Now - regardless what was said in the "official statement" from Newcastle in Shay's name - that was a fact!
And now we get: "Sam Allardyce has the full backing and support of every Newcastle United player and we are all working together as one to bring success to the football club.
"It is mischief-making of the highest order and appears designed to unsettle everyone on the eve of our big game against Arsenal on Wednesday night."
The Chronicle and Journal both stand by their articles, as there is nothing to defend. Shay DID have it out with the manager after the 3-0 defeat.
The problem is Allardyce is keen to sign Jussi Jaaskelainen from Bolton Wanderers, and that will happen very soon ... IF Allardyce stays as manager.
The goalkeeper has made it public he wants to leave thev Reebok, and St James' Park is the obvious place to go, and Given is in no mood to play second fiddle to anyone.
Given wants to go down in history making more appearances for Newcastle United than anyone else. But he admits he could see it blown apart if Allardyce signs his old mate Jaaskelainen.