Testimonial For Harper?

Last updated : 22 March 2013 By Footy Mad - Editor

... a number of Newcastle supporters'' groups have called for Steve Harper''s one-club loyalty to be rewarded with a testimonial at the end of the campaign.

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Harper will leave Newcastle United at the end of the season after two decades of service with the club.

He will not be offered a new deal when his current contract expires in the summer.

The 38-year-old is not ready to call time on his playing career and is hoping to secure a player-coach deal that will enable him to complete his coaching qualifications while still being available for first-team selection.

Steve Harper: “If you had said to me as a raw kid from Seaham that I''d be at the club for 20 years as a professional, I would have said you were mad.

“People describe the club as an emotional roller-coaster and it certainly has been.

"I've had some fantastic times here. There have been some difficult times as well, but I have enjoyed it all.”

Unless Rob Elliot suffers an injury setback, the veteran is unlikely to add his 197 senior appearances in a Newcastle shirt.