The Shocking State Of This Club Under Ashley!
But he has never complained.
However ... Mike Ashley's decision to give St James' Park a wide birth, and let it 'tick over' until someone bails us out of the shit ... has Harper wondering what the future holds. Harper (talking to the Chronicle): "I've really enjoyed the last two years, as I played over 20 games.
"This year's been very difficult. I haven't been able to get a game yet, so it's important to keep ticking over.
"I had a good pre-season where I played in a lot of the matches. I got a game in for the reserves last month at Wigan, and it was important to get one in this month.
"I was only too happy to play in the reserves. Shay's obviously had a very difficult two years with injuries, but he looks to be over that now.
"He's got the shirt, and while he stays fit and keeps doing well, that's the way it's going to be.
"You just keep your head down and soldier on.
"My contract is up in the summer, and I haven't been offered a new one.
"There are a few of us in the same boat, and we'll just keep working and see what happens.
"With everything that's been going on, I don't know what the situation is. We're in the dark as well as to whether the club's being sold.
"But I've been fully committed here for the best part of 16 years, and I'll remain so until somebody tells me otherwise.
"When Kevin was here he did mention he would like to give me a new deal, but he's not here anymore, and it's died a death.
"It's a hypothetical question. If the option was there, I would consider it, but at this moment in time, it's not."
While Steve has given us loyal service for his entire career, we heard yesterday that Ashley is now "supporting Chelsea", although he felt it too dangerous to go and watch Newcastle play there last weekend.
At that - my friend - just about says it all!