10 Players Newcastle Were Mad To Let Go

1. Shay Given - Sold To Manchester City For £6 Million (2009)

Newcastle United Appearances (1997-2009): 462 Newcastle United Clean Sheets (Premier League): 91 International Appearances for Republic of Ireland: 128 Clubs (Since Leaving NUFC): Manchester City (2007-09), Aston Villa (2011-), Middlesbrough (loan, 2013-14) Career Appearances (Since Leaving NUFC): 137 Premier League Clean Sheets (Since Leaving NUFC): 24

Shay Given wanted to leave Newcastle United at the beginning of 2009. He had performed admirably in goal for the club for 12 years, despite regularly having to watch opposition sides pelter shots at him as the back four disappeared in front of him - including the 5-1 defeat against Liverpool at St James' Park just weeks before he departed when the 128-cap Republic of Ireland international made five world-class saves in the first half-hour before the Reds even scored - and he had decided he had finally had enough. Yet, despite Given wanting to go, the Magpies should have battled harder to keep him - or demanded more than the £6 million they received from Manchester City for a goalkeeper who had made more than 350 Premier League appearances by that stage. Just 18 months after Given moved to the Etihad he was deposed by Joe Hart - and then just a year into his Aston Villa career he was leapfrogged by Brad Guzan. Although some may argue this proves that Given's powers had waned, if he had remained on Tyneside then Newcastle could have benefitted from a goalkeeper who was most certainly still in his prime in 2009 - and who knows, maybe they wouldn't have been relegated. Plus, Given has enjoyed a recent revival under Tim Sherwood at Villa, and has been restored to the first team. The last six-and-a-half years have not worked out quite how either Given or Newcastle would have wanted, and that's why this sale should never have happened. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.