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Rob reflects on six years at United
Written by Tom Easterby
Almost six years to the day since he arrived at Newcastle United, Rob Elliot is the player in focus in the official matchday programme for Saturday’s visit of West Ham United.
Elliot became a Magpie on 30th August 2011, joining from his boyhood club Charlton Athletic.
During his time at St. James’ Park, the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper – who has begun the season as United’s number one for the first time – has experienced plenty, both on and off the pitch, including relegation, promotion, playing in Europe, international recognition and serious injury.
This week, he met United near his coastal home for an exclusive interview ahead of Saturday’s game, reflecting on his time at the club and his love for the area he's settled in.
“I didn’t know what to expect, if I’m being honest. I was very young, came from the lower leagues, but it’s been amazing how it’s gone,” said the 31-year-old. “It took a lot longer than I wanted to get to where I want to be, but that’s life sometimes – you have to just keep working, keep going and keep improving, which I hope I’ve done.
“I’ve been here six years now – I don’t know where it’s gone. I’ve got two kids, I’ve got married, I’ve got dogs, animals galore. I can’t believe how lucky I am in that sense, and how happy I am to be here. I mean that genuinely.
“I don’t think we’ll ever leave Newcastle. I think this is where we’ll settle, regardless of what happens in my career. You know what football’s like – I hope to be here for a long time, but you never say never – but even if we did move away, we’ve had the discussion, that we’d settle here.
“When you have kids, you start looking at the wider picture. Growing up where I grew up wasn’t bad, but it’s definitely much safer up here. There’s more of a community, people look out for each other, and it’s something I want my kids to be brought up around. You feel settled, and I think that helps with football.”
As well as the feature-length Big Interview with Elliot, former Newcastle hero – and ex-Hammer – Les Ferdinand also speaks exclusively in Saturday’s issue, discussing his memorable stay in the north east.
There is also an insightful interview with Magpies academy coach Natalie Henderson – one of only two female coaches at Category One academies nationwide – who shares her inspiring story in the latest instalment of United Backstage.
To read all of this – and much more – in full, pick up a copy of United, which will available at the club store and around St. James’ Park on Saturday, priced at just £3.
"It took a lot longer than I wanted to get to where I want to be, but that’s life sometimes – you have to just keep working, keep going and keep improving, which I hope I’ve done."