From the BBC:

Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given has confirmed that he has withdrawn his transfer request.

The Republic of Ireland keeper returned to the Magpies' first team with a dazzling display against Leeds on Saturday.

The transfer request was submitted after he failed to win back his place after injury in December.

I never actually had any intention of actually leaving the club.   Shay Given

He said: "Having given the events of the past month a great deal of thought I have decided to withdraw my request for a transfer

"At the time I was upset at not being recalled to the team after I was unavailable due to injury for the Leeds match, and I felt the only way to convey my feelings was to request a transfer.

"I now realise I over-reacted to the situation and would like to let all Newcastle fans know that I never had any intention of actually leaving the club.

The 24-year-old added: "I fully intend to honour my contract and hope this incident can now be forgotten and I can concentrate on fighting for a regular place in the team, helping the club achieve the success we all strive for."

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2001

Answers

I think the word he was struggling to find was:

SORRY.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2001

I do appreciate the withdrawal, but...still a prick in my mind. Should never have happened, but then again, only a 24 year old with a dink (Canadian term) for a dad, so Ok the "sorry" word will do.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2001

I`m pleased that he has recognised his own petulance - we certainly need two top drawer keepers. (:o)

-- Anonymous, January 24, 2001

Nowt to do with wanting to keep his place against Chewsee then?

-- Anonymous, January 24, 2001

It's a measure of the man to admit error. Well done Shay - all is forgiven.

-- Anonymous, January 24, 2001

Despite that cynical owd sod's comments above, I think Shay was hastey and he realised it as soon as he done it. Also a bit naive to publicise it, but sense has prevailed. Perhaps the final thing was getting an (unexpected?) recall on Saturday and playing so well.

Welcome back Shaymus - don't let us down.

-- Anonymous, January 24, 2001

Respect to the man for getting 2472 "y'knows" into his MoTD interview.

-- Anonymous, January 24, 2001

Forgiven, Shay. We all over-react on occasion and you were a star at Leeds.

-- Anonymous, January 24, 2001

And managing to make the same two minute spiel twice in one interview.

-- Anonymous, January 24, 2001

He was clearly tarting around the fans, leading the applause at the end of the Leeds game and praising us on his MOTD spiel.

-- Anonymous, January 24, 2001

Nice to know he learned something whilst watching Harper for the last 6 games. ;-))

All credit to him for public admitting his mistake, and backing it up with a stellar performance against Leeds.

-- Anonymous, January 24, 2001

Praise the lord. Glad he's staying. Where else are we going to find a 7'5" keeper?

-- Anonymous, January 24, 2001

He's a young man who made an instinctive error of judgement, but one who's big enough to admit it. All credit to him.

I still firmly believe his initial 'angst' would be more understandable if we were aware of the full facts behind what happened.

-- Anonymous, January 25, 2001