Steve Harper [1993 - curr]
| Born | Easington | 14 / 3 / 1975 | |
| Arrived | Seaham Red Star | 1993 | |
| Debut | M'Boro A | 28/11/1998 | |
| Departed | |||
| App - Gls | 82 / 8 | 0 |
[Appearances up until end of 2006/07]
Easington born stopper who is currently United's longest serving player having been at the club for 14 years. However, since making his debut in 1998 he is still to amass 100 appearance as a result of Shay Given's form over the last decade.
At 6 ft 2 inches he is slightly taller than his Irish counterpart and it is fair to say that despite his lack of first team games he is recognised as a top 'keeper. He is an excellent shot stopper with good reflexes, reach and agility. But, although he is more comfortable with crosses than Given he still doesn't dominate the area perhaps as much as he could.
Before he made his debut he had spells on loan at Bradford City, Gateshead, Stockport County, Hartlepool United and Huddersfield Town.
He made his debut at the age of 23 when he came on for the injured Given during the home game against Wimbledon and although Given regained his place it was Harper who got the nod for the last few matches and ended up keeping goal at Wembley in the 1999 Final.
In the following campaign (1999/00) he shared the No 1 shirt with Given and got more games than the Irishman but during the first six seasons of the 2000s he barely got a look in.
Given's injury problems during 2006/07 gave Harper a chance to stake his claim again and although he did well his season was blighted by the 65 yard goal he conceded at Anfield.
More problems for Given during 2007/08 have again allowed Mr 13 in and his performances were so good that Allardyce felt he couldn't replace him even when Given returned to fitness; initially at least.
Due to his lack of opportunities many have been surprised by the fact that he hasn't moved on. He has on occasion come close; nearly moving to Hartlepool after his loan period and requesting a transfer in 2002 when a move to either Southampton or Rangers was mooted.
But he stayed on and in 2006 signed a new contract which runs until 2009.
Harper holds a degree, is an FA approved referee and had the distinction of appearing as an outfield player in the pre-season match against Celtic.