 STEVE HARPER has revealed his satisfaction that Newcastle United is once again a bling-free club. And ahead of tomorrow night’s crunch promotion clash with Cardiff City, the goalkeeper and longest-serving player has revealed he is convinced that Newcastle have the right formula to complete the task of an instant return to the Premier League. After emerging from the January transfer window with six new faces in and just one out, Harper feels that the new boys will only add to the excellent team spirit at St James’ Park. Harper did not volunteer names of the many well-paid stars that have made headlines for the wrong reasons at St James’ Park. But with a host of players with big reputations having left United under a cloud, he did not need to remind Newcastle supporters who have been left feeling let down time and time again. However, an upbeat Harper told the Chronicle: “It’s vitally important to have the right sort of players in. “It is well documented that we have had our fair share of difficult characters in the past. “But everybody that has come in now seem to be good lads. “And that’s part of what the manager was looking for. “With the injuries we’ve picked up, it was important to get in proven players at this level. “That’s what we’ve done.” Harper has been impressed with all of the new boys’ contributions so far, but having played directly behind giant centre-back Mike Williamson, he said: “Mike has been excellent and he seems to be a really nice guy. “He looks the part for us. “He’s very positive in the air and he’s got two good feet. So far he’s taken up some good positions and he’s settled straight in. “Two clean sheets are testament to that.” |