Newcastle United stalwart Steve Harper has admitted
his loyalty may not have helped his career after
being told he must leave the club.
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The goalkeeper, 38, has made only 197 appearances
for the Magpies since being signed from Seaham Red
Star in 1993.
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"Over time you're going to have some regrets," he
told BBC Late Kick-Off.
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"The period Shay [Given] was playing year in, year
out, in the early 2000s, that's when I should have
done something about it."
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Harper continued: "Ultimately I wanted to stay and play week in, week out, which I did over two, two- and-a-half years, and not many people get the opportunity to do that at such a fantastic club."
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There is some surprise in the city that Harper has not been offered a coaching or ambassadorial role by Newcastle, given the length of his service at St James' Park.
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"I've been there over half my life, and it'll be a sad day on 19 May when I leave for the last time," said Harper.
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"Maybe part of me was expecting it, but still when you hear it it's not nice. But that's the way the world is.
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"We have a young, vibrant squad now, and I'm by far the oldest player."
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He added he would be delighted to return to the club as a coach if offered the opportunity in the future.
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"Definitely, without a shadow of a doubt - I'm well on with my coaching badges now, I have another badge in the summer and it's something I'd love to do," he said.