Rob Elliot was a Charlton fan who came through the ranks to play 109 games for the Addicks.
It was a battle for Elliot to establish himself at The Valley. Not only did he have the experienced Nicky Weaver to contend with, but talented contemporary, Darren Randolph, also provided competition.
Both Elliot and Randolph won Championship medals with Accrington after loan spells with Stanley. Elliot also had a brief loan spell with Notts County during his time at The Valley.
Elliot got his break after Weaver was sent off after three minutes in a game against Plymouth at Home Park in April 2008.
Alan Pardew was Charlton manager at the time, and Andy Woodman was Pardew’s goalkeeping coach. The duo were to figure prominently in Elliot’s career.
Pardew swooped to take Elliot to St James’ Park in August 2011. The keeper signed a five year deal, and again came under Woodman’s tutelage. Elliot made his Newcastle debut in a League Cup match against Nottingham Forest the following month.
He has made 49 appearances in all competitions for the Toon, and established himself as Newcastle’s number one last season, following Tim Krul’s injury.
Elliot’s season was also curtailed by injury, but he had done enough to convince new manager, Rafa Benitez, of his talent.
Now 30-years-old, Elliot should be in his prime, and on Wednesday, he signed a new deal which will keep him at St James until the summer of 2020.