Stephen Gerrard advised me to transfer to Newcastle United, despite my reluctance to depart Liverpool. I was ecstatic with the decision.

The former midfielder has contemplated his £2.5million transfer to Newcastle and the role that a phone conversation from Steven Gerrard,

the Liverpool captain at the time, played in persuading him to make the switch to St James’ Park. Guthrie began his career at Liverpool as an adolescent and rose through the ranks on Merseyside, ultimately making seven first-team appearances.

However, Newcastle’s decision to permit Guthrie to join was made due to the absence of consistent first-team football under Rafael Benitez.”I was ecstatic with the club.” I was struck by the realisation and contemplated, “Do I desire that?” Are you interested in playing for someone else? Is it my desire to be affiliated with an additional organisation?

“I contacted my agent because I was experiencing second thoughts.” I expressed uncertainty regarding my willingness to participate in this endeavour. I have not given it much consideration, in all honesty. In football, everything occurs at a rapid pace.

He successfully convinced [Liverpool captain] Stevie G to contact me, and he advised me to proceed. It is imperative that you pursue your own career and establish your own path. You must become a Premier League player. You have experienced it. Obtain a satisfactory contract and proceed.

In 104 appearances for Newcastle, Guthrie scored nine goals, culminating in the most successful years of his career. Before being released, the 37-year-old played a critical role in Newcastle’s 2009-10 Championship title victory and also contributed to the fifth-place finish in the Premier League during the 2011-12 season.

After leaving Newcastle, Guthrie joined Reading, which had recently been promoted. However, he was unable to assist the Royals in maintaining their status in the Premier League. After playing for Reading in the Championship, Guthrie returned to England in 2019 to play for Walsall in League Two for two seasons.

He concluded his career in 2021 with second-tier Icelandic club Fram. The following year, he filed for bankruptcy after accruing £120,000 in gambling obligations. Before a brief stint in Indonesia with Mitra Kukar, Fulham and Blackburn Rovers followed.