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January 31, 2003
(Friday)
Jon is just
Champion
BOBBY ROBSON has
revealed how he targeted Jonathan Woodgate after the
Leeds star produced a sensational display in a Champions League clash
two years ago.
Woodgate was magnificent as Leeds held Rivaldo's Barcelona 1-1 at
Elland Road to help them qualify for the next phase.
Robson admitted: "I saw him against Barcelona when my former club
murdered Leeds except for him. It finished 1-1 and he thwarted them.
At the time I said 'he is sensational and what will he be like when
he is older'.
"He is quality and a good ground player."
Robson admitted Woodgate was also in stunning form when Leeds won at
St James' Park in September - the only defeat the Magpies have
suffered in front of their own fans this season.
Robson said: "He defended very well and we were simply unable to
score. He played Alan Shearer very well."
Woodgate will be the latest English star to join the Newcastle
revolution following Jermaine Jenas and Kieron Dyer.
And Robson believes Woodgate will relish a new challenge in his
native North-East.
The Toon boss said: "If the deal does go through then Woodgate has a
great future here especially with all the other young players we
already have.
"Regarding his time at Leeds perhaps he needs a way out of it, a
fresh start, a fresh outlook, a fresh situation around him.
"If he comes, I think it will be salvation for the boy. His ability
is not in doubt but I think he has to be given another chance."
But Robson insisted Woodgate must move to the area to be a success.
He said: "I've got a clause in my contract saying that I should live
within 20 miles of the club and I think players should do the same.
"We might have to move him. You are paid by Newcastle, you play for
Newcastle, come and live in Newcastle."
Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd is delighted the deal is going
through. He said: "We are bringing one of the North-East's best young
talents home.
"I know he is from Middlesbrough but it is his region and where he
belongs.
"Hopefully there will be no problems with his personal terms and we
are signing a world-class player."
Newcastle manager Robson admitted he is thrilled to add to his crop
of young English talent.
Robson added "While the foreigners such as Henry and van Nistelrooy
are fantastic players I'm delighted that we have got another English
star.
"He is one of the top four in the country along with fellow defenders
Rio Ferdinand, Sol Campbell and Gareth Southgate.
"I want to build a fine young team even if I may not see the benefits
of this in a few years to come. I want to leave a neat and tidy club
here for whoever comes in in the future.
"What we've bought is a player with real potential."
Robson does not envisage any hitches to the £9million transfer.
He said: "Sometimes deals go wrong - but I don't think this one will."
And Robson believes Woodgate will help Newcastle's bid to secure a
Champions League place.
He added: "We are going to try and use him to get us there.
"We want to do better next year in the Champions League and with the
experience our young players have gained then we are in a great
position."
Next article:
Woodgate signs for £9m
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