|
February 1, 2003
(Saturday)
Woodgate signs for
£9m
NEWCASTLE have
completed the signing of Leeds defender Jonathan
Woodgate.
Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd said: "He's a great young player and
another player we have signed for the future - so we are delighted."
Woodgate, unveiled at St James' Park after his £9million move, said
he was "thrilled" with the switch - but has fond memories of life at
Leeds and backed Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale.
The defender said: "I've been at Leeds since I was 13 and loved it
there. I made some good friends there, but I've moved on now.
"I wasn't pushed out of Leeds. They accepted a bid from Newcastle and
said I could talk to them.
"The chairman has had some stick he doesn't deserve. He's an
honourable man who looked after me during my court case - and I'd
like to thank him.
"There have been some hard times for me - but I'd like to think I've
become a better person."
On Newcastle, he continued: "They've got a great young set of
talented players and a great manager - and hopefully we'll bring
trophies to the club.
"There are plenty of reasons for me to come here. The players, the
manager and 55,000 supporters for each game.
"I've known Kieron Dyer, Andy Griffin, Alan Shearer and Gary Speed
for a few years, so hopefully I'll settle in well.
"I am really excited at the new challenge of joining Newcastle
United - one of Europe's biggest clubs.
"This is a club that is pushing for the highest honours in the league
and Europe and I'm a player who wants exactly the same.
"It was a very difficult decision for me to make and in the end it
came down to what's right for my career - I couldn't let my heart
rule my head.
"Leeds United, the staff and their fans are all I've known since I
was 12 years old, but the lure of such a club and the chance of
European football is the right direction I want for my career now.
"I'd like to thank all of the players, the staff, Mr Venables and the
brilliant Leeds fans for some great memories in the first part of my
career.
"Also I would like to pay special thanks to the chairman, Mr
Ridsdale, who has continually stood by me.
"I appreciate that this transfer was a tough decision that was really
out of his hands.
"But I'm from the north east and I believe I will be very comfortable
here and hope to be part of something special over the next few years.
"I hope my performances cam prove my worth to the club, my new team-
mates, my new manager, Sir Bobby Robson, and the legendary Geordie
fans.
"I can't wait to pull on the famous black and white shirt and make St
James' Park my new home."
Newcastle boss Bobby Robson, explaining why he had splashed out
£9million for Woodgate, said: "In my opinion he is perfect for us.
"He is an England player. He won't need any settling in, he is ready
made and he will get better.
"He's only 23 and has a long future. His signing is in keeping with
the policy of the club which is to bring in young players with talent.
"We've come a long way as a club in the last two years. The club is
very ambitious and we're close to the big boys - Arsenal, Manchester
United and Liverpool - they are where we want to be. Signing him
shows our ambition and drive.
"I also felt it was prudent to buy English because there are a lot of
foreign players at the club and the balance has to be right."
Asked about the problems that Woodgate has left behind at cash-
strapped Leeds, Robson said: "It has been a difficult time for Leeds
United and we understand the problems this signing has caused them.
They will have to sort them out the best way they can.
"Terry Venables is a great colleague and a great friend. He's also a
tough coach. He has said needs time to think about it (whether or not
to carry on as Leeds manager) but I think I know what Terry will do."
Asked about the trial which cast a shadow over his promising career,
Woodgate replied: "The court case was a bad time for me but I am not
a racist. I am black and white."
Next
article:
Robson: I'll save Woody
Previous
article:
Jon is just Champion
<< Back to New and Articles
|
