Bargain

Woody · Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 10:00 pm Post subject: Bargain

Damien Duff has revealed his unhappiness at Chelsea sparked his shock move to Newcastle.

Despite picking up two Premiership winner's medals at Stamford Bridge in the last two seasons and playing in the Champions League, that was still not enough to end Duff's misery.

The Republic of Ireland winger knew he had to quit the Blues to simply play football, and at Newcastle he knows he will be an automatic first choice under manager Glenn Roeder.

That was in stark contrast to Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who was keen to retain the services of the 27-year-old, but with no guarantees.

After speaking with Mourinho and Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon about his feelings, the Blues have reluctantly parted company with a player who cost them £17million from Blackburn three years ago.

Despite interest from both Tottenham and Liverpool, Duff admits to "following his heart" in signing a five-year contract with the Magpies, who have paid a bargain £5million.

Duff is now hoping Newcastle is the club that will put a smile back on his face as he said: "I just knew it was time to move on.

"I only had a year left on my contract, so he (Mourinho) couldn't say no when I asked to go. There was no problem.

"I also rang Peter Kenyon a few weeks ago and said if any clubs come in for me then I would like to speak to them.

"I was as honest as the day is long with him. I said 'I know I'm not guaranteed a place, and I'm not asking for that, but I have to play football'.

"Although I've had three great years, I had to go. People who don't know their stuff will say I struggled and didn't play a lot of games, but it's the complete opposite.

"At Chelsea, where there are megastars, superstars, I probably would have won more medals, but simply not played as many games as I would have liked.

"I just want to play week in and week out because when I do that I am at my best, and who's to say we won't win trophies here?

"Hopefully I can become a hero, and I'm not saying I left just to get worshipped.

"I just want to play football and be happy inside because I've not been happy for a while. I hope this is a place I can be happy."

Duff has admitted to seeking assurances from Roeder regarding further new arrivals at St James' Park this summer before agreeing to move to the north-east.

While he concedes Newcastle will not be pushing Chelsea for the title this season, he does firmly believe they can again become a force in the Premiership with a stronger squad.

"I had a little chat with the boss about whether there would be any more signings, but the most important thing was looking after number one and getting myself up here first," added Duff.

"Obviously, I hope to add a few medals to those I already have, but we are not kidding ourselves because there is a massive job ahead of us here.

"I think everybody knows we are not going to be challenging for the Premier League this season, although there's massive potential.

"But a few years ago this club was in the Champions League, and that is where they need to be.

"We should be up there challenging, although it's going to be the biggest task ever to break into the top four, never mind the top one.

"With Chelsea's finances, I don't think anyone can live with them, but we have to give it a lash, and with a few more players we will be going in the right direction."

Roeder is in desperate need of a new striker, someone to get on the end of Duff's crosses, with Miroslav Klose, Dean Ashton and Dirk Kuyt all mentioned.

Roeder is confident after securing "one of the finest wide players in the British game" in Duff, other new faces will follow shortly.

"I know the type of player our supporters like to watch," said Roeder.

"We're working through a small list of players, which we're keeping close to our chests, and being careful not to make mistakes.

"It's a case of one at a time - be patient. We're making inroads and hopefully a few more players will arrive."

He IMO is a cracking player , I think the toon have got a real bargain.

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I hope the barcodes get relegated and he jumps ship quicker than rats do.

Woody · Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 8:33 pm Post subject:

Ian , laffin , I just want to see the blunts go darn ,and Reading , twats.

KC · Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 8:47 pm Post subject:

Woody · Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 10:07 pm Post subject:

maybe it will be quicker to post the teams we do want to stay up

KC · Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 10:10 pm Post subject:

I only want Portsmout to stay up because I just like them.

Woody · Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 10:29 pm Post subject:

I like em too mate , well I like HR , cracking guy , cracking boss.

KC · Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 10:30 pm Post subject:

Dont no why but I just like them.

Woody · Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 11:27 pm Post subject:

Well you should know why , so there

KC · Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 11:28 pm Post subject:

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