Hughton On Best Signing
By Tyne-Talk
February 1 2010
Newcastle United FC completed the signing of Leon Best from Coventry City earlier this afternoon. The 6ft 1in striker, who has already scored 10 goals this season from 26 appearances, will contribute to manager Chris Hughton's strike options.
Best is the 6th signing for the club during this transfer window following in the footsteps of Mike Williamson (formerly of Portsmouth), Patrick Van Aanholt (Chelsea loan deal), Danny Simpson (Manchester United), Wayne Routledge (QPR) and Fitz Hall (QPR).
The 23 year old whose contract with Coventry was due to expire in the summer and has signed a 3.5 year deal with the club had his move confirmed by Coventry chairman Ray Ranson, before it was confirmed by Newcastle.
Ranson said;
"The situation with Leon's contract has been well documented. When it was apparent that we couldn't agree terms for him to remain at Coventry City, we knew we would have to listen to offers and act in the best interests of the club."
Best, who made a total of 92 appearances for Coventry and scored 19 goals since his arrival in 2007 will wear the number 20 shirt for the club. He is familiar with the way fellow new signings Fitz Hall and Mike Williamson play, having been former team-mates at Southampton, and also Patrick Van Aanholt after the youngster was loaned out to Coventry earlier in the season.
Chris Hughton gave the following interview to nufc.co.uk;
"What people forget is how young Leon is because he has been around for a few years now. He was one of the number of young players at Southampton who came through together and showed a lot of promise.
He is at a good age, at 23 and certainly has his best years ahead of him. He has a lot of development left in him and we hope to see that here at Newcastle.
This season has also been his best in terms of goals and he's into double figures. I think he will bring more options in attack and I'm delighted to complete the deal."
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In fact I'm happy with all the signings we've made this transfer window.
If he can carry on this seasons form and we can play to the strengths of our strikers we could be ok. Would like to know how much we paid for the lad but sure we could get our money back should things not work out.