"WE CAN WIN THE LEAGUE" - Woodgate

By Matthew Jones
February 1 2003

Newcastle have unveiled new signing Jonathan Woodgate, with boss Bobby Robson insisting he will be "a fantastic player" for the Toon. Woodgate thinks Newcastle can still win the league this season and will help them in their challenge.

Woodgate Signs

Newcastle United's new £9 million signing, Jonathan Woodgate says that The Magpies are still capable of lifting the championship this season. What do you think about this?

After being unveiled to the local media at St James' Park yesterday, Woodgate said, "I've got over those bad times now I hope to go from strength-to-strength - and I believe we have a chance of the title here this season.

"Arsenal still have to come here and they are only five points ahead of us, so why not?

"But first of all I have a thigh strain. I've got to get over that and then fight for my place."

He added: "I'm thrilled. I'm coming back home but I wouldn't say I was pushed out at Leeds. They accepted £9 million and it was hard on the chairman, who is a very honourable man.

"I've learnt a lot of lessons from the past few years and I would like to think I've moved on.

"I have come to a club with a big chance this year, and also years to come as well.

"There are so many reasons to come here: 52,000 fans a week for instance and I will have no problem settling in as I know Kieron Dyer, Alan Shearer, Gary Speed and Andy Griffin.

"I'd like to say that the court case was a bad time for me, I know I have made mistakes but I have learnt from them. As so many of the players in the game will tell you I am not a racist and now I am black and white.

"I think I can add something to the team as I like being the leader at the back." Boss Sir Bobby Robson said, "In so many ways he is the final piece in the jigsaw. When I look at my young squad at the moment it would be very difficult to improve.

"We've now got an exquisite squad. The players see a sparkle, a chance of doing something this year.

"With the arrival of Jonathan I can't see a better young squad in the country.

"We have restored the club and turned it around and we are destined for a golden era."

Meanwhile...

U19 striker, Richard Offiong who has recently returned from loan to Darlington FC in Division 3, has now gone back out on loan to Motherwell until the end of the season.

Newcastle have signed former Carlisle goalkeeper Tong Caig from Hibernian until the end of the season.

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