Club Denies Dyer Claims

By Matthew Jones
August 16 2004

Newcastle have dismissed reports that Kieron Dyer refused to play on the right of midfield on Saturday. The Magpies' kicked off their season away at Middlesbrough and reports claimed that Dyer told manager Sir Bobby Robson that he wanted to play in the centre and not on the flank.

However, speaking to BBC Sport, a spokesman at Newcastle said:

"There's no truth in it at all, it's like Sir Bobby said after the match - it's utter rubbish."

Dyer came on as a 68th minute substitute in the game at the Riverside, replacing youngster James Milner who made a promising start to his Newcastle career.

With the recent reports linking skipper Alan Shearer with a move to Celtic or Manchester United, the spokesman also felt the need to confirm:

"Alan Shearer will be staying at Newcastle."

Shearer netted Newcastle's second at the weekend from the penalty, but the game ended in a 2-2 draw due to a controversial 90th minute equaliser from Middlesbrough's new signing, Jimmy Floyd Hasslebaink.

Bellamy grabbed Newcastle's first in the first half, before substitute Stewart Downing made it one one for the Boro.