Bellamy Plays Down Showdown Talks

By Matthew Jones
October 18 2004

Newcastle striker Craig Bellamy has played down talks of a showdown between him and Magpies' boss Graeme Souness, but has admitted his frustration at being substituted during the Charlton game this weekend.

Graeme Souness has said that he will be looking at video footage of the game and will be looking into wether or not Bellamy's obscenities towards the bench had been directed at him.  He will be speaking to the Welsh winger, but Bellamy said:

"Nobody likes to be substituted, but I don't really want to talk about it other than to say I was very disappointed."

Speaking to the Newcastle Evening Chronicle, Bellamy added:

"I don't want a showdown - what do I want a showdown for?.

"I'm at a great club. I've got two-and-a-half years left and I want to spent those two-and-a-half years here. That's my whole aim in football.

"In those two-and-a-half years I'll hopefully play the best football of my career for this club.

"Everyone in football knows my favourite position. But it's up to me, if I'm asked to go on either wing, to get on with it. I don't particularly like it, it's frustrating, but the team comes first. I've got to try and do it to the best of my ability."