Bellamy Making Souness Sweat
By Nick Raynor
January 30 2005
Newcastle stirker, Craig Bellamy, has revealed he is keeping all his options open about a potential move away from Newcastle.
The Welsh forward, who does not want to be forced out of the club, is in no rush to leave and may well stay until the end of the season.
Manager Graham Souness has stated he will never play Bellamy again after a spat between the two has erupted in past days.
It all went pear-shaped when Bellamy called Souness a ‘liar’ on national TV, over his exclusion for the Arsenal game.
Bruce said:
"He's a quality player, quality players don't become available very often and that's why we've made the offer that we have to
"My board have backed me ever since I came here and they've done it again,"
Birmingham Chairman David Gold said:
"We expect Craig to hold talks regarding personal terms over the weekend and have a medical and we don't see either of those being a problem.”
"We've done our homework and the player has indicated he wants to come and Steve Bruce is thrilled at the prospect of working with such a quality player.”
"Even though we've paid £6m I think it'll still turn out to be a bargain."
After being called a liar, Graham Souness reacted angrily.
Souness said:
"He can't play for me ever again. He has been a disruptive influence from the minute I walked into this football club.”
"He can't go on television and accuse me of telling lies."
Souness was pleased to see he had been supported by the club’s board.
He added:
"The situation has been addressed regarding Craig Bellamy.".
"It was always going to happen, whether it would be a month or six months.”
"But it's a healthier club now. It's a week we could have done without, but we've addressed the problem and dealt with it very well.”
"The chairman has acted in the way the chairman should and I couldn't have asked for any more support than I've received from him."