Boumsong Disappointed

By Matthew Jones
September 29 2005

French international Jean-Alain Boumsong admits his recent form has been dissapointing - and holds his hands up in fault for the goal let in at Manchester United.

Boumsong, 25, who signed for the Magpies for £8m from Rangers in January, vows to put the start of the season behind him, and turn things around.

Speaking to the Daily Express, Boumsong said:

"I have been disappointed with my own form, although it is getting better.

"Adjusting to The Premiership is never easy and in a few games, in particular the one against United, I held my hand up. I was to blame.

"But I took it as a learning experience and it will mean I will be a better player in the future.

"I play in the French side, so I know I can play, but I am the first to admit I have not been at my best. I don't know why.

"My main concern is obviously for the fans but also the manager. The boss sends us out on the pitch and he cannot do anything then. It is up to the players.

"When I make mistakes, I think only of the supporters and the manager because I have let them down.

"But I am a strong character and I will react the right way.

"We have a fantastic collection of players at Newcastle and I am absolutely sure we will soon start climbing the table.

"But it won't be given to us - we have to earn it. No teams in The Premiership just hand you points.

"The target at the start of the season was to get back into European football and that remains the target now.

"As soon as we cut out the individual errors, we will start winning games and we will be at the right end of the table."