Clark tips Jenas for success

By Matthew Jones
July 31 2002

Former Nottingham Forest boss Frank Clark has tipped Jermaine Jenas to become a massive star on Tyneside. The Newcastle old-boy, speaking ahead of Wednesday's friendly between the two clubs at The City Ground, believes the £5m man will get a fantastic reception back on his former stamping ground.

Former Nottingham Forest boss Frank Clark has tipped Jermaine Jenas to become a massive star on Tyneside.

The Newcastle old-boy, speaking ahead of Wednesday's friendly between the two clubs at The City Ground, believes the £5m man will get a fantastic reception back on his former stamping ground. And Clark - now vice-president of the League Managers' Association - also declared that United boss Sir Bobby Robson will take the teenager on to new levels on Tyneside.

"Bobby will be brilliant for Jermaine - but he knew what he was buying last season," said Clark. "He is a class act and a player who performs well beyond his years.

"He was the pick of Forest's emerging players and people have been talking about Jermaine's return with Newcastle for weeks. There's a buzz about the city."

Wednesday's match will also represent the first chance for Newcastle fans to watch £8.5m man Hugo Viana in action on English soil.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have agreed to playing another fund-raising friendly at Gateshead a week on Friday, August 9, with tickets now on sale from Gateshead Stadium.