Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 24 December 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Owen 'owes Magpies another year'
Former Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd believes Michael Owen "is" the club at least another season.

Newcastle have offered Owen a new three-year deal, but he insists he will not make a decision about his future until the end of the season.

The 29-year-old, who helped sign Shepherd for £ 17m from Real Madrid in 2005, will be a free agent this summer.

"There should be at least a thread of loyalty. Morally, I Newcastle has another year," said the pastor.

Owen, who has been linked to the likes of Tottenham, his former club Chelsea and Liverpool, he said "no intention of leaving the club during the January transfer window.

"I hope this is seen as a positive, not in any way unfair," he said Monday.

Owen has been marked by several injuries since his move to St James's Park in August 2005, making only 52 starts and scoring 29 goals.

But Shepherd believes Owen, who has fallen out of the England under new coach Fabio Capello squad, should be liable to stay another season and the repayment of Newcastle's belief in his abilities.

"He was injured much of the time since I signed and he played just an hour in four games he could have done had he been good," said Pastor Daily Express.

"It should be remembered that the club is for him, especially after his injury in World Cup 2006 in Germany. We looked after him and he assured the best care for next year.

"I personally went to (FIFA President) Sepp Blatter, and as such we have changed for insurance coverage not only £ 50,000 a player salaries, but £ 100,000.

"Michael did not want to hear what I say but it's the way it is. They say that there is no loyalty in football any more, but it is an extreme case.

"It was very well paid, paid handsomely for four years, and there should be some return to Newcastle.

Newcastle interim manager Joe Kinnear said he is "optimistic" that Owen will remain at Newcastle where he has just taken a decision.
by bbcnews.