.....in the Ronnie:

"I didn't want to leave Newcastle - who would? I loved it there. In fact, I loved everything about the club and I will not have a bad word said about it - the players, the supporters, the chairman, the manager, the backroom staff. It's been the perfect club any professional footballer could play for".

"But there comes a time in football when it's time to move on. That time has come now and I am facing a fresh challenge with Bolton Wanderers. That's football. It's a business like any other business. Newcastle United FC is not here for the benefit of Gary Speed. Obviously it's a massive wrench to leave such a club and of course I am disappointed".

"But I knew the writing was on the wall for me when Newcastle signed young James Milner from Leeds United. But he's a very good player and a great signing for the club."

"I am not disappointed with the manager or the club but I am just disappointed I have left a fantastic club.

"I now need to get on with my fresh challenge and I'm looking forward to the season with Bolton Wanderers. I am excited at what lies ahead with an up-and-coming club and feel I still have a lot to offer the Premiership."

>

Top blerk who you have to feel rather sorry for. However, he will be fondly remembered (by some) as a great professional and a massive +ve influence on the Club.

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2004

Answers

Include me in that "some" please.

Always thought we vastly under-rated him....you could tell the fans were never gonna take to him the season he scored 13 goals and we never started a song for him...

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2004

I was always felt the need to defend him. For me he was undervalued.

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2004

I think that is a bit harsh saying he was under valued and only some will remember him fondly.

I have been a regular critic of him, but only over the last 2 seasons where he has not been good enough. I am sure most others feel the same. All the platitudes he is getting at the moment are deserved and over his time with us his over all contribution has been positive.

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2004

Gary Speed went right up in my estimations when he took out Roy Keane in the FA cup final

Top bloke!

J

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2004