Michael Owen reveals true feeling for Newcastle
TOON FUTURE EXCITES ME
EXCLUSIVE by DAVID HARRISON
MICHAEL OWEN has discovered the real magic of Newcastle — and is moving towards a long and productive union between himself and the club.
It has taken three years for him to prove his worth and firmly establish himself as a favourite with the Toon Army.
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Repeated injuries and sporadic form have enforced the feeling that Newcastle was just a convenient stopover for Owen between his move from Real Madrid in 2005 and a bigger Premier League club.
But in the last few weeks and a run of four goals in four games since being installed as club skipper by manager Kevin Keegan, he has helped turn Newcastle's season around and convinced the doubters that his heart is on Tyneside.
250michaelowenWith talks due in the next month over extending a contract which expires at the end of next season, Owen talks exclusively today about his future at the club.
Ambitions
And he admits he is genuinely excited about what could lie ahead for him at St. James' Park.
The Newcastle skipper said: "At the moment there is nothing on the table for me to consider so it is hard for me to come out and make a statement about my future. Discussions have not even started yet.
"But the manager called me into his office a week ago and told me about his plans for the future. He discussed the kind of players he wants to bring in and what ambitions he has for Newcastle United.
"I was really enthused by what he had to say. I think everyone connected with the club is looking forward to next season with a great sense of anticipation.
"You could not have said that earlier in the year when we went nine games without a win. Everyone was looking over their shoulders and fearing the worst.
"But we have managed to turn things around and we can now look ahead in the short term to finish in the top half of the table, and in the long-term to achieve some real success.
Convince
"These last few weeks have given me a real appreciation of what Newcastle United is all about. It has been my best spell since I arrived. This is why I signed for the club in the first place.
"It didn't matter how many times I denied that Newcastle was just a stopover for me. People didn't seem to want to believe me. The only way I really convince them was by doing it on the pitch and unfortunately my injuries got in the way.
"I hope the last few weeks have proved to people how committed I have been. I only wish it had been over a period of 30 to 40 games rather than half a dozen but there is a lot more to come."
Owen has also buried the argument that he did not get on with Keegan, having admitted in his autobiography that he did not enjoy his spell with him during his spell as England manager.
The Newcastle boss handed him the captain's armband and they have developed a relationship which has been the cornerstone of the team's recovery from the brink of relegation.
Owen has recognised the impact Keegan has started to have on the club and its supporters.
He said: "Only Kevin himself and our goalkeeper Steve Harper are still around from when Newcastle finished runners-up to Manchester United and they have told us how special those times were.
"We all want those days to come back only with some trophies to show for it this time. I have only had a taste of it on match days but have been assured I will never experience anything like it."
Responsibility
As well as making him his skipper, Keegan has given Owen a new role in his team-a more withdrawn position behind the main striker Mark Viduka.
Owen has thrived on it and enjoyed the extra responsibility of being a creator as well as a goal-scorer.
He does not see it as a permanent switch, merely as the chance to add an extra dimension to his game.
Owen said: "Ever since I was about seven years old I have been seen as an out-and-out striker and I think that's what I will always prefer. But this has enabled me to add another string to my bow and at the same time still get my share of goals.
"People have wondered whether it might help my chance of getting a regular England place. You would have to ask the manager that but I still think my best contribution to the national team is scoring goals.
"Besides there are other players like Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard who are well suited to that role."
Owen leads Newcastle into today's derby game against Sunderland knowing that there is little at stake other than local pride.
He said: "I suppose you could argue that Sunderland might still need another point or two to be safe but we are playing for the fans and their bragging rights.
"And of course it is another big occasion and the chance for everyone to see why this club is so special."
Owen goal!!!