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Jeff Stelling from Sky Sports has had his say on the Dyer issue:
| quote: | SECOND CHANCE FOR A DYER IN STRAIGHTS
The Newcastle United fans have turned Kieron Dyer into a hate figure but the issue is someway from black and white.
The local evening paper condemned Dyer for his refusal to play for Toon Army and a two-page spread left nobody in any doubt of the mood on Tyneside.
The Geordies have bared their souls to the Evening Chronicle and they all had the same message: he should never be seen in a Newcastle shirt again.
Dyer's sin if you missed it was allegedly turning down Bobby Robson's request to play on the right wing in the opening game of the season at Middlesbrough.
This has led to a volcanic eruption in the north-east, with fans saying they don't appreciate his attitude to the team, the region and most of all the shirt.
They are also furious about the disdainful way Dyer, after his introduction as a substitute at the Riverside, took the captain's armband off Alan Shearer.
It is true Dyer has underachieved on Tyneside in his five years: a rumoured £65,000 a week doesn't equate with 14 goals in 150 Premiership appearances.
But there is always two sides to every story. This may not be a popular view, but he could be considered a victim of his own versatility; he can do a decent job pretty much anywhere on the pitch and often has.
Time and again he has been the polyfiller to cement the cracks in Sir Bobby Robson's line-up and there is no question his form has suffered for it.
Perhaps Toon fans should look beneath the surface. Continuity is essential in football, it breeds confidence and confidence is oxygen to a professional footballer.
As for his refusal to wear the shirt - if it's true - I wonder what the reaction would have been from Alan Shearer if he was asked to play centre-half?
Would Newcastle fans have been so scathing if he would have reacted like Dyer?
Nobody wants to criticise the Newcastle fans. I've been up here all week and it takes all of two seconds to see they love their club, would die for their club.
They give unconditional support to it and in return want blood, sweat and tears. Unfortunately there may be more tears than anything else.
Though second chances aren't usually given to millionaires looking for a bit of sympathy, my advice is to give Dyer another opportunity and let him prove that he is the player we all know he could be.
Newcastle fans are known as the best around, well now is their time to prove it... |
I agree with the thrust of what he is saying but I don't remember Dyer ever being asked to play centre-half!
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