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Originally posted by evil_bastard Only the Sun have linked us to Rooney, so we can laugh that one off straight away. Great player, but we're after defenders. Sky Sports have linked us with Rangers' new signing Boumsong. Woodgate was on the news yesterday, he told Newcastle to keep the number 6 shirt for him in case he comes back some day. A token gesture but nice nevertheless.

If newcastle ever took him back we would be laughed at. Woodgate used Newcastle as a stepping stone.

The Real Madrid move came out of the blue, it's not like he was waiting for it. How many players would turn down Real Madrid when they come knocking? You can hardly blame him, and he's guaranteed to make the first team there when fit.

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Originally posted by evil_bastard The Real Madrid move came out of the blue, it's not like he was waiting for it. How many players would turn down Real Madrid when they come knocking? You can hardly blame him, and he's guaranteed to make the first team there when fit.

So youre telling me Real Madrid was the only club he would have moved to if the bid came in for him? He was waiting for a bigger club to come in for him, it was shite about him claiming that Real Madrid were the only club he would leave the toon for. If Barcelona or someone like Milan came in for him he would be gone like a shot. He's after 1 thing, money, just like most footballers.

Woodgate seals dream move to boyhood heroes Madrid


Jonathan Woodgate claimed he had loved Real Madrid since his boyhood days and had sealed a "dream move" after being unveiled at the Bernabeu.

The England defender completed his £13.4m move to the Bernabeu from Newcastle on Friday and was introduced to the media on Saturday lunchtime.

"Mr President and all those who have Real Madrid in their hearts, this is my dream to come here,'' Woodgate said. "I have loved Real Madrid since I was young and I have always followed them.

"I am joining a team with special players now and in the past, such as Fernando Hierro and Raul.

"My ambition is to play here and win trophies. I hope to bring success to Real Madrid.''

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Originally posted by tall paul 2 what im trying to say is that carragher cunningham and king are consistantly solid defenders like woodgate.

In the weeks leading up to the end of the season Woodgate, as ever, was in and out of the side. But when he played he transformed our whole defence, average defenders playing alongside Woodgate seemed to rasie their game to another level under his leadership, and they even admitted it. In the first leg against Marseille he kept Drogba quiet, but missed the second leg due to injury, and Drogba ran our defence ragged. He kept Drogba quiet, he kept Henry quiet, he kept Kezman quiet, all in a couple of weeks Woodgate got the better of them all. His last ever game for Newcastle was a 2-1 win over Chelsea (his debut was also a 2-1 win over Chelsea), and Woodgate's influence was massive in that game, but he came off injured in the second half and we had to desperately hang onto the game without him.

I think we've lost a very special player, it's so rare to see Newcastle have a top class defender, let alone world class, and I wonder if we'll ever have one like Woody again.

But I'd be very happy with someone less influential but also less injury prone, like Ledley King. It's a case of trying to find one though.

Real Madrid now will probably play with Walter Samuel and Woodgate as the 2 centre backs. Rather sick, could possibly prove to be the best defence in the world if they bond, Carlos @ left back and who usually plays on the right?

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Originally posted by Turner So youre telling me Real Madrid was the only club he would have moved to if the bid came in for him? He was waiting for a bigger club to come in for him, it was shite about him claiming that Real Madrid were the only club he would leave the toon for. If Barcelona or someone like Milan came in for him he would be gone like a shot. He's after 1 thing, money, just like most footballers.

I can't think of any player, other than a Geordie of course, who wouldn't leave Newcastle for Real Madrid. Basically the two clubs reached an agreement over Woodgate and he just had to accept it. It wasn't like the Owen deal, where Owen wouldn't sign a new contract forcing his club to sell him at a ripoff price or lose him for free. Woodgate didn't ask to leave, his contract ran until 2008 but noone could have predicted Real Madrid would suddenly come in at the end of August, I think it caught the whole footballing world by surprise to be honest.

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Originally posted by evil_bastard I can't think of any player, other than a Geordie of course, who wouldn't leave Newcastle for Real Madrid. Basically the two clubs reached an agreement over Woodgate and he just had to accept it. It wasn't like the Owen deal, where Owen wouldn't sign a new contract forcing his club to sell him at a ripoff price or lose him for free. Woodgate didn't ask to leave, his contract ran until 2008 but noone could have predicted Real Madrid would suddenly come in at the end of August, I think it caught the whole footballing world by surprise to be honest.

True but if shepherd really wanted to keep him, he should have tried to get more money out of them. Now with the departure of woodgate and a replacement isnt bought newcaslte are gonna finish mid table.

The Chronicle say Bernard is close to extending his contract. Finally some good news

Newcastle lose to Tottenham @ St. James!

go Tottenham !!!!! i'm sure Naybet played a wonderful game

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