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Craig HillSocceroos Mark Viduka signs for Newcastle United
June 8th 2007 04:52
Mark Viduka in Newcastle colours for the first time
Socceroos captain Mark Viduka has joined Newcastle United on a two-year contract with the option of a third year from Middlesbrough.
The signing of "Dukes" was confirmed by the the Toons upon passing a medical in London thus becoming the first signing of new boss Sam Allardyce.
The 31 year-old striker told the club's official website: 'I am over the moon. I am really happy.
'The main thing that attracted me to the club was that it is moving in the right direction.
'I think a new era is about to start. Sam Allardyce has come in and if we can get success then it will be something special.'
Dukes could very well be linking up with England front-man Michael Owen should the latter decide to stay at the club and shall form a formidable partnership should they grace the black and white strip of Newcastle together.
Middlesbrough were desperate to keep their top scorer (19-goals in 06/07) Australia striker - manager Gareth Southgate urging the player to stay with the club on numerous occasions - but the size and the direction Newcastle were heading in proved too hard to ignore for the big man.
'The potential here is enormous and I am really pleased to be part of it.
'It is definitely one of the biggest clubs in the country.
'Talking to Sam was a big turning point for me. I really wanted to hear what Sam's plans were for the new season and what players he was looking to bring in, and his answers matched with what I was thinking myself.
'I want to win things and Newcastle United is a club that has all the ingredients to do that, especially with Sam coming in.'
Viduka will be a great signing for Newcastle, no doubt about that. His ability to score goals and hold the ball up in the final third of the pitch would be an asset for any club.
He will be a fantastic partner for Michael Owen in the Newcastle attack. The 'little' and 'big' combination will do both players plenty of good - Dukes' fantastic hold up play and unselfishness will see Owen poach a lot of goals.
On the other hand, Dukes' natural scoring ability will see him notch up a few for himself should opposition defenders be dragged away by the pace of Owen.
Here is a short video clip of Mark Viduka at his very best - an amazing 4 goals against Liverpool while still at Leeds United.
Soccer.org.au wishes Mark Viduka all the best at Newcastle United.
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Comment by Stanley
Comment by charles
ZCars
Ponderous
He's a good player, don't get me wrong, but he would be far from first choice for any of the top four clubs in England.
I didn't hear about the Milan rumours though - not that he would've been anything but a bit-part player anyway.
Charles.
Comment by Hardy
Mighty Reds Days
I heard rumours about the Mancs interested in him. Would be good for him, but he has settled in Newcastle now. Wish him the best, the 'new' Newcastle next season is looking good, although i never really liked Big Sam.