Viduka: I feared a Leeds-style disaster

Mar 24 2008 by The Journal

MARK Viduka has admitted he had begun to fear Newcastle United were going to follow one of his former clubs, Leeds United, into relegation and financial meltdown.

Viduka, who scored the important first goal against Fulham, was part of the Leeds side which crashed out of the top flight with disastrous financial consequences in 2004, an experience which still haunts the Australian.

But, having returned to the side to help the Magpies secure four points from their last two games to establish a six-point cushion between them and the relegation zone with seven games left to play, the 32-year-old hopes his fears were misplaced.

He said: “There have been times this season when I’ve thought we could be another Leeds United. You’ve got to think like that because the situation we’ve been in hasn’t been the best.

“When I signed from Boro a few players came in and people expected big things, but it’s been very frustrating. There were always whispers about the manager being changed. It’s been a very up and down season.

“Did the rumours affect us? It’s not an ideal situation. It shouldn’t affect performances but sometimes it does. I was involved in what happened at Leeds United. It was a situation where nobody knew what was going on so it did affect performances. But we’re very pleased with the last two results. Just the way people have thought for each other. We didn’t get what we wanted from Birmingham – we could have won – but we went one nil up against Fulham and that gave us confidence.

“In the past we’ve had trouble to hold on to leads, but today we have a clean sheet and that’s a great feeling, as well as winning the game. Everybody is very happy to get the win.”

Viduka was also full of praise for his manager and captain as he revealed he has never played for someone quite like Kevin Keegan during his long and distinguished career.

He said: “Kevin is a very positive person, very encouraging to all the players and it’s been great to be associated with him because he’s a great personality and a great coach.

“You look up to people like that because they’ve been there and done that at a higher level.

“As for Michael, he leads by example as captain. I thought he was very effective in a deeper role.

“I thought he did exceptionally well against Birmingham in that role. If he comes off behind Oba (Martins) and me, defenders aren’t sure whether to pick him up or leave him.

“He gets a bit of space and then he turns and he’s running towards defences. He’s very dangerous.’’