Michael Owen delays NUFC decision

Dec 23 2008 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

MICHAEL Owen will delay making an announcement on his future at Newcastle United until the end of the season as the striker refuses to be pressurised into making a decision.

Although United boss Joe Kinnear remains confident Owen will eventually sign a new contract, he has not been given the definitive answer by the player he expected before the end of the year.

The United captain has made it clear he will not be rushed into anything as he is determined to see what rival clubs are able to offer him in the New Year.

The Journal reported a fortnight ago this was Owen’s intention and, despite the subsequent denials, it makes sense for the player, who has indicated he is willing to take a pay cut on the £105,000 a week he currently picks up at St James’s Park, to look at every available option before he commits one way or the other.

Owen, who promised not to seek a transfer in January, probably hopes his statement will stop the constant flow of stories about his future, but he will almost certainly be disappointed as it will do little to stop people speculating about which clubs want to sign him.

Indeed, the delay in making an announcement may have more to do with a desire not to upset Newcastle’s supporters if he does agree terms on a Bosman-style free transfer with a rival club next month. That, though, was denied by Owen last night.

In a statement released by his management company, Owen said: “Following speculation about my future at Newcastle United, I have decided to make it clear that I am committed to the club until at least the end of this season, and I have informed them I do not want to make a decision about my future until that time.

“I hope this will be seen as a positive step and not seen as being disloyal in any way. I am happy here and enjoy the challenge. It is simply a matter of seriously thinking about my future as I was 29 last week and my next career decision is a crucial one.

“My decision is not about money. I told the club some months ago that I would accept a reduction in my wages.

“I have no intention of leaving Newcastle United during the January transfer window and want to assure the fans that under Joe Kinnear’s passionate management, I am committed with the rest of the players to ensure that the club ends the season on a high.”

The terms of Owen’s four-year contract offer from the Magpies require him to take a £15,000-a-week reduction in pay, but he will still be able to earn up to £90,000-a-week as long as he is fit to play for the first team. He will earn a basic £70,000 a week with another £20,000 appearance fee on top of that.

That is a generous offer in the present financial climate and represents a concerted attempt to keep the striker at the club. However, given that Kinnear’s predecessor Kevin Keegan declared a new contract for Owen should have been the club’s number one priority back in March, the delay in offering the extension has been a massive mistake.

Sources close to the player are adamant no deal is already in place, but there have been a number of enquiries from Premier League clubs, including mega-rich Manchester City. Other suitors include Everton and Tottenham Hotspur, although they have strict wage structures in place, which could mean they would struggle to match United’s financial package. Nevertheless, should a firm offer be made from any of those clubs which matches or beats the terms on offer from the Magpies, it would be more than likely that Owen would be on his way in June.

In his time at Newcastle, the club record £16.5m signing has experienced just one top-half-of-the-table finish and he wants to play European football again, hence the reference to his “next career decision” being more than about money.

Kinnear, though, is adamant he has no doubts about Owen’s commitment or attitude, even if he does decide to leave, as he clings to the possibility the United offer will prove to be the best.

He said: “Michael will consider his options in the summer, but I am still optimistic that he will stay with us.

“In the meantime I have no doubts whatsoever that he will continue to give 100% for Newcastle United.”