Sébastien Bassong hoping for no repeat

May 9 2009 by Paul Cunningham, The Journal

The 22-year-old rejects any suggestion of apathy, however.

“Every player cares,” the centre-back insists. “We can’t think about leaving if Newcastle went down. Newcastle are a big, big club and we all care about the situation. We want to keep Newcastle in the Premier League, where they belong. Newcastle gave me my chance and I have to give them something back.”

For many in two squads packed with overseas talent, following their club into the Football League would be a journey into the unknown.

Not Digard, which is why he is anxious to stay put.

“I watch the Championship on a Sunday morning,” he says. “It is very different from the Premier League, which is very fast and you recognise all the faces.

“It looks very hard to play in the Championship. Some players do not control the ball, they just kick it upfield. Kick and run, it is very tough. I do not want to have to play in that league.”

STUART RAYNER