Damien Duff wants to stay at Newcastle

May 26 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

THE cull of Newcastle United’s first-team squad following relegation will be brutal and extensive, but Damien Duff has surprisingly led the way by declaring he does not want to be part of it.

As one of the club’s big earners who does not have a clause in his contract specifying a wage cut in the event of relegation, Duff is under threat in any Alan Shearer clear-out. Fabricio Coloccini, Obafemi Martins, Alan Smith, Joey Barton and Geremi may also have to be shifted to balance the books now United will not be benefiting from the Premier League’s Sky TV windfall.

However, if Duff has his way he will not be moved on.

The Republic of Ireland midfielder, who has impressed as an emergency left-back since José Enrique’s injury, has suffered with injuries during his time at St James’s Park but, given his decent contribution over recent weeks, it was cruel he was responsible for the own goal that sent United down.

Now he wants to play a part in the team which will attempt to bounce back from the Championship at the first time of asking – and is hopeful that Shearer will be in charge to do it.

Duff said: “I am as loyal as they come – whether the gaffer stays or not. If there is one man to get us back up it is him.

“I am disappointed we could not stay up for him and the fans.”