Silence keeps Shearer’s options open

Sep 9 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

Should those crowds continue this season, Newcastle finances will be in a far healthier state than anyone envisaged following relegation, which will help Moat’s argument for the bank to treat Newcastle as a special case.

Meanwhile, Hughton is happy to welcome Nicky Butt back into the squad for the first time this season after he suffered a dislocated thumb against Darlington in pre-season.

Butt’s return to fitness has given his manager a rare problem at St James’s Park – a selection headache – as Hughton continues to look at potential signings to strengthen the squad.

He said: “Nicky Butt is available for selection and injury free. We’re delighted to have him back. He is a player of vast experience and has been involved with the first team the entire time he has been at the club.

“It’s always a bonus to welcome a player like that back into the squad because he brings so much to the dressing room with his experience. He is a fantastic person to have around.

“It’s also given me a selection problem, but when we have a tight squad like ours the more players you have fit and available the better. We are still looking at possible loan signings but there is nothing to report at this stage.”

CARDIFF chairman Peter Ridsdale has revealed the new contract on offer to midfielder Joe Ledley is a four-year deal that will almost double his salary.

Ledley and his advisors received the terms just over a week ago as Cardiff, who host Newcastle on Sunday, look to bring a positive conclusion to the long-running saga. Ridsdale said: “I have put to Joe Ledley a four-year contract which probably doubles his wages and does have an escape clause if a Premier League club comes in.”