Danny Simpson still in the dark on future at NUFC

Nov 20 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

It helps that Simpson, after three loan spells in the last three seasons, feels at home in the North East.

Some loan signings struggle to settle and integrate into the squad, but that is clearly not the case with Simpson, who is making the most of the chance for regular first-team football with a club that has made him feel welcome.

“I have settled really, really well. Newcastle feels like home – I feel like I'm part of it here,” he said.

“Obviously I'm not but I feel like I am. The longer my loan spell goes on, the more I like it here.

“I'm getting to know everyone, building relationships and friendships with people. I'm enjoying it on the pitch and off it, too.”

Hughton has remained tight-lipped on the prospect of recruiting Simpson permanently, partially for fear of driving up Manchester United’s valuation of their homegrown defender.

But it leaves the player in a difficult position – hoping the move will happen while being diplomatic enough not to alienate his parent club in case he is forced to return to Old Trafford.

His way of coping with the doubt is to force Hughton’s hand by continuing to turn in fine performances.

“No-one has said anything to me about January yet. I'm still waiting,” he said. “I don't know what the situation is, but all I can do is keep playing well, keep performing and do my best for Newcastle. I just let my agent, the business people here and everyone else settle that.

“I don't want to get caught up in that really, my focus has to be on training well and playing well.

“I'm not going to go knocking on the manager's door. It's best I don't think about it – it's about doing the best I can on the pitch.

“As long as I'm doing well and the fans are supporting me, I'm doing my job. I'm sure things will sort themselves out by January.”