Geremi staying, says Chris Hughton

Nov 23 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

NEWCASTLE United boss Chris Hughton wants to hold on to fringe man Geremi during the January transfer window.

The Cameroon midfielder has started just three games this season and has not appeared since he was ironically cheered from the field after being substituted during the defeat at Scunthorpe.

The 30-year-old’s failure to make an impact in the Championship is in stark contrast to his fortunes at international level, where he has been a regular for the Indomitable Lions during their qualification campaign for the World Cup.

He is likely to be on the bench for tonight’s trip to Preston but played a full 90 minutes to help Cameroon secure a place in South Africa with victory over Morocco last week.

Despite those struggles to adapt to life in the second tier, Hughton does not want to dispense of the services of his highly-experienced midfielder.

And he has urged United supporters not to judge the former Chelsea man on a sprinkling of displays in a position that is not his preferred role.

“No, I won’t be open to offers for Geremi during January. What we have is a squad and Geremi is very much part of that even if he isn’t playing,” he said.

“I think to be honest, he’s been unlucky in that the form of Alan Smith and Kevin Nolan has been so good that he hasn’t really had a chance to play in the position which would be his favoured one.

“He would prefer to play central midfield but opportunities have been limited there and, touch wood, we have not had any injuries in that key area.

“The useful thing with Geremi is that he is getting games at international level and that is helping to keep him match fit in case we do need to use him.

“He understands that the form of Alan and Kevin has been so good that his opportunities have been limited.”

There was interest in Geremi from the Bundesliga over the summer but his weekly wage of nearly £60,000 put off any potential suitors – and with the player likely to miss most of January while at the African Nations Cup, it would take a determined effort on United’s part to recoup any cash for the veteran.

Hughton feels the club is better served by keeping hold of him and other fringe men, rather than looking to sell and reinvest funds in strengthening the squad.

“It just so happens that we’ve not been too badly affected by injuries in that area at the moment but you do not know what is round the corner,” added Hughton.

“Geremi and Nicky Butt are too excellent options for us if that situation changes and I think it is important to have experienced players that you know can come in and do a job, because it is a long and tough season.”