Mike Williamson’s Newcastle move put on hold

Jan 23 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

Whatever happens in Newcastle’s pursuit of Williamson, Hughton will make his move for a striker early next week.

The Newcastle boss spoke to Marlon Harewood and Aston Villa on Thursday night to confirm his interest in bringing the forward back to St James’ Park, but has asked for extra time to make a decision after being tied up with the hunt for defensive reinforcements. Meanwhile, Alan Smith reckons it would foolish to write off Newcastle United’s FA Cup hopes this season – even though promotion from the Championship remains top of the agenda at St James’ Park.

Hughton will ring the changes at the Hawthorns today as he looks to protect his key first team players in preparation for a busy schedule over the next month.

That means youth will get its chance against West Brom with Nile Ranger, Tim Krul and Tamas Kadar all primed to start against United’s promotion rivals.

But Smith has counselled against under-estimating United along the road to Wembley, promising the young guns are capable of holding their own.

“Everyone said we would get relegated from the Championship,” he said. “When we went to West Brom at the start of this season everyone said ‘We will see how many it is today’ because they thought Newcastle would end up getting relegated this season.

“So we don’t mind people writing off our chances of doing well in the FA Cup.”