Best intent on getting better

Feb 3 2010 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

LEON Best knows he has plenty to do before he feels as though he belongs at Newcastle United after his last-minute transfer window dash to Tyneside

Best gave a refreshingly modest first interview as a Newcastle player as he admitted he did not want the number nine shirt after finalising a move to the Magpies on Monday because of the history and the prestige which surrounds it.

Instead, the 23-year-old intends to prove he is worthy of being considered for the famous shirt with the goals that help fire Newcastle back into the Premier League.

He said: “The No 9 shirt would have been great – but that is a shirt at this club that has to be earned. You can’t just show up, pick it up and throw it on your back.

“It’s a privilege that has to be earned. That’s absolutely right and correct. If you wear the No 9 shirt at Newcastle it must be earned on achievement and nothing else.

“I know about the tradition up here of centre-forwards and what they mean to the fans. The fans will not need me to remind them of who has done so well for them.