By Matthew Jones
September 30 2002

The Greek defender has hit back at the critics of United's back four and backed fellow centre-back Titus Bramble to overcome his difficult start to life at St James' Park. Nikos Dabizas says he wants to stay at United beyond the two years left on his contract as he believes the club can become a force in Europe.

The Greek defender has also hit back at the critics of United's back four and backed fellow centre-back Titus Bramble to overcome his difficult start to life at St James' Park.

"I have two years left on my contract and I would like to get it extended because I want success here," Dabizas said.

"I'm happy here at Newcastle and my family is settled - it's one of the best footballing places in the world to be and I want to stay for longer. We are building a good young side which can be successful in the Champions League in the future if we can keep on qualifying for it. If we keep playing at the top level then in three or four years' time we will be better equipped to really compete."

To do that, many fans believe Newcastle will need to significantly strengthen their defence.
But Dabizas added: "The criticism does not hurt me anymore - I've been here for five years now and I've always had to listen to the same thing. When we lose a game there is always someone to blame and obviously you don't blame a striker or a midfielder. It's the nature and the identity of the Newcastle team to go forward - when Kenny Dalglish was here he tried to make it more defensive and the fans couldn't stand it. If we are scoring goals no-one cares, but because of the way the team plays we are always likely to let them in. Look at how old our defence is. I am 28 and I feel like a veteran because we are building for the future here. The manager did not bring Titus Bramble here as a saviour but as a squad member - he wants to develop him. Titus isn't the kind of lad who will let his head go down, he is a very tough character and will prove it on the pitch. The club could have gone for a 30-year-old centre half and they would have had to pay for that, but they are always looking to the long-term."