By Nick Raynor
August 2 2006

Newcastle United manager Glenn Roeder has stated that Nicky Butt does have a future on Tyneside.

In 2004, after signing from Manchester United, Nicky Butt did not enjoy the best season for the Magpies, failing to win over the St. James’ Park crowd.

 

As a result, the former-England international was offloaded to Birmingham where he spent the year trying, and failing, to avoid relegation.

 

But it appears that Butt may have a future under the Roeder regime, in an already packed midfield which has the names Dyer, Milner, Solano, Emre, Parker, N’Zogbia, Luque, Duff and Faye all competing for 4 places.

 

This of course looks as if some players will not be getting much first team football, but Roeder insists Butt has a future.

 

Roeder said:

 

"There were a few boos when he came on (against PSV),"

 

"But Nicky got in some good tackles and the crowd even enjoyed the fouls he gave away because they could see his commitment.

 

“I would say our supporters are a forgiving crowd.

 

“Nicky doesn't know any other way to play and he'll be strong enough to come through a small section of the crowd booing him.

 

“He knows he'll have every chance of picking up his career here.

 

“He's played for one of the biggest clubs in the world in Manchester United and has a drawer full of medals and caps, so there's no doubt that he's a strong character.

 

“I've told the players that, if they play well enough, they'll keep the shirt. Once they've got their hands on it, it's up to them to keep it."