By Matthew Jones
June 25 2002

Jamie McClen has admitted he feared he would be sold by The Magpies - after yesterday signing a new three-year contract with his hometown club. The 23-year-old midfielder has been rewarded for some sterling performances in The Magpies first team last season as cover for injured stars. Jamie McClen has admitted he feared he would be sold by The Magpies - after yesterday signing a new three-year contract with his hometown club. The 23-year-old midfielder has been rewarded for some sterling performances in The Magpies first team last season as cover for injured stars Kieron Dyer and Gary Speed.

As a Geordie, McClen is delighted to have agreed a new deal after widespread speculation that he would be leaving St James' Park this summer.

He signed the contract on returning from holiday in Mexico and now cannot wait to battle the likes of Dyer, Speed, Jermaine Jenas, Clarence Acuna and new boy Hugo Viana for a first-team place.
But McClen admitted: "When Jermaine arrived I really thought the club would look at me and decide to cash in.

"We had just signed a player in my position - a player who is younger than me - for a huge amount of money and I did fear the worst.

"But before we all broke off for the summer, the manager took me to one side and we both had our say.

"I admitted I was disappointed not to get back into the first team at the end of the season and he told me to bide my time and wait for my chance.

"Bobby Robson assured me I had a future and pointed out how many games we were going to play next season."

A proud McClen added: "In a way, it proved there will always be a place for local talent at St James' Park.

"It's a boost for me and all the young lads here."