Butt set for Newcastle switch

Stuart Mathieson

July 01, 2004

MOVING ON: Nicky Butt

NICKY Butt is set to call time on his 13-year Old Trafford career and join Sir Bobby Robson at Newcastle United.

The Reds and the North East outfit are thrashing out a fee for the 29-year-old England midfielder believed to be around '4m.

Butt will discuss personal terms with Newcastle when chairman Freddie Shepherd returns from Portugal where he is currently playing in the Magpies manager's golf classic tournament.

The Mancunian is expected to complete the switch to St James' Park next week.

Newcastle want the transfer wrapped up in order that Butt can travel to the Far East on their two-match pre-season tour of Bangkok and Hong Kong on July 11.

The midfielder is easing his way back to fitness after suffering a medial knee ligament injury in training with England.

However, the injury improved such that Butt was able to return to light training while he was in Portugal and a medical at Newcastle wouldn't be an obstacle to the switch.

Agonised

Butt has agonised over leaving Old Trafford. The Gorton-born midfielder joined the Reds as a trainee on July 8 1991 as a 16-year-old and could end his United career 13 years to the day.

Newcastle are in the UEFA Cup in the coming campaign and play to an average St James' Park audience of 52,000 - the second highest behind Old Trafford - and their profile will keep him on board with England after losing his first choice role for Sven Goran Eriksson to Chelsea's Frank Lampard.

Newcastle's current engine room lynchpin is Gary Speed but the Welshman will reach his 35th birthday in September although he is expected to stay on a challenge for his place.

Newcastle are also expected to sign Leeds' 18-year-old James Milner tomorrow, while James Beattie could also join in a '7 million switch from Southampton.

Is '4 million enough for Butt? Have your say.

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Igo Gunawan, Casablanca, Morocco (01/07/2004 at 10:37)

I don't like Nicky Butt. We have already Jermaine Jenas, Clarence Acuna and Gary Speed for defensive midfielder position, why do we need a temperanmental player like Nicky Butt? For me it's a very dissapointing signing.

Mel Gibson, Manchester (01/07/2004 at 10:52)

I think B#4m is a good price for Butt, who is now past his best. There was a time when I rated him, replacing Keano for an entire season. Now his determination has gone at United, but I think he may be reborn under Bobby's wing. Good luck to him - brilliant servant to the club.

Barry, Eg. Moston, Manchester (01/07/2004 at 10:57)

This is a huge mistake from United. We keep moaning about needing creativity in midfield - Nicky Butt is one of the finest ball players in the modern game. He should have been used as a direct replacement for Veron/Beckham.

Ian Malcolm, tyne and wear (01/07/2004 at 10:57)

u obviously dont no wot your talking about, if you think that acuna, jenas and a 34 year old speed are our answer to our midfield problems. thats all bye

Gary, Chipping Sodbury (01/07/2004 at 10:58)

I agree with Barry. United have tragically underutilised Butt's potential going forward. In my opinion he could have slotted into the hole behind Ruud.

Red Rob, West Lower (01/07/2004 at 11:02)

"Brilliant servant"..... Was he not getting paid very well then? zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Kevin, Tralee, Eire (01/07/2004 at 11:04)

4 million is probably a fair price for somebody who spent the whole of last year in the reserves.B'Ham may try to entice him south with another bid but i think he has a better shot at a trophy with Newcastle, good luck to him in the future.

Duncan, London (01/07/2004 at 11:32)

Igo - Butt tempramental? When was he that?

Sally Deacin, Singapore (01/07/2004 at 11:43)

4 million for Butty - "a fair price". C'mon. It's a fantastic price. Butty's the sort of player who you wouldn't even notice in your pub team. We should get rid of Phil Neville too while we're at it - and all the other dead wood in midfield that Sir Alex likes to accumulate.

Kev, Newcastle (01/07/2004 at 11:45)

Igo: You must have been watching replays from 2 seasons ago as Acuna was on loan all last season and has now left the toon. Nicky Butt is a class act and i'm thrilled we are getting him for such a good price even if he is 29. As for Jenas I think he will come good but Gary Speed carried him for most of last season. With Butt and Bowyer in the middle of the park here's to an exciting season!!!! Cheers Man Utd

Tony, Chorley (01/07/2004 at 12:01)

I rarely comment on these sites - but Gary from Chipping sodbury - I seriously hope you are joking.

All the best to Nicky Butt, he's been useful to us but I think its time to move on.

Mary, Sale (01/07/2004 at 12:31)

What I will miss about Nicky is all the great goals he scored,and his inch perfect passing I think he is a United Legend like Gary Birtles Ian Ure ex Arsenal manker,Or TAIBI probaly one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.With practice Forlan could rankas another great player like Veron Alex has accumilated some of the worlds best players.What a manager all the top clubs are after him.

Chopper, The Toon (01/07/2004 at 16:35)

IGO, Acuna was released from his contract you fool. Gary Speed although a great servant is now getting on. Although already got nine CM butt could provide the competition for places that our primadonna youngsters need. P.S how about a swap? Viana for Ronaldo?

becky, london (01/07/2004 at 18:55)

of course not no way if we want to challenge 4 rooney we need money anyway he is asn all time classic we should go 4 8 mil at least

Toon Army, Bergen til eg dC8r (02/07/2004 at 00:07)

yes I think it is. he is a grate player.
Toon Army 4 Ever

patrick, vancouver (02/07/2004 at 06:48)

I'm actually surprised that manu are considering giving nicky butt a free transfer for all the service he has given them. it would be a nice gesture and they aren't really scratching the bottom of the barrel in terms of funds. unfortunately, I suppose if they did do that then the shareholders would start shouting blue bloody murder again. no wonder loyalty has died in the football game.

Mel Gibson, Manchester (02/07/2004 at 12:11)

Yes, Red Ring, that's what I said. He's stuck with us for years, even though for most of his career he's been a bit-part player.

SAL the KID, Oldham (02/07/2004 at 13:15)

Off course we need to get something for Butt, to compensate for all the times he warmed the bench.

JWW, Ottawa, Canada (02/07/2004 at 18:17)

While the traditionalist in me struggles with the release and trade of Nicky, in reality, I think it's a good move for the club, and especially for Nicky personally.

If value is placed on past performance and potential, $4M sounds a bit on the cheap-side of things.

Good on the Jordies if they can land this outstanding midfielder at such a bargain price.

Mark, Newcastle (03/07/2004 at 15:23)

Nicky Butt is a good holding midfielder. A great addition to the Toon for the next 4 or 5 years. His experience can help Jenas and new boy James Milner. Milner on the right or left, and bowyer and butt in the middle with beattie upfront and a new right back. 2 yrs we will be top 2.

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