City Old Boy News

Last updated : 24 January 2005 By Covsupport
Newcastle were beaten 1-0 at Arsenal yesterday with a side that did not contain Craig Bellamy who has been targetted by Manchester City. 

According to a report in Today's Guardian: "Newcastle sources indicate that Bellamy refused to play in the game. 

It is said that Bellamy reported himself injured in midweek in an attempt to avoid playing in a position he does not favour, an incident that led to a confrontation in his chairman's office. There, the club have privately recounted, the chairman Freddy Shepherd asked Bellamy whether he was fit, to which the response was a stream of consciousness about his disaffection at playing on the wing.

"On Friday there was an incident that led to a meeting between myself, the chairman and the player," Souness said yesterday. "Bellamy was not happy about playing out there but he has gone about showing his displeasure in totally the wrong way.

"He declared himself injured on Friday. We are trying to create a strong team spirit here and sometimes you have to sacrifice things for the team cause. Our supporters do not want to hear about petulance and a player not working his socks off for the team cause. We will address the situation next week. Bellamy is still contracted to this club."

Rohan Ricketts is set to be offered a contract extension at Spurs by manager Martin Jol. Ricketts whose attitude during his time at Highfield Road was criticised has impressed the former City midfielder in training.
Spurs striker Robbie Keane may be used as part of a transfer deal for Manchester City 's England international Shaun Wright Phillips.