Another Kick In The Nuts For Pardew

Last updated : 11 September 2011 By Footy Mad - Editor

Ruiz sealed a £10million-plus move from Twente to Fulham on deadline day, but Newcastle launched a last-ditch attempt to persuade him to move there.

The Magpies even had a helicopter on stand-by ready to whisk him away from Fulham's grasp but Ruiz insists that was never in his thinking.

He was on of 15 strikers to snub a Newcastle bid during the summer transfer window.

So WHY does Alan Pardew struggle to attract the big names?

He said on Saturday: "I tell the board the players I want, then it is out of my hands".

Bryan Ruiz: "I heard about the helicopter. Newcastle were interested but I had a good feeling about Fulham and wanted to stay here.

"Martin Jol was a big influence on me. He told me he wants to combine the English and Dutch styles and he knows how I can fit into the team.

"I can play as a number ten, a second striker, or on the left or right flank. I'm not a number nine but I've always scored goals.

"I know people are expecting a lot from me here because Fulham have spent a lot of money on me."