Bellamy set to remain in the shadows - no doubt praying for Souness' dismissal

Last updated : 08 February 2005 By Craig Hope (website editor)

Bellamy's new view? A spell in the stands awaits
As predicted on Newcastleutd-mad on Saturday morning, Craig Bellamy has turned down a move to St.Andrew’s.


It now looks likely that Bellamy will remain at
St.James Park until the transfer window reopens in the summer with the Welshman no doubt holding out for an offer with the lure of European football.


A move to either
Birmingham or Blackburn would have been viewed by the striker as a lofty descent from the dizzy heights he reached during our Champions League adventure two seasons ago. A campaign that Bellamy was very much part of and one that witnessed the striker form a devastating partnership with Alan Shearer.


Graeme Souness has categorically stated that Bellamy will not play for
Newcastle at any level whilst he remains in charge of the club and so a period of inactivity awaits the ex-Coventry City player.


Personally, I am devastated to see Bellamy leave. He is a player who is equally as easy to love as many find easy to hate. What cannot be disputed is that whilst on the pitch Bellamy was a model professional and a shining example to any young player should they feel in need of guidance in relation to commitment and passion.


Taking what positives we can from this affair, we can hope that the manner in which Bellamy has been swiftly ousted from the first team and possibly the club will send a firm warning to some of our other ‘trouble’ prone stars.


We await any further developments over the next 12 hours or so, the likelihood being that Craig Bellamy will remain in the shadows at
St.James Park harbouring the faintest hope that his period of exile will outlast Graeme Souness’ managerial reign.