Jenas Explains His Exit From SJP

Jenas insisted: "I left for purely football reasons really. I felt I had gone as far as I could with them. It was nothing to do with the fact I didn't get on with Graeme Souness at all.

"It was just purely and simply about football reasons. I felt I needed to move to develop. Sometimes, it is best to get a fresh start. I was up there for four years and had a good time but I felt as though I had hit a bit of a ceiling.

"It is tough at Newcastle. The fans are very passionate about their club but in Newcastle it is very enclosed. If you speak to a lot of the lads up in Newcastle, they find it much the same. It is not something you struggle to deal because being a professional footballer, you are in the public eye whether you like it or not, whoever you are.

"When the fans are behind you and willing you on it is brilliant. So you can't just have it one way."