Sir Les Wants To See Keegan-Style Attacking Return To Toon

Last updated : 19 July 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
"Sir Les" signed for Newcastle in July 1995 when Keegan went on a spending spree and brought in David Ginola and Warren Barten in the same week. He made 83 appearances for the Toon and scored 50 goals.

Big Les was a big part of the side that lit up the Premiership. Big, strong and a nightmare to mark, he carried on the reputation of superb Newcastle number 9s.

Les Ferdinand: "At times, people said we could not play Les Ferdinand, Alan Shearer and Tino Asprilla, and Kevin Keegan did. Sometimes we would play with four, so it can be done.

"It did not help our defenders much, but it's great for the fans - and Sam will use that attacking system when he sees fit.

"I recommend Oba to stay at Newcastle. He had a great season last year for me and grabbed 17 goals.

"Considering how disappointing Newcastle were last year, he still shone.

"Now (manager) Sam (Allardyce) will be looking to tap into Oba and get more out of him. Oba probably feels at home here and will want to build on it.

"People are saying that the combination will be Owen and Viduka. That has probably put his back up a bit because he was the top scorer last season.

"Nobody is mentioning him, and that will hurt, but it's up to him to come out and make sure he is playing come August 11."