Why The Press (Some Of Them) Don't Like Michael Owen!

Last updated : 01 November 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

He said Owen's relationship with the local press is very different to the other players in the squad.

"We have had problems with players in the past, but generally we have a very good relationship with Newcastle UNited players and the club.

"Big Sam won't talk to the BBC because of the Panorama TV programme, but otherwise it's a healthy relationship.

"But getting an interview with Owen is like drawing teeth. He makes himself unaccessable unless you talk through his agent. And I can probably say I've only spoken to him twice in the 26 months he's been at the club.

"Other players are very happy to talk about Newcastle United, and I feel it is part of their job."

But team-mate Shola Ameobi has told the critics to lay off the England international.

The club versus country debate over his latest return from injury had many on his case.

At the same time, he has had to deal with speculation that Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson could be ready to make a move for him in January.

He has scored 10 goals in 23 appearances for the Magpies during an injury-plagued spell at the club, and as one reporter said this week: "We are still talking about Owen settling in at the club, yet he's into his third season here.

"Les Ferdinand had been and gone ... and scored 50 goals in less time than Owen has taken to settle in!"

On the other hand, Ameobi says his strike partner is a great buy.

Shola Ameobi: "It's fantastic for us to have Michael back in the side. He's a special guy.

"He has an ability to score goals that's rare in this day and age.

"People keep on knocking him down, but he continues to prove he's a world-class player.

"It's a shame that people keep on questioning him. Alan (Shearer) had it at times in his Newcastle career, and Michael's getting it these days.

"I just don't understand it. He's a world-class striker, and he's someone that Newcastle need to reach the heights we want to reach and realise our ambitions as a club.

"He has shown how much he wants to play for Newcastle - he has demonstrated his desire by coming back from his operation so quickly.

"He has shown a desire to be out there, not just for England but for Newcastle United, and the criticism he has had is unfair.

"He just shrugs it off, though. He's a strong enough character to do that."