Sport nationKieron Dyer Reveals Newcastle United Move Was a ‘Mistake’
Former Newcastle United midfielder Kieron Dyer has made a startling admission about his transfer to the Magpies in 1999. In an interview with Open Goal, Dyer confessed that Newcastle wasn’t his first choice and that he would have preferred to join Arsenal or Leeds United.
A Sought-After Young Player
Dyer’s impressive performances for Ipswich Town in the First Division and England’s youth teams made him one of the most coveted young players in English football. After Ipswich failed to secure promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs, several top-tier clubs vied for his signature.
Newcastle’s Successful Bid
Newcastle United ultimately secured Dyer’s services with a £6.5 million bid, outbidding Arsenal, Leeds United, and West Ham United. However, Dyer revealed that he didn’t have much say in the move and felt rushed into making a decision.
Lack of Input in Transfer Decision
“I didn’t have too much say in it,” Dyer explained. “Newcastle wasn’t my first choice; it was just more money. If I’d known what I know now and all the managers I’d spoken to, I know Arsenal wanted to buy me as a right-back, Harry Redknapp was playing three at the back at West Ham United and saw me as a right wing-back, then Ruud Gullit at Newcastle and David O’Leary at Leeds saw me as a midfielder.”
Alternative Destinations
Dyer expressed regret over not exploring other options, particularly Arsenal, which he considered his “dream” destination. “If I had thought about it, I would have held tight and seen if Leeds and Arsenal would have upped their bids,” he said.
Successful Newcastle Stint
Despite initial reservations, Dyer enjoyed a successful spell at Newcastle, making 250 appearances, scoring 38 goals, and earning a spot in the 2002-03 PFA Premier League Team of the Year.
Ruud Gullit’s Misconceptions
Dyer also shared an amusing anecdote about Ruud Gullit, who signed him for Newcastle. G
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