Duff to improve with Keegan?

[tetsujin1979]

Why wouldn't he? Heinze wasn't shy about stating he wanted to go to Liverpool? It's common knowledge that Duff would have needed to take a substantial pay cut, Chelsea were prepared to accept an offer from Liverpool that was a lot higher then they got from Newcastle. Totally different to man u not accepting an offer for Heinze. But they were also happy to accept a lower offer from Newcastle to ensure Damo didn't join one of their rivals as that meant Newcastle could bulk up his wages to match his reputed £100k plus per week. At no stage was he given an ultimatum of rotting in the reserves if he didn't go to Newcastle, it's nonsense to suggest so mate.

Duff's supposed to be on 65k a week at Newcastle, not 100k

[lionelhutz]

That's it exactly. Liverpool and Spurs offered several million pounds more than Newcastle for Duff but Chelsea made it clear to Duff they would keep him in Chelsea's reserves until his contract ran out rather than sell him to a rival club. Freddie Sheppard actually thanked Chelsea at the press conference!

Firstly, I think Duff has been excellent for Ireland the majority of times he's played for us. Even in the shambles of the last campaign he produced top performances against the czechs and slovaks at home.

However, I was extremely disappointed he went to Newcastle. Even if he wasnt going to be allowed sign for Liverpool, why didnt he stick it out with Chelsea and fight for his place. Wasnt Wright Phillips in the same situation at the time?

I remember Mourinho saying at the time he was happy to keep Duff but if he wanted to leave he could. I know this doesn't inspire confidence in Duff but he said the same of a few players who stuck it out.

[OwlsFan]

Anyone find it funny that at half time on SKy for the soccer games they run the Lucozade adds featuring our Damo, who is warming the bench at Newcastle, having spent half the season out injured, and the slogan is "keeps top athletes going 50% longer"

[Dr. Ogba]

looks like Damo could be out the door at newcastle. they've been linked with Reyes in today's papers. The question is what prem team would be interested in him??
Would love to see someone like Moyes at Everton give him a chance...

[paul_oshea]

Everton would be another step down, do ye think maybe duffer would go to liverpool now if they came in for him?! I definitely think he just needs a new club, but a top 5 club.

[lofty9]

If he has any nads on him at all he should be trying to convince Ranieri to give him a chance at Juventus. IMO Ranieri got the best out of him.

[Dr. Ogba]

Everton would be another step down,

Newcastle 13th with 31 points and completely hapless manager

Everton 5th , in with a chance of champions league and one of the best man-managers in the game

hmmmm

[eirebhoy]

He'd easily get a move to a decent team abroad if he wanted but I don't think he does. Valencia and Inter wanted him the last time.

[ifk101]

"Duff has stated that he would never sign for a continental club as he enjoys playing in the colder climate of the UK and Ireland." Source: Wikipedia

[paul_oshea]

Newcastle 13th with 31 points and completely hapless manager

Everton 5th , in with a chance of champions league and one of the best man-managers in the game

hmmmm

Sorry i wasn't very clear, i dont think everton is suitable for him either to be honest.

[Drumcondra 69er]

Duff's supposed to be on 65k a week at Newcastle, not 100k

Basic salary maybe but he had a massive signing on fee from the saving they made on the transfer fee and has huge bonuses (not that much of them would have been cashed in yet) etc written into it. Himself and Owen's contracts are worth well over £100k a week in total from all accounts.

Having a signing on fee spread over the length of a contract is massively common to avoid breaking wage structures etc.

[kev mcq]

Anyone find it funny that at half time on SKy for the soccer games they run the Lucozade adds featuring our Damo, who is warming the bench at Newcastle, having spent half the season out injured, and the slogan is "keeps top athletes going 50% longer"

It's actually 33% longer

[kennedmc]

Is there a MLS team who may be interested in him, where the climate is moderate? They could do a 'Beckham like' deal so Duffer could keep earning the 75K a week he needs to earn to ensure a happy retirement.

Although Pat Devlin better get a slice of the images rights else there'll be no deal happening.

[Wolfie]

It's actually 33% longer

Just as well he's on the bench so.

[Scram]

He'd easily get a move to a decent team abroad if he wanted but I don't think he does. Valencia and Inter wanted him the last time.

Or Celtic.

ps. I thought he was already abroad ?!

[eirebhoy]

Aye but Newcastle don't fit the decent team bit.

[jmurphyc]

Outside of the Big 4 and Newcastle does ANY other player in the Premiership get as much as him?

He could get very good wages at West Ham or Tottenham. I don't think West Ham would be right for him though and I don't think Tottenham would be interested any more. A move abroad would seem the best bet but I can't see him leaving England.

[RogerMilla]

would be shocked if he left england , he should fight for his place at newcastle

[irishfan86]

Is there a MLS team who may be interested in him, where the climate is moderate?

The MLS season is played in the summer, and it's anything but moderate in many parts of the USA then. Remember USA 94 and Pink Stan?

[FarBeag]

To be fair, Duff has been going down hill for a long time. His was at his best when he played for Blackburn and the early stages at Chelsea. Its a shame because when Duff was on form and lined out in a green top I always felt we would win the game even before it started.I don't think we will ever see the old Duffer again but I hope I am wrong.