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Tyneside turmoil upsets Milner

03 Nov 2008 - 08:14:04

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Aston Villa winger James Milner has admitted that he did not want to leave Newcastle United in August.

The former Leeds United starlet sealed a £12million switch from the north-east to Villa Park just over two months ago and is dismayed by the turmoil that continues to envelop St James' Park.

Speaking before his new team's visit to Tyneside on Monday evening, Milner said: "I was disappointed to leave as I wanted to be part of a successful Newcastle side.

"I went to Newcastle when (Sir) Bobby Robson was there and he was sacked three or four games into the season and that was tough personally for me.

"Since then there have been a lot of managers and off-the-field problems.

"The problem with Newcastle is that there's been a lot of adverse off-the-field problems, which hasn't helped anyone at the club. That cannot be good for a team trying to win matches.

"There is a lot of quality up there, a lot of good players and a lot of good managers who have come in and gone out. But until they get some stability into the club there is always going to be problems.

"This is the most important thing. It has been the case for a long time.

"The last time they had stability was when Bobby Robson was in charge. He was there for a while and the success the club had was entirely down to Mr Robson.

"Until they retain the manager for a longer time the club will not get to where they want to be.

"We all know Newcastle is a massive club. They have great fans who have been waiting a long time for a trophy. All they need is for something to click and away they will go."