Source: Northern_Echo
Butt still to decide on his playing future
NICKY BUTT will wait until his Newcastle United contract expires in the summer before deciding on his next move.[LNB] The experienced former England and Manchester United midfielder turns 35 at the end of the month and helping the Magpies to promotion would be a perfect way to bow out after an illustrious career.[LNB] But he will assess his fitness before talking to Newcastle boss Chris Hughton about his future in the summer.[LNB] I haven't made any decisions about my future yet, he said. I'm just going to take it as it comes. I'm signed until the summer and I'll see how I feel then.[LNB] If I'm offered another deal here I'll certainly think about it, but it will depend how I feel.[LNB] If I feel great, I'll carry on, if I don't, that'll be that.[LNB] Butt has now become a back-up option behind Alan Smith and Kevin Nolan at the heart of the Newcastle midfield although he did start last Saturday in the 0-0 FA Cup draw at Plymouth. Hughton still sees him as an important part of his squad even if he is eyeing up a move into coaching at some point.[LNB] I don't know if the legs have got another season in them yet, but I'm feeling OK at the moment, said Butt.[LNB] I did start my coaching badges a couple of years ago but it's been put on hold for now. I know I haven't got much longer left so I just want to enjoy playing the game while I can before worrying about what to do once I've stopped.[LNB] While Butt nears the end of his career, he is full of admiration for a young player only starting to emerge as a real talent for the future at St James' Park.[LNB] Hungarian Tamas Kadar was an impressive figure at the heart of the Newcastle defence at Plymouth, with the 19-year-old really starting to fulfil the potential many thought he had at the club.[LNB] Butt agrees saying: Tamas Kadar is a top draw player, I thought he was superb.[LNB] He has been unfortunate with injuries a little bit, he had a bad leg break, but if he stays injury free he is going to get a few games here and there and he is coming along really well. He has improved immensely this season.[LNB] Tamas is one of those who is starting to emerge now. He is growing in confidence around the place and you can see that on the pitch. He is growing into a really good player and it's encouraging to see how much progress he has made.[LNB] Newcastle have appointed Willie Donachie as their assistant Academy manager to work alongside Joe Joyce. The 58-year-old has previously managed in Antigua, Barbuda and at Millwall and in a 22- year playing career he spent much of his time with Oldham and Manchester City.[LNB]
