Sign for Newcastle? You must be joking, says Sunderland's Richardson

05 February 2009 15:24
Sunderland star Kieran Richardson has taunted local rivals Newcastle by claiming he would never sign for the club.[LNB]The Magpies made a cheeky £8million deadline-day bid for the England midfielder but were met with a firm rebuttal from Ricky Sbragia.[LNB] Get out of Toon: Sunderland midfielder Kieran Richardson insists he could never consider joining arch-rivals Newcastle.[LNB]Richardson has rebuilt his career on Wearside since arriving from Manchester United 18 months ago and his form has led to him being appointed stand-in captain. [LNB]He earned himself hero status amongst Black Cats fans when he scored the winning goal in last October's Tyne-Wear derby at St James Park. [LNB]And he insists he would never abuse the good faith the Sunderland fans have shown him by signing for their arch-rivals. [LNB] Richardson for Newcastle? It's a joke, says Sunderland boss Sbragia[LNB]EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle boss Kinnear failed with last-gasp bid for Richardson[LNB]Loan star Cisse keeps his options open over staying at Sunderland[LNB]SUNDERLAND FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB]NEWCASTLE UNITED FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB][LNB]He said: 'I've heard that Newcastle came in for me but I don't know that much about it to be honest. [LNB]'But the truth is, it's not something that I really would have considered. That would be the ultimate slap in the face to the fans up here that have been so good to me. [LNB]'It was hard settling in here after coming from United and I struggled with a few injuries in my first season. [LNB]'That is all behind me now and I'm playing regularly and performing well for the team. I think that we have a good team here and we are all aiming for a top 10 finish. [LNB] Thinking of England: Richardson is aiming to get back to the kind of form that saw him hit two goals on his full England debut against the USA four years ago.[LNB] 'Going to Newcastle has no appeal to me and I want to let the fans know that I plan on being here and repaying them for their support when I was injured. [LNB]'It would have been great if we could have done the double over them and made some history, but we will be striving to do that next year.'[LNB]Richardson memorably bagged a brace on his England debut against the USA four years ago and is desperate to add to his eight caps. [LNB]Fabio Capello, however, has yet to include the 24-year-old in any of his squads to date and will announce his squad for the friendly against Spain this weekend. [LNB]And Richardson hopes to force his way back into contention for a place in the national squad. [LNB]He added: 'I just hope that the manager remembers that I was playing well before I picked up an injury that kept me out for a few weeks. [LNB]'I only just returned for the derby on Sunday but I would love to get back in the England squad. [LNB]'I know that it will be very difficult with the amount of quality players we have in midfield but I just have to keep working hard. [LNB]'If I keep playing well for Sunderland and helping us win games and move up the table, then I know that I will have a chance.'[LNB] Richardson for Newcastle? It's a joke, says Sunderland boss Sbragia[LNB]EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle boss Kinnear failed with last-gasp bid for Richardson[LNB]Loan star Cisse keeps his options open over staying at Sunderland[LNB]SUNDERLAND FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB]NEWCASTLE UNITED FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB][LNB] [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail