Newcastle United Football Club

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52193

Butt left in limbo by uncertainty

11 Nov 2008 - 09:20:08

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Former England international Nicky Butt fears that the current uncertainty surrounding Newcastle United's future could lead to a mass exodus of players next year.

Michael Owen, Butt and Steve Harper are free to sign pre-contract agreements with other clubs in January as their current deals are set to expire at the end of this season.

Magpies owner Mike Ashley is committed to selling the club while interim manager Joe Kinnear is unsure about his own future, while United's weekend defeat at Fulham left them in the relegation zone.

Butt told the Daily Mirror: "No-one knows who's making the decisions at the club at the moment.

"We've got players running out of time on their contracts but no-one can sign a contract. We don't know whether someone's buying the club or not.

"It's the same with the manager. I'm sure he's looking to get himself settled down but at the minute nothing's happening. We'll have to wait and see.

"It's been like that for a while now so as players we've just learnt to get on with it. I'm sure it's more frustrating for the gaffer because he's in limbo. It needs to be sorted soon."