Newcastle United Football Club News

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

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52,193

Keegan backs captain Owen

24 Jul 2008 - 10:13:41

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Striker Michael Owen will remain as captain of Newcastle United next season, having repaid the faith shown in him by manager Kevin Keegan.

Owen was handed the armband following Keegan's return to St James' Park in January and responded by scoring ten goals in all competitions following the turn of the year.

Keegan confirmed: "Michael's my captain. He has really impressed everybody.

"He leads by example and that's a good way to lead. He says: 'I'll work hard, so you work hard'.

"He's not scared to give his opinion when he's right and he's not scared to say what he feels. He's a tremendous professional and he trains properly every day."

Meanwhile, Turkey midfielder Emre has completed his move way from St James' Park by signing a four-year contract with Fenerbahce.

The 27-year-old had spent three years with the Magpies following his arrival from Internazionale, but struggled with injuries and was restricted to 80 appearances for the Tynesiders.