New Spurs signing Bassong insists he will learn from the turmoil at Newcastle

07 August 2009 15:10
Tottenham defender Sebastien Bassong has no regrets over his year at Newcastle and is determined to learn from the turmoil at St James' Park.[LNB]Bassong was one of the only positives for the Magpies last season and his 23-year-old's move to Spurs, for a fee starting at £8million, will at least represent a healthy profit for the club relegated from the Premier League in May.[LNB]Chris Hughton is still caretaker manager at St James' Park as the Magpies prepare to start a Coca-Cola Championship campaign with the club up for sale.[LNB] New Tottenham signing Sebastien Bassong has said he will learn from his time at Newcastle[LNB]'It has been an interesting year and I learned a lot at Newcastle,' said Bassong, who arrived from Metz a year ago.[LNB]'I'm really happy to have played for Newcastle but had to move to improve myself and make a step forward in my career. I'm sure Spurs will be a good thing for me.[LNB]'I'm very, very happy to be here at Spurs. There is a smile on my face.'[LNB]Bassong revealed he heard about the move 'weeks before' it was finalised, adding: 'I really wanted to come to Spurs and it was just details that needed to be sorted out.[LNB]'Spurs are a famous team in Europe and the world, everyone knows the players here. The manager is famous with a good reputation, that is why I didn't hesitate to come here.'[LNB]Bassong, a Frenchman who is also eligible to play for Cameroon, is relishing the competition at White Hart Lane.[LNB] Ready for the new season: Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp at the recent Wembley Cup[LNB]Jonathan Woodgate and Michael Dawson are injured for the first game of the season, against Liverpool, but will eventually provide options for Harry Redknapp.[LNB]Bassong is suspended for the Liverpool clash but Redknapp is hopeful of Ledley King being fit, despite being unable to train this summer until Wednesday.[LNB]'That was the first morning he's played since the end of last season,' said the Spurs manager.[LNB]Redknapp will have four centre-backs to choose from when all are fit.[LNB]'Every player needs competition to go forward,' Bassong added on Spurs TV Online. [LNB]'That is what I need, without it I wouldn't feel good, so I am ready for it and it is positive for the team to go forward.[LNB]'I know there are a lot of experienced players here and hopefully I can learn from them.[LNB]Meanwhile, Turkish side Besiktas could give Ipswich competition in the race to sign Giovani Dos Santos.[LNB] I've put World Cup place in danger by joining Tottenham, admits CrouchLoads of clubs want me but I'll stay at Tottenham for now, claims GomesTOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC

Source: Daily_Mail