Source: Daily_Mail
Sign for Newcastle? You must be joking, says Sunderland's Richardson
Sunderland star Kieran Richardson has taunted local rivals Newcastle by claiming he would never sign for the club.The Magpies made a cheeky £8million deadline-day bid for the England midfielder but were met with a firm rebuttal from Ricky Sbragia. Get out of Toon: Sunderland midfielder Kieran Richardson insists he could never consider joining arch-rivals Newcastle.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. 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. And he insists he would never abuse the good faith the Sunderland fans have shown him by signing for their arch-rivals. Richardson for Newcastle? It's a joke, says Sunderland boss SbragiaEXCLUSIVE: Newcastle boss Kinnear failed with last-gasp bid for RichardsonLoan star Cisse keeps his options open over staying at SunderlandSUNDERLAND FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NETNEWCASTLE UNITED FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NETHe said: 'I've heard that Newcastle came in for me but I don't know that much about it to be honest. '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. 'It was hard settling in here after coming from United and I struggled with a few injuries in my first season. '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. 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. '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. '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.'Richardson memorably bagged a brace on his England debut against the USA four years ago and is desperate to add to his eight caps. 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. And Richardson hopes to force his way back into contention for a place in the national squad. 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. 'I only just returned for the derby on Sunday but I would love to get back in the England squad. '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. '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.' Richardson for Newcastle? It's a joke, says Sunderland boss SbragiaEXCLUSIVE: Newcastle boss Kinnear failed with last-gasp bid for RichardsonLoan star Cisse keeps his options open over staying at SunderlandSUNDERLAND FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NETNEWCASTLE UNITED FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET