Former Man City, Newcastle and Hartlepool defender Steve Howey feels that the bright lights of London are too much for some players
Howey also stated Newcastle need to make sure they do not sign players who only want to arrive for the money
Former Newcastle United defender Steve Howey
Former Newcastle United defender Steve Howey believes that it will always be a big ask to persuade some players to head north.
Howey starred for the famous Entertainers side that had London-based superstars such as Rob Lee and Les Ferdinand in it.
And for all the hype about living in London, Newcastle still managed to lure David Ginola and Tino Asprilla to St James' Park.
But Howey, in the aftermath of Joao Pedro snubbing Newcastle for the bright lights of London, told BBC Newcastle: "The area (Newcastle) is absolutely magnificent but a lot of players - and possibly their wives or partners - know London and everybody thinks that's the place to be.
"Of course, unfortunately, they'll tend to lean towards clubs down there because of London - even though you've got a club that's flying like Newcastle, who are going massively in the right direction, have just won the Carabao Cup, have got a brilliant and exciting manager, a fantastic team and ridiculous fans. You can go there and be adored."
Steve Howey, John Beresford, Darren Peacock, Keith Gillespie, Warren Barton, Les Ferdinand, Robbie Elliott. Steve Watson, Lee Clark, Philippe Albert, Paul Kitson and Rob Lee
Former United stars Steve Howey, John Beresford, Darren Peacock, Keith Gillespie, Warren Barton, Les Ferdinand, Robbie Elliott. Steve Watson, Lee Clark, Philippe Albert, Paul Kitson and Rob Lee
Howey hinted that many players are usually surprised at how good life on Tyneside is once they sign for the Magpies. A famous photograph from the Entertainers era shows every player enjoying a meal on the Quayside back in the day.
But Howey knows the complexities for some stars: "It's hugely important. What people have to understand is the player themselves is usually fine.
"They can come, they're in among the lads, having a laugh, training and doing this and that, but it can sometimes be difficult for the partner because, at times, they're alone."
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