Routledge, a 25 year old winger who can also play as a second striker was only signed to Queen’s Park Rangers in 2009, and the player has played previously for Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace, with the player also spending loan spells at Cardiff City, Fulham and Portsmouth.
More on this story later…
After a complex ‘menage a trois’ involving Portsmouth, the Toon and Watford, a completed medical and personal terms agreement, the 26 year old centre back is now finally a Toon player.
Mike has signed a 3.5 year contract for an undisclosed fee, and with Danny Simpson and Steven Taylor injured, and Ryan Taylor suspended for a straight red card, this will of course provide some much neeeded defensive support in the next few games. As to how much of a deciding factor this was in the negotiations would be a matter of speculation.
Speaking on the big transfer scoop, manager, Chris Hughton said:
“He’s a big lad.
“He’s a lad of the right age where’s I think there’s still a bit of development in him. (more…)
They reported that they “understand a deal will be be completed in the next 48 hours”, though there has been no official statement from either Newcastle United or Portsmouth on the deal at the time of writing.
Whilst a fee of around £930,000 had been agreed with the South coast club, it was then revealed that they would owe more than this (around £1.2 million) in a sell on clause with the player’s previous club, Watford. This was agreed when the club paid £2 million for Williamson (rising to £3 million depending on performance) to Watford barely four months ago.
A reported knee injury to Steven Taylor, sustained during the clubs 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion in the league, will have increased the urgency of manager, Chris Hughton’s hunt for experienced defensive cover in the quest for promotion back to the Premier League.
Williamson, a big lad at 6’4″, started his career at Torquay in 1999. 2001 saw a move to Southampton for a fee of £100,000. However, he seemed to spend much of his time there on loan, returning back to Torquay initially, then moving on to Doncaster until he was spotted by Tony Adams at Wycombe Wanderers in 2004. (more…)
On the transfer he said:
“I’m absolutely delighted. I’ve wanted this move ever since I walked in the door back in August. I’ve loved every minute!”
Since joining Manchester United as a young trainee, Danny had been shunted out on loan to Royal Antwerp (twice). Then, the poor unfortunate had to suffer the ultimate indignity; a season in hell with the unwashed vagrants at the Stadium of Blight. His life on the road then continued at Ipswich, Blackburn Rovers, then, finally, Newcastle United. Touching on this nomadic lifestyle, he commented:
“It’s hard when you’re going from club to club. This is the first place where it’s really felt like home and to secure my future here is all I’ve ever wanted.
“I can’t wait now for the rest of the season and helping to put this club back where it belongs.
“We’ve had a good start but the job is only half done and I’m happy to be here to help finish it. (more…)
Williamson’s a big lad (around 6’4″). After a short period at Torquay United, he moved on to Southampton in 2001 for a fee of £100,000. However, he seemed to spend much of his time there on loan, returning back to Torquay initially, then moving on to Doncaster until he was spotted by Tony Adams at Wycombe Wanderers in 2004. A loan spell there eventually turned into a permanent contract, with Williamson spending a total of five years at Wycombe until moving to Watford in January, 2009. Despite signing a three and a half year contract with the Hornets though, he handed in a transfer request there seven months later, eventually securing a move to Portsmouth in a deal starting at £2 million, rising to £3 million depending on performance factors. Once again his stay at Portsmouth was a very short one, lasting only four months if he finally signs for the Magpies. (more…)