Lance Knight
07-28-2004, 03:55 PM
Quote:
Gary Neville has first-hand knowledge that football can be a risky and ever-changing business.
While the Manchester United right-back has secured a new five-year deal, close friend Nicky Butt is heading for the Old Trafford exit door.
Butt is expected at Newcastle today after the clubs agreed a fee - believed to be £2.5million - for the 29-year-old England midfielder. He is due to finalise personal terms and take a medical at St James' Park.
Neville said: 'Nicky and I have become the best of friends over the years.
'Some players do move on and you wish them all the best. But it is particularly difficult when you have become close to someone.
'Nicky has joined a big club and I am sure he will do well.'
On a deal that takes him to 2009, Neville said: ' Obviously I am honoured that I was able to sign a new contract.
'But I am conscious of the fact it will only last as long as I perform.
'Hopefully if all goes well I can see out those five years.
'But the first target is to try and win the title again.
'I always feel positive and it is a really great challenge for us this season to go and try and win trophies.
'I think the squad is strong and we will be in better shape in certain terms then we were last year.'
Butt, however, found himself down the pecking order last season after 15 years with the club.
He wanted more first-team games but Ferguson could not offer any guarantees.
The Old Trafford boss believes Newcastle have got real value for money.
'Nicky will be a great signing for them,' said the Old Trafford boss. 'He has been a fantastic performer for our club.
'They have got a bargain, really, as far as I am concerned. I hope he goes on and enjoys many great years.'
Ferguson revealed they decided at the end of last season that Butt could move on if the deal was right.
He said: 'We had a difficulty in me not picking him and Nicky accepting that situation.
'He wanted more appearances than I could possibly promise him.
'Young players like Darren Fletcher are breaking through. Then there are others in that role like Djemba-Djemba, Kleberson, Scholes and not forgetting Phil Neville.
'The common sense verdict was to let him get on with another career and we wish him well.'
Butt joined United as a 14-year-old and Ferguson said: 'Nicky is the same today as he was then. His attitude and character has never changed.'
Ferguson intends to reinstate goalkeeper Tim Howard against Celtic tonight in the ChampionsWorld Series match.
He initially intended to name Ricardo but has had a change of heart after being stung by criticism for the team he put out against Bayern Munich on Sunday.
Only Roy Keane who started had made more than 35 appearances for United.
Ferguson said: 'I think I will play Tim Howard and leave Ricardo until the Vodafone tournament (at Old Trafford next month).
'We want to show that we are taking these games seriously despite what some people may think.'
Old Trafford captain Keane, Ryan Giggs as well as the Neville brothers are all expected to play at Lincoln Financial Field.
Ferguson expects it to be fairly competitive against their Scottish rivals.
'It is always quite an emotional game,' he said. 'Celtic have wonderful support that is inspirational to them and they never play friendlies.
'They are fully committed matches and Celtic will have a go at us.'
Gary Neville has first-hand knowledge that football can be a risky and ever-changing business.
While the Manchester United right-back has secured a new five-year deal, close friend Nicky Butt is heading for the Old Trafford exit door.
Butt is expected at Newcastle today after the clubs agreed a fee - believed to be £2.5million - for the 29-year-old England midfielder. He is due to finalise personal terms and take a medical at St James' Park.
Neville said: 'Nicky and I have become the best of friends over the years.
'Some players do move on and you wish them all the best. But it is particularly difficult when you have become close to someone.
'Nicky has joined a big club and I am sure he will do well.'
On a deal that takes him to 2009, Neville said: ' Obviously I am honoured that I was able to sign a new contract.
'But I am conscious of the fact it will only last as long as I perform.
'Hopefully if all goes well I can see out those five years.
'But the first target is to try and win the title again.
'I always feel positive and it is a really great challenge for us this season to go and try and win trophies.
'I think the squad is strong and we will be in better shape in certain terms then we were last year.'
Butt, however, found himself down the pecking order last season after 15 years with the club.
He wanted more first-team games but Ferguson could not offer any guarantees.
The Old Trafford boss believes Newcastle have got real value for money.
'Nicky will be a great signing for them,' said the Old Trafford boss. 'He has been a fantastic performer for our club.
'They have got a bargain, really, as far as I am concerned. I hope he goes on and enjoys many great years.'
Ferguson revealed they decided at the end of last season that Butt could move on if the deal was right.
He said: 'We had a difficulty in me not picking him and Nicky accepting that situation.
'He wanted more appearances than I could possibly promise him.
'Young players like Darren Fletcher are breaking through. Then there are others in that role like Djemba-Djemba, Kleberson, Scholes and not forgetting Phil Neville.
'The common sense verdict was to let him get on with another career and we wish him well.'
Butt joined United as a 14-year-old and Ferguson said: 'Nicky is the same today as he was then. His attitude and character has never changed.'
Ferguson intends to reinstate goalkeeper Tim Howard against Celtic tonight in the ChampionsWorld Series match.
He initially intended to name Ricardo but has had a change of heart after being stung by criticism for the team he put out against Bayern Munich on Sunday.
Only Roy Keane who started had made more than 35 appearances for United.
Ferguson said: 'I think I will play Tim Howard and leave Ricardo until the Vodafone tournament (at Old Trafford next month).
'We want to show that we are taking these games seriously despite what some people may think.'
Old Trafford captain Keane, Ryan Giggs as well as the Neville brothers are all expected to play at Lincoln Financial Field.
Ferguson expects it to be fairly competitive against their Scottish rivals.
'It is always quite an emotional game,' he said. 'Celtic have wonderful support that is inspirational to them and they never play friendlies.
'They are fully committed matches and Celtic will have a go at us.'