David Batty| Newcastle United FC |
| 1996-1998 |
| POSITION |
| Midfielder |
| DATE OF BIRTH |
| Monday, 2nd December 1968 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH |
| Leeds |
| LEAGUE DEBUT |
| Monday, 4th March 1996 in a 1-0 defeat at home to Manchester United (Aged: 27) |
| CLUB CAREER |
| 81 League apps (+2 as sub), 3 goals |
SEASONAL RECORD: 1996-98
Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan hoped that the arrival of David Batty would prove to be the final piece in the jigsaw as the 1995-96 title race came towards it's conclusion. It was not to be, however, and the Magpies were forced to settle for second place behind Manchester United. Batty's debut came in the game that had such a massive bearing on that outcome - a 1-0 defeat at home to United in early March. The Leeds-born midfielder was brought to the club in a £3, 750, 000 deal from Blackburn Rovers and, ironically, it was against Rovers that he scored his first goal, albeit in a 2-1 defeat. Kevin Keegan commented that it was not until he worked on the training ground with Batty, on a daily basis, that he realised just how good a player he was. Batty was never a goalscoring midfielder but his work-rate, tackling and unselfish play for the good of the team, therefore allowing the more skillful ball-players to perform, were appreciated by manager and colleagues alike. David's first full-season at St. James Park saw the departure of Keegan with Kenny Dalglish taking over the reigns and guiding the club to another runners-up spot. Batty found the net in a 2-0 home win over Wimbledon and was also on target in a 3-1 F.A. Cup sixth round win over Barnsley as United continued their march to Wembley. The 1997-98 campaign brought his customary one goal - in a 1-0 win at Aston Villa - but it was a disappointing season for the Geordies as thay could manage only a thirteenth place finish. The arrival of new manager Ruud Gullit in August 1998 meant changes and David made the move back to hometown club Leeds United in December with the Yorkshire club paying a fee of £4, 400, 000. (David Scranage)
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment