Rozenhal: Big Sam's The Man

[Besty 4]

David Rozehnal is backing Sam Allardyce to address Newcastle's problematic defence and lead the side to an impressive finish in the Premier League next season.

 

The Czech Republic international is expected to join the club imminently as Allardyce's third signing of the summer, and Rozehnal's arrival will be the first step in an extensive defensive rebuilding process.

 

Titus Bramble and Craig Moore have already been ushered out of the St James' Park exit door, and Allardyce could well make further signings to strengthen his options at the back.

 

Newcastle have suffered from defensive lapses in recent seasons, but Rozehnal believes their new boss is the man to eradicate the team's errors and lead a renaissance in their Premier League aspirations.

 

"It can happen [that the defence will not work perfectly from the start], but I believe it will not happen," Rozehnal told premierleague.cz.

 

"I believe that the manager will prepare the defence in the way that will work as well as possible and that we will occupy the top places.

 

"I want to prove myself as I did in previous spells, and to get into the starting line-up.

 

"I am looking forward to the start of the season. It will be something new, a different and more quality competition and the stadiums will be full of fans - that will be wonderful."

 

Rozehnal will join Mark Viduka and Joey Barton in making the move to Tyneside this summer, and is already aware of the formidable reputation of the former Manchester City midfielder after his training ground bust-up with Ousmane Dabo at Eastlands.

 

"What happened there certainly is not a part of football, on the other hand Barton is a great footballer," Rozehnal added.

 

"For sure, I will not get into any fight with him!"

 

In other Magpies news, the club look set to appoint former Middlesbrough coach Steve Round to their backroom staff.

 

Round is currently involved in Steve McClaren's England setup after following the manager from The Riverside last summer.

 

Allardyce told the club's official website: "We have been talking to Steve Round about coming in and working alongside Nigel Pearson as a first team coach, and those talks are ongoing."

 

For sure.

[newcastlebroon 0]

International class defenders at newcastle. You having a laugh?

[Brock Manson 0]

International class defenders at newcastle. You having a laugh?

 

Boumsong is an international class defender tbf.

[ewerk 31603]

I thought it was reported that Pearson had left?