Latest on David Edgar

[georg]

From KW Record

http://news.therecord.com/Sports/article/284047

'I'll always remember that'

Kitchener 'lad' still famous almost a year after huge goal

December 18, 2007

JOSH BROWN

RECORD STAFF

David Edgar still relishes the goal that changed his life.

It was about a year ago when the Kitchener kid made sporting headlines around the world after his marker lifted Newcastle United to a 2-2 draw with mighty Manchester United in his home debut with the famed black and white.

"I'm still known around the city as the lad who scored against Man United," the 20-year-old said when reached at home in northeast England yesterday. "It's good that people remember that. I'll always remember that."

The goal -- scored on New Year's Day -- kicked off a busy year that saw Edgar captain Canada at the Under-20 World Cup of soccer as well as return to Newcastle to captain the reserve squad.

But now it's time to take the next step in his career.

"I'm looking to get out on loan in the beginning of January on a Championship side or a top Scottish team or something like that, so I'm playing week in and week out at a high level," said Edgar, who has dressed for seven matches but appeared in just one for Newcastle's main squad this season.

"It's good being involved and being on the bench but I really want to squeeze my way onto the team sooner or later."

Newcastle has been hit by a rash of injuries in the backfield and new boss Sam Allardyce has kept Edgar around to deal with his depth concerns. But the skipper has used him sparingly.

"With injuries, he's moving the team around and players are playing out of position," said Edgar, whose Magpies are currently tenth in the English Premier League standings, 15 points behind leaders Arsenal. "It's upsetting because I want to play. I don't think he's had the opportunity to see me at that level yet."

Edgar has seen the benefits of going out on loan. His good friend and teammate Matty Pattison was sent to Norwich City in the League Championship earlier this year. The two speak daily.

"You're playing in front of about 20,000 people every week in the Championship. It's a good squad he's gone to and he's getting the playing time. That's what I need. It helps you in the long run. The object of going on loan is to come back a better player -- stronger, fitter and to be able to step into the first team."

Edgar gets along with Allardyce just fine. The new manager is easy to approach, so Edgar is confident something will work out soon. The club sees him as part of the future, but like any eager youngster, he just wants to get on the pitch.

Right now, it's all about timing. He needs to find the right fit -- such as a Championship club that is mid to low on the table and has room for a central defender.

"Honestly, I'll play anywhere. I just want to get out and play," he said.

There isn't much of a break for footballers during the holiday season. Edgar said he'll likely spend Christmas Eve with his mom Christine, who is planning a two-week visit, and grandma Nancy White, who lives in nearby Hebburn.

Newcastle trains on Christmas afternoon before leaving later in the day for a match against Wigan.

Edgar, who signed a two-year deal with the Magpies last May, has already picked out an early Christmas gift for himself. A white and brown female bulldog moves into his Newcastle home tomorrow.

"I'm getting a puppy," he said. "I'm still picking names.

"It's gotta be a good one. I don't want it to be too girlie."

jbrown@therecord.com

[nolando]

"You're playing in front of about 20,000 people every week in the Championship. It's a good squad he's gone to and he's getting the playing time. That's what I need."

The sooner the better, in my opinion. His less-than-stellar at the WYC seems to attest that this is yet another Canadian with brilliant potential, but one also with the potential to be "Lost in England", kept for covenience sake as cover only in the most extreme situations. This looks like Stalteri and Peters' permanent situation this year, so lets hope that at least Edgar can escape it.

Hopefully he can play at one of the better Championship sides, but one still with a potential opening for him in the starting eleven. Maybe he could play beside JDV at Ipswich.

[Guest Ed]

quote:Originally posted by nolando

"You're playing in front of about 20,000 people every week in the Championship. It's a good squad he's gone to and he's getting the playing time. That's what I need."

The sooner the better, in my opinion. His less-than-stellar at the WYC seems to attest that this is yet another Canadian with brilliant potential, but one also with the potential to be "Lost in England", kept for covenience sake as cover only in the most extreme situations. This looks like Stalteri and Peters' permanent situation this year, so lets hope that at least Edgar can escape it.

Hopefully he can play at one of the better Championship sides, but one still with a potential opening for him in the starting eleven. Maybe he could play beside JDV at Ipswich.

Oh yeah. Ipswich. The best possible place to develop. You heard it here first from Nolando.

[loyola]

quote:Originally posted by Ed

Oh yeah. Ipswich. The best possible place to develop. You heard it here first from Nolando.

For every Jaime Peters there's a Craig Forrest at Ipswich...

If the loan deal is to have Edgar playing in the CCC, Allardyce will make sure Edgar is playing (unless he isn't performing well). So, it doesn't really matter where he ends up, the important thing is getting PT as soon as possible for Edgar.

[nolando]

quote:Originally posted by Ed

Oh yeah. Ipswich. The best possible place to develop. You heard it here first from Nolando.

not for Peters, but I think I made it clear I was talking about only sides where he might be playing competitive matches (as opposed to at a struggler) and only if he was starting - and I think it's a little unfair to brand me as putting Ipswich on a pedestal, and unfair to say Ipswich is always a bad choice for Canadian development. quit acting like a moron, or at least trying to make me look like one.

[jpg75]

I thought David Edgar was actually one of the few players who didn't hurt his rep. this summer...

[Cheeta]

quote:Originally posted by Ed

Oh yeah. Ipswich. The best possible place to develop. You heard it here first from Nolando.

(Ipswich actually has a pretty good reputation (or did) for player development. A very good reputation or I'm mistaken but being what they are, a smaller top flight/relegation yo-yo club they can't really produce a finished product but can certainly prepare footballers to move onto bigger and better things. (There has to be a list somewhere of Ipswich alumni who've played in the Prem).

Oh, and by this time Saturday Ipswich Town will likely be sitting in a playoff spot as we approach the half-way mark of the season.

They've gotten to that point without Jamie Peters and I doubt we'll see any major rocking of the boat for his individual benefit as long as things keep grooving along. Of course if they don't start getting some points on the road....)

And back to our Mr. David Edgar;

He's still impossibly young for a centre half at that level. Hell, for a fullback to! Especially on a side with as unpredictable a defense as Newcastle. But he has to get playing some this year. If it's a choice between CCC and not playing though, ug. I don't know. I'd be happy if the man played a half dozen matches this year.

Big Sam may be trying to guard Edgar from the bad habits he could pick up in the CCC, knowing he'll get some development time in with the 1st team this year. But again, don't know. Not exactly famous for building teams through player development is Big Sam.

[jpg75]

From a Canadian perspective, if Edgar is not loaned out and is playing reserves for NUFC, then he could be called upon for U23 qualifying.

[nolando]

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/080118/sports/soc_newcastle_edgar

Newcastle's Canadian reserve team captain David Edgar just wants to play

By Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press

NEWCASTLE, England - Canadian defender David Edgar had no problems with former Newcastle United manager Sam Allardyce. And he is looking forward to working with the new boss, Kevin Keegan.

But no matter the gaffer, Edgar's goal is the same - Newcastle's reserve team captain just wants to play.

The 20-year-old from Kitchener, Ont., has made the senior bench nine times this season, getting on the field once as a substitute. He finds himself a little in soccer limbo, not seeing first-team action but so close to the squad that he is deemed too valuable to do without.

On Jan. 9, he met with Allardyce in the morning to talk about whether he might go out on loan, to get regular playing time. Allardyce said no, because the team was missing players at the African Cup of Nations.

"But I left the meeting feeling good, I knew what was happening and where he saw me (fit in)."

Later that day he was shopping when he got a call that Allardyce was history.

"I had to laugh, I couldn't believe it," he said.

The former Bolton boss had only been in charge for 24 games. A week later, Newcastle named Keegan, a former star player and beloved ex-manager on Tyneside, as the new boss.

"I thought they would have had someone right away. But they took their time and got a good manager, a very good manager," Edgar said in an interview Friday at the club cafe.

Allardyce left nothing to chance, bringing in an army of experts and helpers. "We've got almost as much staff as we do players now," Edgar said.

There were ice baths after every training session and special protein drinks before and after games. Allardyce removed two seats from the stands so he could have TV monitors installed at his seat in the directors' box.

"I really liked him, I got along with him, " Edgar said. "I thought he was a good coach, I enjoyed my time with him."

But Keegan offers the Canadian another clean slate.

Edgar was at the gym early Thursday when Keegan arrived. The new manager introduced himself and started talking about Canada.

"He was asking about ice hockey. I told him I played ice hockey and he said he's been to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. He said it's a beautiful country."

Keegan is his fifth manager at Newcastle, following Sir Bobby Robson, Graeme Souness, Glenn Roeder and Allardyce.

Bolton Wanderers are the visitors to St. James' Park on Saturday and Edgar has been included in the 18-man game squad. That means showing up at the stadium in a suit, but it doesn't guarantee dressing for the game. Two of those 18 don't make the bench or starting 11.

With Habib Beye and Abdoulaye Faye (Senegal), Geremi (Cameroon) and Obafemi Martins (Nigeria) away at the African Cup of Nations, the Newcastle roster is thin. Not to mention suspensions to Nicky Butt, Alan Smith and Emre.

Until everyone returns, Edgar probably won't get the loan move he desires. The Football Championship, one level below the Premier League, is his likely destination.

"That's what I need to do, to get the experience of playing - hopefully in the Championship - somewhere where I'm playing week in and week out against men, in games that matter all the time."

Edgar, who is under contact through the 2008-09 season, is appreciated at St. James' Park. Peter Beardsley, the former England and Newcastle star now on the coaching staff there, has watched him rise through the ranks since Edgar arrived at 14 in 2001.

"He's done very well," said Beardsley, whose playing career included a stint with the Vancouver Whitecaps. "He's obviously getting a chance now . . . It's great news. He did really well in the academy for us and we were very impressed, and happy he's still here and very close to the first team.

"He's a great lad, he deserves all the success he's getting."

Keegan calls Newcastle a "very special club" and Edgar has seen firsthand the fanaticism of the fans.

"They're something different, something special. It takes a lot to please them but when they're happy, they're happy. When they're not happy, obviously everyone knows. A great set of fans. We don't have to play to fill our stadium, It's always going to be filled week in or week out."

Toronto Maple Leafs fans might identify with the Toon Army. There is the Leaf Nation and the Geordie Nation. Both teams have rich histories but silverware has eluded them for decades.

Everything at the club is under scrutiny. The local morning tabloid devoted 17 pages Thursday to Keegan's appointment. Sky TV ran Friday's news conference live, repeating it in the evening.

Edgar has long known about Newcastle, given he has plenty of relatives here and his father Eddie played goal (making one appearance in the FA Cup in 1976) for the team.

Edgar Jr. made his senior debut at fullback against Bolton on Boxing Day 2006 and earned a place in the Toon Army's hearts days later when he scored on a long-range screamer to give Newcastle a 2-2 draw with Manchester United in his home debut Jan. 1.

Edgar, who has started in three games and come on as a substitute in two, wants to make new memories.

"It's been a year now. I'm never going to forget it but I kind of want to put it in the past," the six-foot-two defender said of the goal.

Watching from the sidelines is never easy. But he is biding his time.

"It's tough, I'm not going to lie and say it's easy. It's tough not playing. Just being so close but not playing. Making the bench but not playing. . . . It is a stressful game but I love it."

He also relishes being a member of the same team as the likes of Michael Owen, Damien Duff, Shay Given and others.

"I don't take it for granted and I work hard every training session."

Edgar has made Newcastle his home. He just bought a house, which he shares with his bulldog puppy Lola.

The young Canadian says he gets recognized in town but says it's easier for him than most. "It's fine. I don't get mobbed or anything like that, like some of the players," he said with a laugh.

"Some people recognize me and some people don't. And even if they do, they're good. They'll just say hello or good game or good goal against Man U. They still say that."

[jpg75]

Captain of the reserves, eh?

[SthMelbRed]

quote:Originally posted by nolando

he scored on a long-range screamer to give Newcastle a 2-2 draw with Manchester United in his home debut Jan. 1.

I guess 'speculative shot from long-distance, helped generously by a fortuitous deflection' wouldn't have quite the same effect. LOL

I have to wonder, though, is training day-in-day-out against attacking players like Owen, Martins, Viduka, Duff, etc. and playing in the reserves better preparation for a spot on the national team, than getting first-team action in a weaker league? Should Edgar be getting a proper look in at senior national level?

[gator]

I think he deserves a look, an argument can be that he is playing, although not regularly at a higher level than any of our center backs!

[BearcatSA]

quote:Originally posted by SthMelbRed

I have to wonder, though, is training day-in-day-out against attacking players like Owen, Martins, Viduka, Duff, etc. and playing in the reserves better preparation for a spot on the national team, than getting first-team action in a weaker league? Should Edgar be getting a proper look in at senior national level?

I have mixed feelings about the issue. I guess it depends on how much of a weaker league he goes into on loan. For instance, I can't see playing in a lower rung League 2 team or Conference side being that great for his development compared to regular practices against seasoned international strikers competing with each other for match day spots. However, practice sessions are no substitute for the pressures of playing regularly in front of thousands of spectators, both home and away.

With regards to getting a proper look in at senior national level, I don't have a problem with his being part of the set up, gaining some training experience with the vets. I was glad he was a late call up for the September CR friendly and actually wouldn't have minded seeing him in SA, for that matter. Maybe he could have come in as a possible sub during that particular match, who knows? But realistically, for this round of qualifiers and based on the possible limits of prep time, I can't see him in the mix unless he becomes a regular starter in a club side.

[Martyr]

At his age... and being captain of Newcastle's Reserves and on the bench for the first team each week... I would say the Championship is the lowest level he'd be looking at. The important thing would be to not just go anywhere. Go somewhere where he'll get good instruction and lots of playing time with the first team.

Perhaps Ipswich would be interested. De Vos could mentor him. Another familiar face might help Peters up his game as well :-)

Neil Warnock has turned Crystal Palace around with some very young players. He's not averse to using players on-loan either. They are much better defensively than under Peter Taylor.

(edit)... although, personally, I'd prefer him to go out on loan to a club somewhere on the continent where he might further develop his skills with the ball as well as his defending.

[SthMelbRed]

quote:Originally posted by Martyr

At his age... and being captain of Newcastle's Reserves and on the bench for the first team each week... I would say the Championship is the lowest level he'd be looking at. The important thing would be to not just go anywhere. Go somewhere where he'll get good instruction and lots of playing time with the first team.

Perhaps Ipswich would be interested. De Vos could mentor him. Another familiar face might help Peters up his game as well :-)

Neil Warnock has turned Crystal Palace around with some very young players. He's not averse to using players on-loan either. They are much better defensively than under Peter Taylor.

(edit)... although, personally, I'd prefer him to go out on loan to a club somewhere on the continent where he might further develop his skills with the ball as well as his defending.

The English game is too insular to consider sending their homegrown prospects abroad for development. He will either go to a Championship club on loan or stay where he is. I hear what you're saying, though. It would be nice for him to go play a season in the Spanish Segunda where he might come back as a more ball playing defender.

[Martyr]

quote:Originally posted by SthMelbRed

The English game is too insular to consider sending their homegrown prospects abroad for development. He will either go to a Championship club on loan or stay where he is. I hear what you're saying, though. It would be nice for him to go play a season in the Spanish Segunda where he might come back as a more ball playing defender.

True dat...

Although there have been cases... Man U have sent several players to Belgium (Royal Antwerp) and Chelsea had Alex at PSV for a while... perhaps if Newcastle seriously aspire to be a 'top 4' club they will consider it.

[SthMelbRed]

quote:Originally posted by Martyr

True dat...

Although there have been cases... Man U have sent several players to Belgium (Royal Antwerp) and Chelsea had Alex at PSV for a while... perhaps if Newcastle seriously aspire to be a 'top 4' club they will consider it.

The players that have been sent on loan have generally been foreign signings that didn't qualify for UK work permits or were not yet ready to step into their first team. I can't recall a case in recent memory where a player has come through a Premier league academy and been sent on loan to a foreign club.

[Martyr]

quote:Originally posted by SthMelbRed

The players that have been sent on loan have generally been foreign signings that didn't qualify for UK work permits or were not yet ready to step into their first team. I can't recall a case in recent memory where a player has come through a Premier league academy and been sent on loan to a foreign club.

Only Man U (that I have ever heard of) have sent UK or Rep of Ireland kids on loan to a European club. But that is a special case because they use Royal Antwerp as a farm team. Luke Chadwick and John O'Shea are the names most will have actually heard of but there have been many more. However, Antwerp do have an English Manager.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._Antwerp_F.C.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:R._Antwerp_F.C._players

[forthegoodofthegame]

I believe Terry Dunfield was sent out from Manchester City on-loan to Europe before he got his work permit. He was a product of the City academy and I think he went to Denmark or Belgium.

I know it is very common practice like David Hoillet who was just loaned from Blackburn to Paderborn in Germany.

[Loud Mouth Soup]

quote:Originally posted by Martyr

Only Man U (that I have ever heard of) have sent UK or Rep of Ireland kids on loan to a European club.

Arsenal used to send players to Beveren in Belgium, including Graham Stack (famous for punching out an opposition supporter invading the pitch), Liam Chilvers and John Halls.

[youllneverwalkalone]

But Edgar will develop little in Belgium except, perhaps like myself, a drinking problem from the strong beer.

I watched Pique play here in the summer and he was a huge stand-out against Brasil. Other than the obvious notch or two in natural talent, his game is not that much different from Edgar. IMO he could succeed and potentially profit from a trip to Spain. Maybe joining De Guzman with Deportivo in the Segunda .

If I were him I'd be begging the gaffer to play me or let me go to Europe and see a bit of the world. He's still a person before a footballer and shouldn't have his youth robbed from him completely. Spain, France or Portugal would be great for him. Keegan's a bit of a nut so he might just let him go if the kid showed the initiative.