DAMIEN DUFF admits it was an easy decision to swap the chaos at Newcastle for the stability offered by Fulham.
The Republic of Ireland winger completed his £4million (€4.6m) move from St James Park on Tuesday and is included in the squad for tonight’s Europa League play-off clash with Akmar Perm.
A troubled three years at Newcastle reached its nadir last season when Duff, 30, played under four managers before the club was eventually relegated from the Barclays Premier League.
Disillusioned by the disarray that had enveloped St James’, Duff was only too happy to be reunited with manager Roy Hodgson when Fulham came calling. "It’s been a tough three years there and obviously it was very sad and unfortunate the way it turned out in the end, getting relegated,’’ Duff said.
"It was heartbreaking going down and the players didn’t know what was going on up there.
"In fairness it’s pulled the lads closer together and you can see that from the results of the first couple of games of the season. It was definitely the hardest period of my career. It didn’t work out, I wasn’t enjoying my football and I’ve had to move on.
"I think it was best for both parties in the end for me to move on.’’
Duff added: "I thought it was a great move at the time and a lot of people agreed but it didn’t happen for me. That was the same for a lot of players
"I played for four managers last season. That’s not a good base for any team to work well.
"But that’s no excuse, we went down and deserved to. There’s a lot of stability at Fulham, not just with the manager but in the team as well.
"It’s going to be tough to break into the side but as soon as I heard Fulham were interested it was a no-brainer to come here." Duff played under Hodgson when the 62-year-old was at Blackburn between 1997-98 and rates him very highly.
"Roy was the first manager I had a full season in the Premiership with so I have very fond memories of him," said Duff.
"We got on like a house on fire so I know what he’s all about and I’m looking forward to working with him.
"He’s a top-notch coach. I don’t know how close he ever was to becoming England manager but it’s always shocked me he’s never had a mention."
a d v e r t i s e m e n t
This appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Thursday, August 20, 2009
