Bernard demands improved offer

Newcastle full-back Olivier Bernard is determined to hold out for an improved contract – or leave the club at the end of the season.

The 25-year-old Frenchman has been locked in talks for months over his future and remains unhappy with the offer from the club which snapped him up on a free transfer from Lyon in October 2000.

And while he admits he does not want to leave Tyneside, he insists he deserves more money.

“I am not being greedy,” he said. “I believe I deserve more because I was one of the best players in the Newcastle side last season.

“Now I do not think I am in the top 10 earners at this club. That can’t be right. I just want to be paid what I’m worth and where I should be.

“I am 25 and should be approaching my peak. I want to have my best years at Newcastle. I am ambitious and so long as this club matches those ambitions, in an ideal world, I would want to stay here.

“I want to stay at Newcastle, although I do not know if I will be here next season. I must do what is best for me.”

Chairman Freddy Shepherd fought off West Ham’s bid to lure the full-back to London during the summer of 2002, and Bernard hopes he can be persuaded to stay again.

“This is my club, but sometimes you have to think about your own career,” he said. “I believe in the chairman here. He is a good man and I hope he looks after me.

“It would break my heart to leave here because I love it, I love the people and I love the area.

“I came here four years ago and learnt English in Newcastle. Now I speak with a Geordie accent!” he joked.

“I have told my agent to sort everything out. I do not want to be involved. I need to focus on my football.

“I know there are clubs elsewhere where I could get even more money than I am asking for. They are ready to sign me.

“I can’t say who those clubs are, but they are abroad. I might have to leave here if things do not work out.”

Bernard travels to his native France tomorrow ahead of Thursday night’s UEFA Cup clash with Sochaux which could see them progress to the last 32 of this season’s competition.