'Why I had to get out of Toon' - Edgar
DAVID Edgar is looking forward to regular first-team football for the first time in his career after reluctantly leaving St James's Park.
Edgar yesterday signed a four-year contract with Premier League newcomers Burnley after leaving Newcastle United.
While the 22-year-old – whose Jarrow-born father Eddie played one game in goal for Newcastle – was out of contract, United will be entitled to compensation because of his age.
Edgar – who turned down a new deal at St James's Park – will be competing for a place in the heart of Owen Coyle's defence alongside Turf Moor captain Steve Caldwell, the former Newcastle and Sunderland centre-half.
However, the Canadian admits it was a difficult decision to swap black and white for claret and blue.
"It was a difficult decision to leave, but it seems for the best," said Edgar. "Moving to Burnley was just too good an opportunity to turn down.
"Really, it's down to playing more than anything. I'm 22, and I've got to be playing first-team football."
The turmoil at St James's Park was also preying on Edgar's mind.
He went on: "With the situation at Newcastle, it probably made it easier for me.
"But I have to say that Newcastle is my second home, and having spent eight years there, it has been a tough situation.
"I still feel for everybody up there, and I'm sorry to be leaving a lot of good people behind.
"I'll be back to say goodbye to everybody – from the players and the security guards to the kitchen staff and the backroom team – who have all been great to me.
"Life goes on for me now, and I have to do well for my new club, but I'd like to think when I played, I gave 110 per cent effort.
"Yes, I did have some good games and bad games, but I always sweated blood for the cause.
"Who knows what might have happened if I'd played a few more games?
"I might have established myself there, but it wasn't to be, and I have to move on now."
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Weather for South Shields
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Heavy sleet
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