Record Breaker For Bruce

Last updated : 02 February 2009 By Michael Goodman

The 23 year old Frenchman has signed a three-and-a-half year deal and will wear the number 14 shirt. Taylor has moved to Tyneside on a four-and-a-half year deal and leaves with the clubs best wishes after struggling seal a place in his favoured right back position.

The deal to bring in N'Zogbia began on Friday night when Newcastle accepted a bid for the winger who was in the crowd at Villa Park on Saturday to watch the clubs 0-0 draw against Aston Villa. N'Zogbia passed his medical today and believes that he can help the cause to qualify for Europe this season.

"I know all about Wigan having played here - and lost!! - for Newcastle and it is a great young club moving in the right direction. I feel this is a good move for me. said N'Zogbia.

"Steve Bruce is a big figure within the game and I am so excited to be working with him. I can't wait to get started."

Bruce has also been speaking about the deal and is delighted to tie up a deal for the highly rated midfielder.

"I think this boy can be a really good player for us. He's lightning fast going forward but can also play at the back and he fills that left-sided role we've been looking for. Said Bruce

"He is young but he has experience. For a boy of his age to have played well over 100 Premier League games is rare, so with his best years ahead of him, he is exactly the type of player we need for the long term building of Wigan Athletic. I'm delighted to have him on board."

Ryan Taylor has thanked the fans for their support during his time at the club and is now looking forward to a fresh challenge with Newcastle.

"I want to thank Wigan for the way they stuck by me in dark times when I was injured, especially Alex Cribley, Dave Galley, Dave Hallam, and before him, Alan Tomlinson. It is down to them that I am still playing today, both for their medical expertise and their humanity. It's something I'll never forget.

"I also want to say thanks to the Wigan supporters who have always been behind me. I hope they understand that I feel it's time for a fresh challenge. I haven't had the best of luck here injury wise and 50 games in three-and-a-half seasons tells its own story.

"I feel I want to make up for lost time, and try and specialise in one position. I have to think about what's best for me but I will always wish the club well because it's been a big part of my life and I've made a lot of friends there."

Steve Bruce has also commented on the deal and wishes Taylor all the best for the future.

"It was one of those decisions that was quite easy to make really in the circumstances. Newcastle have made him a fantastic offer and I know he has been angling to try and play in his preferred position on the right side, which we haven't been able to do very regularly.

"He is a superb striker of the ball and it is ironic how this game works sometimes. All that pain he has inflicted on Newcastle in the past has probably bought him a move there. He was always totally professional here and I wish him all the best in his new career."

The transfer window is now shut and clubs must now stick with what they have got for the rest of the season with Bruce hoping that his current crop of player can bring European football to the JJB for the first time in the clubs history.


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