Friday 26 April 2013

Jan Molby: Newcastle United fans must give French legion time to settle - ChronicleLive

He may not have been the first foreign player to star in English football but when it comes to mastering life in England, there are few better than Scouse-speaking former Denmark international Jan Molby.

The ex-Liverpool star went from a shy, retiring import from Ajax to one of the loudest voices in the Anfield club's trophy-laden dressing room during a golden era for Newcastle's weekend opponents.

But with a clutch of players beginning a similar journey at Newcastle to  experience at Liverpool, he believes that there is a "lack of understanding" when it comes to giving overseas stars the required settling-in period in the Premier League.

And although Newcastle United fans are weary with reasons why their team have sloped from the top flight's top five to the bottom five in 12 months, Molby's viewpoint on coming in from overseas gives a compelling argument as to why United CAN return to the business end of the table next season.

Toon players were heavily criticised after the recent derby defeat and it is understood that United's French legion took the criticism to heart in the aftermath of the 3-0 loss to arch rivals Sunderland.

Several of United's January signings were involved that day and Molby knows only too well that adjusting to living in a new country, learning a new language and coping with a new league all takes its toll.

After taking his time to settle in at Liverpool after signing from Ajax, Molby went on to win trophies galore with the Kop side.

Now he feels that once stars like Moussa Sissoko and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa get a pre-season under their belt, they can help take Newcastle back to the upper reaches of the Premier League.

"The last group of players Newcastle have brought in all look capable. Next season they'll be fine. They have goals in the team. If you have that, you will be OK."

Molby knows how difficult it can be switching from Europe to England and admits that life is very different to life on the Continent, something that United's French stars will be coping with right now.

Eccentric Liverpool goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar simply took Molby from the sanctuary of his hotel room before ordering the drinks in a pub and disappearing into the night.

During an after-dinner speech for Papiss Cisse's Friends of Sedihou charity night, Molby recalled: "I heard a knock on the door on the Sunday night before training, and it was Bruce.

"He said, 'Come on we're going out'. But I replied, 'We don't go out in Europe on a Sunday night, we relax and get ready for work on Monday'.

But for Newcastle fans, it is all about the here and now and, as United prepare to lock horns with the Merseysiders again on Saturday night, Molby – speaking with a rich Scouse accent – said: "It's not unthinkable.

"There were a couple of teams that have done well like West Brom and Everton, so there is always that chance for the both of them next year."

Molby has one piece of advice for United's French aces – and that is to realise they have landed in one of the world's footballing hotbeds.

After spending much of his career at Liverpool and enjoying time visiting Newcastle, Molby says: "The two cities are very similar aren't they?

"People in Liverpool are very keen on their two teams and I think it is the same in Newcastle when it comes to Newcastle United in terms of the passion.

"In Liverpool and Newcastle you don't see kids running around in kits from all over the place, they support their own team.

"Newcastle is a special place. I always have great memories of  Newcastle because I was part of some fantastic games up there."

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