Beye: Toon stay

Related links

Teams

• Newcastle United

Players

• Habib Beye

Also see

• Newcastle fixtures
• Newcastle stats
• Newcastle forum

Habib Beye has reassured Newcastle United fans by pledging his future to the club, insisting he wants to remain beyond his current contract.

The 30-year-old has been an immediate success at Tyneside since his move from French side Marseille in time for the start of the season.

Magpies manager Kevin Keegan has been full of praise for the Senegal international who has also enjoyed spells at Strasbourg and Paris St Germain.

Beye has settled quickly on Tyneside and is already looking forward to improving in time for next season.

"Even after my contract is finished here, I'd like to stay beyond it," Beye told the Evening Chronicle.

'Special club'

"Playing for Marseille was a fantastic experience but Newcastle is a special club for me.

"We wanted to finish last season strongly and already we are looking forward to next year.

"I'm very happy to play for Newcastle. Sometimes you have some difficulties, but you learn all the time when you play football."

The defender made regular European appearances as captain of Marseille but he admits new challenges are welcome.

"This season has been different for me," Beye added. "When I played for Marseille, I played in the Champions League and this year we had to fight to keep Newcastle in the Premiership.

Progress

"But you learn all the time and I'm really enjoying playing for Newcastle. I want to stay and spend a long time here."

Beye is among a number of African internationals at Newcastle but he insists the fans and manager have been hospitable in helping him settle in.

"All the people are very friendly," he added. "For me it has been a good season because I've played all the time.

"I think the manager is happy with my work and wants us to progress all the time.

"Playing for Newcastle is good and I want to play well all the time. We have very good fans and we need to win a lot of games for them."