Woodgate completes move

Woodgate arrived on Tyneside on Thursday before undertaking a medical and agreeing terms on Friday.

The England international defender passed the tests without hitches, and inked his contract before being unveiled to press.

Woodgate feels he can win trophies at The Magpies, but had words of support for Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale.

He said: "I am thrilled to be fair. I loved it at Leeds, had some good times and made some great friends but it was time to move on.

"I was not pushed out. It was hard on the chairman, who has had some stick which I don't think is fair, and I would like to thank him.

"I love the (Leeds) fans, they were brilliant to me and I would like to say thanks."

On why he moved to Tyneside, Woodgate added: "There were plenty of reasons, the players, the fans, the supporters, playing in front of 55,000 every week.

"I know Kieron Dyer, Andy Griffin, Alan Shearer so I think I will settle in well.

"The court case was a bad time for me, I have made mistakes. I am not a racist, ask Kieron Dyer, Michael Chopra, Harpal Singh. I am black and white.

"I have come here to win trophies and with I bit of luck I can do that here."

Magpies chief Sir Bobby Robson feels he has made the biggest signing in Europe this year.

The former England boss said: "He is a very good age, has a long time ahead of him and has a big future here. He is in line with the policy of bringing in young players here, so he was ready made.

"The club is very ambitious, this is probably the biggest signing in Europe. Not England, Europe.

"We are close to the big boys, Arsenal and Man Utd, and by signing Jonathan Woodgate today it shows we want to join them.

"I have been chasing a top quality defender for some time, and the characteristics of Jonathan fitted in with that, and I felt it prudent to buy English. He is a northern boy, so will know what the weather is like! So I think he is perfect."

Robson had words of sympathy for Whites boss Terry Venables, adding: "It hasn't been easy, it has been difficult for Leeds.

"Terry Venables is a good colleague and a good friend of mine. I have known him for many, many years and I know it has been hard for him.

"I talked to him briefly last week about the subject; I think I know what Terry will do and I wish him the best of luck."

Robson feels the sigining will aid their natural progression.

"We finished fourth last year and have not gone backwards," he said. "I said the way forward was not through a miracle but investment, we have done that and I feel Jonathan Woodgate will be a fantastic signing for us."

Robson believes they are genuine title contenders, saying: "The players see a sparkle, a chance.

"There is a great deal of contentment in the squad, they are excited about him coming here, which is a good sign, and I am sure they will welcome him.

"We have had to make big judgements while looking at who was available and he was perfect.

"He will be playing with and working with a lot of young players. They will learn, develop and play together.

"We have a terrific future here with Jonathan signing and the other youngsters here. There are 15 around the age of 21 and they are proven Premiership players."