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Andrew Musgrove

Former NUFC number nine recounts reminding Craig Bellamy of his privileged position in football

Mention Craig Bellamy to a group of Newcastle United fans and there will be a mixed response.

Some will remember him for his speed and goal against Feyenoord in the Champions League, others for the fall-outs with Alan Shearer, Sir Bobby Robson and Graeme Souness.

The argument with Souness killed Bellamy's United career - he was farmed out on loan to Celtic soon after.

But for former Newcastle number nine y, Bellamy's refusal to play on the wing while under Souness leaves a bitter tase.

Now 81 years old, McGarry recounts how he told Bellamy to realise the privilege position he was in at Newcastle - recounting his own loyalty to Joe Harvey who brought him to Tynside .

(newcastle chronicle)

"I remember Craig Bellamy moaning about how he should be up-front with Alan Shearer," McGarry claims

"I said 'Craig man, you're getting £45,000-a-week.'

"He said 'What's that got to do with it?'

"I told him 'If they were giving me that in the sixties, and Joe Harvey came to me and said to me 'Swim across the lake in Leazes Park' - I would be blooming out their swimming.

"I said 'You don't realise how lucky you are. You're in the team - you're in the team and that is all you have to bother about.'"

Bellamy finished his Newcastle United with 39 goals in 120 games before playing for Liverpool, West Ham, Man City, Blackburn and Cardiff City.

He's just been appointed as the U21 coach for Belgian side Andelecht.

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