'I didn't want to play anywhere but Newcastle'

AFTER UNCERTAIN SUMMER, POPE HOLDS NO.1 SHIRT

- By LEE RYDER Chief Newcastle writer [e-mail]

NICK Pope is Newcastle United's great survivor after emerging as number one this summer at St James' Park.

The Magpies stayed at the bidding table for James Trafford until the final hours of his release clause only to be gazumped by Manchester City, who activated a £27m buyback option.

Despite links with Burnley and Eddie Howe trimming down his goalie brigade, Pope stayed, with Martin Dubravka heading to the Clarets and Odysseas Vlachodimos loaned to Seville.

Undaunted by the arrival of his onetime England colleague Aaron Ramsdale, Pope admits it was difficult to avoid talk of being replaced.

Pope told The Journal: "There will always be goalkeepers linked with Newcastle, whoever it is, that is part of the game. You can only ever focus on yourself and what is best for yourself and the team at the time.

"It was always far from my thoughts to leave, but there was no doubt in my mind about playing for anyone but Newcastle United.