Johnsen answers Newcastle call
Friday, September 17, 2004
Article summary
Newcastle United FC have signed veteran Ronny Johnsen on a short-term contract to replace Jonathan Woodgate.
Article body
Newcastle United FC have completed the signing of Norwegian defender Ronny Johnsen on a short-term contract until January.
Souness signing
The 35-year-old, who helped Manchester United FC win the UEFA Champions League in 1999, had been out of contract since leaving Aston Villa FC in the summer. He is the first signing by new Newcastle manager Graeme Souness and will help fill the gap left by the departure of Jonathan Woodgate to Real Madrid CF.
UEFA Cup
However, Johnsen will not be eligible to play for Newcastle in the second leg of their UEFA Cup first-round tie against Hapoel Bnei Sakhnin FC or the group stage should the English side progress. Newcastle won the first leg 2-0 last night.