Shum Posted 31 January 2005 Posted 31 January 2005 Keown Praises Foxes Martin Keown has paid tribute to Leicester City and its fans only days after parting company with the Championship club. The 38-year-old former Arsenal and England defender, now at Reading, had his contract terminated by mutual consent on Thursday only months after moving to the Walkers Stadium. "Leicester's decision came as a surprise but I understood the situation," said Keown. "The manager is looking to bring in younger players but firstly needs to free up a bit of money. "Therefore I agreed to leave but I respect Craig (Levein), he is a good manager and it won't surprise me if Leicester go on to do very well." Keown made 18 appearances during his time with the Foxes and added: "I enjoyed my time at Leicester and would like to thank the fans for the support they gave me and respect they showed me. "I'd also like to think that I gave a fairly good account of myself but I now plan to take the opportunity at Reading with both hands." Meanwhile, Keown believed the Foxes were worthy FA Cup victors at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday. He said: "I thought Leicester played very well and they look to have a good balance in the team now that both wingers are back in the side. "Craig looks to finally be putting his emphasis on the side and they scored a goal which was coming after Reading had gone down to 10-men. "I certainly sat in the stands with mixed emotions."
MADLEVEIN Posted 31 January 2005 Posted 31 January 2005 top man respect they showed me......that would be the "keown is beutiful" song i imagine !!
Scow Posted 31 January 2005 Posted 31 January 2005 Nice of him to say that. He was without doubt our best defender this season, and it's a shame we couldn't hold on to him, but we do need to the funds to rebuild.
Anish Posted 31 January 2005 Posted 31 January 2005 It's nice to hear players appreciating the club and the fans once they've moved on.
Craig Posted 31 January 2005 Posted 31 January 2005 It's nice to hear players appreciating the club and the fans once they've moved on. 61198[/snapback] Dickov: It Was A Tough ChoicePaul Dickov has today revealed why he chose to swap the blue of Leicester City for the blue and white of Blackburn Rovers. The Scottish international has agreed a move 'in principle' to Ewood Park after rejecting improved terms from the Foxes. Dickov sighted Premiership football as a major contributor in his decision to move north, but confirmed decision to leave the Walkers Stadium hadn't been an easy one. He said: "It was the hardest decision I have ever had to make. Leicester meant a lot to me and still does. "City gave me a big chance to get my career going again and I will always be very grateful for that. "I have so much to thank Micky Adams and Dave Bassett for. "They have made me a much better player and, thinking of so many people at the club, made it so tough to leave. "When I was calling people to tell them of my decision, they asked if I was celebrating but I can assure you it wasn't like that. "To be honest, it was a bit sad, but I felt it was the right decision. "Playing in the Premiership means a lot to me." A clause in Dickov's contract meant he was free to talk to other Premiership club's following City's release from the top-flight, but the Foxes fought tooth and nail to keep their striker. He added: "The boss, Dave Bassett and Tim Davies could not have done more or worked harder to keep me, but it is not to do with money really, it was all about having the chance to play in the top flight. "When we got promoted, it was said I couldn't hack it in the Premiership but I proved I could. Once you taste that, it gives you the appetite for more. "It was also to do with my family, going back to the area we had come down from. There was the La Manga issue and when you go through something like that, it is something you don't forget so I had to consider what was best for us all. "The fans have been great to me and I would like to thank them. "I never had any real thoughts about leaving but then some clubs started to show interest. "I didn't want to get into a bidding war because, again, it wasn't about money. "I talked to a lot of people before I made the decision, one of them was Berti Vogts, and he said that it would make it easier for him to pick me if I was in the Premiership so that was a factor. "In the end, I had to make a tough choice and stand by it. Leicester, the club, the manager and the fans, have been fantastic to me and I hope the supporters understand why I felt it was time to move on." That was never said when Dickov left...
Guest Daniel Posted 31 January 2005 Posted 31 January 2005 I know Craig, they would never praise one of the hardest working players to ever play for this club. Top man Keown for what you said, excellent that you can come out and praise us after you leave.
Bedford Fox Posted 31 January 2005 Posted 31 January 2005 upmost respect to Keown! + Dickov is topman!
Guest Daniel Posted 31 January 2005 Posted 31 January 2005 upmost respect to Keown! + Dickov is topman! 61262[/snapback] Brilliant, you go up in my estimations everyday. There is 3 of us now Craig, we could maybe start the Dickov Fanclub.
Bedford Fox Posted 31 January 2005 Posted 31 January 2005 well i dont know why people turn against hard working players when they leave. Savage and Dickov were both great when the were here we always sung there names then they leave and become hated!
Little Nicky Posted 31 January 2005 Posted 31 January 2005 upmost respect to Keown!       + Dickov is topman! 61262[/snapback] Brilliant, you go up in my estimations everyday. There is 3 of us now Craig, we could maybe start the Dickov Fanclub. 61267[/snapback] Both top blokes! Dickov had to go after La manga really! Keown is beautiful!
Ash Posted 31 January 2005 Posted 31 January 2005 upmost respect to Keown! + Dickov is topman! 61262[/snapback] Brilliant, you go up in my estimations everyday. There is 3 of us now Craig, we could maybe start the Dickov Fanclub. 61267[/snapback] Don't forget me
Guest Daniel Posted 31 January 2005 Posted 31 January 2005 thats 5 of us then! 61296[/snapback] Me, You, Craig & Ash. Correct me if im wrong but 1+1+1+1 = 4?
foxesfan69 Posted 31 January 2005 Posted 31 January 2005 well i dont know why people turn against hard working players when they leave. Savage and Dickov were both great when the were here we always sung there names then they leave and become hated! 61288[/snapback] But it wasn't so much the fact that they left,more the terms on which they left.
emmalcfc Posted 31 January 2005 Posted 31 January 2005 thats 5 of us then! 61296[/snapback] Make that 6
Bedford Fox Posted 31 January 2005 Posted 31 January 2005 6 now we are gaining in numbers. o yer and as you read up there dickov left liking the club and praising us and sav often says he loved his time at leicester city
Alexikokopops Posted 31 January 2005 Posted 31 January 2005 6 now we are gaining in numbers.o yer and as you read up there dickov left liking the club and praising us and sav often says he loved his time at leicester city 61316[/snapback] Me too, me too, I wanna join!!
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