John Karelse Speaking To The Back Page.

Our man in the 'Dam recently caught up with former Magpie John Karelse, who has been celebrating his second anniversary in charge of NAC Breda:

Do you still look out for Newcastle's results?

"Yes, I always do. I had a great time because everything was well organised and we had a fantastic team - Gary Speed, Craig Bellamy, Alan Shearer and Kieron Dyer.

"We had results as well and the atmosphere at the club was great. I was happy to be part of the adventure and enjoyed every minute of it.

"I am still proud that I played for that club - I didn't play a lot but it was a big part of my life.

"I think at that time Shay Given was excellent and then there was Steve Harper and me. I think it was fair that I was third goalkeeper after Ruud Gullit left".

What did you make of their success last season?

"When you look at the players they could have ended up in mid-table but together with a good manager you can make a plan for every game.

"It was fascinating to see what you can achieve with a group of players who are not the real top players but are just underneath then, you can really get results when you're really a team.

"And if the team continues to work hard for each other, they can end up where they did last year - you don't need big names for that."

Can Newcastle hold on to their best players?

"That's the challenge for them. The difficulty for clubs like NUFC when they have real big talent is that they maybe have to sell them on every couple of years.

"It's always a challenge to get the players who are not really top players yet, make them top players, and develop them at the club."

What are your managerial ambitions?

"I loved my time in England and I loved being in another country. Maybe (I will manage) in England, maybe in another country but I want to manage a team outside Holland if possible.

"In England the crowds are only getting bigger and the atmosphere is always great so I think it's together with Spain the biggest league in Europe."

Any ambitions to return to St.James' Park?

"It'll take me a couple more years to be good at this job. You need results. I'm not going to say I would....but we'll see!"