HABIB BEYE has pledged his future to Newcastle United despite the nightmare of relegation to the Championship. The Chronicle can reveal that Beye, who has one year left on his current deal, wants to nail his colours to the Toon mast and finish his career on Tyneside. And he believes the Magpies now have a major responsibility to get back to the Premier League at the first attempt. With Michael Owen’s future uncertain, Beye would be a candidate for club captain after doing an excellent job in that role with Marseille earlier in his career. The African missed the final-day showdown at Aston Villa through a hamstring injury. But he added that United’s relegation has only intensified his affection for the black-and-whites after 3,000 fans backed their team before, during and after the final fatal blow to the club’s top-flight status. Beye told the Chronicle: “The players who will be here next year must put this club back in the Premier League. “I’m in – I’m a Newcastle player. “I’m sad like everyone else. “I’m under contract, and I will be here next year to put this club back in the Premier League. “I have played for Newcastle for two years, and I love this club.” The long post-mortem for the Magpies has already started after losing their Premier League status after 16 years. But a choked Beye says that, internally, the club must take the hit as one. He added: “Everyone is responsible for this situation. Every player is responsible. “I think everybody must understand it’s not just about 11 players, or 18 players. “It’s about a city and the fans, and a lot of people who work at this club. “It’s hard to think about.” And he admits that whether the Toon stars like it or not they must knuckle down and get on with life in the Championship. He added: “Newcastle is a massive club, and what can I say? We’re really, really sad. We must look forward, and if this club is in this position, it’s for some reason.” Meanwhile, Beye’s fellow United defender Sebastien Bassong has been called up to the Cameroon squad alongside midfielder Geremi. Bassong has already starred for the French Under-21s, but is in the frame to make a full competitive debut for the Indomitable Lions in a World Cup qualifier against Morocco in Yaounde on June 7. :: PETER LOVENKRANDS is unlikely to stay at St James’s Park according to his agent Ivan Markos Benes. He said today: “We are looking for a new contract for Peter in England. “Most players want to play in the top division, so Peter is no different.” | 
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