Toon Job Was 'Not Practical'!

Last updated : 17 October 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor

Gerry Francis: "We had an agreement in place and obviously I got a very good offer from Newcastle to join Joe and it was a difficult decision.

"Basically I felt a bit of loyalty to Stoke and (manager) Tony (Pulis) that had come to me first and I'd been down there first and the fact it is an unusual situation at Newcastle to say the least.

"It's not like Joe is the manager there, he's got the board's support and he's looking at the situation and maybe bringing me in with him over a period of time.

"At the end of the day you have to make a decision.

"We have agreed it is not practical for me to do that at this time and I am happy to concentrate on Stoke."