Why I'm moving to Newcastle

Tony Underwood believes this is the time to take risks in the North-east

Ho'way the lads! As you approach the end of the tunnel at St James's Park the message stands out like a beacon against the stark white paint.

The wishes are heartfelt, just as everything tends to be in the North- east. From the taxi driver to the groundsman, the welcome is resounding. I am home. OK, so I'll be playing my rugby at Kingston Park, a suburb in the north of town for now, but maybe we can convince Sir John Hall to build a bigger stadium for the footballers.

The feeling of optimism, excitement and stimulation with which I am approaching this move is in stark contrast to the scepticism with which it is viewed in certain quarters.

As far as I can make out the only argument these sceptics have is what it will do to my chances of returning to representative rugby when my injury heals. Humbug. Of course it is a risk, but in all my studies as an economist and broker there was always something called "return" with which to weigh this against.

Without wishing to in any way belittle the honour there is in representing your country, I do have other needs and desires to fulfil. They seem to have been overlooked by those who contest that this is a move based purely on financial motives.

For those who are not aware there are incredible forces set in motion by Sir John Hall to use the positive aspects of sport to involve the community both in support and or in action. Sport has the ability to unite people while also educating them with various faculties such as commitment, discipline and fair play. By instilling these virtues into the young the aim is to produce not only talented sportsmen and women but also reputable adults who would be a credit to the Geordie nation.

The vehicle for this endeavour is a centre of sporting excellence made up of various academies that come under the umbrella of the Newcastle United Sporting Club, primarily football, rugby union and ice hockey. Children in the region will have access to training pitches (indoor and out), a sports injuries clinic and advice on all aspects of their chosen sport, including training, fitness and diet. To be able to take part, though, a child must abide by various codes of conduct such as no drugs or bad behaviour.

My involvement in this centre will be anything from assisting in managing the project, helping promote and market it and ultimately, when it is off the ground, to play a part in the running of the rugby academy.

Off the pitch, therefore, I hope my desire to go back up north and take part in such an endeavour is understandable.

On the pitch, Rob Andrew has assembled an extremely capable set of players to supplement the pool of talent already present. With such a collection of players we should be able to approach the 1996/97 season in the same way as Northampton have done this. I recently saw the Saints play London Scottish, and doubt that any one of the 7,000 spectators and 15 players did not thoroughly enjoy themselves.

However, it was with much regret that I had to leave Leicester after eight happy and rewarding years there. I owe them a great deal for the position they have helped to put me in. I have been nurtured by a great club with great individuals such as Tudor Thomas, Peter Wheeler, Ian Smith and Les Cusworth and have played alongside talented players in front of an adoring crowd on a fantastic ground.

Time moves on, though, and I recognise the potential Newcastle has to become a great club. The people and mechanics which have turned the football club around in four years are now in place at the rugby club. The understanding of running a professional sport and the financial backing behind it makes for exciting times ahead.

I did not want to miss out.