Smith persuaded by Newcastle stability

Alan Smith said the time was right to embrace a new era at St James' Park after signing a five-year deal with Newcastle for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of £6million.

Smith revealed he had been close to a move to the north-east on a number of previous occasions but only now did he believe the future looked bright enough to complete the deal.

Smith said: "I've had the opportunity to come here a few times and I just felt this time was the right time. I felt that with what the gaffer is doing and the new owners the club has got a lot more stability."

The 26-year-old admitted it was a tough decision to leave Manchester United but he realised his first team chances would be limited with the imminent arrival at Old Trafford of Carlos Tevez.

Smith added: "I decided that if you are going to stay at a club and fight your place you need the opportunity to do that.

"I felt I'd been limited. It was a big decision but I'm really looking forward to the new challenge."