Recent news that Jonathan Woodgate may not play again this season has saddened many Newcastle fans who hope the centre-back can make it at Real Madrid. Newcastle-Online caught up with two Real fans Ivan Listes and Pavlo Lomas from global football forum Xtratime to get their thoughts on the former Toon defender.

Q: What was your initial reaction when Real Madrid signed Jonathan Woodgate?

Ivan - I was happy with the signing. I knew about the risks involved regarding his injury, but I thought; ‘if he’s well enough for our doctors, he’s well enough for me too’. That turned out to be a mistake though. And the transfer fee was a bit high, especially considering his condition. But that was expected, since everyone wants big cash from Real Madrid. All in all, I had high hopes of him and Samuel being a great defensive pair.

Pavlo - Real Madrid has always had problems with the defence so a defender was badly needed. Woodgate is a very good player so I was very happy when he came to Real. The idea was to have Samuel and Woodgate as our back pair but Samuel has been poor and Woodgate of course hasn’t put on the White or Real yet.

Q: Had you seen Woodgate in action before for Newcastle? If so what were your impressions?

Ivan - Yeah, I saw him a few times but then I hadn’t really watched him because he hadn’t been linked to Real at all. I Didn’t really have any impressions.

Pavlo - Yes I have seen Woodgate play before for Newcastle. I can’t say he made a big impression on me as I never really give it much of a thought. But I know he is a good player. He cost Newcastle lots of money and has played for the his country so he has history and a big reputation.

Q: Newcastle fans were upset when Real Madrid bought Woodgate as he is a great defender, however it seems that it was the right thing to do given his injury problems, do you think Woodgate will play for Real Madrid one day or will they cut their losses?

Ivan - He will play. There is no doubt about that at all. The only question is what kind of impact on him will this long-term injury have, and how long will it take for him to get into top shape.

Pavlo - I think he will play but I don’t know when. I don’t think he is finished just yet. There is huge pressure for him to play though. Every time Real let in a goal the cry is for Woodgate to get fit. Some fans are very upset over this and they expect him to solve any problems so he has a lot to live up to. Real won’t sell him not after all the doctors have worked on him and the propaganda to the media. If they sell him that would mean they were wrong to buy him and that will not be good for the image of Real.

Q: Many fans in England believe Newcastle have robbed Real Madrid, what are your thoughts on that? Do the Real fans blame Newcastle for selling them an injured player?

Ivan - I cant speak for all Real fans, but I blame only our management, who definitely knew about his state, and allowed the transfer to go through.

Pavlo - Real knew of Woodgate’s injuries so only have themselves to blame but some fans and the media in Madrid do not like Newcastle and have said some bad things about Newcastle’s doctors and training program. I don’t blame Newcastle I blame our own doctors for allowing an unfit player to become a Real player.

Q: Woodgate seems to have learned the lingo and gets on well with the rest of the Real Madrid team by all accounts. Basically he seems to have settled in well despite not having played a game. However I detect that his night-life ‘ways’ haven’t went down well with Real fans. What are your thoughts on that?

Ivan - Of course I don’t like his behaviour, nobody does. But if he still manages to perform, then who the heck cares? I hope he’ll calm down though.

Pavlo - I think players have to go out but when a player is injured they should be at home resting and not getting drunk or going to parties.

Q: Newcastle have been linked with Michael Owen recently, do you think he will stay at Real Madrid or will he go back to the English Premiership?

Ivan - Anything is possible, but I believe he’ll stay.

Pavlo - He will stay and he will get a chance to be our first striker.

Q: How do you rate Owen, do you want him to stay at Real?

Ivan - I rate him very high, and would definitely want him to stay, and to see him starting along with Raul.

Pavlo - He is a great player and of course I want him to stay. He will.

Q: Finally, what are your impressions of Newcastle United and the English Premiership?

Ivan - Newcaste are a fine club. Shearer is a fine player. I put my money on you guys against Liverpool. The Premiership is fine to watch. Except Arsenal games, because of that silly camera.

Pavlo - I like watching Newcastle to see good football. Shearer and Robert are my favourite players. I also like the EPL it’s very exciting and good fun. Bobby Robson is also very famous in Spain and a good man. I will forgive him for his Barcelona connection :)