Newcastle United striker Alan Smith says it was tougher leaving Leeds than Manchester United last week.
The England international told the Evening Chronicle: "Leaving Leeds United was more difficult for me than leaving Manchester United because of the connection I had with the club.
"It wasn't because they asked me to go or because I wasn't good enough to perform at that level but because the chances that I was going to get were going to be limited.
"I am 26 now and I have been around for a few years.
"I wanted to go somewhere where I was starting afresh and where there was a new manager in place. There are also new staff here and new players coming in.
"The crowd here is desperate for success and players are desperate to live up to that and want to achieve as much as possible."
And like his former Leeds pal Mark Viduka, Cameroon star Geremi, David Rozenhal and Joey Barton, Smith revealed his decision to come to Tyneside was largely down to the Big Sam factor.
He says: "It wasn't difficult to sign here and Sam did not have to sell the club to me.
"Everybody in football knows what a great club Newcastle United is and the fans are fantastic.
"I have no problems whatsoever with anything here.
"I spoke to Sam about what I wanted to achieve and as soon as I had heard what he had to say I was impressed.
"I heard what his plans were here and I am looking forward to them."
