Dean Smith also suggested that Judge’s move to St. James’ Park could be rekindled.
Brentford manager Dean Smith has explained via Get West London why Alan Judge’s Newcastle United move fell through.
Newcastle appeared on course to sign to sign the Irishman late in the summer transfer window, however a deal never materialised.
Judge scored 14 goals for the Bees last season but suffered a broken leg in April’s trip to Ipswich Town, missing the subsequent European Championship as a result.
And Smith explained the attacking midfielder was not as far recovered as first thought.
“The clubs that were interested in him thought he was further ahead in his fitness that he was,” the 45-year-old told Get West London.
However, Smith suggested that, once recovered, it would be hard to deny Judge a move to a bigger club, either in the same division or higher.
He added: “I don’t think anyone would begrudge Judgey a move to a Premier League or a massive Championship club. I’m sure he’ll come back better than before.”
Judge, who turns 28 in November, is out of contract at the end of the current campaign and was a previous target for play-off finalists Sheffield Wednesday and eventual Championship winners Burnley.
Having failed to conclude a deal for Judge, Newcastle turned to Chelsea loanee Christian Atsu on deadline day.
Rafa Benitez’s side are currently fourth in the standings, having recovered from a slow start to win three straight league matches.
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