The Shields Gazette have a good report out today on some comments made by Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey.

This season is a big chance for Jonjo who by his own admission was miserable last season after missing most of it through injury.

Upon returning, he was unable to regain a first-team place due to the form of Isaac Hayden, Sean Longstaff along, and Ki Sung-yeung.

This is what he has said about his future with the club and how much he enjoys being in the area:

“I won’t be leaving this football club.

“I don’t know who wants me to leave or doesn’t want me to leave, but as far as I’m aware I’m a Newcastle United player.

“I’ve not looked to go anywhere. The past season I’ve never downed tools. I’ve always carried on doing the right things, and that’s what I’ll continue to do.

At the end of the day, this club pays your wages. You respect them for that. The fans pay your wages.

“I’m here. I love living in the North East. It’s a brilliant place to be. My kids love it.

My wife’s settled. So, at the end of the day, I just want to carry on doing what I’m doing.”

We’re very happy that Jonjo is settled and committed to this football club. He has the ability to create chances out of nothing and his vision is first-rate.

He just brings something to the team that no other player in the squad can at the moment.

Jonjo Shelvey– massive opportunity for him this year

This season is a great opportunity for Shelvey who will look to make up for lost time after last season’s tribulations. This is what he has said about the injury that wiped out most of last season.

“I wasn’t fit. My thigh was completely ruptured in two places. In the end, I couldn’t do it any more.

I needed to take that time (to recover). I felt that I was very unfortunate. It is what it is. Lads came into the team and did well. That’s all it was.

“I know if I’m back at that level physically, I’m good enough to play in this team.

He is certainly good enough to play in the team. However, there will be some competition with Ki and Longstaff.

Assuming that Hayden will be allowed to leave this summer and with the departure of Mo Diame, we would imagine that the club will bring in another two central midfielders this summer.

When asked about the situation with Rafa Benitez, this is what Jonjo has said:

“It obviously wasn’t meant to be, and he’s come to China now. We wish him all the best.

“It’s going to be hard this year. We’ve got to be prepared to fight every week and make sure that we don’t let our fans down.”

That’s a great attitude from the now 27-year-old and he certainly seems to have matured over the years. He certainly seems to understand the precarious situation the club is in.

We look forward to seeing how he gets on this season as he seems to be at least one in the squad who is wanting to stay.