Eddie Howe gave a run-out to three left-backs in the 1-0 defeat at Mainz on Monday. Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie, and Matt Targett all got 30 minutes apiece in what was the first appearance of the pre-season for Ritchie.
The 32-year-old is one of a trio of Magpies who were with Howe at Bournemouth, including Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser. The future is unclear for Ritchie as he is in the final year of his contract and has been linked with moves away over the previous few summers.
Howe was asked about Ritchie’s brief appearance on Monday. His response revealed his desire to keep the left-footer on Tyneside this season. Here is what the head coach said as published by The Shields Gazette:
“It wasn’t farewell or intentional from my side.
“I think it’s well documented my relationship with Matty, we go so far back, and the respect for him I have as a person. He’s been incredible for me.
“Matty’s own personal situation … he will have his own thoughts. Mine’s to try and keep him, but it’s well documented that Matty has been away from his family for a long period of time.
“He loves playing for Newcastle – and is very passionate about the club – but, I think, it’s unclear what direction we’ll take this year. But, from both sides, there’s a lot of respect.”
Ritchie made just two appearances after Matt Targett’s arrival from Aston Villa for a grand total of just 17 minutes. The transition to a back four, along with Targett’s arrival and Dummett’s return to fitness, limited Ritchie’s opportunities last season.
The situation with his family has been a long-running issue as they have never joined him in Newcastle despite Ritchie being at the club for 6 years now. Howe will not stand in his way if an opportunity comes along despite the desire to keep him around.
Ritchie would likely be the fourth-choice left-back were he to remain should Jamal Lewis be retained. Howe could see him as an option further forward on either wing though he still would not see too much action, especially if Howe’s plan to add another winger is successful.
129 comments so far
jane
Jul 21, 2022 at 12:30 PM
Comment #1i haven’t read the article yet.
Mund
Jul 21, 2022 at 12:30 PM
Comment #2RH
Ofc he would mate but it’s not as easy as that is it…?
Every manager will want all who will be part of the squad for the coming season in as early as possible but there’s many variables to why that isn’t so straight forward. Tbh I cant recall Eddie saying that as even he must know it’s not that simple.
Don’t worry mate everything will be cushty
Mund
Jul 21, 2022 at 12:32 PM
Comment #3Looks a no goer this and would take up to much time…
I’d say move on
Phil Hay
@PhilHay_
No plans at Leeds United to sell Jack Harrison. Valuation would be £35m+ and Newcastle are a long way off that. Assuming he’s here beyond the end of the window, contract will need attention:
ToonDarnSarf
Jul 21, 2022 at 12:38 PM
Comment #4Interesting that Howe is saying he wants Ritchie to stick around. Obviously Gayle will be off soon but it sounds like other players will only be leaving if there’s a transfer fee.
welshgeordie9
Jul 21, 2022 at 12:42 PM
Comment #5Looks like a winger won’t be signing anytime soon.
welshgeordie9
Jul 21, 2022 at 12:42 PM
Comment #6Or a forward for that matter.
Toonces
Jul 21, 2022 at 12:47 PM
Comment #7If we really want to get these top young talents such as Sesko then make a proper approach for the player. Salzburg don’t want and don’t need to sell so a top fee will be demanded, but if we really want him don’t haggle starting with low ball offers. Salzburg have wealthy owners, don’t need the money, so they can ask a premium for a highly regarded young player. If the player wants to leave, as the meeting with his agent may suggest, then have them advise the club and maybe even go so far as handing in a transfer request.
Mund
Jul 21, 2022 at 12:49 PM
Comment #8Newcastle are interested in Benjamin Sesko – but the teenager striker doesn’t want to move because he thinks another full season with Red Bull Salzburg would benefit his career.
[Via@Scottwilsonecho] #NUFC
Rotonda heights
Jul 21, 2022 at 12:49 PM
Comment #9Everyone loves Miggy, you can’t not do with that smile, but even allowing for the impotence of Wood in front of goal, his stats from not just last season but previous are very damning in reality. MA is the ultimate ”jigsaw”, ie he goes to pieces with his final ball where he is very head down and his pass selection / shooting are often v poor. Really want him to succeed but I find him very frustrating if we’re being honest.
For me Murphy falls into the same category, final ball and decision making leave an awful lot to be desired. Capable of good moments but very much a confidence player and again racked with inconsistency that can drive you mad at times.
Ritchie like others was bought for the champo where like Gayle and Clark he was great but he shouldn’t really still be here 6 years on.
Fraser again is a ”bits and pieces” player. No faulting his and the aforementioned others’ work rate but again like the other 3, suffers from inconsistency.
bettyswallocks
Jul 21, 2022 at 12:50 PM
Comment #10I’m buzzing right now…… Just went round my local golf course (par 72) in 18… Yeah seriously folks . From tee straight into the cup at every hole.
I’m some player me like… Shame I didn’t capture it on video.
DeanToon88
Jul 21, 2022 at 12:54 PM
Comment #11How are lesser teams snapping up our targets, irritating how Southampton are beating us to players its really annoying. we need to stuff the lot of them and splash the cash, just sign paqueta diaby and a world class stiker, deal with FFP later. arsenal have spent over 130m so far so why cant we..
We have signed botman and that’s a solid signing but we need attacking reinforcements. we still have the likes of shlevley richie dummet fraser murphy getting playing time.
Its really beyond a joke how long these championship players have robbed a living from NUFC. they are simply not good enough.
get them out of the club and replace them with fresh new talent worthy of been he richest club in world football.
Championship days are long gone, they done there job and they need to go.
Assassins Inc
Jul 21, 2022 at 12:55 PM
Comment #12I think Newcastle use the transfer market app when evaluating players prices. 🙂
Here’s the thing, player is valued at what the club feels is fair for them, we seem to be offering, if true, what the app value says.
The club offering way to low does three things, makes the club they are negotiating with upset, makes our club look stupid and most of all, makes the player we are meant to be interesting in think, wow they don’t really want me and then, player decides to stay or suddenly they are signed by another club.
Toonces
Jul 21, 2022 at 12:59 PM
Comment #13If we wouldn’t see Sesko as starting ahead of Wilson and even Wood yet at his age this season, then agree fee with Salzburg and loan him back for the year. But get this player locked up!
dazzler
Jul 21, 2022 at 12:59 PM
Comment #14I can’t believe there are people saying they’d choose Mitro over Wood. Absolutely mental.
Wood up until last season scored 10+ in a relegation fodder Burnley, in every season he played for them.
Mitro has achieved it once, getting most of his goals before Christmas and then has barely scored in the league since.
Are people seriously that attached to their rose tinted goggles when it comes to Mitro?
Wood is easily the better player, it’s not even up for debate. The only thing up for discussion is whether Wood is good enough backup for us this season.
dazzler
Jul 21, 2022 at 1:02 PM
Comment #15DeanToon,
Who are the players lesser teams are beating us to?
All we have are media reports linking us to players, what makes them true?
Maybe the lad from Bordeaux isn’t good enough.
Diego Carlos was an alternative for Botman in Jan. We got Botman in the summer.
No one is beating us to anything.
kilcline
Jul 21, 2022 at 1:05 PM
Comment #16I think we will go back in for diaby late in the window
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Jul 21, 2022 at 1:09 PM
Comment #17From last bus.
Mitro is Championship
If we had not bought Pope we would be looking for a goalkeeper
Pretty much sums up the last hour or so.
Tinos Vino
Jul 21, 2022 at 1:14 PM
Comment #18Mitro is living his best life at Fulham and quite settled by what i have been told.
DeanToon88
Jul 21, 2022 at 1:18 PM
Comment #19Dazzler
we have been beaten by a number of teams for a number of targets.
less of the smarmy attitude.
Tinos Vino
Jul 21, 2022 at 1:19 PM
Comment #20Gayle going for free tells me they are more concerned about wages ( operating costs) than players fees which can be amortised. The balancing act here is the Newcastle tax. if they give in too easily at the beginning it could cost them literally £100’s of millions over the next 3-4 years when they ramp up their targets. We need a Striker and a RW as a minimum if this season is to be no more than consolidating our PL position
Ashingtoon62
Jul 21, 2022 at 1:25 PM
Comment #21Reading in between the lines..
Eddie on Ritchie.. that’s Ritchie offski..
On Mitro:- He will get in to double figures this season,nee bother..IMO of course.
Mund
Jul 21, 2022 at 1:27 PM
Comment #22I’d have Mitro over Wood any day of the week
Mund
Jul 21, 2022 at 1:29 PM
Comment #23Chelsea ‘raise £800m in debt in order to reshape the club’s finances’ https://mol.im/a/11035327 via
@MailSport
So I’m guessing FFP doesn’t count down south…?
Adamn_92
Jul 21, 2022 at 1:30 PM
Comment #24DeanToon88
I think Ekitike is the only confirmed player we’ve been beaten to. The other players have been linked to us in the media, so it’s a guessing game if we were actually after them or not. So depending on what reports you believe about our interest in players, I guess we’ve either missed out on a bunch of targets or just the 1. It’s hard though as we’ve been linked to near enough every player at this point, so trying to work out who’s a genuine target or not isn’t easy.
Ashingtoon62
Jul 21, 2022 at 1:30 PM
Comment #25We have been beaten to one target which is known,and I have the feeling it’s the only one..
That is Ekitike to PSG no less…
The rest is media BS,take today for instance. Southampton have beaten Newcastle to the signing of Mara,we probably weren’t even in for him and he hasn’t even signed for the Saints yet…
Ashingtoon62
Jul 21, 2022 at 1:31 PM
Comment #26Adamn 😀
The Last Jedi
Jul 21, 2022 at 1:33 PM
Comment #27People and lawmakers and rule makers are stupid. If clubs are in debt they shouldn’t be allowed to spend until debts are settled
Ashingtoon62
Jul 21, 2022 at 1:33 PM
Comment #28Mund
Debt has got nowt whatsoever, to do with FFP..
Tinos Vino
Jul 21, 2022 at 1:34 PM
Comment #29Mund if they can service the debt within their turnover then they are ok. Think of it as mortgage. every year for FFP they just look at the payments not the debt amount
ToonDarnSarf
Jul 21, 2022 at 1:35 PM
Comment #30Gayle going for free is because his value to our club is zero and with 2 years left on his contract, they want to get rid of him. Maybe it will end up being a loan instead after all though.
Hard to get money for players like him when the other club knows we have no interest in playing him next season.
Ashingtoon62
Jul 21, 2022 at 1:37 PM
Comment #31Jedi
Along with 90% of the other businesses in the UK..
Yeah that seems like a good idea,lets go with that.. 😆
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Jul 21, 2022 at 1:37 PM
Comment #32Chelsea own their ground, and hotels/restaurants/houses etc around the stadium. Hence th 3-4 Billion price tag
Zhongguo Geordie
Jul 21, 2022 at 1:39 PM
Comment #33Doesn’t matter what Wood did in his 20s. He’s the best headerer in the league and played for the best long ball team since Wimbledon. Anyway he’s in his 30s and apart from one short spell, has looked finished for two years. Mitrovic has got decent returns in two of his three premier league and is still in mid twenties so yes he will do better than Wood next season, which is all that matters. Quite frankly I could have managed the same defensive and attacking output as Wood while he’s been at us. One goal and one tackle and 50% pass rate is beyond shameful. That’s before mentioning all the times the ball got lost at his feet when he wasn’t under pressure. It was like an invisible Maldini.was following him everywhere. And he’s only going to get worse so let’s not be sentimental and flog him for 10m while we can before he devalues to zero like Gayle and Ritchie did. There are probably still some teams haven’t realised he’s past his sell by date and would look at his past record and offer ten. 10m and we could loan someone decent for a season.
ToonDarnSarf
Jul 21, 2022 at 1:39 PM
Comment #34Too many people talking about FFP like they know what they’re talking about when they really don’t.
FFP has nothing to do with debt. Not sure how many times people need to be told that.
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Jul 21, 2022 at 1:43 PM
Comment #35last time I looked, Fulham got relegated in their last 2 EPL seasons. With Mitro as their main striker. I did have a Fulham/Scotland player as my next door neighbour. Interesting discussions
Mund
Jul 21, 2022 at 1:43 PM
Comment #36Tino
My point mate is FFP was brought in so clubs wouldn’t get into debt but clubs just take the piss with it with the loop holes they use.
Adamn_92
Jul 21, 2022 at 1:48 PM
Comment #37Let Chelsea and other teams do that all they want, it’ll bite them in the ass eventually. We have no debt as far as i’m aware, so when we start competing at the very top, we’ll have done so by staying out of debt and done it without using any loop holes or work arounds.
That’s how it should be done and hope we stick to doing it. As soon as we start going down the debt route and using dodgy work arounds, we become just as slimy as the other clubs doing it. No thanks. Let them be the dodgy ones and we’ll do things properly.
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Jul 21, 2022 at 1:48 PM
Comment #38The Spanish government bought Real Marid’s training ground for approx 1 billion (4x what it was worth) and gave them free land to build new one. Just so Barca and the Catalan’s were kept down.
Tinos Vino
Jul 21, 2022 at 1:48 PM
Comment #39Mund as ashington toon said it’s a pretty common business practice outside of football as well. when a business buys another business or builds another facility they usually take on debt instead of using free cash or trade shares. it is not the root of all evil 🙂
Chelsea as Pug said have secure assets to borrow on and can probably easily afford the payments as long as they stay in the CL.
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Jul 21, 2022 at 1:50 PM
Comment #40one of the major reasons FFP brought in. 1 Billion in debt…. barking