Australia decision made to look foolish after Newcastle United release 13 players

Amadou Diallo, Michael Ndiweni and Matt Bondswell are the standout names among the 13 players Newcastle United have released from their youth ranks following the 2023-24 campaign.

A brutal - an often hidden - part of the game is watching young players have their dreams crushed. Academies must make decisions that will impact youngsters for the rest of their lives.

Three players departing the under-21s, Diallo, Ndiweni and Lucas De Bolle, played in Newcastle’s 8-0 defeat to the A-League All Stars last week. As well as Bondswell, seven further players who have been axed are Will Brown, Jude Smith, Jordan Hackett, Kyle Crossley, Dylan Stephenson, Shaun Mavididi and Rodrigo Vilca. 

Under-18s duo Taylor Ross and Carter Milmore also faced the chop and must rebuild their careers elsewhere. Former Toon goalkeeper Steve Harper, now the academy director at Benton, wished the outgoing youngsters well.

“I would like to thank all of the players who are leaving for their efforts throughout their time with the Academy,” he told the club website. “They have all grown as players and people during their time here and should be incredibly proud of everything they have achieved representing Newcastle United.

"All of the players know that the Academy is here to support them as they prepare for the next steps in their careers. I now look forward to following their journeys and we all wish them every success in the future.

"I would also like to congratulate the players who have agreed new contracts. The hard work continues and it gets tougher every year as they look to continue their development, but they should all take great pride in this recognition and use it as motivation for the season ahead."