Eight-goal striker makes shock Newcastle United appearance ahead of contract decision

Dylan Stephenson made a goalscoring return after being given a final chance to shine for Newcastle United ahead of a decision on his future.

The Magpies loaned the forward out to National League North side South Shields in January. Stephenson lacked first-team experience at senior level, with last season’s 12 appearances for Scottish minnows Hamilton Academical his only outings in the senior ranks.

The Blyth native fared ok for Ben Dawson’s under-21s earlier this season. His four goal contributions hardly set the world alight but he took his chance while shipped out to the Mariners at the turn of the year.

Eight goals and an assist helped South Shields on their way to an eight-placed finish in the sixth tier. However, those exploits were not enough to earn him a new contract at Newcastle.

A harsh reality of professional football is that not everyone makes the cut and Stephenson will likely be released alongside teammates Michael Ndiweni, 20, and winger Amadou Diallo. As it stands, the trio will be looking for new clubs this summer as they aim to rebuild their careers in the lower leagues.

Stephenson told NewcastleWorld last year that he hoped to follow Elliot Anderson’s example out on loan. The midfielder spent half a season at Bristol Rovers, using that successful spell as the springboard to breaking into Eddie Howe’s first-team squad.

Anderson started the Magpies’ last two Premier League fixtures but, unfortunately for Stephenson, his Toon dream is dangling by a thread. Returning from South Shields has given him one last opportunity to convince Howe and Co of a renewal.

The 21-year-old was named in Dickman’s starting line-up, bagging a 10th-minute opener as the young Magpies earned a 2-1 win at Stoke City. Diallo, as well as winter arrival Alfie Harrison, were also named on the team sheet.