Fit-again Newcastle United defender reflects on ‘no-brainer’ new contract decision

Long-serving Newcastle United defender Paul Dummett is ready for the new Premier League season — after putting his injury frustrations behind him.

Fresh from penning a new one-year contract, the 31-year-old took part in a full pre-season, which ended with a rare 90 minutes in the tank as the Magpies beat Villarreal 4-0 on Sunday to lift the Sela Cup.

Eddie Howe’s men begin their Premier League campaign on Saturday at home to Aston Villa, who are coincidentally the last team Dummett faced in the league back in February 2022.

Although Dummett has fallen down the pecking order at St James’ Park, his involvement has been restricted by niggling injuries. The Geordie’s last competitive appearance was away to Tranmere Rovers in the Carabao Cup nearly 12 months ago.

But having clocked up around 240 minutes in pre-season — also featuring against Rangers, Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion —Dummett is ready to be called upon.

“I had a few injuries at the start of last season but since the World Cup break I’ve been fit,” Dummett told BBC Radio Newcastle. “I’ve had a full pre-season under my belt so I’m feeling good.

“My contract was coming to an end last season and I didn’t play any minutes in the Premier League, which is obviously difficult, but the team played unbelievably and finished fourth. Every player who put the shirt on performed magnificently so I couldn’t complain about not getting minutes.

“I’m a local player, supported Newcastle since I was a young boy so when the manager told me he wanted me to stay it was a no-brainer.

“This season there will be more games and more opportunities. As long as I’m fit and ready when the manager calls upon me, I’ll wear that shirt with pride and give my all every time I wear it.”

With competing on four fronts this campaign - the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup - Howe will need to utilise his squad.

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Dummett added: “Every injury I had last season were only little niggles that I picked up a couple of times before the start of the season. I’ve been fit for the full pre-season. I haven’t missed any sessions so it’s been a full-on pre-season for me.

“I’m feeling good. That’s the first 90 minutes [v Villarreal] I’ve had but I’ve played a lot of minutes in every game I’ve played. Long may that continue. Like I say, I’ll be ready whenever called upon and I’ll always try and give my best.”