Former Everton star criticises Newcastle United new boy Anthony Gordon

Former Everton star Pat Nevin believes Newcastle United new boy Anthony Gordon needs to ‘get his head right and work hard’ if he is to be a success at St James Park.

The Magpies have been long-term admirers of the England Under-21 international and were reported to have made a number of unsuccessful moves to secure his services during the summer transfer window.

However, their interest remained very much alive throughout last month and United finally got their man when they agreed a deal that could net Everton up to £45m if certain conditions in the agreement are move during Gordon’s time on Tyneside.

A lot of the talk surrounding the move revolved around the winger’s conduct in his final days at Goodison Park after he missed training on three consecutive days, with only the first of those coming with permission from the Toffees. It was also revealed Gordon had submitted a transfer request to force through his move to Newcastle.

Nevin hit out at the actions taken by the winger and his attitude during the last month, and insisted that his former club had done well out of the deal.

He told Boyle Sports: “Anthony Gordon had to come in and learn quickly when he came through the academy and played really well on some occasions. But in his final moments at the club, there was no effort. And in that situation from an Evertonian perspective, you need to get rid of him, full stop.

“Gordon is a very good player, but if you’re complaining about not getting game time at the one club you have been at, then leave for one of the soon-to-be top clubs in the world in Newcastle where you’re also not going to be playing every week, what will your attitude be like then? He needs to get his head right and work hard. At the end of the day, Everton signed him for nothing and then sold him for £45 million, that’s not too bad!”

Gordon could make his full debut for Newcastle in Saturday’s visit to Bournemouth after making his first appearance for the Magpies in the 1-1 home draw against West Ham United.