Kieran Trippier reveals Newcastle United ‘surprise’ - and name drops Steve Bruce

Kieran Trippier has been a relevation for Newcastle United following his January move from Atletico Madrid.
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Kieran Trippier admits to being surprised at how passionate Newcastle United supporters are. The England right-back has played for Burnley, Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid but insists the Magpies fanbase is the best he’s played for.

The 32-year-old became the first player to sign for United following the £305million takeover of PIF, PCP Partners and RB Sports and Media. Eddie Howe’s side were deep in Premier League relegation trouble and on Trippier’s debut suffered a shock FA Cup exit to League One side Cambridge United.

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Fortunes changed, however. Trippier scored back-to-back free-kicks in wins against Everton and Aston Villa before fracturing his metatarsal on just his fifth appearance. Although sidelined for three months, the former Spurs man still played via his leadership off the pitch as United retained their top-flight season.

And this season, Trippier has shown how integral he’s been to the club’s transformation - starting all 15 opening matches as Newcastle sit third in the Premier League table heading into the World Cup break.

A lot has changed on Tyneside since Trippier stepped through the door in January and he recalled being surprised at just how supportive Newcastle fans are.

Newcastle United right-back Kieran Trippier. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)Newcastle United right-back Kieran Trippier. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Newcastle United right-back Kieran Trippier. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Trippier on Newcastle fans

“When I played my first game against Cambridge, it was a sell-out.” he told Under The Cosh. “No disrespect to Cambridge but not many Premier League teams would sell out their stadium against Cambridge. They are definitely the best fans I’ve played for, they’re incredible.

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“The people around here, it is everything. Newcastle is everything to them. When you look at it now, one year, later, the city is absolutely buzzing. The fans deserve it. Newcastle needs to be back where they once were and that’s challenging.”

“I’ve played at St James’ loads of times against them and you can see it’s a tough place to come. I am definitely surprised by how passionate they are and the supporters home and away, it’s mad.”

Just as Eddie Howe has said previously, it’s hard to put into the words the huge impact Trippier has had at St James’ Park. Indeed, Trippier had similar words for his manager, who has taken the club from 20th to third in the space of 12 months.

 Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn and Fabian Schar of Newcastle United celebrate their side's win after the final whistle of the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton FC at St. James Park on October 19, 2022 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn and Fabian Schar of Newcastle United celebrate their side's win after the final whistle of the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton FC at St. James Park on October 19, 2022 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn and Fabian Schar of Newcastle United celebrate their side's win after the final whistle of the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton FC at St. James Park on October 19, 2022 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Trippier on Newcastle’s transformation

Outsiders point to the £210m spent on new players as the reason for Newcastle’s uplift. However, those who follow the club closely know the success has been down to the improvement of pre-takeover stars including Joelinton, Fabian Schar and Miguel Almiron.

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Trippier added: “I don’t have any disrespect towards Steve Bruce because you don’t manage 1,000 games if you’re not a good manager but when the new manager comes in... new signings always help.

“The players just needed that belief and then we went 13 games without losing and that took us into this great position towards the end of the season not fighting relegation.

“We’re doing well. I think it’s good the manager had a good pre-season under his belt. It was important for the manager to stamp his authority and how he wants to play. We’ve just been attacking every game, the manager tells us to empty our tanks and give everything..”