Newcastle United supporters rue costly £35m transfer move as 21-year-old stars in 7-0 international rout
Former Magpie Elliot Anderson caught the eye with another impressive display for England’s Under-21 team
Newcastle United supporters were given another reminder of the late June panic which saw the club part ways with academy sensation Elliot Anderson.
The Whitley Bay-born midfielder, who enjoyed a 14-year association with the Magpies before leaving for Nottingham Forest, starred for England’s Under-21 side in an emphatic 7-0 victory over Azerbaijan in the final game of their European Championship qualification campaign.
Anderson, who turned down the opportunity to represent Scotland at international level, was awarded the Young Lions Player of the Match award after a fine display which was also topped off by the youngster claiming his first ever goal for England at Under-21 level.
The 21-year-old stepped into space in the middle of the penalty area and tucked a first time shot into the bottom corner after an excellent delivery from Ipswich Town youngster Omari Hutchinson. Anderson has impressed for England since making the U-turn from the Tartan Army back to the Three Lions and has high hopes of one day breaking into the senior squad.
After his exit to Nottingham Forest, Eddie Howe expressed his disappointment at losing a star that he valued highly at St James’ Park but admitted the decision could not have been avoided due to the threat of PSR.
He told local reporters at the time: “Elliot was very sad for us because he was a player that we loved. Everyone here at Newcastle has worked so hard to develop him and his talents. Through PSR the club has been forced into a decision. It didn't sit comfortably with me but we had no choice."
Anderson made 44 Premier League appearances for the Magpies and was a part of the team which qualified for the Champions League and reached the Carabao Cup final.
Since signing for Nottingham Forest, he has racked up seven Premier League appearances, and also impressed in an Carabao Cup appearance against his former Newcastle team-mates in a match which the Magpies ultimately won on penalties.
His recent performances for England’s Under-21 team and the The Reds are another reminder to Newcastle fans of the talent that the once dubbed ‘Geordie Maradona’ has at his disposal - leaving many fans critiquing the decision on social media.
One fan posted: “Still gutted that we found ourselves in a situation where we had to let him and Minteh leave the club. Two of our brightest young talents were forced out of the door due to pathetic Premier League rules.”
Another added: “Nice to see Elliot Anderson get his first goal for the England U21’s tonight, still gutted that he had to leave Newcastle liked the lad a lot.” A third added: “Still fuming over this sale.”