‘The right decision’ - Newcastle United favourite makes relegation release clause admission
Jonjo Shelvey spent seven years at Newcastle United between 2016 and 2023.
Jonjo Shelvey has revealed he rejected a relegation release clause in his Newcastle United contract.
Signed in 2016, the Magpies were in a perilous position under Steve McClaren. Mike Ashley splashed the cash in the summer to little effect as Newcastle remained in a relegation battle.
Sitting one point adrift from safety, further spending in January saw Shelvey arrive alongside Andros Townsend. Toon chiefs also signed Seydou Doumbia on loan for the rest of the season.
Jonjo Shelvey at Newcastle United
Shelvey had an immediate impression - famously playing a cross-field pass to Daryl Janmaat that led to Gini Wijnaldum’s goal in a 2-1 win over West Ham United. However, he was unable to help Newcastle beat the drop.
The former midfielder proved instrumental the following year as Rafa Benitez led the Magpies back to the Premier League. Another six years on Tyneside would see Shelvey become a fan favourite before his eventual exit in 2023.
Jonjo Shelvey makes Newcastle United admission
Speaking to Four Four Two, Shelvey highlighted how, unlike Townsend, he opted against sticking a relegation clause in his Newcastle contract. He said: "Andros Townsend and I joined in the January window, and they gave me the option to add a relegation clause in my contract so I could leave. But I didn’t want that. I was there for the long haul.
"I’d always loved playing at St James’ Park, so I was going there to stay. The club paid a lot of money for me, so I felt it was my responsibility to get them back in the Premier League.
"It was the right decision, and I really enjoyed my season in the Championship. I loved living in Newcastle and we settled there as a family."