Lewis Hall pays tribute to 'incredible' Newcastle United mentor in emotional farewell
Lewis Hall has discussed Kieran Trippier’s impact on his fledgling career at Newcastle United.
Lewis Hall has opened up about Kieran Trippier being his Newcastle United mentor.
The 35-year-old announced last month that he will leave the Magpies when his contract expires at the end of the season. Trippier was the first player to take the leap of faith and join Newcastle following the Saudi-backed takeover.
More than 150 appearances, two Champions League qualifications and a Carabao Cup triumph later and Trippier is set to leave United as a club legend. Replacing his influence in the dressing room and on-field ability will be a tall order for the Toon hierarchy this summer.
‘He’s incredible’ - Lewis Hall
Hall has discussed Trippier’s impact on his fledgling career as a full-back. Last weekend saw Eddie Howe play the 21-year-old on the opposite flank, a task Trippier often carried out at England.
But it is the veteran’s influence behind the scenes that Hall will miss most. He said: “He's going to be a massive miss. He's obviously an incredible player and an incredible person. The way he helps everyone off the pitch is unbelievable.
“With me playing in a different position throughout training (before Nottingham Forest last weekend), he's given me advice, telling me different things to do. He's been a great role model for me in learning the position at left-back. He's an incredible person and an incredible player.”
Kieran Trippier pens Newcastle United farewell
Trippier revealed that Newcastle is “where he felt most at home" in an emotional address to supporters. He told the club website in April: “The time has come to leave this amazing club after four and a half years. This is where I have felt most at home. It's emotional, and I'm really going to miss it.
“I want to say a massive thank you to the supporters for all the support through the good and the bad times. You've always supported me, always stood by me. To my teammates, it's going to be emotional. It's been an amazing journey with you guys.
“I'm going to miss you all, but to win a trophy with you guys was really, really special - the best of my career. And to the manager, Eddie Howe, all the coaching staff and the team behind the scenes, a massive thank you."