Newcastle United star reacts to ‘sad’ departure as training ground decision made

Sean Longstaff has revealed his sadness at brother Matty being released by Newcastle United.

The 23-year-old progressed through the academy ranks at Newcastle and memorably scored the winner on his Premier League debut against Manchester United in 2019.

He was rewarded with an extended contract but struggled to establish himself as a regular after being mismanaged by former head coach Steve Bruce.

Longstaff had loan spells at Mansfield Town, Aberdeen and Colchester United, and it was during his time at the latter where he sustained an ACL injury last Boxing Day.

“It’s obviously quite sad, really,” Sean Longstaff told BBC Radio Newcastle. “When the news broke, it was sad, but it’s football, and he’ll eventually get where he’s going to be. He’s a top, top player, and people saw that when he did play.

“We’ve played football together in the same team pretty much since we were nine years old, so we’ve had a pretty good run at it. I still speak to him all the time, and he’ll be supporting me, and I’ll be supporting him.

Although Longstaff is no longer contracted to Newcastle, the club is committed to helping the North Shields-born midfielder through his recovery.

Sean Longstaff continued: “The club have been great with him, especially the manager and Dan (Ashworth, United’s sporting director). They’ve done everything they can.

“They’re going to get him back fully fit, so he can go out and kick on again. I’m really grateful for that, and I know he is as well. It’s something that was going to happen eventually.”