‘Since I arrived’ - Newcastle United star goes public after making just five Premier League starts all season

Unlike previous campaigns, the 34-year-old has been forced to take a backseat role at St James’ Park. Trippier was the first player to make the leap of faith to Tyneside following the Saudi-backed takeover and immediately became a prominent voice in the dressing room.

Despite joining in the twilight of his career, the England veteran - who retired from international duty after Euro 2024 - maintained high standards and was vital to finishing fourth in 2022-23. He also captained Newcastle in the 2023 Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United.

There were suggestions Trippier could leave the Magpies last summer, with Everton reportedly interested. Interest from abroad also emerged but the former Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid star stayed put.

Since then, Tino Livramento, who is 12 years his junior, has displaced him in the Newcastle line-up. Trippier - with just five Premier League starts this season - has remained the consummate professional.

Speaking to the United magazine, Trippier issued a battle cry to the Newcastle dressing room as 2024-25 approaches the crunch. He said: "Earlier in the season, we couldn't find our rhythm for whatever reason, but over the last eight games, we certainly have. We haven't really deviated too much from what we were doing earlier in the campaign.

"We remained positive and stuck together, which is so crucial and is something I've been big on since I arrived at the club. Once a team starts getting rhythm back you start seeing the best of individuals - like Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon - when they're on fire the team just clicks."

"There's more expectation now, and as players we have to deal with the expectation from the supporters - and even more importantly - the expectations we have of ourselves because we demand a lot from each other as a group. The rewards over that period included the Champions League and a cup final and we want to keep building on that. It is vital we stay grounded and don't take anything for granted."