The nine Newcastle United players Eddie Howe ‘loves’ at risk of summer exit
Liam Kennedy takes a look at the SEVEN Newcastle United players at risk of the chop ahead of next season.
Eddie Howe spoke for the first time on the record this week about his need to trim his Newcastle United squad.
So often recently, when asked, Howe has waxed lyrical about any, and every, member of his Magpies squad, whether they are playing, available, eligible or not.
But, with just two games to go, Howe has finally shone a light on his thinking ahead of the summer window - and the issues staring him in the face... The need to cut down the squad size to take the leap from the Premier League alsorans, to European spot contenders.
Speaking at the weekend, Howe said: “Every summer I have been in management I have had difficult decisions to make at the end of a season,” he said.“Players that you love and have a great relationship with, sometimes have to leave for the benefit of the team. This season is no different.
“I am sure there will be players who leave who have represented the club in a brilliant way. But those decisions can wait for the end of the season.
“Right now it is about making judgements and assessments on everybody I am working with. Training, the training ground is an important place, I am making judgments there and on days like today I am making judgments on performances I see, that is natural.”
But which players that the manager “loves” are most at risk?
Here we take a look at those squad members most likely to be shown the St James’ Parke exitdoor this summer:
But, with just two games to go, Howe has finally shone a light on his thinking ahead of the summer window - and the issues staring him in the face... The need to cut down the squad size to take the leap from the Premier League alsorans, to European spot contenders.
5. Karl Darlow
With a new goalkeeper high on the summer priority list, it seems like Darlow will shuffle down to third choice. And with Mark Gillespie seemingly a willing non-playing member of the 25-man group, an exit for Darlow seems the most likely outcome this summer. There will be plenty of takers if the price is right.
6. Isaac Hayden
Like Clark he was left out in January, however this was due to injury. Now fully recovered, it would be unfair to suggest his United career is definitely over. It will be tough to fight his way back into a crowded area, which will likely be strengthened again this summer.
7. Jamal Lewis
Another who might find it tough to get back in, but cannot 100% be ruled out of contention. The new deal for Paul Dummett further undelines the likelihood that Lewis may be seeking pastures new.
8. Freddie Woodman
With numbers already crowded in this department, and Woodman unable to take his opportunity to make the Newcastle jersey his own at the start of the season, it feels like the end is nigh for the player once very highly thought of by United’s staff.