Newcastle United are releasing 5 first staff gamers who haven’t been supplied new offers, together with their longest serving participant who has been on the membership for twenty-four years.
Paul Dummett joined his native membership aged eight and got here by the Magpies youth system earlier than making his debut in January 2013.
The defender has gone on to make 213 appearances, scoring 4 instances.
@NUFC ❤️ pic.twitter.com/yz7kzj1F3J
— Paul Dummett (@PaulDummett) Might 29, 2024
Dummett posted an emotional message to followers on social media ‘with a heavy coronary heart, saying: “I’ve been proud to have represented the primary staff for 12 years – one thing I by no means in one million years thought I’d ever obtain.
“I grew up as a Newcastle fan and season ticket holder. My time on the membership is one thing I may solely have dreamed of. 24 years dedicating my life to enjoying for Newcastle United. I go away with my head held excessive and happy with the achievements we’ve had as a staff in my time right here.
“Though I haven’t performed as a lot as I’d have appreciated, what an unbelievable journey it’s been. Eddie Howe is a tremendous chief, his work ethic, honesty and perception has been nothing in need of inspiring. I’m honoured to have had the chance to work with him.”
Additionally leaving after greater than 200 appearances is Matt Ritchie who signed from Bournemouth in 2016.
Like Dummett, Scotland worldwide Richie helped Rafael Benítez’s facet win the Championship in 2016/17. He scored 25 objectives in 215 appearances – his final got here with an injury-time equaliser in opposition to his former membership in February.
Additionally departing on the finish of his contract is former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius, who made two appearances after arriving in January 2023 – the 2023 League Cup Ultimate in opposition to Man United and a Premier League recreation at Arsenal in February.
Midfielder Jeff Hendrick leaves 4 years after becoming a member of as a free agent, having made 27 appearances and scored three objectives earlier than mortgage strikes at QPR, Studying and Sheffield Wednesday.
Academy graduate defender Kell Watts leaves 16-years after becoming a member of the membership from Cramlington Juniors.
The 24-year-old made his Premier League debut in 2020 and has amassed 100 appearances within the EFL throughout spells on mortgage with Stevenage, Mansfield, Plymouth, Wigan and Peterborough.
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe instructed the membership web site: “They’ve all given a lot to the trigger in their very own methods, and I do know our supporters will be part of me in wishing them each success with the subsequent step of their careers.
“It’s simple to guage gamers by appearances and objectives, however the contribution made to the membership by Paul and Matt particularly actually has been immeasurable over a few years. They’ve had an enormous affect on our progress as a staff and as a membership.
“They’ve been unbelievable folks and gamers to work with. Their dedication, professionalism and management within the dressing room throughout my time right here has been top notch, and they’re going to deliver undoubted high quality and expertise to their subsequent golf equipment.
“It’s additionally a big second for Kell, who has been with the membership since he was eight. Kell is a high skilled with an impressive angle, and his subsequent membership shall be extremely lucky to have him.”
“Paul is one in all our Academy’s nice success tales. He’s a shining instance to younger gamers on this area, and whereas Matt got here to Newcastle by a distinct path, he’ll all the time be an adopted Geordie.
Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie, Loris Karius, Jeff Hendrick and Kell Watts shall be leaving the membership on the expiration of their contracts this summer season.
Thanks on your contributions, lads! 🖤🤍
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) Might 29, 2024
