As a working class city with less jobs nor prospects for local residents, the North-East of England has always had a habit of producing young, hungry, driven footballers. The dream of most youngsters across South Shields, Gateshead and other local surroundings areas was to always net a goal down the Gallowgate end, running to the corner flag in glee with the #9 jersey strapped to your back in the name of their boyhood club and heroes. At one stage or another, these youngsters would’ve undoubtedly be emulating one of a few listed below.
Alan Shearer – All time record Newcastle and Premier League goal scorer. Loyal servant and avid fan, he’ll never have to buy a pint on Tyneside again.
Paul Gascoigne – Local, national, and continental legend. The image of him crying into his England shirt at World Cup Italia 90 is a timeless photo, showing his raw passion playing for England. Arguably, no one has showed as much passion playing for England as that since then.
Peter Beardsley – Another Local Hero, one of the Entertainers and incredibly talented footballer. Now residing as U21’s coach at Newcastle, Beardsley has even spoken of new signing Remy Cabella watching old Beardsley videos for inspiration.
Andy Carroll – Premier League regular, tipped as the next #9 to take over Shearer’s legacy, Carroll quickly moved on and has since appeared for England at the European Championships in 2012.
However, for every Shearer, there’s a Paul Huntington. For every Gazza, there’s Michael Chopra. For every Beardsley, there’s a David Edgar. Young, hungry talented players tipped as ‘the next best thing’ at Newcastle, only to fall short of the mark and swiftly moved on to lower league outfits.
So, where does this leave our current youth coming through? The exciting, young prospects such as Adam Armstrong and Adam Campbell, both equally desperate to become the next #9 for their boyhood club don’t seem to be getting enough chances to be integrated into the first XI.
You have Adam Campbell tearing through non-league football, no doubt boosting his confidence but far beneath a level he should be playing at. Why wasn’t he able to hold down longer loan deals at the likes of Carlisle or Fleetwood Town? Was it down to the board, wage agreements, the player, appearance disputes?
18 year old Adam Armstrong is regularly captaining the U21’s side and getting himself a place on the bench on a semi regular basis. In the first team action I’ve seen him play, Armstrong plays with a bundle of energy, desire and enthusiasm the likes of Anita and Gouffran could take note of.
When I see the likes of Raheem Sterling given a chance at Liverpool aged 17 and where he is now, I tend to question why the likes of our youth aren’t given as much of if not
more of a chance as the senior under performers.
It’s always come across to me suspect that Newcastle have so many young players on their roster far better than reserve standard, yet unable to secure a loan deal to football league clubs that would be grateful for such experience in their XI.
As for the current local players in the regular XI, it’s widely known knowledge that Sammy Ameobi’s contract is due to expire this summer, and the winger is far from convincing the board he’s worthy of an extension to his deal. His only saving grace may be willing to take lower wages, which even then might not be enough. He has 10 games to save his Newcastle career.
Rolando Aarons burst onto the scene last summer pre-season, making a large impact on the left wing and ultimately jeopardising Sammy’s first XI chances. However, when struggling with extended injury problems, it’s yet to be seen if the club will commit to him and visa versa after turning down a new deal a few months ago.
Mehdi Abeid’s career looked to be finished when loaned out to Greece’s Panathanaikos last season. Since returning and when fit, he’s shunned former Ajax academy graduate Vurnon Anita out the starting XI and becoming a key cog in midfield alongside Sissoko and Colback. He’s made mistakes and will learn from them, but it’s great to see a 22 year old becoming a part of Newcastle’s long term future after his career looking all but finished in the North East.
Perhaps I’m being naive and being impatient, but personally I enjoy seeing a young, hungry, desirable footballer looking to make a name for himself on Tyneside, more so if he’s from the local area and living my dream.
However, when players tend to reach that age they should be integrated into the first team, time usually passes and the next time we hear from them they’ve already moved on to a Championship side. Alternatively, they outgrow Newcastle and are eventually pinched away by a Champions League side.
I’d hate to see that again for the likes of Armstrong, Campbell or former League One Young Footballer of the year Gael Bigirimana.
This summer will prove pivotal, as there looks to be an overhaul in both senior and young players, a potential new Head Coach to arrive, which may give opportunity and more responsibility to the youth to take the team forward.
Mike Ashley will surely be looking for a set up in which the majority of top players coming through he won’t have to pay for, scouting young talent or bringing through his own via the academy.
In which case, he’ll have to be sure to pour funds into developing the youth squad and hiring a Head Coach with a good reputation of working within these parameters, as well as a good record developing and using younger players.
