---
title: "Paddy Kenny gives verdict on ‘solid’ Matt Targett"
canonical: "https://readnewcastle.com/2022/06/28/paddy-kenny-gives-verdict-on-solid-matt-targett/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Crippy Cooke"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2022-06-28T10:02:55Z"
modified: "2022-06-28T10:02:56Z"
---

# Paddy Kenny gives verdict on ‘solid’ Matt Targett

Newcastle United turned Matt Targett’s loan move permanent last summer after he impressed during a short-term stint from Aston Villa and was hailed as a ‘solid’ defender by Paddy Kenny.

The 26-year-old is expected to be a regular at left-back next season after his fine form in 2021/22. Kenny called Targett a ‘good player’ for Eddie Howe to have at his disposal and says he will improve the squad.

He told [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/newcastle-uniteds-next-signing-will-be-50m-superstar-after-sky-update-pundit/): “Well you have Targett in. (He is) your solid signing. (He is) an improvement and good signing. Targett is a good player.” The former England U21 international made [16 Premier League appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/matt-targett/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/250478) for Newcastle, making [41 tackles](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/136776/Show/Matt-Targett), 25 interceptions, 19 chances and 74 crosses.

So with [Jamal Lewis](https://readnewcastle.com/2022/05/05/newcastle-have-difficult-decision-to-make-with-jamal-lewis/) being deemed surplus to requirements, Paul Dummett struggling with injuries and [Matt Ritchie](https://readnewcastle.com/2022/05/11/newcastle-could-make-4-1m-offloading-matt-ritchie/) being inconsistent, Howe desperately needed a left-back. Targett, who was once [on England’s radar](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/14255568/england-southgate-considering-villa-targett/), saw his stock fall at Villa this season, so Newcastle took a gamble and it paid off.

The 26-year-old set them back £15m in total, so he could end up being a bargain acquisition if he can pick up where he left off. Targett was [desperate](https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/20144105.matt-targett-wants-join-newcastle-permanently-aston-villa/) to stay in the North-East and his [teammates were keen for him to remain](https://www.geordiebootboys.com/match/bruno-guimaraes-wants-matt-targett-to-stay-at-newcastle/) beyond the summer, so this has been a positive move.

***[In other news, Newcastle told to make ‘fantastic signing’ from West Ham](https://readnewcastle.com/2022/06/28/newcastle-told-to-make-fantastic-signing-with-tomas-soucek-from-west-ham/)***