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Newcastle United Giving Youth a Chance?

12 years ago
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Transfer activity at full-back position seems highly likely for Newcastle United this summer with Danny Simpson a more than likely departure and a number of possible incomers such as Dutch full-back Erik Pieters, Palace’s Nathaniel Clyne and Cabaye’s friend and ex-colleague, Mathieu Debuuchy.

One name that should hopefully feature in Newcastle’s squad is James Tavernier.

The twenty year old right-back from Bradford has shown impressive form on loan at various clubs and friends of mine who watch Gateshead raved about him. I know it is some way below the Premier League but as well as outstanding in defence, Tavernier was also the Heed’s biggest attacking threat as he regularly ran the length of the pitch creating havoc. Another friend in Sheffield was very impressed at the form shown for Wednesday as Tavernier helped in their return to the Championship.

The positive that could be taken from the recently announced large scale clearout of Newcastle’s younger players, is that those who are left must clearly be seen to have some potential rather than just making up the numbers.

Tavernier is one of those to be offered a new contract as well as Paul Dummett, Brad Inman, Conor Newton and Michael Richardson.

Speaking to The Journal, Tavernier shows no signs of wanting away from St.James’ Park;

“I want to stay at Newcastle – it’s obviously a massive club.

At the moment it’s between the club, myself and my agent but I want to be here. My main aim is to have a really good pre-season and make sure the manager knows that I’m playing well and hopefully I can keep myself in his thinking for next season.

Obviously there’s going to be more games next season with the Europa League and hopefully that means more chances for all of us in the squad.

 It gives you so much inspiration when you hear the manager praising you but there is still a lot of hard work to do and I know next season is a very big one for me personally and for the club as a whole”.

Newcastle have often been found wanting in recent times when injuries have hit our small in numbers first team squad. Look for example when Perch and Simpson had to fill in at centre-half at Norwich, rather than having an up and coming centre-back ready and waiting in the wings.

It would be great to see a from the ranks player like Tavernier ready and able to make the step up if the opportunity came up, rather than trying to fit square pegs in round holes.

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