Ian Cathro, Newcastle’s first team coach, has praised Matt Ritchie’s ambition in moving to St James Park, reports The Chronicle.
“Matt is strong minded, very clear in what he wants to achieve and he is an ambitious guy.
“He truly saw the potential of this club, the potential of the moment we are in.
“Progress needs to take place, growth needs to take place but ultimately the potential is here and he is strong enough to say ‘I will go there and lift it back up’.
“It takes a very strong man to make that choice and I am very respectful of Matt for that.”
Ritchie took a brave decision. He was a regular in Bournemouth’s first team and turning your back on the Premier League at his age took courage.
However much he may view Newcastle as having potential, it’s a footballing risk. Calculated, granted. Perhaps the likelihood of failure this season is lower in his mind, than relegation with Bournemouth.
He would have considered the impact on his international ambitions but you only have to look at the media coverage we receive to know that he won’t easily forgotten.
Cathro went on to suggest Ritchie could be a driving force at the club this season. It’s a big claim to make but he made a decent start before the international break. More of that when the Championship returns next weekend is needed. We have tough games ahead with trips to Derby, QPR and Villa.