Striker explains reason behind swapping Newcastle for another Championship club

Speaking to the Chronicle, Adam Armstrong has revealed why he made a move from Newcastle United to Barnsley this summer.

Adam Armstrong enjoyed a stunning loan spell at Coventry City last season where he managed to score 20 goals in League One.

As a result of his exploits, it was widely expected that Armstrong would be handed a chance to feature regularly for Newcastle following the club’s relegation into the Championship this season.

However, the acquisitions of Dwight Gayle and Daryl Murphy over the summer meant that Armstrong was pushed further down the pecking order at St. James’ Park.

With regular minutes at Newcastle looking unlikely, Armstrong made a loan move to Championship side Barnsley during the final few days of the transfer window and he looks set to be a certain starter at Oakwell this term.

Now Armstrong has gone on to explain the reason behind his switch from Newcastle to Barnsley by stating that Rafael Benitez had made plans for him to move out on loan for the current campaign beforehand and revealed that a chat with Barnsley manager Paul Heckingbottom convinced him to join the Tykes.

Armstrong was quoted saying by the Chronicle, “At the start of the season I had a chat with Rafa Benitez and he said his plans for me were to go out in the Championship and get more minutes than I would with Newcastle. I chose Barnsley and I think it’s the right club and they’re heading in the right direction.

“I met with the Gaffer at St George’s Park and he had brilliant words to say about me – it was a no brainer to come to Barnsley.

“Both Paul and Rafa are very positive in what they do, they know what they want from the side and that’s massive, you need to know what the gaffer wants from you. Both of them put their points across very well and I’m looking forward to working with both of them this season.”