The Chronicle have confirmed today that Newcastle will endure a mass clear-out at U-23 level this summer, with youngsters Luke Charman and Cal Roberts being the only handed new deals at the club as EIGHT are told their NUFC careers are over.
This means a huge recruitment drive will be set to take place at U-23 level this summer, with Tom Heardman, Curtis Good, Stuart Findlay, Kyle Cameron, Paul Woolston, Ben Kitchen, Michael Newberry and Jack Hunter having all been told that they are being released.
A devastating blow for all, especially those who just last night helped the U-23’s into the semi-final of the International Cup with a penalty shoot-out win at the Stadium of Light.
The Chronicle reveal that the players learned their fate earlier today, being called to St James’ Park this morning for the bad news.
BREAKING: Further details of the big clear-out in #nufc development squad. Here's who has been told they won't be retained: https://t.co/gteL5dLAw0
— The Chronicle (@ChronicleNUFC) March 8, 2018
This is a bold move by Benitez, however it should come as little surprise.
He has been pushing to improve the U-23’s over the past few seasons, but their performances in the Premier League 2 have been poor to say the least. They currently sit second bottom of a league they very nearly earned promotion in last season, showing how things have gone backwards.
Not only that, there’s been so few youngsters come through the ranks up to first team level at NUFC over recent years. Paul Dummett aside, there’s been so few who’ve actually ‘made it’ – and Rafa quite rightfully wants to change that.
