“I’m absolutely delighted. I’ve been at the club since I was eight so I am buzzing to get a new contract. All my family are thrilled and I can’t wait to be working with the new manager next season.”
22-year-old left-footed Centre Back Kell Watts has laid down a marker for the future. His eye-catching form on loan at Wigan Athletic in League One has earned him many a plaudit this season and obviously also caught the eye of NUFC boss Eddie Howe; who has been ‘impressed’ by his progress.
The youngster has been rewarded for his efforts by being awarded a new two-year contract at St. James’ Park. It seems a well worth move for both the Club and the player. By all accounts he’s very popular at Wigan and a player that their fans would love to keep.
There were certainly some mixed feelings from the Latics fans when they heard of the contract being signed. Many a Wigan fan was disappointed as they had hoped to land him on a permanent deal in the summer. That now seems a distant prospect although there may be a silver lining.
If Wigan, currently second in League One, were to achieve promotion – and they even have games in hand on those teams around them so are looking a good bet – then perhaps Watts could stay on-loan for one more season in the Championship.
If Wigan were to fail to get promotion then it’s difficult to see him staying in League One such has been his form and potential.
This is a big contract in more ways than one for Watts. He’ll be 24 when his new deal runs out, so it feels like the next two years are make or break for the lad. In reality if he’s not ready for the first team squad then, then I can see him being released.
A ball playing centre back that is mobile, good in the air, can defend and left-footed always has a chance. Perhaps one more season on loan in the Championship and then he has to push on? Perhaps indeed but he has shown, albeit pre-season, that he has plenty about him in an NUFC shirt as well.
If we stay up he may struggle to gain first team opportunities – after all, Toon target Sven Botman is YOUNGER than Watts yet already a big star in his position. That’s the level that Kell needs to get too to gain his NUFC place.
Can he do it? Time will tell but for now he’s done as well as he can by being afforded another two years to crack the big-time with his boyhood dream club.
We congratulate him on his new deal and wish him all that he would wish for himself in the next two years
