Matt Targett has come across very well since arriving on loan last month, impressing fans with his debut performance on the pitch and seeming likable character in interviews off the field.
This week, he appeared live on talkSPORT to talk about all things Newcastle United, discussing his January move from Aston Villa, the players who’ve impressed him on the Toon training field, Kieran Trippier’s injury blow, the fact Allan Saint-Maximin “gets fined a lot!” and the brilliant atmosphere in the dressing room right now.
Targett has also revealed that Eddie Howe runs a ‘trainer of the month’ award and gives £250 to the winner, saying Joelinton won it for January just a few days after he signed!
He also named the Saint-Maximin and Trippier as the two players who’ve stood out during training sessions so far, also revealing that the latter has been ‘nice and positive’ about his recovery from a fractured metatarsal – saying he already “can’t wait to be back as soon as possible.”
Here’s everything he had to say when speaking to Laura Wood and Gabby Agbonlahor:
Targett on his Aston Villa exit:
“Last season, especially, I was the only left-back.
“I knew the club wanted to sign a left-back. But I was quite surprised when they signed someone like Lucas Digne.
“Obviously, he was out there, at the time. The club had to do what they had to do.
“It was quite hard to take to sign someone of that calibre. But if that’s where the club wants to go, then I completely respect that.
“At the same time, I am 26. I don’t want to be sitting on the bench.
“I want to look back on my career and I have played as many Premier League games as I can possible, so that’s one of the main reasons.”
Targett on the players who’ve impressed him most in training:
“I think Saint-Maximin, he’s so tricky and it’s hard to get the ball off him.
“Also Trippier, the leadership skills he has, the quality he has.
“They’re all top players… I’d say them two have impressed me the most.”
Targett on Kieran Trippier injury:
“It’s going to be a big loss.
“He’s said it himself, he was playing well for the team and helping the team a lot.
“He’s nice and positive and can’t wait to be back as soon as possible.”
Targett on Allan Saint-Maximin getting fined a lot:
“Yeh he gets fined a lot actually!
“But you can’t really say anything as he’s our key player.
