Eddie Howe has issued contrasting updates on the futures of Newcastle United duo Dwight Gayle and Jamaal Lascelles.
After leaving the striker to train with our Academy while the first-team squad travelled to Austria for a pre-season camp, the NUFC boss has confirmed that Gayle is looking for a “new home”.
He insists that the pair have a “great relationship”, but has told the 32-year-old he is free to leave – and expects him to do so ahead of the 2022/23 season, feeling he still has “a lot to offer” as a brilliant finisher who offers “guaranteed goals.”
It’s a vert different story with Jamaal Lascelles, as Howe has confirmed the centre-back is “definitely staying” and set to remain the club’s captain ahead of the new campaign.
Howe believes he’s a “big presence” at the club and still a part of his plans, even if he won’t be playing every week.
Here’s what the boss has had to say about both, starting with a frank admission on Gayle’s future…
Eddie Howe on Dwight Gayle:
“I’ve had a couple of conversations with Dwight. At the end of last season, we had a good conversation, and made him aware of the situation, for his own benefit, so he could take his career into its next phase.
“I was very honest with him. I said from day one, from my perspective, I had a great relationship with him, and I love working with him.
“He was brilliant for the team last year, and because of all those things, he deserved the utmost respect and honesty from me about the how the future lay for him, and I wanted to give him the best chance to find his next home.
“I really hope he goes on and has a great season next year, and I wish him nothing but success.”
“I don’t see that outcome [being left to train with our Academy] for Dwight. I certainly hope that’s not the outcome for Dwight, because I wouldn’t want that for him. He doesn’t deserve that. He deserves to play and showcase his skills.
“He’s got a lot to offer the game. I still believe he’s one of the best finishers I’ve ever worked with, and he’s guaranteed goals.
“It’s just I have to be fair to him, and I’ve got a big squad to carry. I only want to keep players if I can give them an opportunity to play.”
Eddie Howe on Jamaal Lascelles:
“Yeah, he’s definitely staying. He’s a big part of what we’re doing.”
“Jamaal is our captain. He led the team really well last season.
“Whether he was playing or not playing, he was a big presence. He was a very positive influence in the squad.
“He has been excellent in pre-season, so Jamaal is our captain.
“If he doesn’t play for whatever reason, injuries or whatever, I will pick somebody else.
“But it’s not the time to talk about it.”
In all honesty, Gayle should have been moved on a few years ago, but he’s been a brilliant servant for the club, being the driving force behind our promotion bid under Rafa Benitez.
Without his goals that season, you wonder where we’d be today!
