As revealed by The Chronicle, Matt Ritchie has been taking charge of some academy training sessions this season as the long-serving Mag looks to earn his coaching badges.
The 32-year-old has played just one minute of Premier League football all season; which is likely to be his last at St James’ Park as a player.
Ritchie is out of contract at the end of the season and could well leave in January if the right deal emerges for club and player, with his only start of 2022/23 coming in our Carabao Cup win over Tranmere a couple of months ago.
The Chronicle report that he’s keen to secure his coaching badges before he hangs up his boots, and it seems he’s been involved with training sessions at youth level to get his foot in the door on that front.
He’s been a good servant over the years and remains a valued member of the dressing room, but there’s only so long he can remain part of our 25-man squad if he’s out of Eddie Howe’s first-team plans.
Speaking about Ritchie’s future earlier in the season, Howe had this to say:
“I think it’s well documented my relationship with Matty, we go so far back. The respect for him I have as a person – he’s been incredible for me.
“Matty’s own personal situation he will have his own thoughts. Mine is to try and keep him but it’s well-documented that Matty has been away from his family for a long period of time
“He loves playing for Newcastle and is very passionate about the club. But I think it is unclear what direction we will take this year but from both sides, there is a lot of respect.”
