Dan Ashworth has rejected Peterborough’s request to terminate Kelland Watts’ loan after the defender suffered a hamstring tear just days after extending his loan spell.
The 23-year-old, whose contract at Newcastle lasts until 2024, joined the Posh in the summer but was forced to undergo knee surgery, keeping him out of the club’s first ten games.
Watts then had his stay extended until May last month, but suffered yet another injury just days after it was confirmed, prompting chairman Darragh MacAnthony to request his loan be terminated.
MacAnthony revealed on a recent podcast that he had asked Dan Ashworth for the deal to be terminated, but his request was rejected ‘three times’ by our sporting director.
The League One side had hoped to reinvest the centre-back’s wages back into the squad, but have now been forced to keep hold of the youngster until May.
Despite showing glimpses of potential during previous loans, Watts has been massively hampered by injuries and looks likely to be moved on this summer. After all, the former U21 talent turns 24 this year and probably needs a new home for the sake of his career.
Speaking last month, MacAnthony told the Hard Truth Podcast:
“Asked three times and turned down three times. Life of an EFL club at times..
“We wanted to sign a centre-back in this window but we are on the hook financially for Kell Watts which means we can’t budget for a new signing.
“I am going to contact Dan Ashworth to see if Newcastle can do us a favour.
“Clubs have done favours for us in the past when loan players have picked up injuries and I have helped out non-league clubs in similar situations.
“Sometimes clubs help and sometimes they don’t, but I will be asking the question.”
Let’s hope we help, who knows when they might have a youngster we want, let’s also show the lad that we’re looking after him, over to you loan manager Shola
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