Eddie Howe fears that Matt Ritchie could reject a contract extension with the former Bournemouth man missing his family on the south coast, according to The Athletic.
Ritchie, who joined the club in 2016 when we were in the Championship, will be out of contract this summer, but Howe is keen to keep him around the training ground despite his lack of playing time.
The 33-year-old is also unlikely to feature in the first team next season – particularly with new arrivals expected – but the head coach clearly values his experience and leadership very highly.
However, the club are unsure if he’ll accept an offer of a one-year extension, with a return down south – where he can be closer to his family after spending seven years in the North East – a real possibility.
After his service to the club both on and off the pitch, no one could begrudge Ritchie a reunion with family at this stage of his career. It remains to be seen if he’ll stick around for one more season or return home, but it says a lot about his character that Howe feels he still has a big role to play.
Asked about his future last month, Howe said: “I think Matty still has a very strong desire to play. I see that with how he trains. He is very positive, he is high energy. Matty has a lot of energy to give.
“He has controlled himself and that energy brilliantly this year. He has trained harder than any other player, because the expression of his energy has been in training as he has not played regularly for us.
“I have said many times he is hugely important behind the scenes. He is a really good role model for the youngsters, how to conduct yourself and how to act.
“He’s used his leadership really effectively. I would love him to continue his journey with Newcastle next year but there will be conversations to take place before that happens.”
