Newcastle United had representatives at last night’s Europa League Conference qualifier between Crusaders FC and Rosenborg BK as our ties to Irish football continue.
Just hours before kick-off, the club announced ‘strategic relationship’ with NIFL Irish Premiership champions Larne FC, confirming our plans to collaborate with the club at youth level.
Then, on Thursday evening, we can reveal that Toon officials were in the stands to watch Crusaders – another NIFL side who are bidding to feature in the 2023/24 Europa Conference League. They drew the game 2-2 and will travel to Norway next week for the second leg.
It’s not yet clear if club representatives were at the game to scout a certain player or strengthen ties with another Irish side, but our ever-growing links to Irish football and emerging talent in that region has been noticeable since Dan Ashworth’s arrival.
Not only did he bring Evan Ferguson to Brighton back in 2021, he’s overseen deals for Alex Murphy (Galway) and Reece Byrne (Bohemians) since his arrival. Murphy has impressed over pre-season and is currently in the USA with the first-team squad, while Byrne is a 19-year-old who signed earlier this month. More could arrive following our link-up with Larne and Crusaders may be another one to watch, while others have also been heavily linked.
There’s been talks over Inter Milan’s Kevin Zefi – an Ireland U19 star currently at Inter Milan – while Ireland U17 midfielder Romeo Akachukwu has been on Tyneside for talks and a trial.
Speaking about our partnership with Larne yesterday, Ashworth said: “We are very pleased to be working alongside Larne Football Club as we develop and expand our talent pathway.
“I have been hugely impressed by Kenny Bruce and his team, and this will be a great opportunity to share best practice and innovations that will benefit both clubs.
“Our next generations of talent will only support and sustain both clubs’ future successes and we look forward to supporting one another on our respective journeys.”
