Eddie Howe releases statement as 5 Newcastle players are released

Newcastle United have announced that Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie, Loris Karius, Jeff Hendrick and Kell Watts will be leaving the club on the expiration of their contracts this summer.

All five are out of contract next month and will not be offered new deals, seeing the likes of Dummett depart 23 years after arriving at the club's Academy, while Ritchie's eight-year stint also comes to an end.

Hendrick is released after returning from a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday, Karius is set for a move to Italy and Watts will depart after he returned from another loan spell.

Eddie Howe has reacted to the club announcement by issuing the following statement: "I'd like to say a huge thank you to each of the players leaving the club this summer. They have all given so much to the cause in their own ways, and I know our supporters will join me in wishing them every success with the next step in their careers.

"It's easy to judge players by appearances and goals, but the contribution made to the club by Paul and Matt in particular really has been immeasurable over many years. They have had a huge influence on our progress as a team and as a club.

"They have been incredible people and players to work with. Their dedication, professionalism and leadership in the dressing room during my time here has been first class, and they will bring undoubted quality and experience to their next clubs.

"It's also a significant moment for Kell, who has been with the club since he was eight. Kell is a top professional with an outstanding attitude, and his next club will be incredibly fortunate to have him. I wish the players and their families the very best for the future."

https://twitter.com/NUFC/status/1795772841209557310

CEO Darren Eales also said: "On behalf of everyone at Newcastle United, I extend my sincere thanks to the players reaching the end of their contracts this summer.

"For Paul and Matt, so many years of consistent service as part of the first team squad is coming to an end and I want to pay tribute to them both for their immense contributions on and off the pitch.

"Paul is one of our Academy's great success stories. He is a shining example to young players in this region, and while Matt came to Newcastle through a different path, he will always be an adopted Geordie.

"Paul, Matt, Loris, Kell and Jeff have been consummate professionals during their time here, and I extend my very best wishes to each of them. They move on knowing they will always be welcome at St. James' Park."