“I’ve got a good feeling” - Aaron Ramsdale’s big interview ahead of Sela Cup bow

It’s taken until August, but Newcastle United finally secured their second signing of the summer last weekend.

Aaron Ramsdale has officially joined from Southampton on a season long loan with an option to buy, with the former Bournemouth stopper reuniting with old boss Eddie Howe and set to make his first appearance this weekend across the Sela Cup.

In a big interview released by the club, Ramsdale has expressed his immense excitement for the year ahead, the stiff competition he faces for minutes at the moment, and how he hopes playing well for Newcastle United can help him relive his dreams of playing at the World Cup for England.

Watch it in full below, followed by some of the key sections we’ve picked out:

https://youtu.be/sYsqv6tixFY?si=TRKAdVbum--7hT6_

Working with Eddie Howe

Ramsdale joins Newcastle United as just the latest player in recent memory to make the switch from the South coast to the North East - just like Callum Wilson, Ryan Fraser and most recently Lloyd Kelly.

And being able to reunite with and work under Eddie Howe was a huge factor behind why he agreed to the Newcastle move.

“I think there’s only Chris Wilder who’s had the same type of influence in my career (as Eddie Howe). Chris Wilder turned me from a boy to a man, but the gaffer turned me from a man to a professional footballer.”

“The manager was a huge swaying point for me. (Nick) Popey, what a guy, I loved working with him at England. I just know that chemistry off the pitch and on the training ground is going to be amazing, and we spend so much time together as goalies.”

(On Howe) “Over the years we’ve been in contact: when he was out of football, when he’s been the manager here, it’s someone I have huge respect for. He disciplined me when I needed to and showed me the ropes of becoming a professional footballer in the Premier League.”

On getting to call St James’ Park home

Describing himself a player who can thrive with a raucous crowd behind him, Ramsdale believes that he’ll get along just with the Toon faithful if his previous experiences as a visitor to St James’ Park have been any indicator.

“Surreal, I’ve always loved coming here. Fans have always been so passionate and loud, and to see it empty, it’s just a surreal feeling - this is going to be home for the foreseeable future.”

“I’ve loved playing here. Never always had the greatest of results, but when the fans get behind you, it’s some place.”

“For me, as someone who loves sort of big energy games, the big pressure games, someone who wears their heart on their sleeve, someone who likes to give back to the fans, it’s something which no place really does like St James’ Park.”

“I’ve been involved in some big matches here where probably the crowd has got Newcastle over the line at times, then there’s times where you know the football team just blows you apart.”

“I’m absolutely excited and can’t wait and itching at the bit to get going here.”

On Champions League aspirations

After a one year absence last season, Champions League nights return to Newcastle next season.

And with the expanded group stage format, there’s potentially more opportunities for rotation and allowing Ramsdale to once again play on a great European night under the lights.

“Of course you want to compete in the best competition, and I had a snippet of it at Arsenal a couple of years ago and I made my debut in that.

“So I’m looking to play more, but it’s going to be a great, exciting year for the football club. After the back of last year, winning a trophy for the first time in a long time, going for cup competitions, going far in Europe and then smashing the Premier League as well.”

Having endured a tough season last year as part of a doomed Southampton side, playing us will be a much needed reset for Ramsdale, craving to get some more wins in his career.

“The taste of winning up here has come back. I’ve spoke to many people before of what it’s like: Adam Armstrong, an ex-Newcastle player, he filled me with joy of his experiences. And there’s no point in winning one trophy, however many years it was, to then not try and back it up.”

On intense competition for goalkeeper position

As was expected with James Trafford, Ramsdale is being brought in to primarily compete with Nick Pope as the club’s no.1

Ramsdale reveals that he and Pope have excellent chemistry off the pitch, and each knows everything about the other’s game.

But with other goalkeepers waiting in the wings for their chance to shine, Ramsdale knows the club is in more than safe hands in regards to their options.

“I think the good thing is I know how Popey works. I know we’ve worked together on numerous times at England.”

“Everyone I’ve spoken to so far, John Ruddy, Gillespie has had great things to say and what the characters are and how they help on the training pitch.”

“It’s going to be a tight-knit group, and we’re all going to be looking to play, but we’re also going to be looking to improve each other and that’s as weird as it sounds for some people: the goalie union is there, it’s alive, and it’s hopefully going to be as strong as ever this season.”

On getting back to the top with Newcastle United

After some rough patches at Arsenal, where Mikel Arteta brought in David Raya to replace him, and of course being relegated with Southampton, it’s not been the smoothest few years for the 27-year-old.

But it hasn’t dented his confidence and drive to succeed: Ramsdale comes to us as a player committed to being seen as the no.1 English keeper once again.

“It’s about me getting back to finding myself within a team which is competing at the other (top) end of the table.”

“I know I can still compete with my quality, so with a platform like this, a stadium like this and a manager, I’ve got all the tools there to help able to do that.”

On World Cup hopes playing for Newcastle

The competition for England’s No.1 goalkeeper is stacked, and Ramsdale faces a tough battle ahead of him if he wants to be on the plane to the World Cup next summer.

Alongside new teammate Nick Pope, the aforementioned James Trafford, Jordan Pickford and Dean Henderson, there are plenty of names for England boss Thomas Tuchel to pick from for his squad.

Ramsdale understands that he needs to perform massively if he wants to stand a good chance of making the shortlist.

“I’d love to be on that plane at the World Cup, representing your country is the best thing ever, and I know how hard it’s going to be with the pool of players.”

“But that’s a consequence of how I do here, so I’m not really looking too far forward. As much as I would love to be on the plane, in my head I’ve got it circled as something I want to do.”

“First of all, I need to prepare myself to fight for this number one spot. Show myself to the Geordies here and prove to everyone I can perform week in, week out at such a pressured club and one at the top of the table.”

“I hope to play as many games as I can. Become a better person, a better teammate. I know it’s going to be difficult to remove the big man in goal (Pope). So if I can help in any way, that’s something which I’ll take as a positive step as well.”

Final thoughts on playing for Newcastle

An immensely endearing character, and someone genuinely excited to be at the club, Aaron Ramsdale is already on his way to becoming a popular figure amongst the fans.

“Once I’m at a football club, I’m all in and it basically becomes my home, it becomes my football team.”

“I’ve got a good feeling that how the Newcastle United fans are and how I play my game, I think it’s going to be a good match and I just can’t wait to be honest to celebrate out there, just have a good time, and win some football matches.”