Newcastle United are releasing 5 first group gamers who haven’t been provided new offers, together with their longest serving participant who has been on the membership for twenty-four years.
Paul Dummett joined his native membership aged eight and got here by the Magpies youth system earlier than making his debut in January 2013.
The defender has gone on to make 213 appearances, scoring 4 occasions.
@NUFC ❤️ pic.twitter.com/yz7kzj1F3J
— Paul Dummett (@PaulDummett) Could 29, 2024
Dummett posted an emotional message to followers on social media ‘with a heavy coronary heart, saying: “I’ve been proud to have represented the primary group for 12 years – one thing I by no means in 1,000,000 years thought I’d ever obtain.
“I grew up as a Newcastle fan and season ticket holder. My time on the membership is one thing I might solely have dreamed of. 24 years dedicating my life to taking part in for Newcastle United. I depart with my head held excessive and happy with the achievements we’ve had as a group in my time right here.
“Though I haven’t performed as a lot as I’d have preferred, what an unbelievable journey it’s been. Eddie Howe is an incredible chief, his work ethic, honesty and perception has been nothing wanting inspiring. I’m honoured to have had the chance to work with him.”
Additionally leaving after greater than 200 appearances is Matt Ritchie who signed from Bournemouth in 2016.
Like Dummett, Scotland worldwide Richie helped Rafael Benítez’s facet win the Championship in 2016/17. He scored 25 targets in 215 appearances – his final got here with an injury-time equaliser in opposition to his former membership in February.
Additionally departing on the finish of his contract is former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius, who made two appearances after arriving in January 2023 – the 2023 League Cup Closing in opposition to Man United and a Premier League sport at Arsenal in February.
Midfielder Jeff Hendrick leaves 4 years after becoming a member of as a free agent, having made 27 appearances and scored three targets earlier than mortgage strikes at QPR, Studying and Sheffield Wednesday.
Academy graduate defender Kell Watts leaves 16-years after becoming a member of the membership from Cramlington Juniors.
The 24-year-old made his Premier League debut in 2020 and has amassed 100 appearances within the EFL throughout spells on mortgage with Stevenage, Mansfield, Plymouth, Wigan and Peterborough.
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe instructed the membership web site: “They’ve all given a lot to the trigger in their very own methods, and I do know our supporters will be part of me in wishing them each success with the subsequent step of their careers.
“It’s simple to evaluate gamers by appearances and targets, however the contribution made to the membership by Paul and Matt particularly actually has been immeasurable over a few years. They’ve had an enormous affect on our progress as a group and as a membership.
“They’ve been unbelievable individuals and gamers to work with. Their dedication, professionalism and management within the dressing room throughout my time right here has been top notch, and they’ll deliver undoubted high quality and expertise to their subsequent golf equipment.
“It’s additionally a major second for Kell, who has been with the membership since he was eight. Kell is a prime skilled with an excellent angle, and his subsequent membership will probably be extremely lucky to have him.”
“Paul is one in every of our Academy’s nice success tales. He’s a shining instance to younger gamers on this area, and whereas Matt got here to Newcastle by a unique path, he’ll at all times be an adopted Geordie.
Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie, Loris Karius, Jeff Hendrick and Kell Watts will probably be leaving the membership on the expiration of their contracts this summer season.
Thanks in your contributions, lads! 🖤🤍
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) Could 29, 2024
