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5 months ago
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Thursday saw confirmation that Lloyd Kelly had signed for Newcastle United.
The 25 year old will officially become a Newcastle player on 1 July 2024, after his Bournemouth contract ends on the last day of June.
It is the second time Eddie Howe has signed Lloyd Kelly, having paid £13m for the then 20 year old, when Howe was at Bournemouth.
The first new face confirmed for Newcastle United.
So why exactly did Lloyd Kelly commit to a move to St James’ Park…
Lloyd Kelly talking to official Newcastle United media about his decision to move to St James’ Park:
‘You are Newcastle United’s first signing of the summer, how does it feel?’
“It feels good.
“Coming to a club like Newcastle United is exciting.
“I just can’t wait to get settled, meet all the boys and obviously join up for pre-season.”
‘You’ve met a few of them [in the past] and the management team brought you to Bournemouth five years ago, how good is it to be reunited with them?’
“A good feeling.
“I think when you have got people that you know already, it makes you feel a little bit more settled and at ease.
“I know some of the players and of course the gaffer (Eddie Howe).”
‘Eddie Howe sold Bournemouth to you five years ago, when you were moving from Bristol City, what has he said to you this time around…?’
“Newcastle as a whole… everyone kind of knows the back story, how big the club is.
“For me to come here, speaking to the gaffer, I mean, I didn’t really need to take much [persuading].
“The gaffer knows how highly I think of him, the way he kind of shapes his teams and wants his teams to play.
“I think it suits my attributes, it just made sense.
“When I moved from the Championship into the Premier League [with Borunemouth] I was still so young.
“Although we only had a year together, it felt it was kind of unfinished.
“I think the way he (Eddie Howe) has seen different players over the years… he has helped develop players, I’m excited to start this journey, see where it goes.”
‘Who else have you spoken to about this move?’
“A few of the players that I knew from previous, Callum Wilson… Harvey Barnes, who I played in the England set-up with.
“Those two were the players I contacted.”
‘Jonathan Woodgate is one of the best defenders to play for Newcastle and he described you as a ‘Rolls-Royce’. Eddie Howe has called you a ‘deep thinker of the game’ and ‘an unbelievable specimen’. How would you describe yourself?’
“I will take those compliments for sure!
“I think the way I view myself is someone who is calm, composed, wants to play with the ball, wants the ball, but at the same time, I think my defensive qualities come to light throughout the games. I enjoy that one-v-one defending.
“I think there’s a bit of a balance there of being able to defend and of course, be comfortable with the ball, I want to be able to step out and play, show what I can do with the ball as well.
“Watching Newcastle games, you see a team that want to be progressive.
“They want to be on the front foot.
“So I think it kind of it suits my style.”
‘Your main position is centre-back but you can play left-back as well, how big is that versatility for you?’
“I think that it is massive.
“You have seen it in big clubs throughout the Premier League, managers changing the style of that left-back role in being kind of an up-and-down attacking full-back.
“It’s starting to change a little bit.
“Where managers will be playing centre-halves in that left-back role and so I think being able to play those two roles definitely helps my game for sure.
“Being able to understand those two positions as well.
“I think when I do play centre-half, I kind of already know what the left back wants, then vice versa.”
‘Your life story, you have certainly not had it easy, quite an inspirational journey to get to where you are…?’
“Growing up through the foster care system has definitely shaped who I am a person.
“I think it definitely made me grow up a lot faster than maybe some other children.
“The mental side of having that toughness.
“Being able to go through things and getting out the other side, finding ways to kind of get through different situations.
“It’s definitely shaped my mentality… definitely a positive.”
‘How much do you know about the city [of Newcastle Upon Tyne]?’
“I have spoken to a few people and everyone has told me that everyone is super friendly, a nice city to live.
“I think you’ve got the contrast between kind of the city life, then you’ve got the country as well.
“So it’s good for the dogs as well.
“I’ll take that!
“Everyone [in the family] is looking forward to it.
“It is going to be an exciting time for sure.
“Once everything is settled and we find a place, once that is sorted, we wil be able to enjoy it.
“My number one priority is getting settled somewhere, putting that at ease, then focusing on pre-season.
“I want to be able to come to pre-season 100 per cent fit physically and mentally ready as well.”
‘In terms of aspirations, personally and for the club, what do they look like over the next year and also beyond that?’
“Personally, it’s a big step, but at the same time I’m ready to take on the challenge.
“Next season for the club, [qualifying for] Champions League football is something that I know the fans will want to get back to.
“Watching the [Champions League] games from before, it seemed crazy.
“Then being able to finish higher in the league as well.”

 
