4 months ago
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Newcastle United have confirmed the departures of Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie, Loris Karius, Kell Watts and Jeff Hendrick at the end of their contracts.
Dummett is the club’s longest-serving player, having joined the academy 23 years ago and has gone on to make 213 appearances for the Magpies.
34-year-old Ritchie has also made a significant contribution at St James’ Park, playing 215 times for the club since arriving from Bournemouth in 2016.
Goalkeeper Karius, defender Watts and midfielder Hendrick, who has spent loan spells at QPR, Reading and Sheffield Wednesday, have been less involved but manager Eddie Howe has thanked all the departing players.
‘I’d like to say a huge thank you to each of the players leaving the club this summer,’ said Howe. ‘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.’
32-year-old Dummett was born in Newcastle and has spent his entire career at the same club but will now be looking for new employment.
He posted an emotional message on social media, which read: ‘To the Newcastle United fans. The time has come for me to say goodbye to the club. I write this message with a heavy heart having been proud to have represented the first team for 12 years, something I never thought in a million years I’d ever achieve.
‘I grew up a Newcastle fan and a season ticket holder, joining the club as an eight-year-old. Leaving at 32, my time at Newcastle is something I could have only dreamed of. 24 years of dedicating my life to playing for Newcastle United, I leave with my head held high and proud of the achievements we’ve had as a team in my time here.
‘Through all the highs and the lows, from winning promotion back to the Premier League after relegation to captaining the team multiple times and being back in the Champions League. Memories for a lifetime.
‘I’d like to thank all the coaches in the academy who helped start my journey and to the six managers I have worked under at the club who all showed great faith in me during my career. There are so many other people I would also like to thank. All the incredible staff I have worked with over the years, all the players I’ve played with and friends I’ve made along the way.
‘A special thank you to my family for their constant support. I couldn’t have done it without you. Eddie Howe has been incredible since he joined in 2021, securing Premier League survival and bringing back Champions League football.
‘Although I haven’t played as much as I would’ve liked, what an incredible journey it’s been. Eddie is an amazing leader. His work ethic, honesty and belief has been nothing short of inspiring. I am honoured to have had the opportunity to work under him. And most important of all, I’d like to thank the Newcastle fans for their support.
‘I can say with pride that every time I stepped on the pitch in black and white I’ve given it my all. There is no feeling that will, or could ever compare to the roar and passion when walking out into St James’ Park. The best fans in the world. I’m looking forward to becoming a fan again and to the next chapter of my career. Newcastle United will always be my home. I’ll always be… one of your own.’
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