Eddie Howe lavishes praise on Matt Ritchie for his contribution in training

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Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has heaped praise on Matt Ritchie ahead of Saturday’s huge test against Aston Villa.

Eddie Howe met the press on Friday morning ahead of a very tricky fixture against in-form Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday lunch time.

During the press conference, Howe was asked about Matt Ritchie‘s contribution to the squad and Howe said of the 33-year-old (via The Chronicle): “His leadership skills are second to none. I’ve seen a change in him through the years. I managed him as a young player who had a fierce determination to get to the top. Now I’m seeing the other side where he has developed a lot of leadership aspects. His wisdom has been invaluable to us.

“He’s a top player, we see that every day in training.”

Matt Ritchie definitely has coaching in his future

We’ve seen Ritchie’s intensity on the pitch many times with the former Scotland international often drawing comparisons to Gordon Ramsay not just because of his looks but also his fiery temperament. Of course he’s also been likened to Eddie Howe’s very own Mini-Me.

I’ve had a feeling for a while that the big reason we haven’t let Matt Ritchie go is that Howe wants him to stick around and develop his coaching skills with a view to taking up a role at Newcastle United.

Howe’s comments this morning only help to reinforce that belief. Howe still rates Ritchie as a top player and does keep giving him the odd cameo in the Premier League, at 33 he will be starting to think about the next stage of his career. For me, there’s not many players more perfect for a coaching role.

Hopefully Ritchie will develop his coaching stills under Howe at Newcastle

Kieran Trippier is definite management material, the way he speaks to the media and the way he conducts himself on and off the pitch just scream future manager.

I think Ritchie is more of a coaching type. Like a drill sergeant. He’s the one who can push the players in training to make sure they’re giving 100%.

Ritchie has been at Newcastle for almost seven years and has been a fantastic servant to the club, it would be a shame to see him move elsewhere. Especially given the fantastic relationship he has with Eddie Howe.

All signs point towards him staying on in a coaching role and I really hope that happens.