Garang Kuol now gives his honest verdict on his second loan spell away from Newcastle

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Garang Kuol has experienced two loan spells since signing for Newcastle United, neither of which have gone very well.

The first was a move up north to Edinburgh, with Garang Kuol deciding that Hearts was the best place for him after his arrival at Newcastle United.

It looked like a good decision given the Australian contingent there, but the move did not result in a lot of minutes for the teenager. Kuol barely played, and there was some disappointment at St James’ Park over how the move went.

But Kuol appreciated the experience, and spoke very positively about his time in the Scottish Premiership.

However, Newcastle had higher hopes for his second loan spell away from Tyneside, as they sent him to Eredivisie side Volendam. They played a similar system to Newcastle and were a club that gave young players a chance, so it seemed like the perfect environment for Kuol to thrive in.

That was not the case, as changes behind the scenes at Volendam resulted in a change of style and philosophy. Suddenly Kuol could not get a game, and his time in the Netherlands ended with just 15 league appearances.

READ MORE: Who is Garang Kuol? Height, Position, Transfer, Family and More

Garang Kuol speaks about his loan at Volendam

It was yet another disaster for Kuol, who has endured a tough time since leaving Central Coast Mariners and signing for Newcastle United.

But the 19-year-old appears to be very level-headed and optimistic about the future, and has spoke to ESPN about what his loan spell at Volendam was really like.

“It was a good experience,” he said.

“I started the season, and you got hit by reality. Things change a lot, new coaches, new staff – a lot can change in football.

“It’s good to experience that and just put it in the backpack and move on.

“Football is not a race, it’s a journey. Things happen. You get ups and downs. You’ve got to you’ve got to push through it and keep working.”

Newcastle have a big decision to make with Garang Kuol

Kuol’s assessment of his time at Volendam is very mature. He has seen it as a learning curve and is ready to move on. His lack of minutes had nothing to do with him – he was just a casualty of a difficult situation.

But now Newcastle must decide what to do next. Another loan move seems very likely, and the club will be desperate to get this one right. The Magpies cannot afford for him to endure another disaster, meaning it is pivotal that a third loan spell goes well.

Before that, Kuol has the chance to show Eddie Howe what he is capable of. He is in Australia for the club’s post-season friendlies, and will hope to get the chance to play for Newcastle United for the first time.

While this trip to Australia has been widely criticised, it is certainly a great opportunity for Kuol, and one he will hopefully take ahead of an uncertain summer.