In the same week that Lewis Miley made his return to Newcastle United’s first team, his brother Jamie was in action at Newport County.
Lewis Miley was a breakthrough star for Newcastle United last season with the injury crisis handing the teenager a golden opportunity to impress Eddie Howe.
He ended up making a total of 30 appearances across all competitions and his older brother Jamie is now trying to follow his path into the first team.
Jamie Miley is yet to make a senior appearance for Newcastle, but he joined the Magpies in pre-season this summer and Howe hailed Miley as “trustworthy” after his performance against Hull City.
The 20-year-old completed a loan move to League Two side Newport County for the 2024/25 season as he attempts to work his way into Howe’s plans at Newcastle.
How Jamie Miley fared in first league start at Newport County
Miley completed his loan move to Newport late in August and made his debut in September against Cheltenham in the EFL Trophy.
Miley played 72 minutes of that match as Newport suffered a 2-1 defeat.
The Newcastle loanee had to wait until Tuesday evening to get his first start in League Two. Miley was named in the starting lineup for Newport’s trip to face Gillingham.
Newport won 2-0 after a quick first-half double from Matt Baker and Kyle Hudlin. Miley started in central midfield alongside Bryn Morris and had mixed success.
Miley, who featured for 70 minutes, was strong defensively and ended the match with three tackles, two interceptions and nine successful duels.
However, his passing stats were well below par with Miley completing just four out of his 14 passes – a success rate of just 29 percent. He also completed zero crosses and all three long ball attempts were wayward.
Jamie Miley deserves patience
Miley’s record in Newcastle’s academy is impressive and suggests there is a spot for him in the first team if he continues to develop.
But he will need time and patience to get there and constant comparisons to his younger brother will only hinder him.
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Newcastle have been here before with footballing siblings, including recently with Sean and Matty Longstaff, who now plays in Canada with MLS side Toronto FC while Sean remains at St James’ Park.
Newcastle have recently hired a psychologist to help youngsters on loan in the club’s latest attempt to focus on youth development.
It has been a focal point since the PIF takeover but Howe believes only two “elite” players have come from Newcastle’s academy.
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