Newcastle United youngster Joe White has lavished praise on Eddie Howe, naming him as a big reason he recently signed a contract extension with the club.
The midfielder has given an interview with the Chronicle about the Magpies boss, and the impact he’s had on him personally.
Up until a couple of weeks ago, it had looked as though White might move on from Newcastle at the end of the season.
His old contract was expiring, and he had been attracting attention from Chelsea, Celtic and Rangers.
The highly rated playmaker had grown somewhat frustrated at not being more involved with first-team, despite thriving with the U23s.
The 19-year-old had contemplated moving on, but the arrival of Howe changed everything.
White – who is currently on loan at Hartlepool United – was immediately struck by Howe’s interest in him.
He said: “As soon as he came in, he came down to the U23s to watch and he was shaking hands with everyone. I remember him saying ‘are you Joe White?’, and I was almost too scared to ask why.
“A week later, I had a meeting about my contract. He’d made himself part of a relegation battle and he was so busy in that first week, but he made time to have that meeting and he told me he’d heard good things about me before.
“He knew who I was, he’d heard everything about me from before he was linked with Newcastle. He said I need to trust him. He reassured me this is the best place to be and to sign a contract was the best thing to do.”
After having doubts about his future at the club, White is now set on eventually becoming a starter for the Magpies’ first-team.
He knows he may have to be patient. But he backs himself to step up.
He added: “The gaffer said to me no-one at the club has got doubts about your technical ability. It’s just about what you are like out of possession. How you can cope in certain situations against men, and how that will help with the physicality in the Premier League.
“I want to be playing for Newcastle at 22. I’ve got to back myself. I’ve been training and learning from these players to get to their level and hopefully pass them.
Eddie Howe clearly values the academy at Newcastle as Joe White lauds Toon boss
Howe clearly had a big impact on White’s decision to stay at Newcastle.
It was great news when White signed his new deal as he is a player with huge potential.
He seems very determined to make the grade at Newcastle. And it’s largely thanks to Howe for inspiring him to feel that way.
The manager has done many great things since coming to the club.
But taking the time to inspire and encourage the academy players is one of the best.
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