Matt Targett has made his debut for Middlesbrough after leaving Newcastle United on loan earlier this week, and it has been a great start for the defender.
Having lost his place in the starting XI to the likes of Dan Burn and Lewis Hall, it was clear that Matt Targett needed a move away to play more first-team football.
It feels as though Newcastle United have undergone a period of change this summer, with several longstanding players leaving the club for moves elsewhere.
The likes of Sean Longstaff signed for Leeds United, playing against the Magpies in a goalless draw. Elsewhere, Callum Wilson was released by Newcastle in July before signing for West Ham United later in the summer.
Geordie Boot Boys exclusively revealed that Targett was set to join Middlesbrough on loan, with the move being confirmed earlier this week. The 29-year-old has since made his debut for Boro and has hit the ground running.
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Matt Targett bags an assist on Middlesbrough debut
Targett leaving on loan allows Alex Murphy the chance to play more often for Newcastle, but it was also evident that the former Aston Villa man had little chance of playing for the Magpies this season.
Boro have started well in the Championship this season, winning their first three games. They made it four in a row on Saturday by beating Sheffield United 1-0 at the Riverside Stadium.
Targett did not start the game, but was brought on at half-time, where it was evident he was going to make a difference.
The left-back looked threatening whenever Boro attacked, and kept things quiet at the back throughout.
In the 69th minute, Targett played an inviting pass from the left wing to Tommy Conway, who slotted past the keeper.
Targett will have a chance to start in Boro’s next game against Preston North End next Saturday.
Why Matt Targett decided to join Middlesbrough from Newcastle United
Newcastle will surely look at how Targett performs on loan before making a decision on what to do with him. However, he will be 30 by the time his spell on Teesside is over, so the club will most likely opt against handing him a contract extension.
Still, the loan move allows Targett to prove why he still has a career at Newcastle.
| Statistics vs Sheffield United | Matt Targett |
| Minutes played | 45 |
| Passes completed | 17/19 (89%) |
| Chances created | 2 |
| Recoveries | 4 |
| Assists | 1 |
In his first interview with the club, Targett stated he was very keen on joining Boro, and expanded on his decision in an interview with BBC Sport.
“It’s been a couple of years without regular football,” he said.
“Once Middlesbrough came up I thought it was the right opportunity. I want to be back enjoying playing my football again.
“I watch it [the Championship] quite a lot. I kind of know how it can be and how important it is to recover, get yourself right for the next game and keep momentum. I’m excited to be playing in the Championship.
“It’s one year and then see what happens. Hopefully I’ll play plenty of football. Like I said to the club when I came here, I’m coming here to get promoted with this team. So that’s the aim and we’ll reassess at the end of the season.
“Looking back over the past few years I think they’ve just been a little bit short. They’ve not been short on much. We’ve got a good squad here and I think we’re capable of pushing the top teams.”
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