Newcastle midfielder Matt Ritchie enrols on sporting director course

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Newcastle United midfielder Matt Ritchie appears to be planning for the future, and has enrolled on a sporting director course.

The 32-year-old is still at St James’ Park, despite being heavily linked with a move away this summer. There were reports that he could head back down south to be with his family.

However, he is still part of Eddie Howe’s squad. Ritchie has been a regular on the Toon bench in the Premier League, and started the League Cup triumph over Tranmere.

But his minutes in black and white will be limited this season. Despite his influential presence, Ritchie isn’t quite at the level required at Newcastle anymore.

His time as a Premier League regular is over, but his career in football is not. Ritchie still has a role to play at Newcastle, which is why Howe wanted to keep him. He would also be valuable asset for any Championship team.

But long term, Ritchie appears to be making plans for his life after playing.

Matt Ritchie a potential future sporting director

It was announced on Twitter on Monday that Ritchie will be doing an MSc in Sporting Directorship. This was confirmed by VSI Executive Education, whose programme is ‘set out to create the sports industry leaders of tomorrow through the role of the Sporting Director’.

Ritchie isn’t alone in doing this course. It was previously confirmed that Everton goalkeeper Asmir Begovic will also join the programme.

The course takes two years and is part-time, and it’s a clear indication of what Ritchie wants to do when he hangs up his boots.

Perhaps he’s been inspired by the arrival of Dan Ashworth, who became the Magpies’ Sporting Director at the start of the summer. His appointment has been heralded as a gamechanger for the club, as he is someone who can guide the future of Newcastle United.

Ashworth is in charge of the comings and goings at St James’ Park, providing Eddie Howe with the tools to do his job to the best of his ability.

Now Ritchie could follow in his footsteps in the future.