It can take time to settle into life as a Newcastle United player.
Not many Eddie Howe signings hit the ground running. Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn took no time to settle into life as a Newcastle United player, but others have needed a bit longer.
That was true of Lewis Hall last season. Now Hall is one of Newcastle’s most in-form players.
This year, it is taking Will Osula a bit of time to look comfortable in a Newcastle United shirt. But he is a project player, with Newcastle aware that Osula is very raw.
Even experienced players can take time to settle on Tyneside, as Lloyd Kelly has found since his free transfer from Bournemouth.
Lloyd Kelly reflects on the start to his Newcastle United career
Kelly is yet to cement a place in the Newcastle United starting XI since his arrival. He has been a bit-part player for Eddie Howe, who has often asked the 26-year-old to play at left-back.
He has been in and out of the team, while Kelly has not necessarily stood out when he has played.
Now the defender has reflected on the start to his Newcastle United career, and Kelly has told the Northern Echo that he now feels more settled in a black and white shirt.
“I’d say for myself, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a bit up and down,” he said.
“Coming into a new club, you want to get settled as quickly as you can. I think I’m finally starting to feel a bit more settled. Adjusting to how the gaffer wants to play and the teammates and things of course takes a bit of time. I think I’m finally starting to find my feet.
“It can be different and difficult to move, but there are loads of people here who gave me a helping hand and the squad made me feel welcome. Of course it’s going to be different, changing location and teammates, but everyone has helped me settle.”
Kelly just produced his best Newcastle United performance
Kelly’s comments come on the back of his best performance since joining Newcastle United. He played at centre-back alongside Fabian Schar on Wednesday night, as Newcastle beat Chelsea 2-0 in the Carabao Cup.
The former Bristol City player looked much more comfortable in the middle of defence, and he was happy with how he played. Kelly wants to be a ‘leader’ for Newcastle, and it looks like he is now finding his voice.
That presents Eddie Howe with a selection dilemma. Kelly looked really good at centre-back against Chelsea, and that should be his main position moving forwards. However, getting into the starting XI would mean replacing Dan Burn, who is one of Howe’s most trusted players.
It will be a challenge for Kelly to consistently play for Newcastle, but he has certainly shown that he is capable after finally finding his feet on Tyneside.
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