Joe White recently found himself in a very difficult situation so soon after leaving Newcastle United on loan.
The Magpies sent Joe White out on loan on transfer deadline day, with the midfielder also signing a contract extension with Newcastle United. He now has a deal at St James’ Park until 2027, but is certainly playing for his future on Tyneside.
The 22-year-old joined MK Dons on loan, with White getting the chance to play regularly in League Two and improve as a player under the guidance of former Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson.
Joe White reveals ‘tough’ situation after Newcastle United exit
However, that plan collapsed when Williamson left MK Dons to become Carlisle United manager. It was a blow for MK Dons to lose their manager, while it was also a blow for White.
It felt like his move there was influenced by Williamson’s presence as manager, and now White has confirmed that in an interview with MK Dons’ official YouTube channel.
“From a personal perspective, it’s been quite tough,” he said when asked about the change of manager.
“A big reason I came here was because of the old manager. When he left it wasn’t ideal for me, but we all wanted the new manager to come in and settle everyone down and since he’s been here he’s been excellent with everyone.”
Joe White branded a ‘maverick’ after first MK Dons goal
White’s comments come after he started and scored in a 5-1 win for MK Dons against Harrogate Town.
It was White’s first start of the season in the league, while it was also a first win for new manager Scott Lindsey.
The Newcastle United loanee played very well against Harrogate, and Lindsey was absolutely delighted with White’s contribution. He spoke to the MK Citizen about White, and described him as a ‘maverick’.
“He’s very good, a talented footballer,” he said.
“He’s a maverick in many ways, he’s got good feet, good skills and can take players on, he arrives in pockets and he has goals in him, obviously.
“He had a good game, but he’s not played a lot of football so we were conscious of that, but he had a really good game.
“It’s important to have those sorts of players, players who are different to the rest of the group, and Joe White is that.
“He’s got that little bit of ability where you can take players on, manoeuvre the ball left and right, he’s got good, quick feet, he’s got that flip-flap in him, he does that really well.
“Sometimes you need a maverick in your team like that.”
Strong start under a new manager is perfect for Newcastle United loanee
Understandably, there were fears when Williamson left his role at MK Dons. It could have had a seismic impact on White’s loan spell there, as there were no guarantees that his replacement would pick the Newcastle United youngster.
But Lindsey handed White a start on Tuesday night, and it proved to be the correct decision. White got himself a goal, and received a huge amount of praise from his new manager.
Lindsey is clearly a big fan of White and his ability, and that should mean that Williamson’s departure does not derail his loan spell at MK Dons.
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