It was a big pre-season for some of Newcastle United younger players.
Indeed, while Elliot Anderson was involved with the Newcastle first-team last season, it was the summer during which the 20-year-old truly started shining.
Then there’s Lewis Miley.
The 17-year-old is said to have amazed teammates with his development this summer and, while Eddie Howe is keen to protect the teenager, Miley will be sticking around.
With Sean Longstaff in the team too, these are halcyon days for the club’s academy, which hasn’t always been the most successful.
Another of its graduates in Paul Dummett has also been speaking.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
Paul Dummett says he was “gutted” for Ben Parkinson in the US
Indeed, Dummett, who signed a new deal earlier this summer, says he was “gutted” for young Ben Parkinson for missing a chance in the win over Brighton in New Jersey.
The 18-year-old forward signed his first professional contract earlier this summer and would have seen his profile raised further with a goal against Premier League opposition, albeit in a friendly.
“It is nice to see young players from the Academy like Elliot and Lewis Miley do well,” Dummett told The Chronicle.
“Alex Murphy was another one who has been brilliant against Chelsea.
“Four of the other lads came on and contributed. Ben Parkinson had a chance and I was gutted that he didn’t get a goal against Brighton in New Jersey. It’s just nice to see them all come on and make an impact.”
Such good news for Newcastle
To see young players emerge from an academy not exactly renowned for its production line of late is such a boost for the club.
While there is no guarantee any of them will go onto become regular first-team players for years to come, it does at least offer an indication that things are improving.
Going forward, that could be huge for the club.