Steve Bruce believes Jamal Lewis’ first season with Newcastle United will have been a learning curve.
The full-back joined the club one year ago from Norwich City in a £15 million deal, which could rise to £20 million (BBC Sport).
The signing was greeted with a lot of hype.
Lewis had stood out for the Canaries in the season that culminated in their relegation.
Left-back had been an area of weakness for Newcastle, and the acquisition of Lewis was seen as great business.
But Lewis struggled at times, and eventually lost his place in the side to Matt Ritchie.
Speaking about Lewis, Bruce said (via Chronicle Live): “He is a wonderful athlete, the kid.
“It was a big learning curve for him last year and he is only a young boy.”
There is potential for Lewis to reclaim his starting berth by the time Newcastle’s first Premier League game against West Ham United rolls around.
Matt Ritchie has again been linked with a return to Bournemouth. Should he depart then Lewis may earn a reprieve.
Improvement expected in Lewis
Bruce clearly likes Lewis and probably wants to play him regularly.
But did struggle at times last year, and Ritchie deserved a chance and warranted the run of games he got at the end.
If the Scot does leave, Lewis will need to roll his sleeves up.
He did not come cheap, and fans will hope and expect him to start delivering more consistently.
Perhaps with Graeme Jones putting an arm around him, he will make some positive strides.
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