‘Surprised’: 32-year-old was genuinely shocked Newcastle offered him a new contract – journalist

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Newcastle United beat Manchester City on Wednesday night, and Paul Dummett was one of the Magpies’ heroes.

That is a sentence that no Newcastle fan expected to read at the start of the season, but it is absolutely true.

Dummett was sensational in the Carabao Cup clash, having been named in the starting XI alongside Jamaal Lascelles at centre-back.

It was Dummett‘s first appearance since the Carabao Cup second round last season, when he featured in the 2-1 win over Tranmere Rovers.

This game was a little bit tougher, but the 32-year-old actually came out of it with a clean sheet. Dummett was rock solid, and we even saw some of his trademark sliding tackles, much to the delight of the sold out St James’ Park crowd.

It was a special night for Dummett, who perhaps did not think he was going to play for Newcastle ever again at one point earlier this year. However, he was given a new contract by Eddie Howe, and that is seemingly a decision that shocked the Geordie defender.

Paul Dummett ‘surprised’ about new Newcastle contract

On the latest episode of Pod On The Tyne, The Athletic’s Chris Waugh spoke about Dummett and the club’s decision to give him a new contract earlier this year.

“He was surprised when Newcastle came to give him a new contract towards the end of last season,” he said.

“He was surprised because he had been used so infrequently by Eddie Howe. He’d been fit for a long while but hadn’t actually played.

“But Eddie Howe values what he brings behind the scenes. He’s obviously another Geordie in the squad, someone who has been with the club throughout his entire career.

“Dummett himself, I know, felt like he had a point to prove to Eddie Howe that he shouldn’t just be there in terms that he’s someone who’s in and around. If he’s needed on the pitch, he can deliver.”

Dummett took his chance on Wednesday

Dummett felt like he had a point to prove against Manchester City, and he certainly did that. He was exceptional, and proved that he can be relied upon – even against elite opposition.

That will hopefully lead to Howe giving him more minutes between now and the end of the current campaign.

As a local lad, it is great that Dummett is still involved. And he is also evidence of Howe refusing to get rid of the foundation that the team spirit is built on. That is why he, alongside the likes of Matt Ritchie and Jamaal Lascelles, is still part of the squad.

But Dummett wants to play more, and that is understandable. For his sake, hopefully he gets his wish after an outstanding display against Manchester City.