‘That happens’: Ryan Fraser finally gives his side of the story on what went wrong at Newcastle

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More than six months after being dropped from the Newcastle United first-team, Ryan Fraser has finally given his side of the story.

The winger has had an awful 2023, but it could now be on the up after joining Southampton on loan for the season.

Fraser had been destined to leave Newcastle all summer, but it took Dan Ashworth a long time to get the 29-year-old out of St James’ Park. And he will be back next year, with Fraser’s Toon contract not due to expire until 2025.

Even if he shines in the Championship, there is surely no way back for Fraser at Newcastle.

Disgruntlement started last season due to limited minutes, and there was talk of a January exit. That did not come to fruition, but it was not long before Fraser was dropped by Eddie Howe.

On the eve of the Carabao Cup final, it was reported that Fraser was now training with the Under-21s rather than the first-team. Howe later stated that he only wanted to work with committed players.

It hinted at a major fallout between the duo, with Howe showing a ruthless streak and snubbing a player who did so well for him at Bournemouth – before that spell ended in tears, as well…

We are yet to truly discover why Howe took the decision to completely remove Fraser from the first-team picture, but now the Scotland international has given his side of the story.

Ryan Fraser says he did nothing wrong at Newcastle

Fraser has spoke to the Daily Echo following his move to Southampton, and has discussed what went wrong at Newcastle.

“Everyone has got an opinion but it is tough because whatever I say here, everyone will form their own opinions,” he said.

“But (at Newcastle), I didn’t do anything wrong. I wasn’t playing but we had a massive squad. I went down with the Under-21s and that happens in football.”

Fraser’s comments provide more questions than answers

Fraser is adamant that he did nothing wrong, which begs more questions than answers. If he really did do nothing wrong then there was no reason for him to be dropped.

There will obviously be a lot of differing opinions about what really went on behind the scenes, but now it is time for the respective parties to get on with their careers.

Howe is preparing his Newcastle side to compete on multiple fronts, with the Champions League due to kickoff next week away to AC Milan. As for Fraser, he needs to rebuild his reputation in the Championship and will hope to do enough to earn a permanent move next summer.