On October 16th, Newcastle announced the signing of Bradley Cross from South African club Bidvest Wits.
The centre-back had previously spent two years on loan at Bundesliga outfit FC Schalke 04, and joined the Magpies after impressing in a trial.
Yesterday, just 14 days after his arrival, he was already handed a position of seniority.
In Newcastle’s Under-23 clash with Reading’s Under-23 side, Cross was handed the captain’s armband by Chris Hogg, despite being one of the newest faces in the side – he even managed to get on the scoresheet!
That may seem surprising given the fact he’s just arrived, but Hogg – the Magpies’ leading Under-23 development coach – seems to think highly of the 19-year-old.
Shortly after the teenager signed, Newcastle’s official site quoted Hogg as saying: ‘He’s a well-rounded character who made a good impression with everyone in terms of how he has behaved and how he conducts himself. We’re delighted to have him and look forward to developing his game and seeing how far we can take him.’
In fairness, Cross does perhaps have more experience than most players in the development side.
As aforesaid, he has already spent time in both South Africa and Germany during his short career, while he has also gained international experience when playing for the South Africa national team at Under-20 level.
On that basis, it’s no surprise that he’s been handed the armband. It speaks volumes towards his character that Cross has been able to walk into the development side and immediately become a leader amongst the group.
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