33-year-old will surely barely play for Newcastle next season if he stays – opinion

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Newcastle United have announced that Eddie Howe has triggered an extension to keep Matt Ritchie at the club going into next season.

The list revealed by Newcastle United via their website confirmed that the club had triggered an extension for 33-year-old Matt Ritchie.

The former Bournemouth man has had one foot out of the door since the PIF took over if media reports are to be believed. He’s been linked with a move in every transfer window since Eddie Howe‘s arrival.

Matt Ritchie is a prime candidate for a coaching role

Despite the fact that Howe and Ritchie share a great understanding and a fantastic working relationship, Ritchie’s age has always meant that media and pundits couldn’t see how he could possibly feature in Howe’s new energetic Newcastle, but he’s managed to stick around, even making 10 appearances last season.

Newcastle triggering an extension for Matt Ritchie seems odd when you look at it on face value. He’s 33 and his legs have pretty much gone, so he’s not likely to feature much for the first team, however, I believe the thinking is more based around what he brings to the club off the pitch.

Eddie Howe has spoken about the incredible influence Ritchie has on the team and he is part of the ‘leadership group‘ along with Kieran Trippier, Jamaal Lascelles, Dan Burn and Callum Wilson.

I said a few times last season that I hope Newcastle keep Matt Ritchie with a view to moving him into a coaching role. I still think that’s what Eddie Howe is looking to do, but it seems that Howe may feel that Ritchie could still play a part on the pitch.

Matt Ritchie can be registered as a ‘homegrown’ player for Newcastle in the CL

I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he’s not included in the 25-man Premier League squad, however Ritchie may find himself named in the Champions League squad as he ticks the ‘homegrown’ box for Newcastle.

One homegrown player who wasn’t lucky enough to use that status to save his Newcastle career was academy graduate, Matty Longstaff who has been released by the club. The brother of integral first-team member Sean Longstaff burst onto the scene by scoring the winner against Manchester United on his debut, but it was pretty much all downhill from there.

Matty Longstaff is currently carrying a knock but the club are allowing him to use their facilities to help his rehabilitation while he looks for a new club which is a nice touch. Still a shame to see one of our own cut free, especially after showing so much promise.