Jeff Hendrick had a debut season to forget at Newcastle United.
The midfielder ended the year out of the starting XI, after initially being a mainstay under Steve Bruce.
Hendrick joined the club last summer, arriving on a free from Burnley.
He seemed like a sensible piece of business, adding extra depth in midfield.
The 29-year-old made his debut in the first game of the season against West Ham, and it could hardly have gone better.
Hendrick got a goal and an assist on his first appearance, as Newcastle kicked off the campaign with three points. However, it was something of a false dawn for the Magpies and Hendrick.
As time went by, it became increasingly unclear what Hendrick was bringing to the party.
Things reached boiling point in February, when he picked up a stupid red card against Southampton. Fortunately, his teammates rallied and held on for three vital points.
After the game, Bruce told the Chronicle: “He’ll know that he’s committed a silly foul, and probably knows it straight away. It caused us a difficult afternoon.”
As the season has gone on, Hendrick has played less and less. The last time he started was the 0-0 draw with West Brom in March.
Hendrick ended the season with 23 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice.
Newcastle must sell Hendrick to raise funds
The Magpies played their best football this season without Hendrick.
They ended the campaign in strong form, during a period of time in which the Republic of Ireland international sat on the bench.
Despite only joining the club last year, it’s hard to see a future for Hendrick at St James’ Park.
And with money set to be tight, Bruce must sell Hendrick in order to raise extra transfer funds.
He felt like a smart signing at the time, but almost a year on and it’s proven to be quite the opposite.
Newcastle need to improve their squad this summer, and to do so they’re going to have to move some players on.
Hendrick falls into that bracket. He’s no use to Bruce if he’s not contributing. Fans would much rather see the likes of Matty Longstaff get a chance.
Newcastle need to sell to buy. And Hendrick is certainly a player Newcastle should sell.
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