The fact that Kieran Trippier is leaving Newcastle United means that Amanda Staveley got it wrong about the veteran defender.
On Saturday, Trippier confirmed he is leaving Newcastle United at the end of the season after a stunning four-and-a-half-years on Tyneside.
An absolute legend is leaving the club 😔 – how do you look back on Trippier’s time here?
Indeed, Trippier is one of Newcastle United’s best-ever defenders and will leave as a club legend.
Still, he did not manage to fulfill the prophecy set for him by former Newcastle co-director Staveley.
Staveley thought Trippier would stay at Newcastle for five years
Speaking to The Athletic in February 2022 only shortly after signing Trippier, Staveley said: “To be honest, Kieran isn’t someone we’ll ever sell. I’ve said to him, ‘You’re with us and that’s it. You can be our Alan Shearer.
“You’ll be a standard-bearer for Newcastle for many years to come’. If he can play, he will stay and I believe you might find he’ll still be playing in five years’ time because he’s capable of it. He’s got something extraordinary.”
Clearly, that hasn’t proven to be the case. He did not last five years and it remains to be seen what comes next for the 35-year-old, but it seems almost certain he will continue his club career elsewhere.
In Staveley’s defence, there was every reason to think that when the club signed him. Trippier had an almost instant impact at Newcastle as they embarked on their greatest era in the club’s modern history.
Assuming Tino goes too – who on earth should we sign at right-back?! 🤔
Still, Trippier did not quite make the five years that Staveley predicted for him and, in all honesty, this season has looked like a campaign too far.
By announcing his departure, however, the former England defender has ensured quite the send-off.
Fans will no doubt be in emotional spirits as the long goodbye begins when Newcastle play Crystal Palace next weekend.
It felt like the season needed a lift following the miserable defeat to Sunderland after the international break.
At least there is now added incentive to give Trippier the send-off he so deserves.
Where it leaves the club is up for debate, given Tino Livramento has been linked with a move away from Newcastle too.
Those decisions, however, will have to come in the summer. For now, it’s all about enjoying Trippier’s swansong at Newcastle United as much as supporters possibly can.
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