'The last time we see...' - George Caulkin now expects NUFC ace to leave

Journalist George Caulkin has been speaking on the latest episode of Pod on the Tyne about how Newcastle United fans may not see 32-year-old Matt Ritchie at St James’ Park again.

Newcastle embarked on a fully deserved lap of appreciation after their 2-0 win on Monday evening after fighting off relegation under Eddie Howe and only losing to Liverpool at St James’ Park in the league since 19th December.

This summer is set to be an interesting one for the Magpies with a likely squad overhaul coming, as reports have suggested six players could be set to leave, with Issac Hayden potentially one of them after already tweeting that it will be a pleasure to watch the club, wherever he will be next season.

However, it’s not just Hayden from the club’s last Championship squad that could be leaving, as Caulkin claims Ritchie could also be on his way out.

He said: “That might’ve been the last time that we see Matt Ritchie at St James’ Park, and I know he didn’t come on, but that still might be the last time, as he was doing a lap of honour.”

TIF Thoughts on Ritchie’s future…

It would be no surprise to see Ritchie leave this summer as he’s been with the club since 2016, and while he’s been a loyal servant, he’s only started four league games under Howe and will be 33 later this year, so he certainly isn’t the future of the Magpies.

Ritchie was asked to do a job at left-back by former manager Steve Bruce and has been a huge part of the Newcastle teams that managed to avoid relegation under him and Rafael Benitez, but with Matt Targett tipped to join permanently and Renan Lodi also linked with a summer switch, Ritchie could well seek pastures new for more regular football.

In other news: ‘I couldn’t really breathe’ – Newcastle ace