Newcastle United releases retained list for the upcoming season
By Cade Cracas
When success finally lands on the plate of an above-average squad, the team eventually needs to move on from some of its previous placeholders, and unfortunately, Newcastle United has been given that burden.
On Wednesday, June 14, the club released its retained list, with many reserves and role players finding themselves on the chopping block while others have been given another opportunity to showcase what they have to offer.
To begin, the big headline arose that fan-favorite and upcoming youngster Matty Longstaff‘s contract was ended by the Magpies. The contract ending comes after Longstaff suffered a long-winded anterior cruciate ligament injury that forced him into rehab.
This past season he suffered the injury while on loan with Colchester Town, only playing in seven total contests.
The academy product’s shining moment for the Magpies was in his Premier League debut, just years ago against Manchester United when he knocked in a goal. That goal would be the winner, giving the Toon Army hope that he would be a rising star.
However, he never truly blossomed into anything special after going on loan to countless lower-division sides.
His journey after joining the club at the age of 17 years old has officially come to a close.
Alongside Longstaff, the Magpies moved on from another reserve in Ciaran Clark. Clark, who is approaching the tail end of his career.
Clark joined Newcastle back before the 2016 season began, marking a seven-year career with the team at St. James Park. Over that span, he scored 11 times while helping lead the struggling Magpies to their run through the EFL Championship after being relegated.
Last season he played with Sheffield United on loan, playing in just 10 games.
With little production, playtime or upward trajectory in his ability over time, it made sense for Newcastle to let him go elsewhere as they prepare for high-level competition for the 2023-24 season.
Outside of Clark and Longstaff, the Magpies have moved on from Harry Barclay, Niall Brookwell, Dan Langley, Joe Oliver, Josh Stewart and Isaac Westendorf.
Those that are staying with the club are Amadou Diallo, Michael Ndiweni, Will Brown, Nathan Carlyon, Kyle Crossley, James Huntley, Jamie Miley and Josh Scott. Diallo and Ndiweni are the only two official, while the others have been given the opportunity to accept their stay.
The Magpies also decided to retain Matt Ritchie‘s services for the 2023-24 season and Paul Dummett and Loris Karius were offered the opportunity to stay too. Both Mark Gillespie and Dan Burn were extended for another season as well.
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