Newcastle united axe dressing room leader as first big squad decision made

EXCLUSIVE TRANSFER WINDOW UPDATE AS NEWCASTLE'S RETAINED LIST SET TO INCLUDE A SIGNIFICANT EXIT 15:32, 03 Jun 2025Updated 15:37, 03 Jun 2025 Newcastle United are not expected to retain

goalkeeper John Ruddy ahead of the 2025/26 season. The experienced former Norwich and Everton stopper signed a one-year deal last summer but looks set to be released as Newcastle look to

tweak their goalkeeper department. The 38-year-old did not make an appearance last term and appeared on the bench as an unused substitute 11 times. It will not have been a decision taken

lightly by manager Eddie Howe, who has praised the impact of Ruddy at the training ground, where he has worked in a leadership capacity with Newcastle's goalkeepers. He said: "John

has been brilliant behind the scenes, I have to say. I can't praise people like John enough. John has come into the football club and he has fully embraced everything we do. "He

is here for youth games and reserve games. He has really invested in trying to help people. Every player I am sure he has touched in some way. John has been a vital part of what we have done

this year." Newcastle have had five senior goalkeepers on their books and Howe had admitted that the department was congested this season. Article continues below Former Burnley

stopper Nick Pope has made it clear that he wants to stay and fight to be No 1 at the club after an enquiry from Leeds United this week. Newcastle have been linked with both James Trafford

and Aaron Ramsdale in recent weeks but a big decision would need to be made on the club's other contracted keepers in the next few weeks. Howe said last month: "We will take a view

on that. The goalkeeper situation has been slightly difficult this year. "We have a high number of goalkeepers, which probably wasn't ideal. Those players have handled that

situation very, very well. It's not easy. They have been really good professionals, all of them. "They have created a really good team network and trained really well. They have

helped whoever has been playing be at their best for match day. I am full of compliments for them. But let's wait and see." As far as younger keepers are concerned, Newcastle have

been impressed with Aidan Harris with the 18-year-old set to go out on loan next term. Both Odysseas Vlachodimos and Martin Dubravka remain on the books under contract but could be sold if

the club find suitable buyers. Newcastle could also look to bring in a 'homegrown' goalkeeper - one who trained with United between the ages of 15 and 21, like Fraser Forster, Tim

Krul or Jak Alnwick - in order to satisfy Champions League squad rules. TREASURE A SEASON TO REMEMBER Newcastle United's 2024-25 campaign has to rank as one of the best in living

memory. Not only did Eddie Howe's side qualify for the Champions League by securing fifth place in the Premier League, but they ended their long wait for silverware by winning the

Carabao Cup Our special Chronicle end-of-season edition celebrates an incredible campaign for the Magpies, with in-depth analysis, ratings and interviews of a season to remember. Click here

to buy online and have it delivered directly to your door, or you can purchase it in participating supermarkets, high street retailers, and independent newsagents from June 4, 2025. Online

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