Midfielder, Elliot Anderson has signed a new long-term contract at Newcastle United.
Anderson graduated through Newcastle’s youth academy which resulted in him making his senior debut in a 2-0 defeat away to Arsenal in the Third Round of 2020-21 FA Cup in January 2021.
The midfielder then made his Premier League debut for the Magpies away to the same opposition just over a week later, as an 87th minute substitute as Newcastle lost that match by a 3-0 result which marked his second and last senior appearance of that season.
He ultimately spent the rest of 2021 playing for the Under-21s until he was loaned out to Bristol Rovers in January, where he managed to score eight goals – including their final goal of the campaign as Rovers thrashed Scunthorpe United 7-0 to win promotion to League One.
Those performances though proved crucial as Newcastle Head Coach, Eddie Howe promoted Anderson to the senior squad this summer, where the 19 year-old has impressed in four appearances including a strong performance in their comeback Second Round of Carabao Cup win at Tranmere Rovers.
Speaking about his decision to sign a new long-term contract, Anderson commented: “I’m really happy. I love playing for Newcastle United, and committing my future to the club is something I’ve really wanted to do.”
Anderson also reflected on what it has meant to feature in the senior squad this season, as he added: “It was my aim coming back into pre-season to work hard and earn the opportunity to stick around.
“I have really enjoyed being with the first team group, so hopefully I can keep improving and contribute to the team.”
Howe meanwhile is “delighted” by Anderson’s “development” as a player as he hailed the midfielder as “a natural talent,” who also displays “an excellent work ethic and always wants to learn.”
The ex Bournemouth manager also acknowledged the impact upon supporters to see local home-grown talent graduate into the first team, as he added: “I know our supporters will be especially pleased to see another local boy coming through from the Academy into the first team.
“Elliot has earned that chance, and he has set a great example to our young players.”
Howe though has iterated that caution must be exercised over expectations of Anderson: “He is just at the start of his journey at this level but he has a very exciting future ahead and we are delighted that his journey will continue here.”
Newcastle’s Sporting Director, Dan Ashworth meanwhile explained that the club’s strategy isn’t entirely about spending in the transfer windows, yet also about current players and the importance of “… how we nurture and develop our best young talent.”
Expanding on the importance of the club’s Academy, Ashworth added: “It’s crucial for the club and our Academy to provide a pathway for our young players and a belief that if they are good enough, they will get an opportunity to play.”
Ashworth also praised First-Team Coach, Steve Harper plus Howe and rest of coaching staff for their work with Anderson, as he said: “They have given him an opportunity and some great coaching and development to enable him to get to this level.”
On the decision to award Anderson a long-term contract, Ashworth concluded: “Elliot has shown he has the attributes to have a successful career at this level and we hope he will be here for a long time to come.”
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