Boss taking notice of young talent

EDDIE Howe has already visited Newcastle United’s Little Benton Academy to familiarise himself with players and staff.

The Newcastle head coach is eager to build a better understanding between the senior and first-team training centres at the club’s North Tyneside HQ.

Howe is also taking a big interest in the club’s younger levels and the under-23s.

The Chronicle reported last month when Howe ran the rule over 16-year-old Ellis Stanton on day one of his time in charge at Newcastle, the first-year scholar rubbing shoulders with firstteamers Joelinton and Jonjo Shelvey to gain a never-to-beforgotten experience.

Now the new boss has stepped things up again by taking time to visit the club’s youth system.

Having already called up a number of Academy players to join in first-team training it remains to be seen who will be first to be given his debut at senior level but the likes of Joe White and Dylan Stephenson could come under consideration for the FA Cup third round tie against Cambridge in January.

Speaking about Howe’s meeting with Academy squads, Under-23 coach Elliot Dickman said: “We have met him.

“They came across and watched some of our training.

“Everybody was introduced and he said hello.

“He had the spell where he was not around and he is very, very busy with the first team so that will be taking up a lot of his time.

“However, the day we met him and his coaching staff they were fantastic, very friendly and made a point to speak to us all.”

Newcastle have former Academy head of coaching Ben Dawson on their first-team staff these days with the Geordie a friendly face for any youngster making the move across from the two centres.

Dickman knows this is a positive sign moving forward and when asked about Howe’s policy of bringing youngsters across so early into his time in charge he added: “If they get that opportunity, it is never easy.

“It sounds like something which should be straightforward but that opportunity you have to be ready for and make sure you take it.

“To be fair to the lads who have been up, they have enjoyed it and will probably learn quite a bit but there are still bits they have to try and develop as well.”