News from the academy this week as three promising talents – Joe Brayson, Luke Craggs, and Logan Watts – have all put pen to paper on their first professional contracts with Newcastle United.
This is a massive step for these lads as they aim to make their mark on Tyneside, but who are they and what have they said after signing deals on Tyneside?
For Joe Brayson, signing his pro deal means more than just a contract; it’s a family affair. The 18-year-old forward, son of former Magpie and non-league legend Paul Brayson, spoke about the significance of this moment:
“My dad has played a massive part because he’s went through the same journey as me so to follow in his footsteps is unbelievable and I’m buzzing,” Joe told the club website. “Signing a professional contract is what I’ve been working for and it’s a good step forward.”
Joe Brayson pro deal image
Joe had a fantastic 2024/25 season, bagging an impressive 14 goals for the Under-18s and finishing as their top scorer. He also started to break into the Under-21s, showing his potential.
“I think I did quite well last season, getting a lot of goal contributions,” he added. “I was pleased to get a lot of assists, too, and I was involved with the under-21s which is what I wanted to do. It’s good getting pushed up the age groups and then being able to score goals for them was great. Hopefully, I can do the same next season.”
Paul Brayson, of course, kicked off his career at St. James’ Park before making a name for himself across the lower football leagues and then, famously, tearing it up in non-league with local sides like Newcastle Benfield and Blyth Spartans. Here’s hoping Joe can emulate his dad’s goal-scoring prowess, but at Newcastle United.
Defender Luke Craggs was also rewarded with his first professional deal, and it’s no surprise given he was named the academy’s Scholar of the Year for the 2024/25 season! This award recognises not just his ability on the pitch, but his character and dedication off it.
“I was buzzing to even get my scholarship so to be nominated as the best in the club’s group for how I am as a person, both on and off the pitch, means a lot,” Luke explained. “I really appreciated all the staff who nominated myself as I was proud of the fact that they valued me as a person and how I applied myself in the education side of the scholarship.”
Luke Craggs pro deal image
For a lifelong Toon fan, signing for Newcastle is the ultimate dream. “It’s a proud moment because I’ve been a Newcastle fan ever since I was born so it’s great to get a contract because that’s what I’ve been working towards, but especially to get it at Newcastle. That’s the big part of it as I’ve followed them since I was little,” he said.
“It hasn’t hit me yet but it’ll be something that I will look back on when I’m older with pride that I’ve played for #Newcastle as a pro.”
Another versatile defender, Logan Watts, has also secured his first professional contract. Having been with the academy since 2018, the 18-year-old made his Under-21s debut last February in a convincing 4-1 win over Stoke City.
With the first team qualifying for the Champions League, Logan will now be eligible to feature in the prestigious UEFA Youth League this coming season. This is a massive opportunity for the youngsters to test themselves against Europe’s best.
“I missed out on it a couple of years ago but I made sure to train harder so I’m hoping to be a part of it this time,” Logan stated. “Playing against teams you won’t be usually face will be a good test for everyone.”
Logan Watts pro deal image
He expressed his delight at signing the deal: “I was over the moon because, ever since I joined the club at under-12 level, that’s what I’ve been aiming for. Once I got a scholarship, I was pushing for that pro contract and then when I signed it, I was delighted.”
Watts is now focused on making his mark in the Under-21s. “I’ll be trying to get as many starts for the under-21s as I can. It’s a completely different level moving from under-18 to under-21s, with a faster pace and a lot louder on the pitch so I’m excited for all of that.”
While we celebrate these new deals, the club has also confirmed the departure of six academy players: Josh Donaldson, Jay Turner-Cooke, Harry Powell, Rory Powell, James Huntley, and Ellis Stanton. We wish them all the very best in their future careers.
It’s an exciting time for the academy as these young talents look to push on and potentially follow in the footsteps of previous academy graduates who have graced the St. James’ Park pitch. Howay the lads!