· 5 July 2025, 10:30
**Football can be a cruel mistress at times and when you think you're about to hit it big, fate can deal you a cruel hand, and that's how you could look at Jamal Lewis' time at Newcastle United.**
Initially, the cruel hand was that Jamal Lewis came to Newcastle with a high transfer fee with even higher expectations, however he also arrived in the era of Steve Bruce.
In a recent interview with The Chronicle looking back on his time at Newcastle following his recent departure, Lewis admitted he struggled to adapt to Steve Bruce's style.
It wasn't too long before Lewis was handed another opportunity, though, with Eddie Howe taking over following the PIF-backed takeover, and promising to give everyone a cleans late. Lewis even started three games in a row under Howe before picking an injury - and thus began the downfall, really. Lewis struggled with injuries throughout his time at the club and was loaned out several times as it became clear that he had fallen behind Matt Targett and Dan Burn in the pecking order at left-back, and then dropping down again when Lewis Hall arrived.
Jamal Lewis is a Northern Ireland international
Jamal Lewis could have sealed a permanent move to Brazil if it weren't for injuries
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A loan move to Brazilian side Sao Paulo was meant to signal the end of Lewis' time at St James' Park with an option to buy embedded in the deal. However, injuries once again played a big part in his future, and Sao Paulo terminated the agreement early.
Lewis was reinstated to the Newcastle squad for the second half of last season, but it was more of a token gesture than anything. It made more sense to register him than leave a blank space.
Despite all of this misfortune though, Lewis still speaks highly of his time at the Toon.
Jamal Lewis has the option to return to Luton Town this summer, according to reports
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The full interview on The Chronicle's website is a good read and really makes us feel bad for him that things didn't work out, but we admire his mindset and hope that his positive energy pays off for him as he looks for a new club.
> "Despite there being trials and tribulations, and there being more ups than downs for me personally, I really came to understand myself as a footballer and a man there," he said of his five years at the club. "I don't look back with any negativity."I probably did in the moment, but I've learnt as I've got older that these things help you grow as a person and a footballer. So I'm actually very thankful for them and to Newcastle for buying me and giving me the opportunity to even represent the club. That's a blessing in itself.
>
> "It's very easy to blame people in football, but that's not my mindset. Mine is to take accountability first."
Jamal Lewis has recently been [linked with a move to League One side Luton Town](https://nufcfeed.com/15m-newcastle-united-flop-now-being-considered-by-league-one-side-after-dramatic-fall-from-premier-league-1410013) where he started out as a youth. It's a bit of a step down, for sure, but the emotional attachment and the change of pace could be ideal for the 27-year-old.