Newcastle United have come on leaps and bounds in all departments since the takeover, with our academy enjoying a noticeable rise after years of neglect during previous eras.
Today, the club have announced that 11 teenage talents have signed full-time scholarships with the club after impressing at youth level at Little Benton.
Those handed new deals are Sam Alabi, Jack Patterson, Luke Gilligan, Thomas Old, Oliver Holland, Noah Morgan, Jack Callaghan, Ethan Ndiweni, Sammy Pinnington, Michael Mills and Mason Miley.
Alabi (far left in photo below) and Mills are two England under-16 internationals who have shone at under-18 level on Tyneside, with Alabi a tall, skillful midfielder described as a ‘mini Pogba’, while Mills is a fast, direct winger who scored five goals in 13 outings last term.
Another name to watch out for is 16-year-old Mason Miley (far right in picture below), who is the younger brother of Lewis and another promising midfielder who plays alongside Alabi and Mills in our much-improved under-18 side.
Left to right: Sam Alabi, Jack Patterson, Luke Gilligan, Thomas Old, Oliver Holland, Noah Morgan, Jack Callaghan, Ethan Ndiweni, Sammy Pinnington, Michael Mills, Mason Miley.
Sammy Pinnington is another post-takeover signing progress well since arriving from Luton, while Ethan Ndiweni, brother of recently-released U21 player Michael, is another one to watch, scoring a brace in a 3-2 win over Liverpool last season.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Academy Director Steve Harper has discussed today’s announcement as 11 youngsters take another step towards the top.
“Congratulations to each of the young players who have earned a scholarship with us”, Harper said.
“Transitioning into a full-time football environment is a significant step, both personally and professionally, and our programme is designed to support that journey in every respect — from football development to education and life skills.
“We’re looking forward to helping them grow on and off the pitch as they begin an exciting new chapter at the Academy.”