Keith Gillespie thrilled St James' Park with his wing wizardry and now knows what will be waiting for Alexander Isak next season
Former Newcastle United winger Keith Gillespie speaking on the BBC's 'Fever Pitch: The Rise of the Premier League'
Former Newcastle United winger Keith Gillespie speaking on the BBC's 'Fever Pitch: The Rise of the Premier League'
(Image: BBC)
Keith Gillespie has warned Alexander Isak he faces a "hostile" reception when he returns to St James' Park - after letting the city down with his move to Liverpool.
The former Northern Ireland and Toon star believes that Newcastle's ambitious project, which Isak signed up for three years ago with a long-term deal, is still in its infancy and only a transfer to Real Madrid or Barcelona would have justified walking out on his team-mates at this stage.
Gillespie was part of another controversial transfer on Tyneside back in 1995 when he arrived as part of a cash plus swap deal for Andy Cole, but he admits he was deeply disappointed with Isak's decision to go on strike.
Gillespie told the Here to Compete podcast: "Why would you want to leave Newcastle the way the club is now? They are on the up. You could see it if it was Barcelona or Real Madrid, but he's moving to a team in the same division.
"He's quite fortunate that Liverpool have already come to St James' Park because the next time he comes it will be very hostile for him
"It just seems to be for me, the players hold the cards at the minute. If you refuse to work in any other job, you are looking at the sack, which is effectively what you are doing by refusing to play.
"His team-mates will be disappointed because we know what a special player he is."
Newcastle now move into a new phase of the takeover, after four years under Saudi guidance, but have already spent some of the Isak transfer fee by bringing in Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade.
Gillespie said: "We have to draw a line under it because it's been the main topic in the window and you were sick hearing it. His statement left more questions than answers, and he said the club had made promises, but then he didn't elaborate on it.
"He has never told us what that was. The club have got the money now and they have brought in a couple already and strengthen the side again."
Woltemade will need to time to settle at Newcastle but the likes o Wissa, Anthony Elanga and Jacob Ramsey all have Premier League experience in the bank.
Gillespie said: "If you look at the window, there are Premier League proven players coming in with Elanga, Ramsey, Wissa, and Ramsdale coming in.
"It has been a really good window, disappointing that Isak has gone.
"But it's like Andy Cole going, there was disappointment but then within six months Les Ferdinand is there and 12 months you have Alan Shearer and Ferdinand. Things happen for a reason sometimes."
Here at ChronicleLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Newcastle United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest NUFC news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.
And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Everything is Black and White podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.