West Ham 3-1 Newcastle United: Joe Buck reaction
A former Newcastle United defender is finding his feet with Championship club Preston North End.
Much has been made of how several former Newcastle United stars have fared since they departed St James Park during the summer transfer window.
Sean Longstaff has impressed during the early months of his time with Leeds United with the former Magpies academy product providing an energetic presence in the heart of Daniel Farke’s midfield. Alexander Isak is yet to find his stride after suffering injury issues following his controversial move to Liverpool and both Isaac Hayden and Callum Wilson are both hoping to move on from their own injury concerns after joining Queens Park Rangers and West Ham United respectively.
The departure of Jamal Lewis slipped under the radar as the former Norwich City left-back brought an end to what was an underwhelming stint on Tyneside when his contract came to an end. There were high hopes when the Magpies reportedly fought off competition from several clubs to secure a £15m deal for the Northern Ireland international during the summer of 2020 but injury issues limited Lewis to just 36 competitive appearances in all competitions.
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Loan spells with Watford and Brazilian club Sao Paolo failed to trigger an upturn in fortunes for the full-back and a late appearance as a substitute in a 1-1 draw at Chelsea on the final day of the 2022/23 season will now go down as his final appearance for the Magpies. After departing on a free transfer, Lewis brought an end to his search for a new club over the last week when he signed a short-term deal with Championship club Preston North End and he made his Lilywhites debut as a substitute in a 2-0 win at Southampton on Saturday afternoon.
Machine
Jamal Lewisplaceholder image
Jamal Lewis | Getty Images
Speaking after that victory on the south coast, North End assistant manager Stuart McCall described Lewis as ‘an absolute machine’ and believes the defender is ready to move on from his injury problems after arriving at Deepdale in ‘the best shape’ of any player that has joined the club belatedly.
He told BBC Lancashire: “When you bring in somebody this late, two or three months into the season, or a bit longer, actually, and they haven’t had any football, you worry for them. He’s an absolute machine. He’s an athlete, he covers the ground, I think that’s his strength, his running ability. He glides with the ball, so he’s fitted in really well. He’s looked good, yeah. Over the years, we’ve had a few come in late, who haven’t signed contracts, and he’s been in the best shape I’ve ever had anybody come into the club at this late stage, definitely.”
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