Sean Neave is approaching a very interesting time in his Newcastle United career.
Neave is one of Newcastle United’s best young players and has previously trained with Eddie Howe’s first team.
Indeed, the Newcastle United academy product was even on the bench for the Carabao Cup final back in March.
Newcastle fans are excited about Neave’s potential, with the forward scoring six goals in 15 games for the academy sides this season.
Still, he faces a battle for a starting berth at Newcastle under Howe, with Nick Woltemade, Yoane Wissa and William Osula all senior striking options.
At some point, Neave may have to head out on loan. Such moves can be brilliant for a young player’s development but it’s something Newcastle have struggled with.
As such, comments from U21s manager Adam Lawrence are interesting.
Boston United U21 v Newcastle United U21 – National League Cup
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Newcastle United tell Sean Neave to “rest assured” about development if they decide to loan him out
Lawrence suggested that he had full faith in the club’s decision-making when it came to deciding whether to loan Neave out.
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In fact, Lawrence told Neave (via The Chronicle): “There is obviously key people within the staff but I think, rest assured for Sean, he has all of the right people thinking about his development and his next stage.
“If a loan and exposing him to that type of environment is right for him it is something the club will look at.”
If they were to come to that decision, fans could be forgiven for having a lack of faith. Having confidence in the club if they do decide to loan him out doesn’t really add up to what has actually been happening on that front.
The struggles the club’s young players have had on loan over the past few seasons have been a major talking point amongst fans.
Newcastle’s loan players are struggling this season and while there’s only so much the club can do about that, perhaps some better decision making on where they are loaned to would be wise.
Player Club Minutes played
Antonio Cordero Westerlo 98
Travis Hernes Groningen 0
Trevan Sanusi (injured) Lorient 0
Joe White Leyton Orient 219
Antonio Cordero is not getting much game time at Belgian side Westerlo, while Travis Hernes hasn’t made a single appearance for Groningen.
Previously, Garang Kuol struggled at the likes of Hearts and FC Volendam.
The examples are too frequent not to look at Newcastle’s role in the matter.
Development in young players is obviously not linear but the clubs these burgeoning talents are being sent to don’t always look like the best environments in which they can grow.
How Sean Neave feels about playing for Newcastle United
The 18-year-old striker was born in the city and is a boyhood fan of the club.
He made his first-team debut against Celtic in pre-season but hasn’t had a look in under Howe since, despite injuries to Wissa and Osula.
Still, as is to be expected, Neave is delighted to be involved at Newcastle.
On Thursday, he won the ‘Wor Jackie’ award at the Sport Newcastle Annual Awards dinner at Newcastle Civic Centre.
The ‘Wor Jackie’ award is named after Newcastle legend Jackie Milburn and “celebrates athletes who embody true Newcastle spirit”.
After winning the award, Neave said: “I’ve supported the club since I was young, since I was born really,” he said.
“So, obviously, making my debut in pre-season against Celtic was one of the best moments I’ve had so far in my career.
“The cup final was an unbelievable moment as well, winning some silverware with the club.
“Playing for my boyhood club has just been top.”