It's been five years since Aaron Ramsdale worked with Eddie Howe but he feels at home already on Tyneside thanks to the head coach
Aaron Ramsdale has joined Newcastle United
Aaron Ramsdale has joined Newcastle United(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Newcastle United new arrival Aaron Ramsdale is smiling again - after four years of disappointment and false dawns.
The England international made a £24million move to Arsenal from Sheffield United in 2021 with his transfer the focus of attention in the Gunners' All or Nothing documentary on Prime Video.
But after 78 appearances, Ramsdale lost his place to David Raya with some observers suggesting his demise at the Emirates Stadium was because he could not play out from the back with his feet.
Last summer, Ramsdale made an £18m move to Southampton despite good vibes from Russell Martin after his capture, the ex-Norwich player would be sacked and the Saints were relegated after just 32 appearances for the Stoke-born stopper.
[Ramsdale worked with Eddie Howe at AFC Bournemouth](http://Ramsdale worked with Eddie Howe at AFC Bournemouth) and enjoyed a good spell on the South Coast meaning the last 10 days have been a return to happiness in many ways for the 27-year-old.
Ramsdale said: "It is something that I have missed. I had a good chat with him and I told him how much I missed it.
"The way Eddie Howe works and thinks and the intensity. I can remember little snippets of things we used to do.
"It brought a smile back to my face. It was like being back to normal for me.
"Just the way the coaching staff work, it is something I can just walk into and get going straight away."
Newcastle have swooped before for Ramsdale but not been able to get a deal over the line for the former Arsenal goalie.
But after Southampton's relegation and need to clear the wage bill in the Championship, the season long loan offers Ramsdale and Newcastle a chance to strike a deal next year.
The England goalkeeper said: "The wheels in motion from being told about the interest to being up in Newcastle was really quick.
"Obviously, it took a couple of days to sort it all out. The team in Asia made it a bit difficult.
"The process wasn't long and I was sat around the training ground but it allowed me to meet people I may not have had a connection with.
"The chefs, kitchen ladies, administration, people like that, it was good.
"I could put names to faces. The football side of it was quick."
Ramsdale was unable to fly out to South Korea given the quick turnaround but made his debut in the 2-2 draw against Espanyol, saving a penalty to woo fans at the Leazes End.
Having had a few days to build up his rapport levels with his team-mates, Ramsdale said: "It's been really good having them back in. The training ground was a lonely place for a couple of days.
"I'd only been on the grass twice (before Espanyol) so the connections will slowly get there, the great thing is I know some of the lads really well.
"It has been a seamless transition and hopefully we can just carry on building and building with connections on the pitch."
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