Matt Targett has left Middlesbrough and returned to Newcastle United following the end of his loan spell at the Riverside Stadium.
Matt Targett has reflected on a ‘gutting’ end to his largely successful loan spell at Middlesbrough as the left-back prepares to return to parent club Newcastle United.
The former Aston Villa and Southampton defender joined Boro on a season-long deal during the final week of the summer transfer window and went on to make 46 appearances in all competitions as Kim Hellberg’s side pushed for promotion into the Premier League. There had been talk Targett could be recalled by the Magpies during the January transfer window as Eddie Howe’s squad was hit by injuries - but the left-back remained at the Riverside Stadium and continued to play a part in what would become an unsuccessful bid to reach the top flight.
Targett had indicated he would be keen to make a permanent switch to Boro if they were able to secure promotion and confirmed his time at Newcastle had come to a close.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of last month’s defeat to Millwall, Targett said: “The future? I’m not sure to be honest. I believe I’m done at Newcastle so that chapter is closed.Hopefully we get promoted here and there will be a contract for me, but if not I’ve played as much as I can this season so I’ll assess my options. It was really important to me that I could come here and prove I can play a full season with no injuries. I had a chat with Eddie Howe in January and he was so understanding about my situation, so I thank him for that. He knew it was beneficial for me, that I wanted to keep playing.”
Targett was part of the Boro side that landed a spot in the Championship play-off final in the aftermath of the ‘Spygate’ scandal - but he was unable to help them get over the line as an Oli McBurnie goal ensured Hull City inflicted a 1-0 Wembley defeat on Hellberg’s side and secure a return to the Premier League. As it stands, that will go down as Targett’s final game in a Boro shirt after it was confirmed he and fellow loan signings Alan Browne and Joe Wildsmith were returning to their parent clubs.
Gutting
The on-loan Newcastle United defender was integral to the way Middlesbrough set up.placeholder image
The on-loan Newcastle United defender was integral to the way Middlesbrough set up. | Nick Potts/PA Wire
Targett has taken to his social media to reflect on his time at Boro and praised fans for the support he received during his time at the club.
The defender posted a farewell message on his Instagram account saying: "Gutting way for it all to end. Felt like we had a special group of players that had enough to get this club back to the Premier League. Massive thank you to the fans that’s supported us throughout the season and me personally, it means a lot.”
Football League World have now reported Boro’s Championship rivals Derby County are keen on a move for Targett as he prepares to leave Newcastle next month when his current contract comes to an end - although the same report also claims Middlesbrough could also make an attempt to land the full-back on a permanent basis.
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