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Report: Matt Ritchie thought Newcastle career was over before Bournemouth move collapsed
Matt Ritchie has revealed to that he was ready to say goodbye to Newcastle United for the last time during the January transfer window.
The former Scotland winger was set to leave the North East and return to former side AFC Bournemouth on loan for the remainder of the season, but saw a deal collapse on Deadline Day when the Magpies pulled the plug.
Newcastle were opposed to sanctioning a temporary move away for the experienced dynamo, having lost summer signing Jamal Lewis to an injury before soon seeing the Norwich City product develop a groin problem ().
Ritchie had only in all competitions this calendar year before discussing a return to the Vitality Stadium with the Cherries, and would continue to be left among the substitutes until Steve Bruce recalled him last month.
The Toon have since lost just once in their last five Premier League games with Ritchie in the starting line-up, while holding Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool to draws to help distance themselves from the relegation places.
Ritchie, who Newcastle signed from Bournemouth in 2016 for £10m (), has now opened up on his failed plans to leave St. James’ Park, admitting that he expected it to be for good despite only agreeing on a temporary move.
“If I’m honest, yes, I thought my Newcastle career was over,” he . “It was difficult, it was probably my first spell in my career where I’ve been fully fit and not involved, so that was difficult mentally and physically, how to adapt and adapt my training. They’re challenges I’ve not had before.
“I feel like I’ve come through it, learned a lot in the last six months and I’m pleased with how I’ve reacted personally to those challenges.”
TBR view
Ritchie’s time at Newcastle certainly seemed set for a sorry end earlier in the year when he lashed out at Bruce in training and brandished his head coach a ‘coward’ (), but the Toon have certainly benefited from having his experience in the squad since.
The 31-year-old displays his determination and grit almost every time he steps onto the field at St. James’ Park, and has added an extra value to the Magpies’ left-hand channel after replacing Lewis, exemplified by his assist against West Ham last month.
Ritchie delivered a stellar cross in the closing stages to pick out Joe Willock at the back post to head home the winning goal, after which Bruce praised him by noting via the club’s account: “That left foot of his gives us another dimension.”
Given how close Ritchie came to leaving the North East in January, Bruce will surely be glad Newcastle pulled the plug on his deal with Bournemouth and in how the versatile midfielder has responded to the difficulties he faced off the pitch.