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Eddie Howe is one of several leading Newcastle United figures to hail the outgoing Kieran Trippier.
A fine spell on Tyneside is set to come to an end soon, after Trippier confirmed he was leaving Newcastle United at the end of the season.
Indeed, Trippier has proven a remarkable signing, the first of the PIF era and one of the most important players in the club’s modern history.
An absolute legend is leaving the club 😔 – how do you look back on Trippier’s time here?
Credit: Getty Images/Visionhaus
Though the timing now feels right, Newcastle have quite the job on their hands to replace one of their greatest-ever defenders.
Such decisions will need to wait until the summer, however. For now, it’s all about celebrating Trippier’s brilliant time at the club – and Howe’s statement is a great place to start.
Howe praises Trippier for quality and leadership
Speaking to Newcastle United’s official website, Howe said: “Kieran has been magnificent for us on and off the pitch. From the moment he walked through the door, he has helped to drive standards that have changed the club’s trajectory.
“His performances on the pitch have been to the highest level. Building strong partnerships with the players around him. His outstanding technical ability helped elevate the team and his strong crossing ability helped create many goals and chances for his teammates.
“His leadership skills have been invaluable. In difficult moments his experience has proved calming and his drive and will to win has inspired the players to keep pushing forward.
Assuming Tino goes too – who on earth should we sign at right-back?! 🤔
Credit: Getty Images/George Wood
“While we’ll be saying goodbye to Kieran shortly, we also know we have a lot left to play for this season, and I know a player of Kieran’s character will be giving absolutely everything to end his time here on a high.”
It is difficult to think of a better signing in recent history. While Bruno Guimaraes might have a case to argue on that front, the Brazilian himself is on record saying he joined the club because of Trippier.
None of what has happened in the PIF era at the club would have been possible without Trippier.
Howe is not only losing a key player but a dressing room leader as Newcastle look to evolve into phase two of the PIF era.
Photo by Omar Havana/Getty Images
The future is unclear and there’s no guarantee the club will ever have a leader as good as Trippier again.
Newcastle will of course go on but it will be a rockier road without the former England international.
His importance cannot be overstated, and Howe’s squad will be weaker for his imminent departure.
Indeed, Trippier transformed Newcastle for the better, giving them a sense of credibility in the early days of this project.
Newcastle United’s history would look entirely different without him.
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