MATT'S ALL
‘Infectious’ former Newcastle star who ‘lived his dream’ at boyhood club given classy farewell by Eddie Howe
After months of unemployment and injury he now has a new club
EDDIE HOWE has delivered a classy farewell message to ex-Newcastle United star Matt Longstaff, who has finally landed a new club.
Older brother Sean Longstaff has been tipped for an England call-up by the Toon boss due to his displays in both the Premier League and Champions League this term.
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The midfielder, 26, has been cheered on from the stands by his younger brother Matty, 23, who could quite easily have been the one making the headlines after his own dramatic breakthrough into the Newcastle first-team.
Matty, who says he “lived his dream” playing for his hometown team, burst on the scene in October 2019 with a debut man of the match display and the only goal of the game in a 1-0 victory over Manchester United.
Back then he was only earning £850-a-week and a host of big clubs were soon circling as they chased his signature with Italian sides Inter Milan and Udinese both allegedly keen as were French giants Marseille.
However, things failed to pan out as expected when his development contract ran out in 2020 after three goals in 15 appearances during his maiden campaign.
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A downward spiral then led to him ending up unemployed after he finally agreed a two-year contract.
Matty suffered a big drop in form and injuries restricted his progress and he failed to shine in loan spells at Scottish club Aberdeen and in League Two with Mansfield.
Then last season he headed to the fourth tier again to try to reignite his career at Colchester United but suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury on Boxing Day.
The Geordie was released by Newcastle in June when his contract expired - but the Magpies did not turn their back on him.
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Howe and his staff allowed him to continue coming into the training ground while undergoing his rehab and now that gesture has paid off after Matty landed himself a new club.
He has joined MLS side Toronto FC on a two-year deal, with an option of a further year.
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And after the news emerged this morning, Howe said: “I’m delighted for Matty. He’s an inspirational character.
“We obviously have close connections with the family with Sean, but Matty has worked incredibly hard and is an infectious guy. We wish him all the best.”
His new manager John Herdman said: “I'm thrilled to welcome Matty to our squad.
“His Premier League experience and dynamic playing style will add depth to our midfield and complement our tactical blueprint.”
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