Newcastle United winger Cal Roberts will not be getting a new contract at the club, according to Colchester boss John McGreal.
The 21-year-old’s current deal with the Magpies expires in the summer, and the League Two manager has revealed that he will not have his stay extended despite being recalled from his loan spell.
McGreal added that Roberts was hopeful of securing a new contract with United, and that he had taken the news rather hard after appearing for them this season.
“Cal was told the other week by Newcastle that he wasn’t getting a contract. His head went a little bit to be fair because I think he was thinking that there was a possibility of him getting a contract there,” he said, as quoted by the Chronicle.
“He’s been there all his career and played for them this year. It’s been tough for Cal and he’s been away from home. He’s still got a bit of a sore ankle and he wants to get that right and I think Newcastle pulled him back to get him some training and get him into the under-23s and put a little bit into the shop window.”
OPINION
Roberts will be absolutely gutted that he will not have his stay at the club extended, just as McGreal has pointed out. His loan spell may not have gone as well as he would have wanted it to, so it was no surprise that he was recalled, as confirmed on the club’s Twitter account. He no doubt thought that being recalled was good news in terms of his contract, but as McGreal highlighted, they may want him to play for the under-23s in order to lure in some suitors for him. They obviously feel that he does not have a first team future at St James’ Park, which is a shame after the appearance he made for them in the FA Cup this season. There is potential there, but Newcastle obviously feel that is better used somewhere else. Fingers crossed that he can find a club where he can thrive, as he can become an excellent player.