Newcastle United striker Lewis McNall has confirmed that he is set to leave the club this summer after coming through the youth ranks at St James’ Park.
The promising 20-year-old was born in Gateshead and has been on the Magpies’ books for 13 years, going all the way to play for the under-23 side 15 times.
Taking to his personal Twitter account, McNall was left waving goodbye to what he called a “nightmare 12 months” after a serious injury blow left him sitting on the sidelines all season, while confirming he would be leaving the Magpies to pursue a new challenge.
End of a nightmare 12 months, being out all season with a knee injury and my 13 year journey with NUFC came to an end. Now fully recovered, rehabilitation complete and back to full fitness , ready for what new opportunities come. Bring on pre season ?
— lewismcnall (@mcnall_lewis) May 16, 2019
The Chronicle report that the decision to let him leave is a surprise, having been a popular and well thought of player.
Opinion
Newcastle’s youth development record is nothing short of atrocious, with the emergence of Sean Longstaff this season the first notable breakthrough since the likes of Sammy Ameobi or even current first team ace Paul Dummett. At 20-years-old, McNall is still a promising youngster who could go to make a name for himself but it seems the club are not willing to take a gamble after injury stunted his fledgling career for the last year. He is at one of the most important stages of his career and it is cruel to be sidelined for so long – there are some players out there who will not miss as much game time through their entire careers through injury as he has. If he is as highly thought of at Newcastle as suggested, then they will no doubt be doing what they can to find him a move which can help him reach the highest possible level.