Newcastle United journalist Liam Kennedy has given his thoughts on Paul Dummett and his future at Newcastle United.
The 30-year-old has been a long-standing servant for Newcastle, racking up more than 200 appearances since at St. James’ Park. However, his time at the club has been blighted with a seemingly endless array of injuries, with the most recent one preventing him from making a single appearance so far this season.
Speaking on the latest edition of NUFC Matters, Kennedy discussed the Welshman’s future at the club, and argued that whilst he is possibly someone that the club could use right now as they look to stay in the division, he might find himself out of the club sooner rather than later as the January window approaches, with his injury history playing a major part in that.
He said: “I think there’s probably going to be four or five players who’d be worried about whether they’re going to have a squad number moving forward, Paul Dummett could be one.
“I like Paul Dummett, but can Newcastle United carry one of their 25-man squad, season after season, where the guy plays maybe 20 games a season, maximum. Can you really carry that? You need a little bit more. Newcastle United in a relegation battle need a bit more. That’s no fault of the player, let’s not put the blame on the player’s shoulders, I really rate him, I think he’s quality for us.
“I think a team’s never needed a Paul Dummett more than this Newcastle United team, but they just can’t get games out of him. And I think it’s probably a situation that Eddie Howe’s gonna have to address, if not in January, probably in the summer.”
TIF Thoughts on Liam Kennedy’s comments on Paul Dummett and his future at Newcastle United…
Do you think Newcastle should part ways with Dummett?
Yes
No
Kennedy is right that it is probably time for the club to move Dummett on. Having been named in the club’s 25-man squad for this season and not appearing once so far, he is just taking up a space that the club could use for someone who can actually have an impact for the team on the pitch.
He does have a contract that expires at the end of the season, so he could still come back from his current injury and play a role in keeping them in the league, but realistically, the club would be better off simply cutting their losses and releasing him.
Financially, they can more than afford to pay Dummett off for the remainder of his contract, and at least then they could use that spot on someone who they can rely on to be more available for games going forward and help them avoid relegation.
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