Newcastle United find themselves in unique loan situation

The loan situation at Newcastle United is very unusual.

I know everyone is really interested in possible high-profile signings with big fees.

Nevertheless, it is interesting that this distinctive loan situation has not received much attention.

Do you recall a time when Newcastle United started a season without any players being loaned out?

Right now, there are no players on loan from either the senior or youth teams.

Additionally, the lower divisions in England began their seasons a week before the Premier League, and in Scotland, they started even earlier in August. These leagues are the most probable destinations for Newcastle United players to be loaned out to, as well as clubs in mainland Europe.

Looking back, in the summer of last year, the first official loan transfer was revealed on June 12, 2023, when Yankuba Minteh moved to Feyenoord for a season on loan. This happened after Newcastle purchased him from Odense.

As of August 19, 2024, there have been no loan deals announced yet.

Nearly half a decade has passed since Newcastle United revealed Shola Ameobi as the team's 'Loan Coordinator', just days after owner Mike Ashley brought in Steve Bruce for a hefty compensation fee from Sheffield Wednesday.

The Shola Ameobi announcement included details about his position and responsibilities.

The loan coordinator is responsible for arranging, organizing, and managing the players that our club has selected to either go on loan for development or to play as part of the first-team squad.

In general, the goal is to enhance their growth, especially for players who are emerging and aiming to join the main team. It is crucial for them to gain experience in the first team and grasp the requirements for playing at that level. By effectively using the loan system, we can nurture our players and prepare them for the main team.

A recent post on The Mag raised questions about Shola Ameobi's current role at the club. It seems like he is heavily involved in PR activities and attending fan events, but it's unclear what his official job responsibilities are.

I'm not suggesting that Shola Ameobi is solely responsible for the lack of loan deals, but it does seem like there hasn't been much effort put into coordinating any recently.

Newcastle United's official statement released on June 21, 2019:

Shola Ameobi appointed as Loan Coordinator

Shola Ameobi is thrilled about his new role as Loan Coordinator for Newcastle United and is looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.

The recently established position includes a series of updates implemented at the Academy of the club. The ex-Newcastle forward, who has experience working with the youth teams, is focused on creating the best route for budding talent within the club.

Ameobi became a part of Newcastle's Academy system when he was 11 years old and went on to play in over 300 games for the team. Now, he is looking to leverage his playing background in his new role.

Ameobi said to nufc.co.uk: "I'm looking forward to it. This club has been a big part of my life for more than 20 years and I have been working as a coach here. It has been amazing to be a part of it for the past year or two, but now I am joining full-time in a role where my main focus will be supporting the players."

I used to be a player, so I know how tough it can be, especially when you're loaned out. I believe it's crucial to have a leader who can guide the player and the team with a plan, explaining why we use loan systems and how players can grow from these experiences.

I believe in supporting players to provide them with everything they need to succeed. I am committed to helping every player, whether they are currently playing or not. I believe that players out on loan should still receive the same level of support and I hope to be a key factor in their future success.

Young players from the Academy, including Elias Sørensen, Jamie Sterry, and Liam Gibson, went out on loan in January but ended up coming back to Newcastle earlier than expected because they weren't getting enough playing time with their loan clubs.

And Ameobi, who played for Nigeria in the 2014 World Cup, is optimistic that he can be a valuable addition to the young players as they progress towards playing in the senior team. There are several players who are close to earning a spot in the first team.

He explained that the loan coordinator's role involves arranging and organizing the players who have been selected by the club to either go on loan for their development or to gain experience by playing with the first-team squad.

In general, the aim is to enhance their growth, particularly when dealing with up-and-coming players looking to make it to the top team. It is crucial for them to gain experience playing at the first-team level and to fully utilize the loan program to nurture our players who are potentially ready for the top team.

If not, we can assist them in pursuing a career in the sport because I believe that a club's success and growth depend on our ability to cultivate players who continue to play the game and have a lasting career in soccer.

In my opinion, there are specific duties that I believe are crucial in this position. One of them is to establish a successful and productive plan for deciding which players are prepared to be sent out on loan, determining their destination, and selecting the appropriate level of competition for them.

I believe it's crucial to establish a plan before we loan out young players. Each player has unique needs and it's essential to place them in the appropriate environment to foster their development.

Another significant aspect of the role will involve communicating with the player. It is crucial that the individuals being loaned out do not feel abandoned or unsupported.

"It's crucial for them to understand that they are still valued members of our team, and we dedicate equal attention to their development and success, no matter their current status or location. It's a priority for me to ensure they receive accurate information and are provided with the optimal conditions to thrive."

The Academy saw Sean Longstaff improve and move up to Newcastle's main team last season. The 21-year-old midfielder played in 13 games for the Magpies and scored his first goal in the Premier League against Burnley in February.

The Under-23 team had a great season this year, making it to the finals of the Premier League Cup and Premier League 2 division two play-offs. They also successfully defended their HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens title in May.

Ameobi explained that in the past year, they have noticed the talent within the team and that other teams are interested in their players. The club's goal is to figure out which players should move on or stay. While they have some talented players, sending them on loan may not always be the best solution.

At times, it may be more important for young players to train with the main team and gain that experience for six months. It's important to recognize this and make sure we make the right decision about whether they should be loaned out or not.

In my role, it's important for me to build trust with these players and show them we have their best interests at heart. I strive to make sure they know we are here to support them and have their backs. It's all about empathizing with how players might feel when they are sent out on loan or feel like they are not getting the attention they deserve.

I have experienced that situation before, and I know it can be tough, especially for young players who are embarking on their first loan or are still maturing mentally. The mental aspect of the game is vital, and it's all about supporting and keeping track of their personal growth.

I believe that this position will assess their performance during games as well as their mental state outside of the field. It will be important to communicate with them and support them in all aspects of their game. This is crucial because I have firsthand experience with the challenges and successes of playing on the field, as well as the mental aspect of the game.

"It is crucial for me to provide support and advice to those in need of guidance, as it is a significant aspect of my role that I aim to fulfill effectively in my job."