Lewis Cass newcastle united
Newcastle United Under-23 coach Chris Hogg believes the “noise levels” generated by Geordie fans at Doncaster Rovers plays a huge part in the development of younger players. Steve Bruce handed senior debuts to midfielder Jack Young and teenager Matt Bondswell at the Keepmoat Stadium while there were further appearances for Kell Watts and goalkeeper Dan Langley. Hogg oversaw the progress of Young, Bondswell, McEntee and Thompson who travelled north to Darlington after Friday’s game at Doncaster to feature in the Under-23 side’s 3-1 win at Blackwell Meadows.
Chriss Hogg said: “We had four with the first-team and I think they have shown outstanding attitudes to come and be involved. That is the level of their attitude throughout pre-season. The lads who were involved on Friday night, the ones that got on the pitch, and even the ones who never, they saw the noise levels created by the fans. It is something that’s invaluable for them. It’s something we can’t give them. Now they can utilise it and build that confidence which hopefully it gives the rest of the group confidence that things can develop.”
Hogg was able to hand 22 players a run out in the game against the Vanarama League side but feels that his squad could change at any time. Indeed, half a dozen or so players are in contention for loan exits to EFL clubs while Bruce may decide to keep one or two around the senior squad. Hogg is integrating summer arrivals such as Remi Savage, Charlie Wiggett and Cameron Ferguson while Bondswell is also in the first few months of his United career.
Chris Hogg reflected: “Who knows at football clubs? I think with the transient age group of Under-23s you never know. One thing for sure is once we’ve started back and had new recruits, it has been a really good environment to work. There’s a real positive energy and a real kind of healthy competition for places and within training. Hopefully whoever is in the squad when the season starts can push on.”
The positive signs at Darlington in the 3-1 win were there for all to see although the Quakers made Newcastle work for their win.
Chris Hogg said: “We spoke a lot about the process of pre-season and what we are trying to achieve. It was two 11s really and it can be hard to get a rhythm in those type of games sometimes. But for what we’re looking for and the approach the players showed, they were full of commitment and effort. I thought they gave a good account of themselves. It’s great coming to places like Darlington to play games. Knowing Alun Armstrong as well and the type of football he plays, I knew it would be a good game.”
Pre-season continues on Saturday for Newcastle’s youngsters with a trip to the International Stadium to face Mike Williamson’s Gateshead before games at Blyth Spartans and Liverpool.
Chris Hogg added: “It’s why we look for these type of games. We have Gateshead again on Saturday then Blyth Spartans before finishing away to Liverpool. These type of games are invaluable for players learning, and they are a different environment too. You will face different styles of football and different players. Credit to Darlo they played some nice football and had a good mix which gave our lads a good test and exactly what we’re looking for.”
