‘Huge club’ – Newcastle United complete defender swoop after St James’ Park visit

Lloyd Kelly’s transfer to Newcastle United was significantly influenced by his experience at St James’ Park last season. The 25-year-old defender’s impressive performance for AFC Bournemouth left a lasting impression, ultimately leading him to join the Magpies. This article explores Kelly’s journey to Newcastle, the factors behind his decision, and his expectations under manager Eddie Howe.

Kelly’s first encounter with St James’ Park was during a thrilling match between AFC Bournemouth and Newcastle United. Playing a full 90 minutes at left-back, Kelly witnessed the electrifying atmosphere and grandeur of the stadium. Despite Bournemouth being denied a win by Matt Ritchie’s injury-time equalizer, the experience left a profound impact on Kelly.

“When we came up to play Newcastle last season, you felt the atmosphere, you saw the size of the stadium, you felt the club,” Kelly shared with NewcastleWorld. “Although I was on the opposing team, I still walked away thinking, ‘this is a big club, and this is where I want to be playing my football.’ It is definitely a huge club, and the fans are part of it.”

Another pivotal factor in Kelly’s decision to join Newcastle was the opportunity to reunite with manager Eddie Howe. Howe had previously signed Kelly for Bournemouth from Bristol City for £13 million in 2019.

Although their time together at Bournemouth was brief, with Howe leaving after the club’s relegation from the Premier League, Kelly had a strong connection with the manager.

“He played a big role,” Kelly said about Howe. “When you come into a new club, everybody is new, but in my case, it was a little bit different, and it helped me feel at ease a little bit. It helps knowing the gaffer before coming to the club, so it was a big part of my decision-making.”

Kelly has quickly adapted to the high standards demanded by Howe. The principles and expectations set by the manager are familiar to Kelly, providing a sense of continuity and confidence. “I’ve only been here a short amount of time, but the principles and how he wants people to train and play are probably the same. He always demands a high standard from his players, he wants them to work hard, and that’s what you have to buy into. Those key values are obviously the same,” Kelly explained.

As Kelly prepares for the upcoming season, he acknowledges the need to adjust to Howe’s evolving strategies. “The principles and the way he wants his team to play may have adjusted a little bit, and that’s something I’ll have to get used to for this pre-season to be able to go into the start of the season,” he noted.

Despite these adjustments, Kelly is confident in his ability to meet the manager’s expectations.

“There’s a couple of things to focus on in terms of getting up to speed with the way he wants to play, but at the same time, it’s good that I know what he expects of his players,” Kelly added. His familiarity with Howe’s coaching style and philosophy provides a solid foundation for his integration into the team.

Lloyd Kelly’s journey from an opponent at St James’ Park to a key player for Newcastle United is a testament to the club’s appeal and Eddie Howe’s influence. His memorable experience at the stadium, combined with the opportunity to work under a familiar and respected manager, made Newcastle an ideal destination.

As Kelly prepares for the new season, his commitment to meeting the high standards set by Howe will be crucial in contributing to Newcastle’s ambitions. The defender’s seamless transition and dedication to excellence promise an exciting future for both Kelly and the Magpies.