Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall has now opened up about his ‘frustrating’ first year at St James’ Park.
The 19-year-old is now definitely going to become a permanent Newcastle United player this summer, after the Magpies beat Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 on Saturday. The result means that Eddie Howe‘s side will not finish 15th or lower, which was the requirement needed to trigger Newcastle’s obligation to buy Lewis Hall.
Conclusion of the deal comes at a time when he is playing more than ever in black and white, having endured a frustrating start to life on Tyneside. The teenager was barely used during his first few months with the club, and the appearances he did make were nothing to write home about.
Eddie Howe was reluctant to rely on Hall, unconvinced by his defensive abilities at Premier League level. But the Toon boss has been forced to turn to the youngster in recent weeks, and Hall has shown real signs of development.
He was outstanding in the win over West Ham United, while he held his own during the draw with Everton. That game earlier this month saw Hall make his first start since November.
It has been a tough start as a Newcastle United player for Hall, and he has now given his honest verdict on how it has gone as we head into the final six games.
Lewis Hall addresses his first season as a Newcastle United player
Following Newcastle’s win over Tottenham, Hall spoke to the Chronicle. He addressed his frustrations at not playing, before looking at how he has improved since working with Eddie Howe and his coaching staff.
“It was a mixture of everything,” he said.
“It was obviously frustrating not playing. It is not like I have not been doing anything, I have been working really hard behind the scenes. All the coaches and players have helped me so much and made me feel part of it.
“I feel like I have improved certain aspects of my game quite a lot. I am hoping now towards the end of the season I can continue to show my abilities and what I have improved on, to help the team.”
Big pre-season ahead for Lewis Hall at Newcastle
Hall has been frustrated by his lack of minutes, as any professional footballer would be. But, as he says, he has been working hard behind the scenes to grow and develop into a better player, and someone who can have a very bright future at St James’ Park.
That is the thing with Hall. He was signed for the future, rather than the present. But the deal to sign him has had a greater spotlight on him given Sandro Tonali’s ban and Harvey Barnes’ lengthy injury layoff.
This has been a really tough campaign for Newcastle, but things have looked a lot brighter in recent weeks. And that has also been the case for Hall. He has received more minutes, and has looked much more comfortable.
He is now hoping to end the season strongly, ahead of what will be a very important pre-season. It has been reported that Newcastle want to sign a left-back this summer, but Hall will be eager to prove that the position should belong to him.
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