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Yarney hoping to follow Findlay's example
Written by Rory Mitchinson
Josef Yarney is hopeful of following in the footsteps of fellow centre-half Stuart Findlay after finalising his move to Newcastle United.
Yarney – 20 in October – links up with the Magpies after leaving Everton, where he had spent the entirety of his career so far.
He appeared for United’s Under-23s as a trialist in April, coming on as a substitute in their 2-0 win against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.
Now, with his future secured, Yarney is looking to draw inspiration from Findlay’s accomplishments last term, when the Scot – in his first season on Tyneside – was handed his first-team bow in January’s FA Cup clash with Birmingham City.
“It’s a great incentive,” he told nufc.co.uk. “To make your debut within six months – it’s something to look towards. We’ll see what happens – I’m going to work hard, and we’ll see where that takes me.
“I came up in mid-April and had a look at the club. I did a bit of training, played in the Boro game, and it felt good. Two months down the line, I’ve signed, and I’m looking forward to getting going.
“I had a couple of other offers, but nothing compared to this one – it’s the club, really, that made me come here. It’s a great club – a massive club – and they’re back in the Premier League, which was a brilliant thing to achieve.”
Born and bred on Merseyside, Yarney believes the time has come for him to “grow” – both on and off the pitch.
And, with Peter Beardsley’s side having just missed out on promotion to the Premier League 2’s top tier last year, the youngster is setting his sights high for the season ahead.
“Hopefully we can win the league. We have a couple of new lads – me being one – and hopefully we can push on,” he said. “First, it’d be good to have a solid pre-season and get into our stride.
“I’d been at Everton for 12 years – since I was eight. All of my family are in Liverpool, but there comes a time when, if you’re not getting anywhere, it’s time to move on. A great club like Newcastle were willing to see me, and here we are now.
“I feel ready for it. I’m at an age now where you have to grow, where you have to move on. Moving to Newcastle, it’s similar, and the people are similar – they are friendly, genuine people.
“All of the lads have been very welcoming. It’s been everyone’s first week back this week, and I’m feeling good. It’s been nice to get back on the ball, get my touch, and good to blow the cobwebs out.”
"I feel ready for it. I’m at an age now where you have to grow, where you have to move on. I’m going to work hard, and we’ll see where that takes me."