^Matt Ritchie

A tricky winger known for his deadly deliveries from wide positions, Matt has established himself as a popular player on Tyneside after arriving from AFC Bournemouth in July 2016.

The Hampshire-born player joined the academy at local side Portsmouth aged 13 and after breaking into the first team set-up, he was loaned to Dagenham and Redbridge, where he made his Football League debut in 2008.

Further loan spells to Notts County and Swindon Town followed and after ten appearances for parent club Pompey, he made a permanent switch to Swindon in January 2011.

Despite picking up the club’s Player of the Year award, the Robins were relegated to League Two but Matt’s outstanding form helped the club to bounce straight back with the title - earning him the League Two Player of the Year for 2011/12.

After a positive start to the 2012/13 campaign, Matt was snapped up by AFC Bournemouth in January and he was again named his division’s Player of the Year - this time in League One.

Achieving incredible back-to-back promotions with the Cherries, he was a Premier League player by 2015/16 and he stood out in both matches against the Magpies - scoring at St. James’ Park.

He would prove his worth in a promotion-chasing campaign once again after joining Newcastle, playing a starring role as Rafa Benítez's side won the Championship in 2017.

Matt represents Scotland at international level, qualifying through his father, Alex.

Full Name:

Matt Ritchie

Position:

Midfielder

Squad Number:

11

Nationality:

Scotland

Date of birth:

10th September 1989

Height:

172

Weight:

76

Date signed:

1st July 2016

Debut:

5 August 2016 v Fulham (A)

Previous club:

Portsmouth, Dagenham & Redbridge (loan), Notts County (loan), Swindon Town (loan), Swindon Town, AFC Bournemouth