Newcastle United say goodbye to left-back after free transfer exit confirmed
Newcastle United have said farewell to left-back Matt Bondswell after three years at St James’ Park.
The former Nottingham Forest youngster leaves Tyneside without making a competitive first-team appearance having impressed on pre-season 2022, particularly in a 3-2 defeat to Benfica in the Eusebio Cup when drafted in at the last minute. Bondswell’s arrival sparked excitement at Newcastle in 2021 when they signed the highly-rated defender from RB Leipzig.
But Bondswell’s Newcastle exit has been sanctioned after two loan spells at Newport County and Shrewsbury plus a handful of appearances in the EFL Trophy. The 22-year-old was not offered a new deal by Newcastle.
Bondswell said on X: “My time at Newcastle has come to an end. I’ll be leaving with many great memories and I want to thank everyone who has been a part of that so thank you to the fans for your support, it’s been an honour to be able to wear the black and white shirt in front of you.”
After he was not afforded a chance at Shrewsbury, Bondswell had admitted that particular move was a learning curve. He said in summer 2002 to Chronicle Live: “Nobody guaranteed a place in any eleven. It doesn’t matter whether you are the best player in the world or an up and coming youngster. I have definitely learned a lot and I’d say I am in a much better position now than I was when I was sent to Shrewsbury.”
But after three years to impress both Academy staff and those at the first-team base, it has been decided it will be pastures new for Bondswell. Bondswell joins a list of Amadou Diallo, Michael Ndiweni and Dylan Stephenson who will be departing this summer.
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