Elliot Anderson has revealed many “homegrown” players feared their Newcastle United career was over.
An unfortunate situation resulted in the Magpies reluctantly selling Anderson to Nottingham Forest earlier this year. Newcastle struggled to meet the June 30 deadline for FFP/PSR restrictions – and almost faced a points deduction.
Toon chiefs frantically offloaded Anderson and Yankuba Minteh, their two most talented prospects. This initial acceptance from supporters turned into frustration given the lack of incomings later in the window.
Anderson has enjoyed a stellar start to life at the City Ground, with Forest sitting third after 10 games. Talk of an England call-up has been mooted – a feat that would make him the first Newcastle academy product since Andy Carroll to get the nod.
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Speaking before Newcastle’s trip to the Tricky Trees, the Whitley Bay native opened up about his shock exit. Anderson hinted at other academy players being on red alert for a potential switch and, while not naming him, Sean Longstaff, as an established Premier League player, springs to mind.
“Quite a lot of the homegrown lads knew that one of us could go,” Anderson told The Times. “A few phone calls came through when we were away (in pre-season). It’s every Geordie’s dream to play for Newcastle. To take your dream away from you is a really hard thing to do. You have to put your career first, it felt like a good move for me.
“It was a good time for a fresh start and I’ve really enjoyed it. Nottingham Forest is a huge club. I always quite liked Forest when I was a kid. I spoke to Chris Wood before I came. He’s taken me under his wing. I just wanted to be playing football, that’s what everyone wants to do. I’ve got off to a good start.”
“Obviously, it will be a bit weird playing them (Newcastle). I played them in the cup (in August). I went out there with sleeves rolled up and tried to give it a right go but seeing faces you used to be with was strange. My mum and dad will be there, my brothers and grandad will come too.”
