According to the Shields Gazette, Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has informed Jack Colback he’s been left OUT of the club’s 25-man Premier League squad for the season ahead.
Indeed, it’s a fall from grace for the 27-year-old central midfielder, who was once called up to Roy Hodgson’s England squad.
Having impressed for Sunderland, the combative engine room operator controversially crossed the Tyne-Wear divide back in the summer of 2014, when Alan Pardew brought him in on a free. While he’s largely been a first-choice since he joined, it’s fair to say Colback has far from impressed.
With Newcastle seemingly needing to sell before they can buy, the ex-England U21 man has reportedly been told he’s free to go, though his wages may be a stumbling block with surely only the Championship a realistic option for him.
Barely the most popular figure amongst supporters – despite being a boyhood fan – he often gave away needless fouls last season and the arrival of Mikel Merino on loan looks to have pushed him out the door.
So, here’s a look at how Newcastle United fans reacted on Twitter to Colback’s fall from grace.
He was awful when he played last year. Total liability !
— Scrappycoco (@Punjabiplayboy1) August 9, 2017
JACK COLBACK TO BE LEFT OUT OF OUR PREMIER LEAGUE SQUUUUAAADDDDD #NUFC pic.twitter.com/KQTGV7GMGy
— Hello, I am Nicky (@ORANGEYPURPLE) August 9, 2017
So Colback been left out Squad! Hopefully he can find a club that only passes backwards or sideways. #NUFC
— Kris. (@hoothoot81) August 9, 2017
Chronicle: Colback's set to be left out of Newcastle United's 25-man Premier League squad #nufc pic.twitter.com/kyKVebF7ag
— Matthew (@BigNumberFour) August 9, 2017
Colback leaving can only mean one thing, folks. That's right, Medhi Abeid is coming home
— Jordan (@__Stiva) August 9, 2017