OPINION
What is the fascination with Newcastle United head coaches and Magpies goalkeeper Karl Darlow? Yes, he’s a decent ‘keeper, but come on now.
He has been the back up shot-stopper for some time now, and has never once threatened Martin Dubravka’s status as Newcastle’s number one. After the club announced that the Slovakian had signed a new long-term contract extension last week, surely the time is coming to give Darlow the boot?
Head coach Steve Bruce seems to think differently, though: “I’d like Karl to stay too,” he told The Chronicle. “I don’t go with ‘He is number 1 and he’s number 2’.”
First of all, who is Bruce kidding here? He doesn’t go with number ones and number twos? Care to explain why Darlow has only made one appearance, in the Carabao Cup, this season then, Steve? [Source: Transfermarkt].
Secondly, why does he want Darlow to stay? Surely that’s just prolonging mediocrity at St James’ Park. You’ve got to say that he’s making a bit of an error, here. What is the point in keeping Darlow around?
It’s not as if Newcastle have nobody else who can back Dubravka up moving forwards. Rob Elliot is a fine third choice shot-stopper, but it’s Freddie Woodman who makes keeping Darlow entirely nonsensical.
The 22-year-old has long been regarded as a future Magpies’ number one. However, his progress is being needlessly stifled by Darlow. Woodman is excelling out on loan at Championship side Swansea City this season, and it would be a huge shame for him to return to Tyneside next summer to find himself STILL behind Darlow in the pecking order.
That would only alienate the young man and could potentially push him to seek an exit from the club. With that said, why would Bruce want to keep Darlow at the club?