Newcastle United supporters have warned the club to take better care with the development of Elliot Anderson. The Magpies youngster is currently on loan with League Two side Bristol Rovers and is making quite the name for himself.
The 19-year-old has scored three times in 13 appearances for Joey Barton's side and has added some real quality to the play-off contenders. His fine form at the Memorial Stadium hasn't gone unnoticed with Eddie Howe admitting he would assess the Scottish youth international upon his return to St. James' Park.
Needless to say, the transition from League Two to the Premier League is quite the step and Newcastle fans have been quick to point that out, whilst also not denying the youngster has clear quality. The Toon Army have had very little to shout about in terms of academy prospects in the last decade or so, despite the emergence of the Longstaff brothers, very few have been able to nail down a spot in the starting XI.
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The North-East has often carried the 'hotbed' of football tag, but Newcastle have lagged behind rivals Sunderland and Middlesbrough when it comes to producing youngsters for the first team. The Magpies will be hoping the recent takeover will see investment into academy to find and nurture the best young stars from the region.
With that investment, will naturally come added pressure. Anderson's progress at Bristol Rovers has shown that the talent is there, but their development must be handled correctly.
Here's what Newcastle fans had to say about Anderson's future at St. James' Park:
MoMag said: "My only concern is the young lad going to be ready at the right time. We have all seen how teams that can afford it build from the outside, and right now we have to as the ranks haven't produced the goods over the past 10 years (we all know why and yes I include Kevin Keegan in that comment as well).
"We are potentially looking at two seasons before he is truly ready, but who is going to be brought in before then? If we are looking to bring in really quality is he going to get a shout? Deserving a shout and getting it in the current fiscal climate of the Premier League are two different things."
One user wrote: "If there’s a manager who could translate his performances in lower tier games into premiership success it’s Eddie Howe. If he done it with Joelinton he can do it with any player. I’d welcome the kid back no bother!"
The Mighty Wyn said: "Let's make Anderson the beginning of our new home grown talent school that makes it to the first team. Keep up the excellent progress in all departments Eddie, well done to all the staff."
Johnny Vintis said: "People need to look at Foden to see that it has to be a gradual inclusion. There will be a load of people demanding he plays every game because he’s done well for Bristol."
