
Newcastle United
Premier League • England
Eddie Howe recruit admits reaction to Newcastle transfer ‘hurt’ as lack of ‘credit’ still a sore point

Anthony Gordon has hit back at criticism he received after leaving Everton to join Newcastle United in the January transfer window.
The 21-year-old had been with Everton since the age of 11, making his first-team debut in December 2017. The Liverpool-born star went on to make 78 appearances for the Toffees, scoring eight goals. And it was somewhat of a surprise when Eddie Howe swooped for the midfielder during the winter window.
Eyebrows were raised when the Merseysider opted to leave his boyhood club. And the Blues failed to offer any thanks for his services after he swapped Goodison Park for the north east.
Despite being a local boy, fans had begun to question Gordon’s commitment to the Everton cause.
He was linked with a move to Chelsea last summer but remained at Everton. That appeared to turn a section of the supporters against him and he was again the subject of their ire as Frank Lampard’s reign came to an end.
And now, six weeks on from the transfer, Gordon has spoken about his exit and made his feelings on Everton clear.
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“My whole life has been at Everton,” he told Sky Sports. “I grew up at Everton, I wasn’t going out with friends and stuff when I was young, I was always in Everton.
“It has a massive place in my heart and my life, which I’ll never forget. From afar I’ll always be rooting for them, I’ll always be wishing them the best.”
Gordon hurt by Everton reaction
Newcastle United have enjoyed a superb campaign, sitting sixth in the table after 24 games. And it is testament to how far they have come that there is frustration over their current form.
The Tynesiders have won just one top-flight game in eight attempts, taking eight points during that run. They also lost the Carabao Cup final to Manchester United despite a spirited effort at Wembley.
Goals have dried up but they still have an opportunity to finish in the top four with a late-season rally.
The hope is that Gordon will help them achieve their aims and he has four league appearances for Newcastle under his belt.
However, it seems as though his Everton exit is still raw, with Gordon confessing that his treatment by the Toffees hurt.
“Yeah it did, I’m not going to lie to you,” he added. “You know, I’m a 22-year-old lad, I’m not going to handle every situation in life perfectly.
“But as a club with thousands of people working for them, I think the effort I gave them last year, I was a massive part in keeping the club up.
“I won players’ player and manager’s player of the year, so for them to not even show me any credit or thank me, it hurt me a little bit.”
Newcastle’s attempt to get back to winning ways continues on Sunday when they entertain Wolves.
The West Midlanders have put some daylight between themselves and the bottom three in recent weeks.
Julen Lopetegui has led them to four wins and a draw from their last eight games. And they will provide Newcastle with another stiff test.
Gordon is likely to play some part and will hope to further prove that his move to Tyneside was the correct decision.