6 Youngsters Who Could Shine At Newcastle This Season

By Matt Smith / August 6, 2015

Newcastle United's development of young players is almost as bad as John Carver's ability to criticise himself and, despite the club stating that youth is an important part of their blueprint, it's time to start showing some results. The Magpies Under-21 side finished sixth in the Professional Development League (Division 2) last season - behind Arsenal and (with no disrespect intended) the likes of Middlesbrough, Derby County, West Bromwich Albion and Reading. Another failing season highlights the general lack of progression coming through the academy and is consistently piling on the pressure to find players from elsewhere in order to maintain a healthy squad depth. Haris Vuckic, Gael Bigirimana and Adam Campbell (loaned out five times and now at Notts County) were all sent on loan last season rather than being integrated into the first team. Jak Alnwick won the 'Wor Jackie Award' for the club's best youth player in 2011 yet struggled immensely during his eight senior appearances for the Magpies. Remie Streete, who was the club's best youth player the following year, was offloaded to Port Vale on a free transfer and talented winger Sammy Ameobi has signed for Cardiff on a season-long loan deal. Rolando Aarons - who signed for Newcastle when he was 16 - is the exception and, despite being released by Bristol City in 2012, the midfielder has shown real signs of progression over the past year. In fact, 18-year-old Adam Armstrong - who was awkwardly managed by Alan Pardew and John Carver and is now on loan at Coventry City - made 11 senior appearances last season but did not look fully comfortable at senior level. Changes need to be made and there needs to be a smoother transition in order for players to advance through the academy and into the first team. Here, WhatCulture.com/NUFC take a look at some of the players that could shine if they're developed correctly this season.