Fleetwood Town boss Joey Barton has highlighted the importance of Newcastle United on his relationship with Harvey Saunders.
The Cod Army smashed Hull City 4-1 on Friday night, producing a superb performance for just a second win of the season.
The star of the show was Saunders, as he slotted home the opener before poking home Fleetwood’s third.
Saunders, 23, has taken a long path to Football League stardom, but he is now in exceptional form having hit eight goals in nine games this season.
It’s now six goals in his last three outings, with the attacker now showing that he can be a goalscoring threat in league football.
His career saw him start out at Barnard Castle before spells at Darlington Railway Athletic, Bishop Auckland, Durham City, Darlington, Ryhope Colliery Welfare and Dunston UTS.
Signed by Fleetwood in 2019, Saunders’ long path is now reaping rewards – and Newcastle United appear to be important to his relationship with Fleetwood boss Barton.
Barton has admitted to The Mirror (11/10, p68) that Saunders supports Newcastle, and having played for Newcastle himself, Barton has built up a strong relationship with his new shining star.
“Harvey’s a big Newcastle fan, so I think the fact that I played for Newcastle helped,” said Barton. “He used to have a poster of me on his bedroom wall! We’re really proud of him. He’s an embodiment of everything that’s right with football.”
“Two and a half years ago he was trying to scrap his way through non-league. He works tirelessly on improving, asking us about his diet, his sleep patterns, his gym work. That’s why he’s scoring goals!” he added.
Saunders will have seen Jamie Vardy become a Premier League star off the back of non-league excellence, and he will be aiming to do the same – no doubt with a dream move to Newcastle in mind for the future.
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