Nick Pope has been announced as Newcastle United’s Player of the Month for August following a brilliant start on Tyneside after his move from Burnley – earning praise from West Ham’s Maxwel Cornet and Bruno Guimaraes.
Pope, 30, was one of four major signings made by Newcastle. Along with Matty Targett, who joined permanently from Aston Villa after a loan, record-signing Alexander Isak and long-standing target Sven Botman from French side Lille.
The England international has instantly made himself the club’s no.1. In turn, it has seen Martin Dubravka depart on a loan-to-buy deal – joining Manchester United. Pope has played six times, keeping three clean sheets, conceding six.
Three of those six were to Premier League champions Manchester City. A game in which Alan Shearer described his performance as “magnificent”. Now, he has been named as the club’s Player of the Month, and took to Instagram.
Pope announced as Newcastle Player of the Month: Bruno reacts
There were number of candidates to win the award. Bruno himself had been excellent until he picked up an injury. Allan Saint-Maximin’s end product is improving, Miguel Almiron’s work rate is undeniable. Kieran Trippier, too.
But Pope is a worthy winner and Newcastle fans can be happy in that they have a reliable stopper between the sticks. He is a certainty to be on the plane to the World Cup in Qatar as one of the three England goalkeepers this winter.
Alongside, of course, Aaron Ramsdale and Jordan Pickford. Responding to his Instagram post, new West Ham signing and ex-Burnley teammate Cornet responded – a player linked with Newcastle in the summer. Bruno also commented.
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