The North Eastern prodigy could return to St James’ in January.
This might not have been what Rafa Benitez meant when he said he wanted to introduce players who could offer something ‘different’ to his squad in January, per The Chronicle, but Alex Gilliead would certainly provide something Newcastle United have been lacking for some time.
As it stands, Paul Dummett and Jack Colback are the only Tyneside-born members of The Magpies squad. And to say they aren’t exactly ‘fans favourites’ is an understatement.
However, 20-year-old winger Gilliead, reared in County Durham and a Newcastle player since the age of 15, could add some local pride to a team largely made up of foreign imports and summer signings. For an area with such proud footballing traditions, the inability to roar ‘he’s one of our own’ at a beloved homegrown hero must surely rankle.
Gilliead has thrived on loan at Luton Town this season, so much so that the League Two title-challengers are desperate to extend his stay beyond January 7th but, with Christian Atsu departing for the African Cup of Nations and Sammy Ameobi’s future uncertain, the England under-20 international could be given an opportunity in the coming weeks.
Benitez needs a winger and what better way to raise the spirits after a difficult run than giving a talented, locally raised youngster the chance to step onto the hallowed St James’ Park turf.
Gilliead’s electric performances in League Two suggests he is worth a shot.
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