You can’t accuse Stoke City’s Jon Walters of lacking desire – unlike so many Newcastle United players in recent seasons.
Newcastle United manager John Carver was left seething after Phil Neville claimed on Match of the Day that club’s players had swapped their football boots for flip-flops during the final weeks of the 2014-2015 season, as reported by The BBC.
Yet, with Newcastle plummeting down the table after a run of six defeats in seven games, it was difficult to disagree with Neville’s point. Work-rate was non-existent, desire conspicuous by its absence. Newcastle were sleepwalking towards relegation and, in the end, only survived by virtue of a final day win against West Ham.
And an almost identical scenario repeated itself last season too, with key players like Moussa Sissoko, Georginio Wijnaldum and Daryl Janmaat doing virtually nothing to prevent the club tumbling into the second tier.
Though while far too many individuals earning a decent living from Newcastle United football club have been accused of lacking any sort of heart or emotional connection in recent seasons, the same charge could not be levelled at Jon Walters.
A man for all seasons
The Telegraph reports that the Irishman could leave Stoke City after seven years of the club due to a lack of opportunities under manager Mark Hughes this season – and Newcastle could be his destination.
At 33 years of age, and with just 43 goals in 226 Premier League appearances, Walters is hardly a target that will get Newcastle fans dreaming of challenging for the Europa League in their first season back in the big time.
However, Walters provides something so many Newcastle players have lacked in recent seasons – desire, commitment and a tireless work ethic. Chasing lost causes like a wily terrier after a tennis ball and wearing his heart on his sleeve, the veteran forward could prove a huge hit at St James’ Park.
And there’s little chance you’ll see him in flip flops.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
