Kieran Trippier has played his last ever match at St James’ Park for Newcastle United.
An emotional one.
The script had been written and thankfully this was one of the days when the participants pretty much stuck to it.
We all knew the Wor Flags tribute would be top notch and it was.
Kieran Trippier played well, as did Newcastle United overall. A home win, three points and even the weather behaved, sunshine on Tyneside.
Kieran Trippier, speaking to BBC Match of the Day and reflecting on his final matchday at St James’ Park with NUFC: “The most important thing today was the win, of course it was, we need to start getting wins fast. West Ham were fighting for different reasons. My last ever game at St James’ Park, so it was emotional, especially more so now, my children were here and the supporters were fantastic. Like I do in every game since I joined the club I always try to do my best. it doesn’t always happen, but I am an honest guy and player. The first half we did very well. Most games this season we have started the second half slowly but the most important thing was the three points.”
The England international signed for Newcastle United on 7 January 2022, the first ever Eddie Howe signing for NUFC. The pair reunited, Eddie Howe having previously signed Kieran Trippier from Manchester City when he was manager of Burnley.
The then 31-year-old had only months earlier won the Spanish League with Atletico Madrid and then named in the La Liga team of the 2020/21 season. That swiftly followed by helping England to the final of the 2020 Euros (delayed by a year due to Covid), playing well in the final and providing the assist in the second minute for the England goal from Shaw, only for Italy to equalise and eventually win on penalties.
With Newcastle United deep in relegation trouble, so many outsiders claiming that Kieran Trippier was only coming for money and would stroll through his time at St James’ Park as a kind of semi-retirement taking it easy.
The reality of course has proved very different.
An inspirational figure on and off the pitch, Kieran Trippier giving a magnificent four and a half years to Newcastle United and the supporters.
Kieran Trippier asked about the reception he got from the Newcastle United fans on Sunday: “Bruno [Guimaraes] was top. He is captain but he wanted me to lead the team out. It was a bit emotional before I walked out. My oldest son is 10 and he could see all the pictures of me on the other side [behind the goal], and he understands more. I had my three children with me and they all noticed the flags. You have to try to be professional and focus on the game at hand.”
Kieran Trippier signing off with: “I would just like to thank the fans for everything they’ve done for me since I’ve been at the club. They supported me through good performances and bad performances, unbelievable people. A great city.”
To reciprocate that, our thanks to Kieran Trippier who has been unbelievable for Newcastle United, a great player.