‘It’s good to have local lads in the team’
PAUL DUMMETT HAS TOUGH COMPETITION FOR A FIRST TEAM PLACE... BUT HE’S RELISHING THE CHALLENGE
“I WAS saying to Matty, it makes mine look rubbish to be fair,” Paul Dummett says with a little chuckle to himself.
On a windy day at Newcastle East End FC where he’s promoting grassroots football, the United defender revealed the first thing he said to the younger Longstaff brother after the teenager hit the winner against Manchester United.
Having scored on his own home debut back in October 2013, Dummett knows all about the joy of scoring that first goal for your boyhood club.
“I said [to him] you were 19, I was 22, you scored the winner against Manchester United, I scored to make it 2-1 but we drew, and you got man of the match!’ “So for him that was phenomenal. “At same time for me looking back I probably felt the same as he would have; he said he couldn’t describe the feeling of scoring that goal, it happened so quick.
“He deserved the chance he got. “Playing that game, I would have the same feel as him growing up being a Newcastle fan, scoring the first goal at the Gallowgate End was a special moment and one I’ll never forget.”
Dummett has often been the lone Geordie in the side since his home debut in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool with fans longing for a stronger homegrown contingent in the side.
The victory over Manchester United saw three Geordies on the pitch – Andy Carroll joining the Longstaffs, with Dummett on the bench.
As a Newcastle fan himself, Dummett is pleased to see it.
“In my time in the first team we haven’t had so many Geordies, so it is nice to have a few involved.
“Obviously bringing Andy back and then them two coming through it’s good to have a few local lads in the team and it shows there’s talent in the area.
“The manager has to take a bit of credit for giving Matty the chance because there were other players that you could have easily played in that game on Sunday, but Matty has repaid the faith manager put in him to play him and credit to both of them for the way it was handled.”
The partnership of the Longstaffs
under the lights at St James’ Park tied in nicely with the launch of GiveToLocal UK, a new initiative that is looking to put an £5million in grassroots football.
Dummett joined Rob Elliot and Mike Williamson at the event, with the leftback knowing the route through the ranks can be tough. Having started out at Redhouse Farm knocking in the goals as a striker, he eventually signed for Newcastle as a teenager, and his journey through grassroots means he’s always keen to back anything that can help youngsters make it.
“I think everyone knows grassroots football is always a tough thing to get people to sponsor, to put money into buy strips, to buy equipment for these kind of clubs.
“So it is going to be a good thing that it’s a cheaper alternative to pay monthly to support grassroots football.
“There’s so many clubs around the area and there’s so many kids who play football – so hopefully that can support them in any way they can to make sure that they get everything they need.”
But even with the funding, making it in the professional game is no easy task – even breaking into the first team like Matty and Sean have, only the first step to a successful career with a lot of hard work ahead.
Dummett has been through that – going on loan to Gateshead to gain important experience – so what advice does he have for Matty? “We spoke a little bit in the change rooms about certain things and I just said you know everyone knows that he’s out of contract at the end of the season so he’s got to make his own decision on what he wants to do. “Obviously he’s a Newcastle fan. “I’m sure he’ll want to stay in Newcastle for many years and play a lot of games, the same as what his brother will want to do.
“All Geordies grew up wanting to play for Newcastle so they will be the same as anyone else and will be desperate to stay here as a local player and play a lot of games.
“It’s a tough one [to make it]. “There’s a lot of players in the past who have played one game, maybe up to 10 games and never played anymore – but he’s got a good family around him and his brother is the same.
“As long as he keeps his feet on the ground and keeps doing what has got him to the position he’s in – which will be a lot of hard work and dedication.
“You saw in the game on Sunday, they both ran the most of anyone on the pitch – so as long as he carries on playing the way he is best, he will make a good career in Newcastle and hopefully we can keep them for many years to come.”
All Geordies grow up wanting to play for Newcastle so they will be the same as anyone else Paul Dummett