I just give everything, says Ritchie

MATT Ritchie believes the secret to his success at Newcastle has been simple: give everything.

In an interview with Bournemouth podcast Back of the Net the United wing-back spoke about adjusting to ‘football-mad’ Newcastle and why he thinks he’s won over supporters.

And he also touched on the takeover, admitting that he’s not had any contact from the club about the imminent buy out.

Ritchie was a Bournemouth favourite, helping the club move through the leagues before Rafa Benitez made an approach – seeing him as a talisman as the club attempted to bounce back from relegation.

“When I first got here I said ‘I will always give everything’,” he said.

“That has got down really well. I had good advice before I got up here, I spoke to a few lads who have played at Newcastle before and the people and the staff at the club are fantastic. All of them said to me: ‘No matter what you do Matty, as long as you give everything the people of this city will love you’ and I was lucky enough to get off to a good start in the Championship. I felt I was significant that season.

“I’ve had many bad games here but even if I’m having a bad game I continue to try and get on the ball, I continue to work hard and to try and help my teammates and as a player you can only do your best. If that isn’t enough you’ll see yourself out of the team soon enough anyway.

“It’s simple principles but it goes a long, long way with Newcastle fans for sure.

On the takeover, Ritchie said he’d been watching developments with some detachment. He said: “For me as a player you just have to focus on yourself and your teammates and be the best person and player you can be day-to-day.”