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Loanee Sean’s never short of advice
SPORTING advice is on tap for Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff and now he´s adding something even more valuable to his game – senior match experience.
The 19-year-old can pick the brains of his dad David, a former Great Britain ice hockey star, on what life as a professional sportsman is like, while former Bolton, Aston Villa and Celtic midfielder Alan Thompson is also a relation. Younger brother Matthew, 16, is, like Sean, on the Magpies’ books.
But, for all their words of wisdom, you can’t beat getting out on the pitch and playing matches as a young pro trying to make your way in the game.
Last month’s decision to join Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock on loan until the end of the season has proved an inspired choice. After making his debut in a 1-0 defeat by Hamilton Academicals in the Scottish Cup, his fortunes took a sharp upturn when he netted a 90thminute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Ross County on his league debut.
In that game, team-mate Kris Boyd scored after just 10.4 seconds, a Premiership record, but it was Longstaff who had the final word. The teenager then scored in a 1-1 draw at Hamilton to make it two goals in three senior starts.
“The Ross County game was pretty much perfect,” he said. “The fans’ reaction to that goal was unbelievably loud. I felt pure happiness, joy and relief that I’d scored – it was unbelievable.”
Longstaff is relishing every moment at Rugby Park and believes other young players should think about a switch to Scottish football if they get the chance.
Competitive
“I think I’m improving every day,” he said. “I’ve settled in really well and there are a lot of good players here. It helps when you can learn from players like Kris Boyd and Gary Dicker, and the coaching staff give you lots of tips and advice.
“I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the level and just how competitive it is. In the U23s, the result doesn’t really matter, but here you have to fight for everything. With the exception of Celtic, Rangers and Aberdeen, everyone is pretty even.
“Playing competitive games every week in front of proper crowds is a great experience.”
Longstaff also speaks highly of former Newcastle star Lee Clark, who left his role as Kilmarnock manager to take over at League One strugglers Bury in midweek. “He was a top player and it’s great to learn from people like that,” he said. “Lee’s from Newcastle, so we’ve got that in common and he would do everything he could to help you. “Though it was only for a short time, it was great to work with him and, hopefully, he’ll do really well at Bury.”
If that source of advice has been cut off, then Longstaff can look closer to home for support, notably from his father.
The 42-year-old has had a successful career in ice hockey, featuring for clubs such as the Guildford Flames, Sheffield Steelers and Newcastle Vipers.
He also earned more than 100 caps for Great Britain and had spells in Sweden and Switzerland. He’s now player-coach at his first club, Whitley Warriors.
Ultimate
“It’s his first coaching role and it means he can see us play as well,” said Longstaff. “He’s done it all and, if you need advice, you can talk to him. On the football side, dad’s cousin is Alan Thompson, so sport is in the family. They have played at a high level. “Myself and my brother never really played ice hockey. We were much better at football.” While Longstaff continues to get game time under his belt at Killie, there’s no doubt about his ultimate aim – to pull on a Newcastle first team jersey. “Being from Newcastle, it’s every young lad’s dream to walk out at St James’ Park in front of 52,000 fans,” he added. “Hopefully my loan now will help me when I go back.”