Former Newcastle United defender Matt Targett has revealed details about his "challenging" period at the club following his return to the Premier League. The left-back will be featuring in the top division this season after completing a move to newly-promoted Hull City.
Targett joins the Tigers having been defeated by them in the play-off final while on loan with Middlesbrough. The 31-year-old will provide vital Premier League know-how to his new team, having departed the Magpies this summer when his deal expired.
Difficult final seasons at St James' Park
Targett acknowledges he cherished his time on Tyneside, despite slipping down the hierarchy in his final couple of seasons, but admits he found things 'demanding' latterly after enduring several injuries that hampered his chances of returning to Eddie Howe's thinking.
"It was really tough," he said. "When I first joined, we were in a relegation battle, and then we ended up staying up comfortably, and then the season after, the progression just went through the roof."
"We ended up qualifying for the Champions League, and then two really bad injuries that kind of set me back quite a lot, and the team just kept progressing, so for me personally, it was really difficult to get in."
"As a club, as a city, as a whole football team, the fan base, everything, it was incredible to see the support that they showed us, and how well the team did for them."
Initial success and limited opportunities
Targett was amongst Howe's initial acquisitions in the January transfer window following the manager's arrival and PIF's takeover of the club. Initially brought in on loan from Aston Villa, he played a crucial part in helping United stave off relegation before securing his permanent switch for £13million.
However, the defender managed just another 22 outings over the subsequent four years for the Magpies, despite featuring in several Champions League matches, as injuries and Howe's tactical preference for first Dan Burn and later Lewis Hall at left-back limited his opportunities.
Backing for Eddie Howe as England manager
He confesses he was stunned to witness his former manager depart the club after five years at the helm, but is confident he will recover - and reckons he would be an ideal candidate for England.
"Yeah, I was surprised Howe left," Targett added. "Really good, a great coach, very hands-on, likes to take the day sessions, really demanding, speaks really well."
"He was a really good manager. In my view, potentially the next England manager, he's that good. I think he just improves every player that he works with. He's very demanding; he has a certain way of playing, so yeah, I think it's a perfect fit, especially with the current England team. I think he would do amazing."
