This week’s North East Notes include a new signing for Middlesbrough, Eddie Howe’s warning to young Newcastle star Lewis Miley, and a January struggle for a former Sunderland loanee.
The manager of Hartlepool Academy leaves for Middlesbrough.
Ian McGuckin, Hartlepool United’s academy manager, has ended his long relationship with the club and joined the coaching staff at Middlesbrough. McGuckin, who made 186 appearances for Pools and spent 17 years with the club in various roles, has now left to coach Boro’s Under-16s.
He officially departed Pools yesterday. It appears to be a good move for Boro, with McGuckin, a Teessider, leaving Pools with the best intentions of club officials. McGuckin said: “First and foremost, I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved with the club over the previous 17 years.
I’m quite proud of what I’ve accomplished individually, both playing and coaching. It’s been a while journey and one I can look back on with a great amount of pride.
“I’m most proud of the fact that we’ve nurtured so many young players. A handful of lads have signed professional contracts, which is great to see. “Over the years, the players and staff have created a terrific working environment here, and the fans have always been fantastic. I wish the club continued success in the future and hope to return to the Football League, where it truly belongs.”
In a statement, the Hartlepool board said: “We would want to thank Ian for his great contribution over the past 17 years at Hartlepool United.
“Ian has demonstrated his expertise and dedication in every capacity he has held. It’s been amazing to watch Ian grow as a coach, and he fully deserves this new chance. We wish him the best luck.”
EDDIE HOWES’ MILEY MESSAGE
From mid-November to mid-March last season, Lewis Miley appeared in 17 consecutive Premier League games for Newcastle United. The Magpies’ dependence on the teenager stemmed from their injury woes, but Eddie Howe maintained entire faith in the midfielder, who made 14 Premier League starts last season.
Miley has yet to play in the league this season due to a foot ailment sustained in pre-season. He returned to the matchday fold in the middle of last month, but was an unused substitute for four straight games before being kept out of the team against West Ham and Crystal Palace. Howe believes the 18-year-old would get more benefit from playing for the Under-21s.
He played over 80 minutes for the youngsters in Friday night’s 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace. And, while he may play more Under-21 football in the coming weeks, Howe has assured Miley that he might still play a significant role for the first team this season.
Howe stated, “I have no doubt he will get a run at some point during the season.” The main thing for Lewie is that it’s still early in his recovery from his injury, so we need to give him games.
“It’s an opportunity for him to regain his rhythm and play. I think he should play. He was injured for a while, and these games will be extremely beneficial to him.”
Leave a Reply