Matt Ritchie and Newcastle boss Eddie Howe (Picture: Getty)
Newcastle’s Matt Ritchie has left many, including his boss Eddie Howe, surprised after it was revealed that he had passed a test to become the driver of a large goods vehicle.
Ritchie, who has spent eight years at the club since his move from Bournemouth, has been a bit-part player for the Magpies over the past few seasons.
The Scot scored his first goal since 2020 against his former club Bournemouth in February but faces an uncertain future with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.
Ritchie, though, may already have a completely different career path lined up altogether after the 34-year-old passed his Category C driving licence, allowing him to legally drive lorries.
The winger passed the test at the Tyne & Wear LGV Driver Training Centre Limited who offered their congratulations on Facebook.
‘Congratulations to Newcastle United player Matt Ritchie on passing his Category C Driving licence today on his 1st attempt. Look forward to seeing you back for your Category C+E,’ the post read.
The achievement soon went viral on social media, with fans quick to joke about his future career plans. ‘When they said Ritchie might get a job as a coach I didn’t think they meant driver,’ one joked on X, formerly Twitter.
Even Howe, who has worked with Ritchie at Bournemouth and now Newcastle, admitted his surprise when he first learnt the news.
‘That’s a bizarre one,’ he said at a press conference on Friday ahead of Saturday’s match against Sheffield United.
‘That shocked me, and I think I know Matty pretty well. I found out about this, that he was learning to drive heavy goods vehicles, about a week ago.
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‘It shows his inquisitive nature, and he’s always trying to improve himself. It’s a slightly different thing and it’s a nice story to talk about.’
When asked if Ritchie could have a job as team driver next year, Howe joked: ‘I think he might be a bit expensive for us.’
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