10 February 2023 , 22:30
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Jonjo Shelvey will be forever thankful for the seven years he spent at Newcastle United.
And to Eddie Howe for granting his wish to leave - against the Magpie manager’s initial judgement. Shelvey, 30, is sat in his new surroundings at Nottingham Forest. At ease with himself and his decision to leave St James’s Park.
But most of all - with respect for his former boss - who he believes has allowed him to play football for Steve Cooper. “Eddie said: ‘No,’ when I first asked about moving,” said the 30-year-old midfielder, “so I pleaded with him. He said he would sleep on it.
"He said he would only let me go if they could get one in. I said I needed a fresh start and put my points across. The next day, he pulled me and said that he had granted my wish. I asked him why and he just said: ‘I won’t stand in your way of happiness'."
Shelvey really did ride the roller-coaster on Tyneside. Relegation, promotion then year after year of circling the Premier League plughole before the Saudi takeover and the surge upwards under Howe.
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It came to a head when the ex-Toon man walked around the famous old stadium during the interval during their Carabao Cup semi-final against Southampton.
He said: “Leaving was emotional. It probably didn’t affect me as much as it affected my family because they were settled up there. It was a hard one to take. I’d been there seven years. Having to just get up and go, basically, was difficult.
Eddie Howe didn't initially want Shelvey to leave (Stu Forster/Getty Images)“But it was a decision I made for football reasons. Everyone who knows me knows I love playing. And it’s been tough. I knew I needed a fresh start.
“I’m not really an emotional person but the kids were a bit upset and the missus was crying when I was walking around the pitch but it’s part and parcel of football at the end of the day.
“That club now from when I walked in is massively different. I went to Newcastle when they were struggling. We ended up getting relegated that year. But when the new owners took over, they really made a mark.
“I remember watching the news on television and the city centre was rammed - packed - you couldn’t drive into it. Not then, nor for about one week afterwards - everyone was absolutely steaming. And the manager, personally, was brilliant for me.
“Eddie spends a lot of time on the training pitch. You’re out on the training pitch for two-to-two-and-a-half hours. You do individual reviews so you’re constantly working on your game.
“You go home and think about your sessions, clips. I see a lot in Eddie that I’ve seen in Steve Cooper. They’re both young, exciting, up-and-coming managers and they’ve both done so well so far in their careers.”
Shelvey needed to feel wanted again. New arrivals may have pushed him down the pecking order and, having been established in the Premier League and now the wrong side of 30 with over a decade in the top-flight, he decided the time was right to move on.
Jonjo Shelvey moved to Nottingham Forest (CameraSport via Getty Images)“Newcastle are on the up - massively - but then so is this club,” he said, “I’d heard great things about the manager here and he’s been brilliant. He’s very detailed.
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“Eddie Howe had a lot of positive things to say about Steve when I spoke to him about it. I’ve had four or five sessions now. I’ve really enjoyed the training.
“He has a lot of meeetings, which is normal. He will pull you in for a chat, too, but he’s really hands-on. That works well for me. I’m here and I’m 100 per cent Forest now. Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest are two great clubs. Two great cities. I wore that black and white shirt with pride and I will wear this one with pride too.”