Newcastle United: Joe White can be 'big part' of future

The Carlisle-born midfielder has made strides following a loan spell at Crewe Alexandra, Howe says.

White, 21, made his first-team debut for the Magpies last month in their Premier League draw with Bournemouth and on Monday night got another outing as a substitute in their 3-2 defeat at Chelsea.

Having spent the first half of the season in League Two, he is now around the Newcastle senior squad and Howe has high hopes for the young Cumbrian.

“Joe’s training with us every day and he’s working on lots of different aspects of his game,” said Howe.

“He’s improving. I’m really pleased with him. I’ve seen a big, big improvement, and a big step forward after his loan spell.

“I think it was a really productive time in his career.

“I’m hopeful that this spell with us can be equally productive and he can be a big part of our future.”

Crewe wanted to keep White for the season after his impressive 25-game spell for the Railwaymen in the first half of 2023/24.

Joe White, right, aged six, playing for Harraby in 2009 (Image: Stewart Blair)

But a series of injuries at Newcastle led White to keep him at St James’ Park for the rest of the campaign.

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And White, after being named among the substitutes after his return to the Magpies, came off the bench in the closing stages of the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth in front of 52,224 fans.

The former England youth midfielder, who was in Carlisle’s academy before joining Newcastle in his teens, described his debut as a “dream”.

He was back in the squad last night and was brought on by Howe in the 81st minute at Stamford Bridge.

White has clocked up three loan spells in his young career, having been out to Hartlepool United and Exeter City prior to this season’s stint with Crewe.

He is the grandson of the former Carlisle United player, coach and physio and ex-Workington Reds manager Peter Hampton.