Kieran Trippier has announced he is leaving Newcastle United at the end of the season.

Whilst it feels like the right time, his leadership and drive will be missed come the start of the next campaign.

When Trippier signed for Newcastle in the January transfer window in 2022, there was immediate cynicism amongst the neutrals. After the PIF led Newcastle United takeover, it was assumed by them that he was signing purely for financial gain rather than to advance his career. Leaving Atletico Madrid after they had won La Liga the season prior.

Despite all the outside noise, Kieran Trippier proved in his first few weeks in a black and white shirt that he had arrived to keep Newcastle in the top-flight and be part of the project.

It was a disastrous debut for Tripper as Newcastle were knocked out of the third round of the FA Cup by League One side Cambridge United at St. James’ Park.

What followed, however, were three performances and victories that were catalysts for the club staying in the top tier. Goals against Everton and Aston Villa proving vital as Newcastle pushed on to secure a mid-table finish in his first season at...