Anthony Gordon flattered but head not turned

I can’t wait for this Newcastle United star man to be back on Tyneside, I’m talking about one of the most talented, likeable and intelligent lads that we have brought to Newcastle United in many a year, Anthony Gordon.

I have been disappointed with the Liverpool links and at first thought it was just more mischief-making by the Septic Six’s acolytes in the media.

I think Anthony Gordon will have been flattered but not necessarily have had his head completely turned, as some have tried to indicate.

What I have no doubt about though, is that his teammates in the England squad, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez, will have been in his ear.

It’s hard to believe that it’s still not even 18 months since United signed Anthony Gordon from Everton.

I don’t think anyone has yet forgotten the tumultuous and unsavoury run-up to Gordon’s Goodison Park exit.

After feeling badly done to (to put it quite mildly), Anthony Gordon claimed by the media to have not turned up for training in order to force a move. However, at the same time, it became clear that Everton was actively trying to sell Gordon in order to belatedly try and help get within PSR limits. The reality is probably a case of all parties wanting the move to happen but not all of them wanting to publicly acknowledge that, the player’s situation with the Everton fans had also become untenable as the local lad was made scapegoat by many for the team and club’s wider problems.

The self-proclaimed ‘People’s Club’ also hardly helped the situation when then announced his departure in a totally undignified manner.

So much has happened since.

When Anthony Gordon arrived on Tyneside he wasn’t up to speed, or as fit as the rest of our players.

Eddie Howe and his staff protected him and he was eased into the Toon set-up. He scored his first goal for Newcastle United in a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on the last day of the season.

He then went into the Euro under-21s finals in a good place and one hell of a lot fitter than he’d ever been.

England actually went and won something for a change, Anthony Gordon was deservedly awarded the Player of the Tournament.

He has just had an outstanding first full season at St James’ Park and has become a firm fan favourite. Any doubters that there were, have been well and truly won over.

Anthony Gordon has also improved his finishing and his 12 goals last season included winning strikes in 1-0 victories over Arsenal and Manchester United.

I believe that all of this recent speculation will probably now blow over, and that Anthony Gordon will appreciate the TLC that he will receive when he’s back home on Tyneside.

In the Netflix documentary, Amanda Staveley said that the Gordon deal from Everton was one that they really wanted done.

It would absolutely do my napper in if Anthony Gordon was just allowed to become another Flash in the Pan at Gallowgate, and ends up ‘Waiting for a Train’ back to Merseyside.

That song was a hit in the early summer of 1983 and a few months later I was watching Keegan, Waddle and Beardsley.

They were probably the finest front three that I have ever seen play together in my lifetime.

I want Anthony Gordon to stay and be a part of a new dynamic United three in the years to come. Then we may just get our hands on the long-awaited silverware we all crave.