Jonjo Shelvey enjoyed an eventful seven-year career at Newcastle United. There were lows but also a lot of highs that will live long in the memory of supporters.
A tough, no-nonsense midfielder with a knack for producing the spectacular, whether that be a pass or a goal, Shelvey was tailor-made for St James’ Park. The 30-year-old spent the bulk of his career on Tyneside and leaves with the full support of the Toon faithful.
A relegation battle awaits at Forest, a scenario Shelvey is accustomed to having helped Newcastle stay afloat for five consecutive seasons. Had he played two more games for the Magpies, the midfielder would have triggered a one-year extension.
READ MORE: Newcastle have 'point to prove' in Sunderland derby after handball equaliser at St James' Park
But the lure of first-team football proved too much for Shelvey and Newcastle must bid farewell to one of their longest-serving players. ChronicleLive has relived his six most memorable moments in a black-and-white shirt. Don't forget to add your own memories in the comments below...
THAT debut pass
Shelvey made an instant impression on his Newcastle debut by slotting in a 40-yard diagonal ball to Daryl Janmaat. The Magpies had been missing a creative spark in midfield ever since Yohan Cabaye left two years earlier.
It took just 14 minutes for Shelvey to make an impact, switching the ball to Janmaat who cut across to Gini Wijnaldum for a simple finish. Newcastle would win the game 2-1 and grind out a vital victory to move one clear of the relegation zone.
Brighton screamer
A spectacular first goal for Newcastle came against Brighton at St James’ Park. A 25-yard free-kick gave Toon supporters a glimpse of what Shelvey could produce from distance, with David Stockdale hapless between the sticks.
Three wins on the bounce propelled the Magpies into the play-off positions and, as we all know, the title was secured on the final day in May…
Loftus Road demolition
Arguably Shelvey’s finest performance in a Newcastle shirt came in September 2016, when United ripped Queens Park Rangers apart in their own backyard. A 6-0 rout in the capital sent a warning to the rest of the division that Rafa Benitez meant business.
Shelvey scored twice, with his second a spectacular curling effort into the top corner. He didn’t do tap-ins, did he?
Last-gasp hero
Toon supporters could not believe their luck when Kevin De Bruyne rattled in a raker with eight minutes to spare. His screamer sent the away end into raptures but Newcastle, and Shelvey, were not out of it yet…
In the 88th minute, the Toon midfielder produced his own moment of magic from outside the area to rescue a point. Remarkably, and perhaps embarrassingly, Shelvey would finish the season as top scorer in the league that year, with six goals.
VAR opportunist
Six days after the City game, Shelvey was at it again but, this time, required a slice of luck…
Andy Carroll’s flick-on found Shelvey and the linesman immediately put his flag up for offside. Nobody else but the Newcastle man appeared to be playing as he charged the full length of Sheffield United’s half.
A simple finish resulted in boos around Bramall Lane but, following a VAR check, the goal was given. Good fortune? Possibly. Some would prefer to call it genius.
The turning point
If Brighton in 2016 was his best performance, Leeds United away in January 2022 was his finest hour. Newcastle, winning just one game all season, were in the mire.
Despite playing a game more, the Magpies were two points adrift from safety and bereft of confidence. They travelled to Elland Road as underdogs knowing a defeat could prove fatal.
Up stepped Jonjo Shelvey.
An admittedly scruffy free-kick found its way past Illan Meslier and into the bottom corner. Jubilant scenes from the travelling Toon supporters captured the moment Newcastle’s season transformed. Howe would eventually inspire a stunning end to the season, with United finishing 14 points clear of the bottom three.
What are your favourite Jonjo Shelvey memories? Let us know and join the conversation in the comments below...
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