Newcastle United U21s were beaten on home turf by Aston Villa in their return to Premier League 2 action. Goals from Josh Feeney and Declan Frith either side of the break condemned the hosts to a 2-0 defeat at Whitley Park on Monday night.
It was the young Magpies first match since the departure of former boss Elliott Dickman, with Ben Dawson assuming interim charge. The hosts were also without a host of regular starters, with captain Alex Murphy, Jude Smith, Jay Turner-Cooke and wonderkid Lewis Miley among those absent.
The hosts made a bright start, but found themselves under pressure once Feeney curled the visitors ahead. Frith then pounced on a poor backpass shortly after the restart to double the advantage, and here are three things we learned from Newcastle U21s defeat to Villa.
READ MORE: Newcastle United U21s 0-2 Aston Villa U21s highlights
Appointment needed
Eddie Howe has described Newcastle's upcoming appointment of Dickman's successor as a 'key' decision, backing the hierarchy to make the 'right call'. For now, it is Dawson who leads the team with the assistance of Neil Winskill.
There were positives to take from the performance despite the result, although Newcastle were once again punished for sloppy play at the back. However, January will already be an unsettling time for certain members of the squad, and this is now matched by uncertainty in the dugout.
Newcastle's academy has undergone a recent revamp, and the process to bring in the right candidate must not be rushed. The Magpies' selection of the likes of Dan Ashworth and Darren Eales proves the owners are prepared to wait for the ideal applicant.
However, Dickman's departure undoubtedly comes at a tricky time for Newcastle to negotiate. The U21s have three further matches to negotiate before the end of the month, including a second Tyne-Wear derby of the season.
Encouraging auditions
Dawson's first teamsheet of his interim spell in charge contained a few surprise omissions. Jay Turner-Cooke missed out with a minor back injury, while Alex Murphy and Jude Smith were not included due to personal reasons and illness respectively.
Joe White's loan to Exeter City and Lewis Miley's call-up for England under-17s gave the Magpies lineup an unfamiliar feel. Recent recurits Jordan Hackett and Amadou Diallo both impressed, with neither earning regular starts so far.
The pair combined to good effect on several occasions in the opening period, with both coming close to providing Dylan Stephenson with a tap-in. Diallo in particular proved to Newcastle's best attacking outlet in the contest, using his explosive pace well to find space to deliver from out wide.
Even as time ran out and hopes of a comeback dwindled, it was the left flank which proved the Magpies' best avenue of a goal. The return of the younger Miley brother from international duty should see the teenager resume his role on the left flank, but Dawson will have been given plenty of food for thought by the displays from Diallo and Hackett.
Loan questions
There were a number of reasons which led to this being a different Newcastle U21s lineup to usual. However, it is one that perhaps may form the basis of the team for the remainder of the season.
White has already sealed his move away, and reports suggest his midfield partner could soon follow him in securing a loan. Turner-Cooke is another to impress Howe, with reports suggesting the Magpies have already fielded enquiries for the 19-year-old.
Murphy and Smith quickly impressed following their summer arrivals, although a full season in the academy setup would likely be the preferred option. The contract status of many within the squad could also open the door for temporary exits to garner interest ahead of summer exits.
Loans coordinator Shola Ameobi has already been a busy man in the early days of the window, with Garang Kuol poised to join Hearts and Kell Watts extending his stay with Peterborough. Gateshead technical director and former Magpies goalkeeper Rob Elliot was among those in attendance, and Newcastle will almost certainly have decisions to make regarding the next steps for a number of their rising stars.
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