Newcastle United will 'consider' following the lead of Premier League rivals such as Manchester United by appointing a player-coach for the academy. That is according to under-21s boss Ben Dawson, who admits the addition of a senior star to act as a mentor in the youth ranks has been on the club's radar since 2015.
The hybrid position of an experienced professional taking their first steps into coaching while continuing to play has become popular among Newcastle's top-flight rivals in recent years. Manchester United's decision to sign Tom Huddlestone for the role at the start of the season made headlines, with the four-cap England international replacing ex-Hull City defender Paul McShane.
Liverpool made a similar move last summer by re-signing academy graduate Jay Spearing, with the 33-year-old returning to Anfield almost a decade after his departure. Newcastle's academy has seen significant change in recent years, and the prospect of a similar appointment on Tyneside has been raised by Ryan Fraser's unexpected demotion to the under-21 setup.
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp's 'uncomfortable' response to Newcastle question as Michael Owen shows true colours
The former Bournemouth star looks set for a summer exit after being frozen out of the first-team picture by Eddie Howe. However, the 29-year-old's conduct in training with the youngsters has been praised by Dawson, and the winger made his first appearance for the second-string and scored in the 4-3 victory over Norwich City on Monday.
Dawson insists Fraser had been 'absolutely terrific' despite the circumstances, and believes the proven Premier League performer has provided a 'good example' to Newcastle's rising stars. The under-21s conclude their Premier League 2 season with a trip to face rock-bottom Derby County on Monday, and there is little expectation that Fraser will remain at the club beyond the summer.
However, the winger's influence on a team which has struggled for form this campaign could prompt academy staff to revisit the idea of appointing a permanent player-coach. Dawson admits it is a concept which Newcastle have dabbled with in recent years, and one that will likely be the focus of 'discussions' in the coming months.
Dawson said: "We probably [first] discussed the role back in 2015/2016, so it's always been a discussion point and always been something that's been on the table. Previous years, we've been quite fortunate...when Shola was playing at Notts County, he was training down there a couple of days a week and would be back up here and come in with us to train.
"Peter Ramage was here for a little bit, Greg McDermott before he made the move to work in the equipment department at the top was in and around our squad. So we've kind of always had someone who's been in and around that first-team environment.
"As much as Ryan has been great, we all know Ryan wants first-team football and it's a bit different to Tom Huddlestone at Man United who has been and had his career, but can still affect the game on the pitch and help those young lads around him. I think we'll continue to have discussions around it, I don't think there'll be any definitive decisions.
"We need to make sure it would be right for us, and make sure we're not blocking anybody's development or pathway. It's definitely one to consider, and we'll keep discussing it."
READ NEXT
- Ryan Fraser may still lead Newcastle United's 'busy' summer exodus with up to seven other departures
- Newcastle's glimpse of £3m bargain in Howe audition amid banished star's comeback - three things
- Ryan Fraser's 'absolutely terrific' response on Newcastle comeback amid early Harrison Ashby verdict
- Newcastle wonderkid's instant response to 'ruthless' demand with future role kept open
- Newcastle United still keen on long-term transfer target Amadou Haidara as midfield options tracked
