Newcastle new boy Jonjo Shelvey settling in nicely

Newcastle United's latest recruit Jonjo Shelvey is delighted how easily he has settled into his new surroundings.
Jonjo ShelveyJonjo Shelvey
Jonjo Shelvey

The £12m signing enjoyed an inspired debut on Saturday, playing a part in both goals as the home side overcame an in­-form West Ham 2-­1 at St. James’s Park to gain an invaluable three points.

And he’s looking forward to his next outing - Saturday’s trip to Watford.

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For the England international, the Newcastle move represents the fourth club of his short career, and Shelvey admits it isn’t always easy joining a new team. But he says his move to Tyneside has been a ‘refreshing’ experience.

“It’s always hard to be honest when you move clubs and you are trying to settle in straight away. said the 23-year-old, who started his career at Charlton before moving to Liverpool (where has also had a loan spell at Blackpool) and then Swansea.

“It normally takes a few weeks to get to know people’s runs, get to know people’s passes but it was quite easy out there in terms of getting to know people.

“It’s been refreshing being around the place all week and they (the players) have made me feel really welcome.

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“It was easy playing with those players and hopefully that will continue.”

Shelvey’s decision to leave Wales for the North East came as a shock to many supporters.

The ex-­Liverpool player signed a new four-year contract in July last year, but following an indifferent season which has included two managerial changes, the midfielder had found first-team opportunities hard to come by at the Liberty Stadium.

His discipline and commitment weere also called into question, with some reports he had a post-match confrontation with a fan following the side’s shock FA Cup exit to League Two team Oxford United.

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The midfielder’s technical ability is not doubted though, exquisitely demonstrated by a tremendous 60-yard pass to team-mate Daryl Janmaat to set up the attack for the decisive goal against the Hammers, scored by Gini Wijnaldum.

Janmaat is a player Shelvey says he has been watching since the Dutchman moved to England.

He said: “The first one (pass for the opening goal) was harder for me!

“But it (the second one) was a great pass. I’ve been watching Daryl and he is a very fit lad and gets up and down.

“He’s more like a right winger so he’s easy to find. So if he keeps making those runs, I will keep finding him.

“I can’t wait to get out there against Watford and play again.”