The explosive story behind Jay Turner-Cooke's move to Newcastle United from Sunderland

Jay Turner-Cooke asked to leave Sunderland following his father’s controversial departure.
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Turner-Cooke yesterday signed a professional deal at Newcastle United which will keep him at the club until 2023.

The 17-year-old tweeted: “Proud moment signing a professional contract at @NUFC. Hard work continues. Thank you to the players and staff at @SunderlandAFC for the last seven years, good luck for the future.”

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Highy-rated Turner-Cooke – who has joined the club’s Academy – crossed the Tyne-Wear divide in the wake of former player and kitman John Cooke’s exit at the Stadium of Light last summer.

Cooke – who gave Sunderland 35 years of service – was let go without any public acknowledgement, and his son, an attacking midfielder, revealed his feelings about the club’s conduct in a strongly-worded tweet, which was later deleted, last month.

Turner-Cooke tweeted: “35 years at the club and no acknowledgement even though he was made redundant 2 months ago. COWARDS. No class, no loyalty, no respect. Hang your heads in shame Sunderland AFC. You know who you are.”

Sunderland investigated Turner-Cooke over the tweet, but decided to take no action.

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Turner-Cooke – who was playing for the club’s Under-23s – asked to leave as a result of his father’s departure, and Newcastle confirmed his arrival in a short statement.

St James' Park.St James' Park.
St James' Park.

Meanwhile, head coach Steve Bruce is looking to strengthen his senior squad with one or more loan signings in this month’s transfer window. Bruce said: “We’ve got one or two things which might materialise. We’ll still keep working away.”

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